Oh my God ! ........................  I wanted to curse but nothing came out of my mouth. “When did you remember?” I put my hands against his shoulders fighting to be free from him refusing to let him overpower me and at last, he allowed me and I pulled away. I was breathing very heavily and trembling away I looked into his eyes. And I knew it, Marc had it back. “When did you remember?” “After your first visit to the hospital,” he said coolly and that took my breath away I stayed still. “I fooled you ! My dear Carmen, you should have been an actress. “He said totally ignoring me. “ I am not like you Marc.” I snapped back. “I did everything, feeling sorry for you and your mother had convinced me that you were dying. “Then I turned towards him angrily and said. “Your mother was involved in this plan isn’t it?” I was very distressed to think about Cathy's betrayal. I could sense that he was hesitating in replying, I could see he was contemplating whether to lie to me or not but his eyes met mine and the answer was in his face. I felt pain in my heart as I did not think Cathy would have done that to me. That really hurt and I said, “My God I should have never believed your mother , how could she do that to me I trusted her .” His hand fell away leaving me free. “She did it for me,” he said coolly. "If you must blame someone blame me. I asked her not to tell you, I had recovered my memory. She was with me when things began to come back. She would have told you if I had not backed her not to.” He looked away towards the window and I could see the tension in his temples. “Why Marc why did you do it?” I asked. “Why did you want to keep it a secret from me? why go on with this charade day after day? Were you enjoying yourself looking at my discomfort?" Right then Marc he lifted his broad shoulders and said. “ I told you I was enjoying things as they were. And you never left my mind.” “Having me dance around you,” I said with humiliation. "You made a fool of me. So did Cathy. For her it's you and only you that matters.” Marc laughed softly. “You are the one who was spoilt Carmen.” “What do you mean Marc?” I shouted. “I think I gave you a lot of freedom when we were together back then.” He said with gritted teeth and his head swung towards me his dark eyes cold. “You had too much freedom and you misused it. I should have controlled it and we would have been together.” “And that’s why you slept with Bella!” I exclaimed accusing him. “I am your husband! You never gave me a chance to explain myself. “He retorted back reminding me. “Marc, is that all you can say after what I saw you want to control me just like a kept stray kitten you would have picked up in the street. Oh, I had my share of luxuries in your house and in your bed but I had no share in real life. Your family mattered more than I ever did I was just plaything for you.” I said with sadness in my voice. I moved to get up and his hand covered mine casually, the power I could not fight, pulling me back to him so that my body lay against him. “A playing thing with claws,” he said with thickness in his voice. “You marked me more than once Carmen. And I must say I enjoyed every moment of it." “Only when you played too roughly with me.” I retorted my lashes down over my eyes. “You did not entirely dislike the way I handled you didn't you? He asked me mockingly one finger tracing my mouth leaving a heat wherever it touched. “ I hate you,” I whispered. He pulled me closer. “That might not be the case, Carmen, I find that your hatred against me is just restorative more than discouragement.” My heart was beating faster and I said bitterly, "Only a brute, who likes to enjoy hurting women can say all these things.” That infuriated him and I looked at him as he breathed heavily his hands bit into mine, shaking me. "Don't make me angry Carmen or you will find out just how much of a brute I can be. "I don't need any more lessons from you Marc." I said throwing him a cold look ." I already know, I've learned my lesson for good.” Marc was silent for a moment I could feel his eyes observing me but did not look up at him. Then I heard him. “Is your fiancé a brute Carmen ?” I felt my cheeks strain with hot color, and I said. “Don is the most considerate and loving man I've ever met in my life don't talk anything bad about him.” “Okay, okay I won't say anything, but do you use your claws on him as well or is it all sweetness and light between you?” he mocked and his fingers lingered on my skin. “Oh, shut your dirty mouth, Marc.” I broke out and I knew he was deliberately trying to provoke me. “Don is very patient and generous, and he loves me. That reminds me now that you have had your share of fun seeing me, making a fool of myself, which I am sure gave you guilty pleasures. Would you please sign the divorce papers so that I can go back to London as there is no point for me in staying here now. I have done my fair share of duty as your wife and taken care of you too. So I beg you please let me go.” “Carmen I would like to discuss a few matters with you now that you are here.” He said his dark gaze continuously surveying me arrogantly. “I can’t believe that we really have anything to discuss after all these years Marc.” My voice was cool as I spoke, and I could see his mouth tighten. "We don't have anything to discuss. Just sign the divorce papers for me." I was still shaking inside. I felt excitement as I realized, I could still break the barrier of the defenses he had built around himself. I wanted to defend myself and felt so confident. “I want you to withdraw your petition for divorce,” Marc said his eyes flashing, as I opened my mouth to interrupt he continued, “Just a moment Carmen please let me explain further before you begin to protest. You need not fear that I have no plans to resume a more personal relationship with you. I have very little interest in you as a woman. Any desire that I may have felt for you faded many years ago you can be assured of that.” He stared at me with barely concealed dislike and added almost contemptuously. “Divorce does not please me there has never been one in the family and I do not intend to change this tradition.” “Marc I have a son and I need to go back to him even if you don't want a divorce, you can't keep me as a prisoner here,” I said meeting his gaze not wanting to let my guard down and allow him to bully me. “Try me,” he said with a wicked smile and I shuddered. “Fine,” I said and forced myself away from his grip, and ran towards the door. “I will make my own arrangement to go back, as I will not permit you to make me your slave again.” “Carmen, Carmen, how are you going to go back to Milan? And then to London? Do you even have your passport?” Marc laughed wickedly as he sat on his bed. "Ha, Ha ha.................." He started laughing. I trembled and my body was shaking as I ran towards my room. All I had in my mind was to find my passport and escape. I ran across the corridor and reached my room. I hurriedly opened the wardrobe and took out my suitcase and opened it and when I checked it thoroughly, I was angered to the core and was about to lose my mind. My passport was missing as I remember perfectly well that I had kept it in the drawer but now it was not there. Helplessly I turned around and saw Marc standing near the door and smiling wickedly. I wanted to smack that smile away from his face. Marc had trapped me. “You are a lying swine,” I shouted and struggled to get out of the room. Let me go! I am not staying here now, I never will! I am going.” “Are you planning on hiking all the way back to Milan?” The dark eyes were mocking her. Oh God, I thought. of course, how was I to get away from this estate? My damn phone was not working since this morning. I couldn’t inform the authorities as no one would listen to me. “I'll walk and beg someone to give me a lift,” I said wildly and he lifted one questioning dark eyebrow. “Do you really think you will be able to do that?” I knew for sure that there wasn't a single man in this area who would be prepared to take the risk of Marc Garcia’s wrath by giving me a lift and we both knew it. My Temper rose as I contemplated the position in which I found myself. I had walked into this trap with my eyes wide open but it was infuriating, nonetheless. I looked at him with bitterness. “Why have you gone on lying all these weeks? “ A flicker of amusement sprang into his eyes. “You mean it never once occurred in your mind that I have remembered everything?” I felt myself flushing but snapped back, “of course, it occurred to me .” “Then, why didn’t you question?” He raised his eyebrows questioning me. “I couldn't believe you would be such a swine.” I retorted. "I should have known I suppose it fitted the pattern, but I still find it hard to believe people can behave with such a total lack of morality. And Instead of being grateful trying to imprison me." That hit the target, I saw Marc's dark eyes were ranging with fire his jawline taut but he went on smiling lazily as though my words did not affect him and when I tried to pull out of his arms, he tightened it retaining me. "No you don't," he said very softly, and there was the undertone of menace. “I can't stand it when you touch me,” I said fiercely looking into his face with contempt. His eyes flickered briefly but he went on smiling and the pressure of his hands against my back was harder. I could feel him exert force, could feel the desire to hurt beneath that smiling smirk. "Oh really, but I don't see it that way." He said moving his hands sensually. “You can't keep me here against my will.” I flung at him wishing I believed what I was saying. . “Can't I? You dare question me, Carmen?” “I will find a way back to the city! “ I said determinedly. He laughed with amusement in his dark eyes. “As I said you can always hike. I hope you can walk, as far as I know, you start panting once you walk for at least ten minutes. The last time I saw you walking you were dead as a log after walking just half a kilometer and now you have to walk for miles to reach the highway.” I was too angry to speak, I looked away and fought for control as Marc knew very well that I had a mild breathing problem because of which I cannot walk for a long time but I can't think about it, I have to escape from him so after a moment I said .” All right you can keep me here, but you can't make me see you. “ He made a little sound in his throat a noise mixed with a threat. “No? And after you have been so kind and loving all these weeks Carmen! I have thoroughly enjoyed having you dance attendance on me every day. So sweet and compassionate, I barely recognize you, I thought you had really changed your skin.” “Well, you were wrong Marc,” I said flatly. “So, it seems at first but you really had me fooled Carmen,” Marc said angrily. “I had you fooled, off all the nerves! I exclaimed unbelievingly. I tried to pull my hand away, but his hand was on the back of my neck forcing me forward and when his mouth found mine there was a quite different intention in the kiss. His lips moved with slow, deliberate sensuality upon me, languorously exploring every corner of my mouth at leisure. I was not responding, I kept myself rigid even though my senses were inflamed by the seductive movements of his lips. He lifted his head and we stared at each other. “Don has not taught you much, I am really disappointed.” He said insultingly. “He thought me not to have casual sex, you brute. "I said bitingly then escaped while he was off guard and ran out of the room. I sought the freedom of the open land that stretched far ahead, finding the bracing rush of the wind, and the cry of the birds, that is the kind of comfort I needed. It was all my fault. Don had wanted me to stop, my common sense had warned me to stop. Marc had been playing out his Charade and I had fallen for it like a fool troubled by my weakness and forgot that I ought to hate. Don had pointed out all the facts to my face, but I had refused to acknowledge it. I had come here willingly. I covered my face with my hands. God how willingly, I thought in humiliation. Marc had not pulled the wool over my eyes, I had done it myself. silently Cooperating with him in his charade. I had known that had less said as much and no doubt that is why Cathy had agreed to help Marc by lying because it had been so obvious that I wanted to go along with the pretense. I want to have more pride, I told myself contemptuously. My eyes fell on the band of the wedding ring that Cathy had told me to wear. I tried to pull it off, tempted for a moment to throw it on the open field. But I could not do it, I grimaced as pushed my hand into my pocket. At least now I need not keep up the pretense, I thought it was infuriating that Marc might have seen through my own apparent belief that I was eager to play along with him. I ran out of his room towards the exit fuming with anger. I was on a verge of a breakdown. How could I have been so foolish! That man will never change. I should have listened to my instinct rather than believing in Cathy. Oh, but whom am I Kidding? I was the one who got myself into this mess. I walked down the road struggling with myself. What was I going to do the only way to get off the estate was to walk for miles till I find the highway and I knew that anyone driving through the state would not give me I lift, even if I gave them double the amount that they charge usually. Marc would make sure that no one helps me. Marc could make life hell for anyone who offended him. Even if I did manage to persuade someone to take me by in his car there was this strong possibility that Marc would pursue them and force them to come back. This was not London, where you get cabs and Uber by snapping your finger. And Marc was a powerful man with many interests in Italy. I would be helpless against his exercise of power. All my efforts were in vain. It seems I don't have any choice but to listen to that arrogant man. All I wanted was to see him and then get a divorce and get back to my normal life. I kicked a stone so hard with anger that it did not do me any good, and I ended up hurting my foot. I screamed and tried to rub it gently so that I would get some relief. ********* Marc looked at her retreating back from his window as Carmen walked away down the road. He merely smiled and was amused. Soon, Carmen, you will be back as I won't allow you to leave me again. No matter how hard you try you will come back. He sneered as he looked at her. Ria came in and saw him looking at Carmen. And shook her head in disbelief. "Where is Carmen going big brother?" She asked curiously. "She is trying to escape from me." He said softly. "What! what did you say to her Marc? Must you be so rude to her?" Ria said softly. "You don't have any right to keep her hostage. You know the reason she wants to go back. She has a son who needs her." Marc's face turned gloomy and Ria was scared that he would beat her up. "Listen, ma Cherie, Don't interfere in between my wife and me and as for why I am treating her like that it's between her and me and you do as you are told if you want to see your brother happy. Now go and do your work. I want to be alone." He said and walked back towards his work desk. Ria glared at him but he merely glanced at her so she just shook her head helplessly and walked out of the room. As much as she loved Carmen she wouldn't dare mess up with her brother as he was too dangerous. *************** The wind was getting stronger and even the sun was bright causing me to feel a little bit dizzy as I walked. I was tired, I suddenly realized my bones were about to crack as I struggled against the heat. And walked further than I realized. I was out of sight of the Villa and it was going to take me a long time to go back. I shrugged I would welcome physical exhaustion, it was easier to deal with them within the confused state of my emotions, at least I might find it possible to sleep that night. Remembering that the broad road led towards the sidewalk, I turned back from the way that I had walked away hoping to cut into the rough track eventually making my own to the rough pathway. I loved the vineyards but right now I was not in the mood to observe the beautiful surrounding as I was too bust racking my mind to think of an escape route. Marc had thought and planned it well. It had never entered my head that I might be stranded with him here. I should have known perhaps, I had perhaps but my subconscious had refused to let me think about the other aspect. I had not seen Ria and Mathias around in the morning so I now know for sure that Marc must have warned them to stay away from me. He is making sure none of his family members help me. That bastard! I wanted to beat him up real bad if I got my hands on him. I loved Mathias and Ria's company and don't want them to be in trouble because of me. The sound of the engine startled me so much, that for a moment I was frozen surprised when I ran through the bushes thinking it was Marc. It was coming fast and I instinctively increased my speed afraid that Marc would see me. I was so intent on the car that she did not see through the huge rock until it was too late my whole body jerked as I tripped over it and I fell hard crying out shocked with pain into a dead silence, as I lay full-length among the bushes feeling nothing but the pain in my bones. Someone lifted me and turned my face upwards, hands ran over my body searching for possible injury. I opened my eyes wincing with pain and looked into an anxious pair of bright blue eyes. . “Are you alright ?” He had knelt beside me still supporting my head with one hand after he had checked it for blood or bruising as he spoke in English. “Yes.” I did not sound too sure my voice was very faint. I was shocked and said. “ Are you a tourist?" “Are you sure you're fine?” he said as he looked at me with concern and added. “Yes, but I live around here.” “What are you doing here ?” “Travelling.” he retorted.” I suddenly began aware that one of his hands was resting on my waist in an intimate gesture that made my face white. I sat up and my head went around in circles. He said his voice distinctly concerned. “You shouldn't move you look quite terrible. “ I put my head down on my knees my hands around my legs taking slow deep breaths. He left me like that for a moment and when the world stopped spinning I slowly lifted my head. “Are you feeling better?” He asked smiling at me after a while. I nodded. “Thank you,” I added politely. “ I thought I was seeing things when you came running towards me.” he said. “That makes two of us because the last thing I expected to see was a car. As this estate is very big and the only people who have cars here are its owners. “ “That figures,” he grinned. “The only person who has a car is Marc Garcia. And his family .” His blue eyes looked at me puzzled. “but you must know that, where else could you be staying? I heard he was back, you must be his nurse. “ I was taken aback and answered. “No, I am not his nurse .” Blue eyes opened wide. “But you are staying at the Villa?” Then a new expression came into his face “Oh sorry, I did not mean to ask leading questions. “ I could see what was in his mind he did not have to draw diagrams, as the quick long look he gave me made it clear that he was mentally assessing my status and deciding that Marc had brought one of his women with him. I had no doubt he would have done it if I had not been available and jealousy made that skim to a conclusion. And I tried to get up, my green eyes flashing with anger. He got up and moved to help me as I swayed slightly still dizzy from my fall. “I’ll give you a lift back to your Villa,” he said. “That is what you wanted right? “ “Thank you yes,” I said turning towards the vehicle standing on the track he walked behind me, his blue eyes sliding down over me with interest and appreciation. “We ought to introduce ourselves. I am Eric Kent.” “Carmen White,” I told him flatly.