Chapter 6 Volkova's Plan – Part 1

Valentino’s long strides, fueled by anger, headed toward the pool where Athena was sunbathing with her friend. Upon arrival, he witnessed a man deliberately massaging his fiancée’s body while she lay with her head resting on the lounger, soaking up the sun and the relaxing massage. Athena knew Valentino was watching from afar, probably with eyes spitting fire; however, she remained unfazed as the man continued to massage her until she signaled him to stop. This only further infuriated Valentino, who was being ignored. “Athena!” he exclaimed with a fierce voice, approaching her. “What do you think this behavior is inside my mansion?” he demanded, standing in front of her and blocking the sun that Illuminated her face. “Please, Valentino, step aside, you’re blocking the sun,” she said calmly. “Why are you shouting so much? You’re only making a scene. I thought you were resting with your lover.” “You’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you?” He grabbed her arm and roughly lifted her from the lounger. “I do not allow this behavior in my mansion!” “Hey!” Layla immediately stood up and released Valentino’s grip. “Who do you think you are to handle her like that? We’re just sunbathing, so you have nothing to complain about when you’re with your lover in your room.” “This has nothing to do with you,” he retorted coldly, and Athena laughed. “It may not concern you, but the person you are insulting at this very moment is my friend, and I won’t allow it,” she firmly declared. “Now, what’s the problem?” Athena asked calmly, removing her sunglasses. “Why can’t you just leave me alone, Valentino? What’s the sin? I’m just sunbathing and getting a massage." “Is sunbathing allowing another man to touch you so shamelessly?” He smirked. “That just confirms to me that you are…” Before Valentino could finish the sentence, Athena delivered a strong slap that even turned his cheek, leaving everyone present astonished, including Lirio, who was arriving behind Valentino. “How dare you!” Lirio exclaimed angrily, pushing Valentino aside and shoving Athena in the chest. “Insolent wretch! You behave like a harlot!" Upon hearing this, Layla could not contain herself any longer and grabbed Lirio by the shoulders, pushing her into the pool and leaving everyone surprised by such an act. “Lirio!” Valentino reacted immediately, jumping into the pool to rescue his lover, who seemed to be drowning as she did not know how to swim. Athena crossed her arms over her chest, observing the scene expectantly without showing any hint of emotion or expression on her cold face. Layla also witnessed the scene without flinching, so did the present subordinates, Martín and Soledad, who were present along with other servants due to the scandal that echoed throughout the mansion. Valentino, as best he could, pulled Lirio out of the water, placing her at the edge of the pool as she coughed loudly, her clothes soaked, just like Valentino in his fine wet suit. Some servants brought towels and wrapped Lirio in them. Seeing her recovered, Valentino stood up and walked toward Athena with long strides, giving her a sharp and stern look. “Aren’t you ashamed?” he reproached through gritted teeth. “You and your friend are nothing but immature. Look at what you did to Lirio! She can’t swim!” Athena sighed, tired of the constant complaints and the fact that the same problem always came from the same person. “It was me who pushed her for treating her that way, Valentino.” Layla intervened with annoyance. “Aren’t you another immature one here? You come to make complaints only for a massage, which makes it clear that the only one who seems to have no control over his actions is you." She glanced briefly at Lirio, still at the edge of the pool like a scared lamb. “You should be grateful that this lack of respect and humiliation has not been reported to the Volkovs, because here the one who should be a priority is your fiancée, not your lover, who only plays the victim.” “You are no one to tell me what I should and should not do with my life,” he replied roughly. “I don’t want you to mess with Lirio again, Layla, and the same goes for you, Athena; she is my wife.” “Well, if you’re done with this show, I’m leaving. I’m tired,” Athena intervened without enthusiasm. “Come on, Layla, you can’t even get a good tan in this mansion.” “You’re not going anywhere,” Valentino stopped her by the arm. “Let it be the last time you lay a hand on me, brat; next time, I won’t be responsible for my ungentlemanly actions.” “And what am I supposed to do? Cry over your absurd threat?” she inquired with a raised eyebrow. “Let me tell you something, Rizzo, I’m not going to allow you to insult me, so you well deserve this slap. I don’t meddle in your affairs with your lover, so don't meddle in mine. And if you try It again, I won’t hesitate to respond in the same way or even worse.” “What’s going on here?” Clodan, Valentino’s father, interrupted in the middle of the situation. “What is all this commotion?” “Father-in-law,” Athena freed herself from her fiancé’s grip and addressed her father-in-law with a sad face. “I’m sorry you have to witness all this; there was a quarrel with Valentino and his lover, but don’t worry, it wasn’t of much importance.” “Not of much importance? This guy does nothing but throw insults at you,” Layla intervened. “Mr. Clodan, with all due respect, I find your son Valentino’s behavior so despotic and rude. He only causes unnecessary scandals for this woman.” “What does this mean, Valentino?” his father addressed him with a stern voice. “And what is Lirio Moretti doing in the mansion? Explain this to me once and for all.”