Page 38 of Modern Romance October 2025 5-8

He’d never been more glad of his driver to get them both safely there, given his concentration was so shot, but his problems only deepened once they got there. The place was already packed. Everyone had turned up to this most unusual of Vasiliadis parties. One where no other members of his family appeared. Everyone else was curious as hell about his mother.

Bethan didn’t anchor him, she was his North Star. She swept through the room looking an absolute goddess—bright and sparkling—drawing everyone’s attention and charming them. Charminghim.

Several of the trainee crew fromArtemiswere there. He watched her animatedly chatter with them. Yes, she was not shy now—for a guileless artistic, sensitive soul, she could schmooze surprisingly well. The awkward young woman he’d met on the jetty almost two and a half years ago now shimmered. She’d clearly been living her best life in London for her confidence to blossom like this.

‘You’re magnificent,’ he murmured, unable to keep his distance. ‘My poor projects manager doesn’t know where to look. Everyone is trying really hard not to stare at you.’

‘Because they probably think I’m a ghost,’ she quipped. ‘Your missing wife.’

He chuckled. ‘You know you’re captivating them.’

‘I’m channelling my inner Elodie.’ She grinned up at him. ‘Wait ’til you meet her, you’ll see what I mean.’

He didn’t respond. A breath later she bit her lip and glanced away. Because of course he wouldn’t meet Elodie or the friend she was knitting all the baby clothing for. She would return to London, divorced, and resume her life. Her best life.

He stepped away again. Unsettled despite the clear success of the evening. All the billionaires present—and there were several—had dug deep to bolster the foundation’s account. All supporting the goal of ensuring a safe working environment—free from sexual harassment—for the yachting staff. He glanced at the photo of his mother—displayed in the centre of the photo array. It had been taken before she’d met Loukas Vasiliadis. Before she’d given birth to him. She was on the water, standing in a small boat, her smile wide. She looked happy and young with the world ahead of her. He’d found it crumpled in a box thrown together by uninterested, careless workers. There’d been only two boxes of personal papers. The rest of her effects—her clothing, books, crockery—had been either donated or destroyed. Ares hadn’t even been given the chance to return to their small apartment, to go through it himself and revisit those memories. Therehadbeen good ones there. But he would not hide the circumstances of his birth any more.

Illegitimacy wasn’t his source of shame. That was born from his own treatment of his mother. He’d not been a good son. Not checked on her. Not helped her. He’d been hurt and angry.

He’d thought if he did this, if he ensured she was honoured, not forgotten, it might assuage some of that guilt, but now he had it didn’t give any true satisfaction. He still felt bad. It wasn’t enough and never would be. His mother would never see this. Futility swamped him. He was a failure.

Bethan circulated on the periphery, taking a breather by studying the pictures on display to demonstrate the foundation’s projects that were already in action. Naturally the party was an outstanding success—there was quite the joyous vibe. The young people present were excited and enjoying it as they should. Their infectious energy made her smile. She paused, surprised by one photo. It was of Ares andhertaken while they were racing only yesterday on the two little yachts. The shot had them both in frame—he was laughing, his pallor masked by that wide smile. She was in front, both crew working hard. She didn’t blame him for showing it. It was to sell the success of the foundation and perhaps to show personal unity—all part of his plan to make this a success, and good for him for wanting to do something more than make money. Her heart ached. She’d had no idea he was so alone.

She glanced across the room to find him watching her. He extricated himself but immediately was intercepted by another man. His facade slid in place. Working hard.

‘You must be pleased with the evening.’

Bethan turned at the quiet voice and stiffened. Sophia Dimou stood beside her. Surprise silenced her—Ares had said none of the Vasiliadis extended family were coming. ButSophiahad shown up for him and she looked particularly stunning. Certainly the tall man by her side seemed to think so, given he couldn’t take his gaze off her.

‘Bethan, this is my fiancé, Felipe. Felipe, this is Ares’s wife, Bethan.’ Sophia smiled.

‘Pleased to meet you, Bethan.’ Felipe smiled, full-wattage charm.

The man’s presence didn’t soothe the jealousy that flared within Bethan. Because this time she wasn’t jealous that Ares had once kissed Sophia, but of the happiness evident between Sophia and her Felipe.

‘It’s lovely to see you here,’ Sophia added quietly.

‘You too.’ Bethan tried hard to smile.

‘I hope we’ll get to see a lot more of you.’ Sophia leaned closer. ‘I remember Ares was so happy when he first told me about you.’

Bethan weakly gave in to curiosity. ‘Oh?’

‘He gave me advance warning because the family were pressuring us into marrying and he didn’t want me to suffer any fallout. I did get a bit but it’s worked out okay. He and I knew our getting together was ridiculous.Nevergoing to happen.’ She moved closer, her voice dropping. ‘Honestly, I used to be scared of him. He was so cold when he moved into the compound but I guess he was lonely.’ She smiled again. ‘I’m really glad you’re back with him.’

Bethan could only nod, relieved when Sophia moved to talk to someone else, Felipe a tall presence beside her.

OfcourseAres had been cold when he’d moved into that compound. He’d just been abandoned by his mother and dragged into the home of the dead father who’d refused to acknowledge him. There he’d faced the woman who’d just lost her husband and son. His grandfather had been beyond cruel with his insane expectations.

Bethan was mad that she’d been such a fool back then, too dazzled and dreamy to ask proper questions. She’d assumed all would miraculously work out instead of speaking up and finding out. Now she glanced around and caught Ares’s gaze. He clearly wasn’t paying much attention to the men yapping next to him, given he was already staring at her. She registered the space about him—an aura, like an invisible shell setting him apart. Defence. Isolation. Because tonight was deeply personal. Deeply painful. Despite all he’d done, he was still unhappy.

She moved towards him, her emotion kindled. He broke away from the group and met her halfway.

Bethan read restlessness in his expression. ‘Are you not pleased with how it’s going?’ She pressed her hand on his arm and his muscles tensed beneath her fingers. ‘It’s an amazing night. The foundation is an amazing achievement. You should be so proud. Honestly, Ares, it’s all amazing. You’re so generous.’Hewas amazing.

She stiffened, embarrassed that she wasn’t just back to babbling awkwardly, she was gushing—inanely repeating herself. ‘Not that you need me to tell you that.’

His gaze was very intense. ‘No, I appreciate your support.’