I felt an overwhelming sense of loss as I saw how lovingly he looked at Ria. Had Marc ever looked at me that way? I couldn't remember involuntary as I glanced up at his face to find my eyes held by the brooding anger of his own. I felt my legs begin to tremble at the icy gaze that he was giving me. I knew I had done something impulsive but I don't regret it as it at least came me a sense of relief to know that Ria was happy with Drake. Couldn't Marc for once come off from that arrogant shell he has built around him and become the man I had loved once I know it was my wishful thinking? I shouldn't hope for too much when it comes to Marc as he was unpredictable. “Come along Marc let's go to the dinner table and have dinner, “ Bella said clinging persuasively to Marc’s arm and pulling his attention towards her. For a moment I thought he would shake the other woman away and chastise his wife publicly in front of his guest but his self-control seem to reassert itself and with a visible struggle he responded. “Yes the dinner will be ready by now. ”he said with a suppressed anguish that was evident. “ Please come in.” My attention was claimed by both Carl and Mathias as they walked to take me to the dinner table. Now I was no longer in Marc’s presence. Did Marc have any feelings for me at all and where was Kate who thought we could be together and now she is nowhere to be seen? He only cared about his damn reputation, appearances were everything to him I thought. And the determination to make him suffer was growing within me every moment.I tried to remember the emotion that had passed between us that afternoon but sided with the range of anger that I was feeling inside me. I'm still confused as to what did he want from me “Why don't you both take me to the dining room?” I said recklessly smiling warmly at the two men. If I had shocked other guests earlier, I was going to give them something to talk about now. I decided with a grim determination within me. As both Carl and Mathias were giving me their attention. Again there was an uncomfortable silence as I entered the room in the arms of my escorts but I ignored everything and focused my attention on the two men. The lights around the room were dim and the table was lit by elegant stands of candles casting flickering shadows across the people seated around the table. I glanced away from the two companions and looked across the dining table and saw Eric Kent seated at the very far end of the table he was trying to avoid any conversation with the people around him and I don't blame him as it's better to stay out of others matter then to become a pawn in their games. Bella Costa sat near Marc and was acting as if she was his wife and I felt an even greater urge to go and give her a tight slap on the face. I was aware of Carl who was busy trying to get my attention and I was aware that I should not encourage him further as Mathias gave him a disapproving look. “Coffee will be served in the drawing room.” Marc interrupted my thoughts in a harsh voice. “Come Carmen you must sit next to me,” Carl said smiling at Marc's angry expression. “See to our guests Mathias! “Marc snapped and grasped my arm effectively preventing me to escape. “we will wait for a moment, as I and my wife have things to discuss, we will join you later. “ Everyone retired into the drawing room closing the door behind them I pulled my arms away from his grasp examining my already bruised hand with angry eyes. “You really are a brute Marc? You just couldn't resist throwing your weight around ..” “Let's leave my personality out of the discussion for that movement," he said in a harsh tone. “It is your behavior that we should be talking about. What the hell do you think you are playing at? Are you trying to ruin my reputation in front of my father's friends?” He added staring at me with angry eyes. I tried to step backward, as he reached for my upper arm. I was trying to pull away and tripped forward my whole weight was thrown against Marc's body. I tried to maintain my composure as he was still weak and I did not want to hurt him any further. “ Marc,” I said as I took a deep breath. “ I've listened quite enough from you, you were always a self-centered opinionated devil and time has obviously not mellowed you. The one thing you care about is the reputation of yourself and your family. The opinion of others is all-important to you.” I finished my whole body trembling with emotion. “If you had any compassion or pity in your heart you would have tried to help me back there,” I said looking towards the drawing room where the other guest waited. “It was not my intention to embarrass Ria or her fiancé. I was nervous and uncertain that the room was not exactly filled with people who had my best interest at heart. Oh, what's the use!” I groaned in an anguished tone as he continued to stare at me his face was unreadable in the dense light. “ What do you care? The sooner I can put you out of my life for good the better.” I said turning away from him and walking quickly towards the closed doors, each moment I expected to be dragged forcibly back into the room and made to pay for my rebellious behavior but there was complete silence from the figure behind me. What else was I expecting him to do? Hold me in his arms and comfort. I am so stupid.