Hidden Truths (Truths and Lies 1)

Talia

I roll over from my side onto my stomach and see Kostas’s side of the bed is empty. My hand brushes along the sheets, feeling the coolness. Every day this week it’s been the same thing. He comes home after I’m asleep and leaves before I wake up. I spend my days walking the property, swimming, and hanging out with Aris when he’s not working. But today is different because today is Friday. Our wedding rehearsal and dinner. A smile stretches across my face at the thought. Not because I’m going to have to walk through the steps of marrying Kostas, but because I’m going to get to see my family, specifically my mom. At that thought, I throw my covers off my body and stretch my legs, ready to get the day started. Kostas told me I could drive with Adrian to pick them up at the airport.

After taking a shower, I head over to Aphrodite’s, a restaurant on the hotel property that serves the best breakfast and coffee, and eat by myself. Then I take a stroll over to the library—yes, the hotel has an actual library where one can read, and the shelves are filled with every type of book imaginable. I get comfy on the couch, reading The Scarlet Letter until Adrian lets me know it’s time to go. I never tell him where I’m going, but somehow he always knows where to find me.

Freaking Kostas. He couldn’t care less about me, yet he still has to make sure he’s always in control of my life. Stupid, possessive asshole.

When we pull up to the front of the airport, it’s just after two o’clock, and their flight has already arrived. Adrian insists we wait in the car, but I can’t help myself, so I get out and wait on the sidewalk. Several people are exiting at the same time. My eyes dart all around in search of her, my feet bouncing in place in anticipation, and when they finally find her, tears fall.

“Mom!” I throw myself into her arms and nuzzle my face into her neck. I can smell her signature perfume she’s been wearing for as far back as I can remember. It’s sweet and comforting and smells like home. The bag she was carrying hits the ground and she wraps her arms around me.

“Oh, cara mia,” she cries. “Let me see you.” She pulls back slightly, but still keeps her hands in mine. “You’ve gotten a tan.” She smiles, but it’s not real. It’s her version of making the best out of things. “The sun agrees with you.”

“I missed you, Mom.” I pull her back into a tight hug.

“We must go,” Adrian points out, and I mentally roll my eyes.

After my mom and I separate, I give Stefano a hug. Nonno and Nonna each take turns giving me a hug, but it’s awkward. Everything has changed. My grandfather used to be a man I thought was invincible, but not even he could save me from this forced marriage. And our last conversation ended with him yelling at me. Something he’s never done before.

“I spoke with Phoenix,” Mom says as we all climb into the limo. “He and your father will be arriving shortly and will meet us at the church.”

I still at her words. I didn’t even think about him coming.

“He’s not my father,” I hiss. “And he’s not welcome anywhere near me, especially at the wedding he’s forced me into.”

My mom’s brows rise in concern, but she doesn’t argue.

Pulling my cell phone out, I send a text message to Kostas. I’ve had his number but have yet to call or text him.

Me: I don’t want Niles at the wedding.

Not even a minute later, he replies.

Kostas: None of this is about what you want.

Ugh! He’s such an asshole. I don’t even bother to respond.

“Is everything ready for tomorrow?” Mom asks. She pushes a wayward strand of hair behind my ear and gives me her motherly smile. I hate that Niles will be at the wedding, but I’m so thankful my mom will at least be there.

“Yes, Nora and I got everything done. The seamstress will be available at the church in case any of the bridesmaids’ dresses don’t fit.” I’ve spoken to my mom every day on the phone, so she knows how nice Nora has been to me. Nora came to the hotel yesterday and we had lunch to go over everything.

“I’m sure it will be a beautiful wedding,” Mom says. “Have you spoken to Kostas about finishing school in the fall?”

I shake my head. My goal these past few days has been to speak to him as little as possible. I imagine once we’re married tomorrow, everything will continue as it has been. He probably won’t even notice if I go to school as long as I’m in bed at the end of the day.