Why was it that he smiled at everyone but not I am I that hateful? It was he who betrayed me with the women who stood beside him yet the blame was all on me that I betrayed him. Am I that easy to bully?Determinedly I forced myself to look away from the imposing figures. why, oh, why, when Marc treated me so badly, did he have this disrupting effect on my senses? I was really pathetic.Even in the middle of the fierce argument, I knew that I was not immune from his personality. Physical attraction has a lot to answer for, I thought and I jumped for a second as Carl came behind me and put his possessive hand on my arm . “You have returned! I am glad the room was very dull, without your presence. ““Really?” I said in laughing disbelief. “How would you know when you were in the garden? “ “ I could not bear the room anymore without you, so I went out for fresh breath. “ He confessed. “I see. Are you going to sit down? “ “No, I don't want to sit right now. But if you allow me, we can take a walk in the garden. It is very beautiful outside,” he added as I hesitated uncertainly. I shot a glance at Marc and immediately accepted Carl's invitation as Marc was sitting close to Bella and they were engrossed in an intimate conversation, Marcs' head almost touching the woman’s glossy hair, as he went to listen to her. “Yes, if you wish I'll come,” I said. Carl apparently did not notice I was lacking enthusiasm and he led me possessively towards the opened door into the closely planted garden. He guided me down the narrow path leading away from the house. “Wait a moment!” I protested pulling my arm from his grasp. “This is a walk in the garden, not an elopement! So please walk slowly. I don't people to misunderstand." Carl replied with a smile.” Along this part, there is a small garden filled with colorful orchids…” “Fine but let's go more slowly if you don't mind.” I pointed at the high heels that I was wearing. “ “These were not made for running along gravel paths.”“I apologize!” Carl dropped down onto his knees taking one of my resisting feet in his hands. “you are in pain, shall I carry you? “ “No, thank you!” I said hastily beginning to regret my decision to take a walk with Carl. “Look, I think it would probably be more sensible if we went back to the house. Or people might get worried." “Please, I shall be heartbroken if you return to the house! We can walk along the terrace if you do not trust yourself alone with me .“ Carl insisted. “Okay you win, we will go and look at this garden but please walk slowly as I don't want to break my ankle.” Fortunately, the path widened a little as I could see different kinds of flowers planted along the path but I began to be more than a little uncertain as to Carl’s intention as it showed no signs of reaching the destination.“Where is the garden Carl, I think we ought to be getting back we must be far away from the house by now.” I said realizing suddenly it was foolish of me to stall alone with him . After my behavior at dinner this evening, without doubt, he must be thinking of me, as a plaything for his lovemaking and even if I shouted for resistance. I was doubtful if anybody at the house would hear me. And if it were to come out it would create a further scandal and confirm everyone’s suspicions of my character. I thought wearily. But do I really care about what others think about me wasn't I judged on the basis of what Marc had seen and came to a conclusion about my character? “A few more steps Carmen,” Carl urged. “ And we will be there.” “Lead on, I just want to rest my feet. You did say there was a seat?” I added then gasped with pleasure as we rounded the final bend. We entered a small garden surrounded by beautiful orchids the well-painted background was softly splashing around the fountain and its walls were clad with scented roses. I couldn't take my eyes off. Its was so beautiful. I felt like Alice in wonderland. “Come here and take a seat,” Carl said pointing at the bench nearby. I sat with relief onto the iron seat, wishing I could throw caution to the wind and beat my feet in the refreshing water of the fountain. I really ought to have one more sensible shoe I thought, raising my feet to inspect any injury.I began to regret it as the seat was big enough for two and I felt Carl sit beside me and slid his arm casually along the back of the seat. Immediately l leaned forward pretending to admire the perfect shape of the orchids. “Please relax Carmen. You need to have no fears that we shall be overlooked here. As you rightly said we are far away from the house. In any case,” he added with a wicked grin, “your husband is well occupied with my cousin, why should he come looking for you? She tells me that you are to divorce him anyway.” “I indeed wish to divorce Marc,” I agreed and turned to face Carl and trying to remain calm as I looked into his amused expression. After all, I told myself he had every reason to expect more than conversation after my disgraceful behavior at the dinner this evening. So I continued: “ I have however already promised to marry someone else; And whatever you may think, whatever impression I may have given, I am not in a habit of playing fast and have the habit of being unfaithful.” I said and saw his puzzled expression. “You tell me this now,” Carl complained in his disbelieving tone. “And yet I understand that you have a son and not Marc’s son, I think otherwise he would be at the Villa right now .” “Did Marc tell you about it ?” I asked him curiously. “Does it matter how I know? It is true isn't it?” “ I think you should mind your own business,” I said raising quickly to my feet and walking towards the path, all my sympathy towards Carl vanishing with this last disclosure. I was furious with him. “One moment Carmen! Carl was gripping my arm to prevent me from escaping and he had a very angry expression on his face. “ You let me believe that you would be more than willing to respond to my advances and you responded.” he said turning me to look at him, "I don't like to be taken for a ride.” “Let me go you brute! I said struggling to get away from his grip. “When I tell Marc what you've done he will make you pay …” “After your behavior this evening?” He said with a mocking laugh. “Do you think he will believe that you were unwilling? No Carmen, I can do what I want with you and no one will protest.You are after all a shameless woman who seduces men everywhere you go.” Saying that he pulled me close in his arms. Forcing himself on me. And I could call only one person that came to my mind. “Marc !! Help me please!” I shouted desperately, continuing to struggle against my captor aware that I was not achieving anything else except to anger Carl further. “Let me go! Carl please” I gasped turning my head to escape his demanding mouth. I felt disgusted.“There is no escape! why not relax and enjoy it?” Carl laughed wickedly. “I have never had any complaints in the past. Gripping my arms with only one of his hands as he tried to turn my face towards his.” Keep still, you bitch,” he muttered, taking a painful grasp on my hair and causing me to wince with pain.I shouted with pain as he pulled my hair roughly. “Let me go! I sobbed and tears began to flow down my cheeks as he forced his mouth over my closed lips. Oh lord ! why does it always end up like this. I graoned with pain trying to push him away.“Let my wife go, Carl!”