Chapter 146 - Valentine's day (1)

Sophia and Felix added few rules to their game as they progressed. One of the first rules they added was that no one else was allowed to notice the seduction attempts. No matter how reckless they behaved, both of them have careers and reputation that should not be tarnished by their 'friendly' competition.

If anyone found out what game Sophia and Felix are playing, they would think how silly it is... Sophia and Felix wanted to seduce each other. It's obvious that attraction they feel is mutual. What is the point of playing games? Unfortunately, both of them have egos that don't allow them to back down. Defeat is not an option no matter how silly the game is, and no matter how attracted they are to each other.

…

Days passed, and finally the day has come for Sarah and Aiden to head to Greece. It is two days before Valentines.

Jeff was in his office when he compared out of office notifications that Sarah and Aiden created before heading for a vacation. Jeff could only shake his head in disapproval. Two of them had exactly the same message. 'If you don't want people to find out that you are in a relationship, at least have different messages.'

In truth, Aiden didn't care if people knew about their relationship. He would be proud to announce to everyone that Sarah is his girlfriend. And Sarah slowly started softening up her stance on that topic. Bridgette and Jeff know that Sarah and Aiden are a couple, and they are the only two people in White corp. who matter to Sarah, besides Aiden of course. Bridgette is her friend, and Jeff is her boss. In Sarah's mind, other people from office don't matter, even if they find out, it does not matter. At most, they will gossip.

…

Once they landed in Greece, Sarah and Aiden headed to a villa that he rented for a week.

Villa is located in Athens, less than a mile away from Acropolis. Sarah was delighted that they are in a walking distance from so many things she wants to visit.

While looking at all amenities that villa provides, one thing that thrilled Sarah was an indoor swimming pool. Sarah remembered memories she made with Aiden in a pool in their LA apartment. "Suddenly, I'm not so sure we will be going out much", she told Aiden while her eyes didn't leave swimming pool.

"I am happy you approve of accommodations…", he responded with a sly smile.

Their next day was as Sarah predicted, besides quick outing for food, they didn't leave the villa. Aiden didn't mind. He didn't mind at all.

On February 14th, Aiden woke up early. It was still dark outside. He showered, shaved and got ready for the day. He packed some items he needs for the day in a backpack. Aiden planned this day for a while and wanted to make sure that everything goes perfectly.

He woke up Sarah gently planting kisses on her face. She stretched lazily and smiled. Sarah looked outside, "What is the time? It's still dark outside."

"Yes, get ready, we are starting this day early."

Hearing this, Sarah understood that he made some plans. She woke up and quickly got ready. They walked to Acropolis and reached just in time to watch the sunrise from Parthenon. It was not Sarah's first time here, but she still felt humble while standing in the presence of a visual masterpiece constructed more than two thousand years ago. Sharing this experience with Aiden made it very special for her. They spent more than two hours walking around Acropolis. Sarah was like a personal tourist guide, knowledgeable about each building and its background.

As they approached sanctuary of Eros and Aphrodite, Sarah gave Aiden a short introduction to Eros, god of love, the most beautiful of the immortal gods; and Aphrodite, goddess of sexual love and beauty known as a smile-loving, dark killer of men, perfect maiden, infinitely desirable and infinitely out of reach.

When they walked past the sanctuary of Eros and Aphrodite, they noticed a couple putting offerings in small openings in the rock.

Thinking that this is a good idea for Valentines, Aiden suggested, "Do you want us to make an offering here?"

Sarah squinted and asked in a low voice, "What do you think those two are hoping to achieve by doing that?"

Aiden responded without hesitation, "Both Eros and Aphrodite are gods of love. I can deduce that they want to increase their luck in love."

Sarah looked at him holding back laughter. "That is one way to describe it... but to be more precise, offerings here are made to increase fertility for the couple."

"Oh...", he was stunned. He touched a topic that should not be touched.

Sarah saw that he is in a predicament, "Mhm... so I would appreciate if we can skip making these offerings at this time." She laughed. "Let's go and get breakfast."

Aiden was happy that Sarah gave up on this great opportunity to give him a hard time.

They spent the day walking through Athens, visiting street markets, small shops, temples and museums. Sarah loves that Athens is a city with an amazing mix of ancient and modern architecture. And she loves that this time she is sharing the experience with Aiden. Sarah felt her heart swell from love at the thought that he arranged all this, just because he knows she likes Greece.

She didn't forget to take photos for their travel diary. As they sat in a small street side restaurant eating gyros, Aiden watched Sarah send few photos to her sisters. "Are you not sending any to Vivian?"

She shook her head, "No. She is by herself while Gabriel is with Victoria... if I sent her a photo of us having fun, I might remind her that Gabriel is treating her poorly."

"Maybe that is what she needs.", he said in a voice devoid of emotion.

"You are too strict.", Sarah wanted to reprimand him, but she could not stop smiling when she looked at him. He was too handsome.

"Not with you.", he reminded her that she is special to him. His smile made Sarah's heart melt and she was lost in a daze. Again.

Her smile widened, "You are such a sweet talker."

She leaned in and kissed him. Her heart is full, and she is overjoyed that he is next to her, looking at her with eyes full of love.