"I can't talk longer mom, I'm having dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Monteiro."

"You mean Chloe and Iñigo? I thought they're in Germany right not." My mom, Rachel Niarchos said over the phone.

"In Germany? No, they're here."

"I don't think so. I saw Jade this morning and she said that the couple is celebrating their wedding anniversary there."

"Probably they've arrived already."

"Maybe... Just give my regards to them, okay? Are you going home this weekend? We miss you already. Your dad can't stop worrying about you."

"He should stop, I'm not a kid anymore, I can manage on my own." I put a finishing touch of lipstick on my lips. "Yeah, I'll be home this weekend."

"Great. I'll cook your favorite Moussaka." There was a sudden pause and she asked. "Why don't you invite Zion for lunch? It would be a great opportunity for us to bond with him."

The mere mention of Zion's name brought a sudden heaviness in my heart. He was my boyfriend but it was so hard to talk to him. I understood that he just started his airline company in California and this new venture with a metal company-- but he had no time for me.

Our relationship started four months ago when Zion needed a date in a last minute. His sister and my best friend, Emerald recommended me. Since then, whenever he needed a date, I was always available for him. I could not complain because I had a great crush on him.

Both our parents learned that we were dating and became very ecstatic. Who wouldn't? Eros Petrakis and my dad, Ares Niarchos were very good friends. They used to be neighbours in Greece and now, they had many business ventures all over the globe. By marrying Zion, the Petrakis and Niarchos fortune would merge.

"Athena?"

My mind brought to the present.

"I don't think he has the time, mom. He works on weekends too."

"Yeah, but he should make the time for you, you're going to be his wife, and to us, his future in-laws. What will happen when you'll get married? He wouldn't have time for his family. That's not normal Athena, you should tell him to set his priority straight. Both of you won't be happy."

I sighed heavily, please, not again. I was not in the mood for another lecture. Once mom started, it would end for a couple of minutes.

"I'll tell him mom."

"You should or I'll tell him. By the way, your dad mentioned last night that he received an invitation from the Petrakis, a joint venture celebration with the Erquita Company."

"When?" I asked innocently.

"This Saturday. How come you don't know when it's one of the big events of the Petrakis."

"Zion is so busy, he forgot to mention it."

"Or you just don't talk to him. Are you sure you're marrying him?"

Mom knew about the status of my relationship with Zion. At some point she disagreed because she felt that there was no connection between me and him.

"Mom, please."

"I just feel that you deserve someone who is more fun, caring and loving. Someone who is more passionate and not afraid to show his feelings. He would give up his time just to spend it with you and not embarrassed to shout to the whole world his undying love for you."

"Zion is more reserve and introvert."

"Exactly. He is trapped in his own shell. Someone should crack that shell and I'm pretty sure that's not you Athena."

Mom's honest sharp words brought pain in my chest. I was too aware about it but being actually said by someone very dear to me, justified my insecurities. I could not make Zion open his heart.

"Well talk about it soon, mom. I really have to go mom, I don't want to keep the Monteiros waiting." I replied avoiding the topic to continue further.

"Okay, I'll call you again tomorrow."

"Of course. Bye mom, love you."

At quarter to seven, I was on my way to the ground floor where the restaurant was located. My eyes roamed around the luxurious furnishing of the hotel lobby. The many glass interior designs really fascinated me. So modern and elegant.

I checked my appearance at the mirrored walls. I was still bothered on my blond hair. It made me look different. The ash blond highlights were almost white, reminded me of Hannah Montana's hair.

I groaned. I had no choice but to do this blond thingy, it was part of my job. But as soon as I'd be done on this project, I'd fix my hair and back to my original colour.

Dilton, the restaurant supervisor met me at lobby. He immediately showed me to the restaurant where Mr. and Mrs. Monteiro would be waiting.

I was surprised and flattered that we would be dining in an exclusive room.

Aww... they're the sweetest couple made me feel very welcome in their hotel.

Their kids were amazing too -- well, except for Carter, who had a smear of the devil's personality in him. The others, Kimberly and Daniel were both so nice and friendly.

Kimberly and I got along so well. We were the same age and we both loved makeups and all about fashion. In fact, she started her new line of makeups that would compete the high-end brands today and she asked me to be her model. Daniel was very sweet and friendly, so different from his brother. He hung out with me and Emerald sometimes.

Dilton opened the door wider. "He's waiting for you."

"Thank you, Dilton." I entered the room and my eyes instantly dilated, adjusting to the sudden dimmed lights.

"You're welcome Miss." Dilton said and closed the door.

The first thing I saw was the dancing sparkling table chandeliers, candlelights and rainbow roses - the same roses that I received earlier. I was mesmerised a the romantic setting of the table.

My eyes went up and looked closely at the profile of the man setting behind the table. A very familiar man whom I have never imagined to have dinner with!

"Carter?"

"Oh my God!" His eyes grew bigger as he jumped up, standing abruptly. His convulsive action made his chair fell, rattling on the marbled floor noisily. He looked like he've seen a ghost.

"What are you doing here?" I shot him an accusing look.

"Athena? Is that you?" I knew I caught him off guard.

"Of course." I looked heavenwards and crossed my arms under my chest. "Where are your parents?"

"What?" There was a confused look on his face.

"I'm supposed to have dinner with your parents."

"My-- my parents?" He stammered as he continued to stare at me blankly. He was not acting his normal self. Stammering was something new for Carter Monteiro. "They're in Germany right now."

"They are? But they invited me for dinner... Dilton told me, wait... who invited me here?"

Carter looked agitated as he rubbed his nape. I could sense the nervousness in him.

Dilton entered the room holding the menu. Seeing me and Carter standing facing each other like a prey and a predator made Dilton hesitant to enter the room. But he decided to come in and straightened Carter's chair.

"Open the lights Dilton. Hurry." Carter instructed.

Immediately, the lights glared brightly showing every corner of the room. The soothingly comforting romantic feeling of the dimmed lights was gone and replaced with a fiery infuriating bright ambience.

I had a better view of Carter and surprisingly he made an effort to wear something very decent tonight. I'd hate to say this, but he looked like a centerfold model of a men's fashion magazine. Dark formal pants and button-up light blue shirt with the sleeves folded up to the elbows. My weakness... why I find it so sexy in a man.

Dilton gave us the menu and invited both Carter and I to sit at the table.

Carter and I stared at each other. There was hesitancy at first but we settled down behind the small square table. We were silent as we watched Dilton poured our glasses with sparkling wine.

My mind was working, putting two and two together. The complimentary drink was from Mr. Monteiro. The dinner invitation was from Mr. Monteiro, and the rainbow roses... coming from C. Monteiro.

Meaning...

It was all Carter's doing. Darn it, I was so stupid. How could I think that C. Monteiro is his mother! Of course, it's Carter Monteiro!

Anger suddenly overwhelmed me. The moment Dilton left the room, I asked him. "What the hell are you playing at? You're so desperate to get the museum that you're trying to charm me!"

"Charm you? I would never ever do that."

"Never? So what do you call this... and this... and this." I pointed at the flowers, the candlelights and the table chandelier. "You're planning to seduce me!"

"What the hell Athena... I won't do such thing!" He raked his hair in agitation.

"Really? Then tell me why you're doing this. Give me a valid explanation, Mr. Monteiro!"