Chapter 16

Jessica's POV

"Hi, Celine, nice meeting you." I forced a smile at her, and hoped she would loosen her grip on me. My hand started to go numb, like it was like being clasped by a very muscular hand.

"Excuse me, I'll get you both a drink," Aaron said, then immediately left.

I was relieved when she immediately freed my hand, still thankful that she did not break my bones.

"So you're Jessica, the leech who stole Troy away from me."

I was shocked at the sudden attack.

She smirked, and continued, "I wonder what Troy saw in you, you don't even look stunning. Did you spread your legs in front of him?"

That was a very mean thing to say. I faced her squarely and said calmly, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I may not be stunning to you, but for him I am."

She laughed aloud, then said, "The usual excuse of an ugly woman like you. " She eyed me up and down. "I recognized your dress and your shoes, they're from Chanel. Oh dear, no matter how expensive your clothes are, you still look like a rat."

My eyebrows rose, but still remained calm.

"I pity you, you're furious and jealous for being rejected. Troy obviously saw the real you. Your personality stinks like a dead rat. I don't give a damn whatever you say, it won't change the fact that he married me, not you."

"Yes, bitch, he married you. Actually, I should be thankful to you that I did not have to deal with a psychopath husband. I realize that he was good for nothing. I should have paid more attention to his older brother."

"You mean Aaron?"

I was not surprised when she lifted her chin, and answered. "Exactly. I was blind to choose the weakest and most gullible among the Latsis brothers. But now, I'm making sure that I will get the best man."

"Good luck. Believe me, both of you suited each other. You're both ruthless, nasty and judgemental."

Celine was about to fire back when Aaron arrived holding two drinks. Her expression softened as she smiled adoringly at him.

"Hmm... I love Moscato. You're so sweet, Aaron."

He turned to me and gave me my drink. "Here's yours."

I sniffed the clear liquid and the smell of alcohol made me feel dizzy already.

"What's this?" I asked him.

"It's your favorite drink. Troy mentioned that you're a big vodka drinker."

"Really?" I took a sip of the liquid and I shuddered. I felt like I was about to throw up. The alcohol was too overwhelming, it tasted like poison. "Sorry, I can't drink this. It's so disgusting." I held out the glass to him and he took it.

"Are you sure?" His eyebrows furrowed. "That is so hard to believe when you'd drink vodka like water. It's the only thing you order when you go on a rave."

"Seriously? I'm a big vodka drinker? I can't even tolerate a sip on it. And what's a rave?"

"It's a lively party, mostly wild, with dancing and drinking. You're a rave girl and introduced Troy to it."

"So I'm good at dancing?"

"Most probably," he answered, then turned to Celine when she asked him about his dad's new car.

I was suddenly bothered by my new discovery. So I was a rave girl. I loved parties, dancing and drinking. But I felt like they were not my thing. I did not like crowded parties. Dancing seemed so awkward, my body was too stiff for that, and drinking... ugh! I could not tolerate too much alcohol.

Morris, the butler, announced that food was ready, so everyone went to the dining room. I was seated between Mrs. Latsis and Skylar at the table, Celine was across from me. She was between Aaron and Edward. It was pretty obvious who was her favorite among the Latsis brothers. Her hand kept on touching Aaron's arm, to get his attention.

"Tomorrow, Jessica and I will be going to Matamata. I'm going to show her the Hobbiton movie set," Mrs. Latsis said to everyone. "Who wants to come with us?"

"Too bad, Levi and I can't. We're going to meet my high school friends," Skylar said.

"You should have told us earlier, mother. I can't cancel my business lunch meeting tomorrow anymore." Edward heaved a sigh heavily, and gave his mother a disappointed look. "You know I'm the best tour guide for Jessica, I know The Lord of the Rings movies by heart."

"So does Aaron," Skylar interrupted, then gave Edward a peace sign.

"Do you know The Lord of the Rings, Jessica?" Mr. Latsis asked me. "It's a trilogy, all films shot entirely in New Zealand."

"Sounds familiar, but I can't remember," I answered with an apologetic tone.

"It's really a good story. If you're interested, we have a complete book series in the library. You can read it anytime." Mr. Latsis invited.

"Thank you, I will."

Celine interrupted by asking, "I'm sure you know, Star Wars, The Avengers, Superman and Batman."

"Um... kinda familiar. But I don't remember much."

"Oh, poor you. It's like living on another planet if you don't remember those blockbuster movies." She looked at me with sympathetic eyes. I knew she was faking it.

"Don't worry, Jessica. Your doctor assured me that you'll be good as new once your memories return. For the meantime, just have fun and enjoy New Zealand. We'll make sure that your stay here with us will be happy and memorable." Mrs. Latsis assured me.

"Is she leaving?" Celine asked Mrs. Latsis.

"Yeah, in a month." It was Aaron who answered, his eyes held mine.

He surely could not wait to get rid of me. He blamed me on everything, even seducing Edward. I would not be surprised if next time, he would blame me as the cause of the pandemic.

"It's really sad that she's leaving us soon, and I don't want to think about it now, it just gives me anxiety." Mrs. Latsis heaved a long sigh.

I touched her hand and she took it, squeezing gently.

"I wish you'll stay longer too, Jessica. I want to bond with you, now that Levi and I are planning to move here in New Zealand." Skylar said. I could feel the sincerity in her voice.

"Exactly." Edward reached for my other hand, across the table, and said, "We are your family, Jessica and we truly care for you. I swear if you'll just stay, I'll make sure that you'll be happy. I'll guide you, take care of you..."

"Enough," Aaron almost shouted at Edward. "Can't you see that she has her own life too? She needs to go home to Florida, to where she belongs. She has her family and friends there too. It would be too selfish for us to demand her to stay. And I'm sure Jessica will agree with me." He eyed me directly, then asked in a firm voice. "Right, Jessica?"

Everyone looked at me, waiting for me to answer. Then I nodded, "Yes, Aaron is right. I need to find myself first, to know who I really am. But I promise, I'll be back for a visit."

Finally, they all agreed with me.

The rest of the evening turned out alright, everyone retired before midnight.

I was too restless to sleep. It was already one in the morning and a lot of things were playing in my head. I kept thinking of what Aaron said, that I was a rave girl and a great vodka drinker. But I did not like alcohol, it tasted so awful. What happened? Probably my taste buds were affected because of the plane crash.

Celine was grateful that she did not marry Troy. I saved her from marrying a man who was hooked on drinking, gambling and drugs.

But why did I marry such a man? Was I so blindly in love with him that I tolerated all his vices?

I did too much thinking and it just made my brain so active. I got out of bed and put on the matching flimsy robe of my cream colored negligee. I decided to go to the library and look for the books of The Lord of the Rings. I should read to make myself sleepy.

I walked on a hallway heading to the West Wing to where the library was. I turned a knob slowly, then opened the door.

The light of the room was dimmed in yellow. I entered the room looking straight at the bookshelves. But there were only a few books in there. This could not be the library. I looked at the other side of the room, there was a huge office table with some papers on top.

"What are you doing here?"

I gasped at the sound of a familiar voice. I turned around and saw Aaron, sitting on a couch. His eyes were so dark, roaming my body in slow intensity. My heart throbbed so fast when he stood up and moved closer to me.

At that moment, I could not decide whether I should run or stay.