Chapter 166: Prologue

**Isadora, Vincent, and Thomas**

In Isadora’s apartment, laughter echoed through the living room. Vincent and Thomas were engaged in a friendly chess match, while Isadora, holding a cup of coffee, watched the scene with an amused smile.

“Thomas, I think he’s going to leave you with no moves in three turns, darling,” Isadora teased, leaning slightly toward Vincent.

“Don’t underestimate my strategy, Isa,” Thomas countered, though his tone was light, betraying that he was more interested in the company than the game.

As the match continued, Vincent received a message from Esmeralda. She wanted to gather the family for a grand party that weekend to celebrate her birthday. He sighed, relieved that his grandmother had no objections to his relationship with Isadora and Thomas.

“Looks like we have a great party this weekend,” he remarked, holding up his phone to show the message.

“I love Esmeralda’s parties,” Isadora celebrated, already making a mental note to book a day at her favorite spa to prepare for the grand occasion.

Thomas moved a piece on the chessboard and leaned back in his chair, watching Vincent scrutinize the play with a serious expression. He turned to Isadora, who was still smiling about the news of the party.

“What are you going to wear?” he asked casually, knowing how much Isadora loved planning every detail.

“I haven’t decided yet, but something special, for sure. After all, Esmeralda deserves it.” She glanced at Vincent and Thomas. “And you two better not disappoint me, either. I want you looking stunning.”

Vincent raised an eyebrow without taking his eyes off the board.

“When are we not stunning?”

Isadora laughed, placing her coffee cup on the table.

“You are, but there’s always room for improvement.”

Thomas chuckled but quickly turned his attention back to the game.

“Vincent, just admit you’re cornered.”

Vincent smirked and moved a piece, leaning slightly over the board.

“Never underestimate my game.”

********

That evening, the mansion was dazzling, with hundreds of lights illuminating the gardens. The trio arrived, drawing attention as always. Isadora was radiant in a long black dress with golden accents, while Vincent and Thomas wore perfectly tailored suits with subtly matching ties.

Esmeralda, glowing with joy, greeted them with a warm smile, hugging each of them in turn.

“You arrived early! That makes me so happy,” Esmeralda said. “I want you to enjoy every moment.”

“We’re going to have a great time, no doubt about it,” Isadora replied enthusiastically.

Vincent smiled in agreement.

“That’s right. That’s exactly why we’re here.”

“And now, let’s drink and dance!” Thomas added, sharing Isadora’s excitement.

Later, as they danced in the garden under the twinkling lights, Isadora realized how perfectly this night reflected the moment they were living. Despite the complications and curious glances, they were united and happy.

She looked at Vincent and Thomas, who returned her gaze with sincere smiles.

“I think Esmeralda managed to gather all the ingredients for a memorable night,” Thomas said, pulling Isadora closer.

“And the best part is that we’re together,” Isadora replied before losing herself in the rhythm of the music and the joy of the moment.

**Liandra and Petros**

Across the city, in the Kouris mansion, Liandra was trying to keep up with the hectic pace of the morning. Since moving into Petros’ home after their wedding, her life had become a whirlwind of obligations and adjustments.

Petros, ever imposing, watched her as she went over the details of a charity event she was organizing.

“You need a break,” he said, approaching her.

“After all of this is sorted out. I promise,” Liandra replied, though her eyes betrayed her exhaustion.

Petros, with a smile that blended affection and determination, Petros took the papers from Liandra’s hands and set them aside.

“Our marriage isn’t just about commitments. Let’s escape for a few hours. Just the two of us. What do you say?”

Liandra laughed but accepted his proposal. As they boarded the helicopter that would take them to a temporary retreat, Liandra sat beside Petros, watching the bustling cityscape below transform into rolling green hills and serene landscapes. Feeling the wind in her hair, she experienced, for the first time in weeks, a sense of relief washing over her.

Petros held her hand firmly and looked at her with a calm smile.

“Isn’t this better?” he asked.

Liandra let out a soft laugh, resting her head on his shoulder.

“It is. I needed this, though I still think you just wanted to escape another charity event.”

Petros laughed—a rare, genuine sound that made her smile even more.

“Maybe. But you don’t have to carry the world on your shoulders alone, Liandra. You have me.”

The helicopter began its descent onto a secluded property surrounded by trees and a crystal-clear lake. It was a private retreat, far from any distractions. As they landed, a small team of staff greeted them, ensuring everything was prepared for them to make the most of their time together.

Liandra looked around, captivated by the beauty of the place.

“You planned this, didn’t you?” she asked, turning to Petros.

He shrugged, feigning indifference.

“Maybe. Can’t I spoil my wife once in a while?”

Liandra cupped his face in her hands, pulling him in for a slow, meaningful kiss.

“You do more than that. You make me feel like I can face anything.”

Petros smiled against her lips before wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her closer.

“You can. But you don’t have to do it alone.”

Petros, who often seemed cold and calculating to others, showed a lighter, more affectionate side with Liandra—something that never failed to enchant her.

When they returned to the mansion later that evening, Liandra felt renewed. She knew life as a couple came with challenges, but Petros made them feel much lighter.

**Jennifer, Nikos, Ícaro, and Demétrius**

In Athens, Jennifer darted through the narrow streets of Plaka, laughing as she tried to evade Ícaro, who was determined to drag her to the café where Nikos and Demétrius were already waiting.

“You know you can’t escape me, Jen!” Ícaro shouted, catching up to her and spinning her in the air.

“You three are insufferable!” Jennifer joked though the truth was she cherished every moment with them.

When they finally reached the café, Nikos greeted them with a sarcastic smile.

“I thought you’d never make it. We were already betting on who would give up first.”

“Let me guess—it was Demétrius’ idea,” Jennifer replied, sitting down beside him.

“Always competitive,” Demétrius admitted with a wink.

The lightheartedness of their gathering masked the heavy responsibilities each of them carried, but for a few hours, the world seemed to shrink to just that moment.

“So, what’s the plan for the rest of the day?” Jennifer asked, twirling the spoon in her coffee cup.

Ícaro shrugged, flopping lazily into his chair.

“I voted for a day of rest, but Nikos insists we need to deal with something at the office.”

Nikos raised an eyebrow, feigning offense.

“Deal with something at the office? We’re talking about closing a contract that could earn us millions, Ícaro. Priorities.”

Jennifer huffed, pretending to be exasperated.

“You two seriously can’t stop talking about work, even here? We’re in Plaka, for God’s sake. The view, the coffee... at least pretend you know how to relax.”

Demétrius laughed, casting a knowing glance at Jennifer.

“She’s right. Maybe we should enjoy the afternoon.”

“Or we can handle business in the morning and enjoy the evening together,” Nikos suggested, clearly trying to strike a balance.

Jennifer narrowed her eyes, thoughtful.

“Fine, but on one condition: you owe me an amazing dinner in Santorini next weekend.”

The three men exchanged glances before agreeing in unison.

“Deal.”

********

Later, in the living room of her apartment, Jennifer sat in a corner, flipping through magazines, trying to distract herself while Nikos and Ícaro argued over contract terms.

Demétrius approached with a cup of tea for her.

“You’re really patient with us, you know?” he said, sitting beside her.

Jennifer shrugged, smiling.

“It’s easy to be patient when I know the reward is worth it.”

Demétrius tilted his head, studying her for a moment before speaking in a more serious tone.

“And is it really worth it? I mean, the three of us… our mess.”

She held his gaze, his intensity always catching her off guard.

“Honestly? I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

He smiled, visibly relaxing before standing.

“I’ll remember that when things get complicated.”

“Do. Because I will too.”

And so, as the city buzzed around them, Jennifer knew she was exactly where she was meant to be: at the heart of a life as chaotic as it was thrilling, but entirely her own.