As I entered the drawing room, everyone was trying to ignore me. Only Ria came towards me with a sympathetic expression on her face and drew towards her to the couch where she and Drake were sitting. “Come and sit down, Carmen. I know you are upset.” She said lovingly as I was touched. “No, no,” I said quietly. “Just angry, Marc and I always have that effect on one another.” I added with an apologetic glance in Drake’s direction.” Look, I am sorry about the things I said earlier. They just slipped out. I know that’s a lame excuse and you took it very lightly.” I added quietly. Drake shrugged. “Why should you apologize? I was not offended. A little shocked at first, yes…but it was not such a terrible thing to say and I am forced to agree that the methods that our family use, to choose their children’s partner can be a little unreasonable. I was fortunate,” He said with a smile in Ria’s direction. “The partner chosen for me was the one I would have chosen." “I am fortunate too…” Ria said quietly. “ I am very glad that you spoke as you did tonight Carmen. I had not realized until this evening how deeply I cared about Drake nor did I know that he loved me. For us, you have made it much better.” “Well, it's nice to be receiving thanks from one member of the Garcia family, at any rate,” I added with a forced laugh. “ and you must be wondering where in Marc, I haven’t got a clue but he’s not laid out on the dining room carpet with your priceless China in pieces around him, although I must confess, I was tempted to do it.” “I did not think it,” Said Ria. “But your parents must think his absence very odd Drake? Mathias is looking quite harassed.” “Where is Carl? I interposed. “He's in the garden,” said Ria and after a moment added. “He is a handsome man I know Carmen, but you must not take him too seriously. He has a reputation among those who know him as a heartbreaker.” “Don't worry! I am immune!” I replied with a laugh, inwardly I thought that Ria found Carl handsome when she had her brothers as models. “I shall go in search of Marc,” Bella said breaking into my thinking. “He will be in his study, I think. But before that Carmen, I want to show you something will you walk me near to the study. After you were a part of the Garcia family once and till you are divorced you are still Marc's wife and the hostess of the house." She was mocking me shamelessly but I endured and walked with her towards the study.Just when we were about to cross the foyer and reached the study she turned and looked at me with hatred in her eyes."Listen, Carmen, you were nothing but a passing romance for Marc and it got over before it even started. So I am telling you to let go of Marc as he was never yours. He was always mine and will be in the future. So you better sign the papers and leave as soon as possible." I felt like laughing at her but why should I waste my energy? If she was thinking that I am still the weak Carmen then she should think twice as I don't like to be bullied anymore. "Really! If he is yours then how come you haven't been married to him yet? Because I left the field clear for you. So don't blame me if you were not able to hold your man." "You ............" Bella pointed her finger at me and gritted her teeth but suddenly she calmed down and I wanted to give her an award for her performance.We were interrupted by the maids who were walking towards us so Bella stomped her feet and walked away in a huff towards Marc's study.I returned back to the place where I had left Ria and Drake.“And I thought I am his wife. She has been divorced she still claims that Marc is hers isn't Ria?" I asked abruptly because I wanted to know what was going on between her and Marc. “It was thought at one time that she would marry him,” Ria added hesitantly. I knew she didn't want to hurt my feelings and was touched by her concern. “I know it better than anyone else and she was a reason among the other reasons for our separation. Tell me something were they formally engaged?" “No Marc always insisted that he would make his own choice, he would never be hurried into anything. “ Ria said flatly. “That figures!” I said dryly. Ria shrugged “It was always understood that they would marry one day. “ “But now?” I persisted “she is divorced right? The roads are clear and they can both get back together.” Drake raised his broad shoulders dismissively.” We do not always see eye to eye but well as to what she and Marc intend in the future, I cannot say. It may be that if you divorce Marc they would marry but I am not in the favor of their marriage.” “But if Marc asks her to marry him will she marry him? Ria said firmly. She shot me a glance and added; “I cannot tell whether Marc intends to ask her.” “They seem to be getting along quite well enough at the present moment,” I said, my stomach contracting painfully as I watched Bella enter the room again clinging to him and he was smiling down at her with complete attention no trace now, of his earlier anger.Why was it taht he smiled at everyone but not me 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.