Episode 131 (29)
A. I am going to Maria’s party tonight!
Marc. To Maria’s party? Alexis, are you joking?
A. My love, she is my right hand and it’s her birthday. I have to go!
Marc. Of course! I forgot what Maria means to you!
A. What do you mean? Maria is the financial manager of Ecomoda! That’s what she means to me! Nothing more!
Marc. Don’t get upset! I didn’t say she was your girlfriend!
A. It would show bad taste on your part if you said this! Very bad taste!
Marc. The only one with bad taste around here is Maria, but since you want to spend your evening with her and all her relations, I am beginning to wonder about your taste too.
A. That’s why I didn’t want to say anything to you! I knew you would react like that!
Marc. You are wrong! I am very calm! You, on the contrary, seem a bit upset!
A. You upset me.  It’s your fault!
Marc. My fault?
A. Yes! Look, if you don’t want me to go to Maria’s party, I won’t go!
Marc. No baby! Why shouldn’t you go?
A. Because we can spend a wonderful evening together!
Marc. No my love! You promised to go. It’s not right! She will be expecting you!
A. It’s not right!
Marc. I have to go. You will come by after the party, won’t you?
A. Of course!
Marc. Don’t look so serious! You will have a great time, you’ll see! “Happy Birthday” to your “right arm”.
She leaves the office.
A. What was that all about?

Eleonora is getting ready for her first poetry evening! She is very anxious and wonders if her poems are good enough for an evening like this.

Maria is trying to make all the girls hurry because they have to leave at 10.00. Christina wonders if there are going to be men at the party but Maria says that her dad will be the only one. Jerry and Popi come in and he is flirting with her so Christina can see him. Christina asks Maria to invite Jerry to her party. Maria invites him and he accepts.

Lilian can’t believe that Alexis is going to Maria’s party. She is very disappointed because she bought the wigs and rented a car for their disguise and now they are not going to follow him. Marcella assures her that they are going to follow him because she doesn’t believe he is going to Maria’s party.

At Alexis’ office:
A. I can’t believe my bad luck!
D. You are the most nagging man I’ve ever known! Marcella didn’t give you a hard time, Maria promised you that you will keep Ecomoda for ever and you have a clever man like me as your best friend. What more do you want to be happy?
A. Try offering your body as a birthday present to Maria and then we’ll see how happy you would be!
D. Don’t talk like that! You make it sound cheap!
A. The whole thing is a cheap game against Maria. Don’t you get this? She doesn’t deserve it!
D. Don’t change your mind now! Whisky?
A. Good idea! I can’t sit here until 11. Let’s go out for a drink.
D. Yes! And I will phone Monica after you are gone.
A. Each one of us will be with the woman that suits him.
D. Why are you saying that my boy? Maria is the only woman with whom you have a good time. You never get bored! with her  Isn’t that so?
A. Yes because we talk about business. Can I talk about business with anyone else around here? About numbers?
D. Numbers! That’s sexy!
A. Shut up! You are an idiot! Let’s go!
They get ready to leave.
A. Now that we talked about numbers, I think I forgot to check a report Maria gave me earlier!
D. Maria and numbers! Who can separate you from both of them!

At the lobby, Maria is wondering where their taxis are. Makis asks them where they are going and Jerry tells him about Maria’s party, so she has to invite him too. Jerry and Makis decide to go home, change and bring some CD’s with them. The girls'  taxis arrive. Marcella and Lillian come out of hiding. Lillian says that she has parked the car near Alexis' so they will see him when he leaves.

Eleonora’s poetry evening is not going very well because Eleonora thinks that one of the other poets stole her work. The doorbell rings and it’s Odysseas who came by to borrow some salt. Eleonora makes him stay.

Outside Ecomoda, Marcella and Lilian are wearing their wigs.  Marcella complains that her head is itching.   th_mf_laughbounce2 Lillian tells her that she looks great with blond hair. They also wear sun glasses. Alexis and Dimitris come out of the building. Alexis is wondering where they are going and Dimitris tells him that he knows a new place. The two girls follow them.

Maria’s dad has decorated the house as if they had a children’s party. Maria and the girls arrive and they all seem a little disappointed by the decoration. Her dad notices the letter M hanging from her neck. The girls wonder where she got it and Maria confesses that Mr. Mantas gave it to her. Maria’s dad seems to like the present and Christina whispers to Martha that Maria is very valuable to Mr. Mantas. Maria tells her dad that she expects two more friends and he says that they are welcome.

Nicolas is having drinks with Angeliki and Sotiris.

At Maria’s party, her dad who is obviously drunk is not being very tactful to the girls. He asks Sofia about her divorce and then tells her that marriages should last for ever. Maria begs her mother to stop him because he is embarrassing her. She tries to stop him but he asks Loukia if she is married and when she says that she doesn’t  know where her husband is he wonders if all of them are dumped by their men. Maria apologizes to the girls.

Eleonora’s evening is going better. Odysseas seems to be flirting with one of the girls there. Eleonora makes him stand up and recite a poem.
At Maria’s party, her dad is talking with Christina. Maria and her mum try to save her from him. Christina tells him that she has a little boy but that she is not married because his dad left and Maria’s dad congratulates her. Christina says that it’s time for some music and Maria’s dad proposes to have some music from his island. Maria’s mum is very embarrassed and takes him to the bedroom.

At the bar, there is tension between Nicolas and Sotiris.

At Maria’s house, her mum orders her husband to stop asking the girls personal questions because he is embarrassing Maria. He promises to behave but he insists on listening to music from his island.

At Marcella’s apartment ,Eleonora’s poetry evening is over. All her guests are gone except one who seemed to enjoyed her poems very much. She goes for a drink with him.

At the bar a man who sells small gifts without a license approaches Nicolas. Sotiris says that it’s a good thing he is not on duty or he will have to arrest him but Nicolas says that trying to survive must not be illegal. He even buys a little thing Angeliki liked and offers it to her.

At Maria’s house her dad is dancing with Loukia. The other girls are bored and Maria is wondering where Jerry is. She looks very worried. She goes to her mother for help.

At the bar, Nicolas is saying to Sotiris that he must be more human to people that are poor and Angeliki agrees with him. They almost get into a fight but she stops them.

At Maria’s house, Maria tells her mum that she has to help her. She says that Mr. Mantas has asked her out for her birthday and she has to leave without her father noticing. Her mum says it’s very difficult but Maria insists.

Marcella and Lillian are following Dimitris and Alexis. Marcella is complaining about her wig. Dimitris notices the car with the two girls and Alexis says that they are good-looking. Dimitris wonders if they should invite them for a drink.

Episode 132 (30)

D. Do you think we should invite them?
A. You are an incorrigible bastard after all!
D. Excuse me?
A. How is Monica?
D. Come on Alex! … All right! You have a point! They are not as beautiful as her! Look at the one with the black hair! She looks as if she is wearing a wig!
L. They can’t take their eyes off of us!
Marc. Don’t look at them! Why aren’t we moving?
L. There must be something going on with the lights. Marcy, they are looking at us all the time! Do you think they recognized us?
Marc. It’s because of the wigs! They think we are bimbos!
L. They are bad boys!
A. The blond one isn’t bad at all! She looks a bit hard to get!
D. You like these hard to get ones! What kind of vice is that? You like the ugly ones, the hard to get ones!
A. Cut it out! What’s going on with that light?
D. Can’t I lower the window and speak to them?
A. Don’t even think about it! I can’t deal with that now!
At Maria’s house:
M. Mum, please! I have to go out with him! I have to!
K. Why are you acting that way? Maraki, look me in the eyes and tell me: is something going on between you and Mr. Mantas?
M. No! Of course not! He just wanted to ask me out for dinner for my birthday!
K. Yes, but he is not alone!
M. Yes but this has nothing to do with my birthday!
K. I am only saying this because I don’t want you to get hurt! You should not allow yourself to fall in love with that man! You understand that, don’t you? He belongs to a different world.
M. This is not the case, mum. He is my boss, I work very hard by his side… that’s why he felt he had to thank me. It’s not such a big deal!
K. I just saw the way you reacted!
M. It will be a very big insult if I don’t go! Can’t you see that?
K. If that’s the case, I will see what I can do!
Maria is very happy and thanks her mum. She asks her what she is going to do with the girls and Maria tells her that the girls know they have to leave by ten.

At the bar near Ecomoda Angeliki is trying to calm the two men down. Sotiris apologizes for his behavior.  His phone rings and they call him back for duty because some guns were stolen from a police station and there is fear that it was a terrorist attack. Some witnesses saw two suspicious looking women, a blond and a brunet, in the area and the police are looking for them.  

Alexis and Dimitris arrive at the new bar and Marcella is furious because she thinks they are going to meet some woman there. She sends Lilian in to spy on them and she agrees although she doesn’t feel comfortable. Marcella tells her that she should phone her and tell her everything.
In the bar.
D. Have a drink my boy! You will need it! Tonight is the big night! Don’t get too drunk though! You will not be able to perform!
Lillian comes in and starts watching them.
A. How could I fall so low, just because I don’t want to lose the company…
D. Think that you are making a sacrifice for the sake of your parents, the shareholders, Marcella…
A. If only she knew…
D. ... For the sake of the poor but honest employees who don’t want Maria for a president! She will make us all look like her! Can you imagine me wearing braces and glasses?
A. If you had just a tiny  part of her intelligence, you would be so much more useful to the company!
D. I will pretend I didn’t hear that! To prove what a good friend I am, look what I’ve brought for you to warm up! He shows him a photo of a model.
Lillian watches the whole thing.
A. You are a true friend!
Lillian orders a drink and calls Marcella. Marcella asks her if they are in the company of women. When Lilian says "no", she thinks that the girls have not arrived yet. Lillian tells her that something strange is going on. Alexis is fondling a photo of Adriana and not the model herself.
Alexis is looking at the picture… but suddenly he sees Maria dressed as the Model saying to him: “be gentle to me tonight Alexis… This night is very important for me… for us!"
He drops the photo!
D. What?
A. What?
D. Why are you goggling like that?
A. It’s the photo! Adrianna became Maria and she talked to me!
D. There is some sense to that but…
A. I am loosing my mind! The picture came to life! Adrianna became Maria and she talked to me!
D. And what did she tell you? Sweet things?
A. Oh my God… I am young… I think I am good-looking…
D. That’s what you think!
A. I am the president of a very big company.
D. That’s what you think!
A. I can have any woman I want and yet tonight I am going to have a night of passion with Maria!
D. Now I am starting to see what you mean.
Alexis notices Lillian and remembers her.

At the bar near Ecomoda, Angeliki is defending Sotiris. Nicolas tells her that she should be more careful with him. She asks him about Lillian.

Lillian is afraid that they will recognize her but Marcella orders her to stay where she is. Alexis tells Dimitris that she is not worth the trouble...
D. You are right. I will call Monica as soon as you leave!
A. Leave to do what? Deceive Maraki?  What did she do to me to deserve this? She was so good to me!

At Maria’s house her dad keeps dancing. Maria wonders what will happen when Jerry comes but Christina says that she is going to take care of him and Maria will not be the only one making love tonight.
Nicolas says to Angeliki that Lillian is very clever and is Alexis right hand.
Maria’s mum tries to send him to bed but he doesn’t want to.
Chr. How are you feeling Maraki? Are you ready?
M. Ready? You are saying that as if I am going to battle!
Chr. It is a battle. The best one! You and Nicolas … Your bodies getting into battle… I hope for a long time! If not, you should get rid of him!
Maria’s dad suspects that his wife has ordered strippers, that’s why she wants to get rid of him. He starts his music again! Jerry and Makis arrive.

At the bar.
A. I think I should be going…
D. (singing) this is the biggest hour…
He hugs Alexis. Lillian isn’t sure what they are doing. She asks Marcella if it ever crossed her mind that Alexis and Dimitris might be gay! Marcella tells her she is crazy and decides to call Alexis.
A. I am going!
D. Any last requests?
A. To strangle you!
D. That’s out of the question! I have to stay alive so I can hear all the juicy details about tonight!
Alexis’ phone rings.
A. It’s Marcella!
D. She has great timing!
A. What am I going to do?
D. Relax! Pick it up and say you are at Maria’s party.
A. What if she asks to talk to her?
D. You will say she in the bathroom. You act as if you've  never cheated on her before!
Alexis tells Marcella that he is at Maria’s house. She says that she will call Lilian and go for a drink. She hangs up.
A. I am saved! I have to go now…
D. I am buying tonight! Be brave!
A. Stop it! Are you going top stay here?
D. Monica is coming but I promise I will be thinking of you tonight!
A. I know you are.
He leaves the bar. Lillian runs after him and they start following him again!

Maria is drinking wine and looks a little dizzy. Everyone is having a good time and dancing. Even her mum dances. Maria looks desperate! She is thinking: I can’t believe that! They seem to have a good time! How can I send them away? Why is my father still up?
She begs her mother to help her. She asks Christina to take care of Jerry. She tells him that she has a date with Nicolas but he says that she should tell him to come later. Maria’s dad decides to go and buy some more wine.

At the bar Nicolas and Angeliki are getting ready to leave but the waiter buys them drinks.

At Maria’s house she seems pretty desperate, her phone rings.
M. Alexis…
A. Maria, are you all right?
M. There is a small problem…
A. what do you mean, is everyone still there?
M. Yes, but don’t worry! I will tell them to leave now! Alexis, don’t worry!
A. Maria, have you been drinking?
M. Me? No!
A. I think it would be better if we avoid meeting tonight! I don’t want them to see me!
M. No! Please... I will arrange everything! You said that we were going to go out tonight!
A. All right but I will wait for you at the corner!
M. Ok. Don’t you worry about a thing!

He drives away. Lillian follows him. Marcella doesn’t understand what he is doing. She thinks he is waiting for someone to come. Alexis sits in his car with his head on the steering wheel.
Maria’s dad appears carrying the wine. He sees Marcella and Lillian and thinks they are prostitutes. Then he notices the car with Alexis in it.
I. Is he dead or asleep?
He knocks on the window! Alexis is scared.
I. Mr. Manta’s! What are you doing here?

Episode 135 (33)

M. Alexis… don’t…
A. I am sorry…
M. No… My hair is caught in your watch… Can you please take it off? All right Alexis… Why did you turn on the lights? It was nothing… I am ok now…
A. This can’t happen. I can’t do it. I can’t do that to you… I can’t Maria … I am sorry.
M. Aren’t you able to…
A. Of course I am! But…
M. But you can’t do it with me…
A. It can’t happen Maria… It’s wrong!
M. You don’t have to say anything more… I understand… I understand very well!
She turns her back to him. He does the same.

Marcella and Odysseas return to her apartment. Marcella is happy to be home.
Marc. Home, sweet home! You can’t imagine how happy I feel.
O. Prison is not for you Marcella!
Marc. Don’t say that word! I hate to think where we would be without you!
O. Now that I look at you more carefully, I think you look a bit like a terrorist.
Marc. Me? A terrorist?
O. Aha! Let me see! Yes you look like one!
Marc. What?
O. Let’s not fool ourselves Marcella, you are a terrorist. You are terrorizing men…
Marc. You can bet on that… that’s why they treat me like that…
O. I don’t want to ask what happened… I mean I don’t think Alexis has anything to do with tonight…
Marc. Let's not talk about it…
O. You are right. I am sorry! I didn’t mean to be indiscreet.
Marc. I think I will take a shower. I want to wash the prison away… God, I never expected I would say that line!
O. Then I should be going…
Marc. Stay if you like! Have a glass of wine, some whisky; there is a lot of food in the fridge. Make yourself at home.
O. Does that mean you want me to stay?
Marc. I can’t bear to stay here alone. But if you have other plans…
O. No… I am tired too…
She smiles and goes in the bedroom. Then she opens the door again.
Marc. Did I say “thank you”?
O. About thirty times.
Marc. Good! We have a long way to go until we reach a million.

In the hotel room.
A. No Maria! How many times do I have to tell you? Listen to me! It’s not what you think!
M. Alexis, please! Let’s not fool ourselves!
A. But it doesn’t have anything to do with…
M. You were confused! That’s all! You thought you were in love with me but you are not! What you feel for me is not love!
A. Let me explain…
M. You don’t have to explain anything to me. I totally understand and I don’t blame you! You are not used to a woman like me and it all you needed was that moment here, in this hotel, to make you understand that you are not in love with me.
A. No! No! You are wrong!
M. You feel affection and devotion for me, but not love. It’s a very different feeling Alexis, and I know this because that’s what I am feeling for you.
A. Maria…yMaraki you don’t begin to understand…
M. I totally understand Alexis. It’s no use… we will talk at the office.
She tries to leave…
A. You are not going anywhere!

At Marcella’s apartment she gets out of her room wearing her pajamas and a towel on her head.
Marc. It didn’t take too long! I hope you are not bor… (she sees the plates he had prepared for her) what’s all this?
O. I emptied your fridge. I hope you don’t mind. I thought that after such an adventure you would feel hungry.
Marc. I’ve just realized that I haven’t eaten anything all day.
O. I don’t know what terrorists eat, so I improvised.
Marc. This terrorist likes that olive pate. You are an angel!
O. That’s not what you used to call me!
Marc. When? Was that before I became a terrorist? I don’t want to talk about those years…
O. Marcella is making jokes now... you are very beautiful…
Marc. Are you serious? I am wearing pajamas and I have a towel on my head.
O. Yes. If you only knew how much I want to take your picture now… I want to do many thinks right now but…
Marc. I am going to get some water. Want some too?
O. Yes...

In the hotel room.
A. Maria, listen to me. Listen to me! I got carried away by my feelings for you, but I don’t want it to happen like this. I don’t want to make love tonight… but not because I am not in love with you…
M. Why then?
A. Because I am deeply in love with you! Because I love you!
M. You don’t want to make love to me because you love me?
A. Yes! Don’t you get it? It’s a very important moment for me and it should be important to you too.
M. It is!!
A. It’s our first time together… I don’t want it to be like this! We come to a hotel; we give fake names as if we were hiding…
M. God, you are right!
A. I want everything to be perfect. To break up with Marcella, resolve the situation with her and then we will be a normal couple.
M. You are right Alexis.
A. I want to be able to look Iraklis in the eyes the next time I see him and not feel ashamed.
M. I am ashamed Alexis... I was drunk and I felt you so close! I needed to feel you so close.
A. Me too Maraki but...
M. But it’s not right! Not before you resolve things with Marcella. I am so sorry Alexis.

At Marcella’s apartment.
Marc. I feel more relaxed now.
O. You see? It’s not that hard!
Marc. Are you trying to tell me that I am neurotic?
O. I will tell you a story my grandfather used to tell me. Once upon a time in a faraway kingdom…
Marc. I can’t believe you are going to tell me a fairytale!
O. … the king decided to send his son to a wise man to educate him so he can become king one day.
Marc. That has nothing to do with me so far…
O. Wait. The young prince arrived at the wise man’s house. He was sitting in his garden, which was surrounded by a wall with beautiful paintings on it.
Marc. Paintings…
O. The wise man gave the boy a spoon full of wine and told him to walk around the garden holding the spoon. The prince did it, being very careful not to spill the wine. When he came back the wise man asked him what paintings he liked. The price answered that he didn’t see them because he was trying not to spill the wine.
Marc. He was right!
O. “you are wrong” the wise man said. “Sometimes it’s a good think to have a goal as long as you don’t miss all the beautiful things around it. You will be poor if you do, left alone with your goal”
Marc. Why are you telling me this?
O. You can spill some of the wine Marcella… It’s not the end of the world…
Marc. No it’s not…
O. “Tomorrow the paintings may be destroyed forever and you may never get the chance to see them again” said the wise man. Marcella, are you all right? Are you crying? Why? It’s just a fairy tale!
Marc. No, Odysseas… It's my life…
He kisses her on the cheek and almost on the lips. They separate.
O. I am sorry Marcella… you are very vulnerable tonight…
Marc. Yes… and very beautiful in these pajamas.
O. It’s their fault…
Marc. Odysseas… do you know what I want this moment? A hug! Can you hold me for a while?
O. For as long as you like, my pajama girl… for as long as you like…

In the hotel room Maria is crying.
M. What must you think of me! You are so kind!
A. Maraki, please stop crying! We will be running out of toilet paper pretty soon…
M. Really? I am sorry…
A. I was only joking, silly… you don’t have to worry about my opinion.
M. Can you please hold me? It will be totally innocent!
A. Of course I can… come here… let us lie down…

At the bar Christina is trying to get Jerry’s attention but he doesn’t want to speak to her. She invites him to dance with her  but he gets up and dances with someone else. She leaves him in the bar.

In the hotel room Alexis and Maria are sleeping. Alexis is having a nightmare and is yelling :Terramoda, Terramoda…He wakes up!
M. What’s going on? Alexis…
A. What time is it?
M. Oh my god! My dad!
A. I can’t believe this! I am taking you home and then God help me…
M. Were you having a nightmare?
A. I saw that Ecomoda was destroyed and that a huge crocodile appeared…its name was Terra… I mean Terras.
M. Terras?

At Maria’s house her mum is praying for her little girl. Maria comes in and starts crying. Her mum asks her if Mr. Mantas did something to her. Maria says that he was a gentleman but she is sorry she is late. Her mum says that the important thing is that she had a good time.

Alexis arrives at Marcella’s and sees her sleeping on the couch with Odysseas. He wakes them up and wonders if he is bothering them.

Maria is writing in her diary: “he is such a gentleman, so different. I thought men like him don’t exist. It was the most wonderful night of my life! We didn’t make love but I slept in his arms. I am sure he loves me.”

At Marcella’s, Odysseas is trying to explain what happened but Alexis doesn’t want to listen. He orders Odysseas to leave and calls him a bastard. Marcella demands that he asks Odysseas to forgive him. Odysseas says that Marcella had an unfortunate adventure and Marcella says to Alexis that he is the last person who can make a scene. Odysseas leaves saying that Marcella is a lady. Alexis shouts that he doesn’t need him to tell him who Marcella is.
Marcella says to him that he should be ashamed of himself and tells him that Lilian and she were arrested as terrorists. Alexis tries to calm her down. She says that “the bastard” came to help her the moment he called him. She wonders where he was when she was feeling afraid. He says there was a lot of noise at the party but Marcella tells him that he is never around when she needs him.

Maria is writing: “He wants everything to be perfect! I will never forget my birthday. I felt so warm in his arms”. Her dad comes in and she pretends to sleep. He asks her if she is happy and she thanks him for everything. Her dad tells her that he loves her very much.

At Marcella’s, she asks him where he was all night and he confesses that he had a drink with Dimitris because Dimitris wanted to discuss something in private. Marcella seems to believe him and they start kissing when he suddenly sees Maria.
M. Alexis! I love you! I trust you! I know you love me too.
He pulls away. Marcella asks him what’s wrong and he says “I am too tired, and we don’t have many hours left to sleep. I have to work in the morning… I will take a shower and go to bed. I am very tired!” Marcella looks troubled.

The next day Makis has a terrible hangover. Maria comes in and Christina tells her that her night out with Jerry was a disaster; she asks her what happened with Nicolas. Alexis and Marcella arrive. Marcella congratulates Maria on the success of her party. She says that Alexis had a great time and tells her that next year she might come too.
They leave and Christina says that they seemed strange. Jerry and Popi arrive and Jerry is paying her a compliment.

The other girls are sleepy. When they see Maria they demand to know what happened with Nicolas. Maria is trying to avoid them and is saved by Marcella who orders Marianna to return to her office. She asks her to come by her office first. Marianna is scared. Martha says that Marcella looks very upset. Marianna asks them to pray for her. Maria manages to escape Martha. On her way to the office she sees Lillian crying. Lillian tells her that she realized that if she went to jail no one would come to help her…

Marcella asks Marianna what happened to Maria’s party.

In Alexis office.
A. So you didn’t get into trouble.
M. No! My father was asleep!
A. I am glad Maria. I don’t want to get you into trouble.
M. I wouldn’t mind getting into trouble for you… What about you?
A. What about me?
M. I am sorry… was Marcella awake when you came back?
A. .....
M. I am sorry; I don’t have the right to…
A. No Maria, you have every right! I wanted to explain it to you.
M. You don’t have to…
A. I had to go to her house because I said I would. I didn’t want her to suspect me.
M. Of course not!
A. But I only slept there! I swear to you Maria. Nothing happened between us.
M. You don’t have to report to me…
A. I want you to know that I had a wonderful time with you.
M. Me too! Being with you was the best birthday gift!
A. I want you to know that it felt wonderful to sleep next to you….
M. Really?
A. Yes Maria, you sleep beautifully… very tranquilly…
M. Sometimes, when I have a cold I think I snore a little.
A. But you didn’t have a cold yesterday…
They look at each other. The phone rings.
M. The phone rings…
A. Yes. I can hear it…
M. It’s coming from my office. I should get it.
A. You should get it…
She goes in her office. He is still smiling when his phone rings. It’s Dimitris and he asks him to meet him in the board room.

Marcella asks Marianna if Alexis talked on the phone during the party, She says no and she tells him that Mr. Mantas was tortured by Maria's dad all night.

Maria tells her dad that Mr. Mantas was just telling her he had a great time. She tells him that she is glad he changed his mind about Alexis. When she hangs up he says to herself: ‘who would have thought it possible! Even my dad likes him! He wins them al, because he is the greatest man in the world!”
Alexis goes into the board room.
A. I didn’t know we had a meeting?
D. Talk to me!
A. About what?
D. Tell me what happened yesterday.
A. What you wanted! We did it! Are you happy now?

Episode 136 (34)

D. What happened yesterday?
A. What you wanted! We did it! Are you happy now?
D. Wait a second… was it so terrible?
A. Terrible… it wasn’t terrible… it was dramatic.
D. I know it must be dramatic for you…
A. I will tell you something my friend. Believe it or not it was not dramatic only for me… it was for her too… it was a difficult night for both of us.
D. I know it must have been difficult… let me tell you something Alexis! You are a hero! You are my hero!
A. And I should be! After what I did, you owe me a lot!
D. Ecomoda owes you! I just had an idea so you will not loose your most valuable asset! Maria lost it though… isn’t it so?
A. Now you know what you wanted! We did it! End of discussion.
D. No! No! Wait! Where are you going? Let’s talk!
A. Look my friend… last night I didn’t make love with a desirable woman, I didn’t sleep with a model…
D. You can say that again!
A. I made love to the only person who can save me! My assistant! A woman who is very much in love… and no one can ridicule that!
D. You are right.
A. I can’t say I am not affected! I am! I am not made out of steel!
D. I know you are not but are you going to tell me that you started having feelings for her?
A. Guilt! If you must know I feel guilty!
D. Can you please calm down? Come! Have a seat! Tell me everything!
A. OK but you will not joke about it! Things are very serious… very serious.
D. OK, no jokes! Things are serious and I will be serious too.

Maria is in her office but can’t concentrate on her work. She is writing Alexis name instead of her report. Christina comes in and asks her to confess everything about her night with Nicolas.

At the pastry shop, Argiro and Angeliki are talking about a movie (Indecent Proposal) she saw and Angeliki says that it must be terrible to be forced to make love with someone you don’t want to.

At Ecomoda.
D. Alexis, you are a hero! I can’t begin to understand how you managed to make love to a woman you can’t bear to watch! Or can you?

Maria is lying to Christina. She tells her that she made love and that he told her that he was dreaming about this moment from the start. Christina wants more details. She asks Maria if they did it on the floor, the chair or the bathtub and Maria says on the bed. Christina asks her if there was passion and Maria tells her that there was… (she remembers that she slept in his arms). She tells Christina that it was the most wonderful night of her life!

At the board room.
A. When we hung up, I tried to calm down… I poured myself a drink and tried to relax… until Maria came out of the bathroom.
D. Was she naked?
A. No Dimitris! Let me finish!
D. Sorry! I will not interrupt you again.
A. She came out of the bathroom and came near me. I was frozen, I couldn’t move!
D. That makes sense!
A. She noticed that and she started crying and she said something to me no woman has ever told me till now!
D. That she sees you triple from desire?
A. No! She said that she knows she is not a desirable woman and that there is no way I would want her.
D. She is a very clever one!
A. I couldn’t bear to see her like that… I hugged her…
D. There you go!
A. I kissed her, I told her that I wanted her very much and that I love her…
D. Very good! And then?
A. Then we made love.
D. Just like that?
A. Did all this seem simple to you?
D. And her world became light pink with baby blue clouds! The little monster from the first floor finally made love for the first time!
A. Dimitris, don’t talk about her like that!
D. What did I say?
A. You called her a “little monster”. What was that? A compliment?
D. My friend… you had feelings for her from the start… now that you made love, you are hooked!
A. Cut it out!
D. I can’t understand what kind of new vice you developed in your old age!
A. Will you stop? I don’t want to hear your irony! Can’t you understand? Please leave…
D. Sorry! I will try to control myself!

Maria tells Christina that Nicolas behaved like a gentleman. Christina asks her what she means and tells her that passion and gentleness don’t match. Maria tells her that after last night she thinks he truly loves her.

At the board-room.
A. I don’t see why you find it so hard to believe. Yes! I love Maria! Why does that sound incredible to you?
D. Why really?
A. From the first day she came here, she is by my side, she supports me, she is getting me out of trouble! I have only seen good things from her! It makes perfect sense for me to love her! She has given me nothing but love!
D. Last night she gave you something else too…
A. That doesn’t mean I am in love with her. Can't  you see the difference?
D. I can! Are you sure you can too?
A. I can’t have this conversation anymore. The only woman I am in love with is Marcella.

Marcella tells Lilian that Alexis came back very late the night before and he claimed he was at Maria’s party. Marcella says that she is really worried, that she is certain that he was with another woman and that for the first time she thinks that things are very serious. She says that what Alexis has is not just another affair and that he is in love. Lilian tries to calm her down saying that they don’t even know if he is seeing someone else but Marcella tells her “ I know Alexis… he had a lot of affairs but he always came back to me… last night, he didn’t want to make love to me for the first time”. She leaves her office almost crying.

At the pastry shop, Sotiris tells everyone what happened the night before. He says that one of the women he arrested worked in Ecomoda and her name was Lilian. Nicolas is very angry that he arrested Lilian, Argiro is very proud of her son but Sotiris wonders why Lilian didn’t call him for help. Nicolas says she was probably ashamed.

Marcella is having a cup of coffee by herself when Odysseas comes in.
O. May I? I am glad I found you here. I was going to call you anyway! I have a surprise for you!
Marc. Really?
A. Yes. It’s something that will finally make you smile.
Marc. That seems very hard…. Impossible at the moment!
O. Wait till you see what I have brought for you.
Marc. What is it?
O. Do you know that you are very photogenic?

At Ecomoda, Alexis goes into his office and looks into Maria’s office. He sees her daydreaming that he is singing to her and then tells her that they will have sex only when they are married. She dreams that he is proposing to her one more time and of course she says “YES”
Christo comes in and tells Alexis that he hasn’t been paying attention to the company lately. He has his new collection ready and he needs to show them his designs so they can begin production. Alexis tells him that he is right and asks Maria to arrange for a small meeting so Christo can show them the new collection.

Marcella is looking at some photos Odysseas took when she was having ice cream with Christina’s little boy. Marcella says that she loved the little boy and that children make her laugh. Odysseas says that children make him feel like a small boy again.
O. You are very beautiful when you smile… you should do that more often.
Marc. Alexis is doing everything in his power to erase the smile from my face.
O. You must not allow this to anyone!
Marc. I know this but…
O. No buts! No woman deserves to have a man that makes her cry… unless it’s from laughter.

At Alexis office.
D. Why are you looking like that?
A. Come in and sit down.
D. Did she ask you to do it again?
A. No… We are supposed to be doing all this to save Ecomoda, and doing all that I forgot that the new collection is approaching.
D. Thar’s good… isn’t it?
A. No it isn’t! Maria!
M. Yes Mr. Alexis.
A. Please have a seat.
D. How are you Maria? What’s new?
M. I am ok, thank you!
A. As you know our new collection is ready and Christo wants to present it to us. That unfortunately presents us with some problems.
D. I don’t like his tone of voice…
M. Me too…
Alexis explains to them that he has to invite Sergios and his parents and they will definitely ask for financial reports and that no one must know that Ecomoda is not his anymore. He asks Maria to let them know where they stand after the last sales reports.

At the coffee shop.
Marc. Come on Odysseas… you can’t be serious!
O. I am always serious when I talk to you.
Marc. There is no man on earth who will not make a woman cry more than once…
O. I know what you mean but I think that no woman should cry for a man.
Marc. So what you are saying is that when a woman finds out that the man she loves and has invested all her dreams on, is deceiving her, she shouldn’t feel sad…
O. All that is part of the game… that’s not why a woman cries!
Marc. It’s because she feels rejected…
O. Rejection is the wrong message that you women get, when you haven’t discovered your biggest weapon!
Marc. What’s that?
O. Your femininity.
Marc. I don’t see how my femininity is going to help me while Alexis has broken every record of deception.
O. And what are you going to do about it? Are you going to swallow deception or are you going to stand in front of a mirror and see what I am seeing?
His phone rings and it’s the girl from the poetry evening. Marcella asks him for more details about her.

At Alexis’ office.
A. Well Maria?
M. Our sales were the best ever!
D. That’s very good..
A. Wait a moment… Maria, continue…
M. There is no way we can cover our debts based on one collection.
A. Of course we can’t!
M. I am sorry…
D. What do we do?
A. We have to study the figures and you Maria must make all the reports.
M. Are we going to show them the real situation?
A. That’s out of the question. We have to fake the numbers…and that’s something only you can do Maria…
D. As always…
A. I hope this is the last time I have to ask you this, but you have to work your magic again. Maria, please…. Please…
M. OK. Mr. Alexis, I will do it.

At Maria’s house her dad is very disappointed that almost all the girls that came to the party were divorced. Her mum says that that’s life. She tells him that she was afraid he would insult Christina but Iraklis says that every woman who raises a child alone has his respect. The door bell rings and Keti is very surprised by what she sees.

Maria is working in her office but she sees her father, as the voice of her conscience, telling her that what she is doing with the numbers is not right. She tries to make excuses for what she is doing.

At the coffee shop.
Marc. So you met her in a poetry evening.
O. Wait till you know who organized that evening.
Marc. Who?
O. Eleonora.
Marc. My sister?
O. Oh yes! Eleonora, at your house!
Marc. My house is a very happy place when I am away.
O. I am sure it would be a happier one if you were there…
Marc. I am sorry I ruined your date…
O. We were out for drinks…
Marc. And you left her?
O. I had to get you out of jail!
Marc. Seriously now… you left the girl to come to me?
O. Don’t you know by know, that I am in love with you?

Episode 139 (37)

A. As if you don’t know what will happen if I refuse to marry Marcella. What will my parents say? Sergios?
D. What about Marcella herself? She did everything in her power to get you to marry her.
A. I can’t do that to her. I can’t leave her like that! I gave her my word!
D. You can’t leave Maria either… You know how she is. She will not accept to be with you if you are a married man.
A. Yes. She has her moral standards.
D. You are between Maria and Marcella… If you displease Marcella, you loose the company. If you displease Maria, you loose the company too…I don’t think you have many options. Tell me, my friend…
A. Yes!
D. Do you have any other ambitions or dreams? We have to find an alternative carrier for you… You can’t be unemployed!
A. Even if I am not unemployed, Sergios will eat me alive. It’s as simple as that! Think of something! There must be something we can do.
D. Do you remember what the motto of an old Greek movie was? What was it? “Groom or deceased”? .... I’ve got an idea!
A. I hope you don’t want me to stage my death? There is no way I am doing something like that!
D. No, No…. Why didn’t I think of that before?
A. Tell me!
D. It’s very simple! You will postpone the wedding!

Maria is crying in her office. She remembers what the girls told her about Nicolas and she decides to call him. She begins by telling him that he is a Casanova and he must not call there like he was calling a hot line. Nicolas tells her that he is establishing good public relations. Maria asks him why he almost asked Lilian for a date and Nicolas asks her if she has her office bugged. Maria tells him that the whole company knows about this and that must not be, because he is supposed to be her boyfriend. Nicolas is very displeased because he thinks that he is loosing his opportunity with Lilian but Maria tells him that he will sabotage their plan if he continues.
N. If I were your boyfriend I would have been sick of all these “don’ts”.
M. It’s a good thing you are not… (at this point Alexis and Dimitris come in and start listening)…Do you hear me Nicolas? You are flirting with Lilian, putting everything we have built in danger and making me look foolish in front of my friends.
N. All right… I see that you are bothered by my intimacy with Lilian. All right Maria, I will end it.
M. End what? You haven’t even met her properly.
N. Of course I have! All right… have it your way but you have to know that you are heartless and cruel! Know this!
He hangs up!
M. God! What a mess!

A. I don’t get this! I have to confess I am lost. What was she saying?
D. I will tell you! It was a scene of jealousy! A big one! She told him off!
A. Yes, but where did Nicolas meet Lilian? Where did he flirt with her? And why should Maria care? She is supposed to be with me!
D. Yes but you are one step away from church and Nicolas isn’t! We must not talk about it any longer! You must postpone the wedding now and throw all your troops to the “Maria” front.

Maria comes in and throws some papers on his desk. She looks furious.
D. She is ready to charge!
A. Maria!
M. Yes!
A. Is something wrong?
M. No Mr. Mantas! I have some domestic problems, nothing more! Excuse me!
D. I have never seen her like this! You must postpone the wedding now!
Marcella comes in.
Marc. What’s going on? Am I interrupting anything?

Nicolas is asking Lilian to forgive him, looking at her picture. He is dreaming that Lilian is in the pastry shop and she is complaining to him for abandoning her. He promises her that, when the whole thing with Terramoda is over, he will be all hrs. His mother interrupts his daydreaming and sends him to deliver a cake.

At Alexis’ office.
Marc. Don’t worry! I didn’t come here to discuss the wedding! I know this subject scares you.
A. Marcella …..
Marc. I came to tell you that Sergios has arrived but I guess that scares you too.
A. Marcella…
D. I think I must leave you to talk…. We will meet at Christo’s office.
Marc. You do look pale! I wonder what the reason is… Out wedding or Sergios?
A. Neither! Definitely not our wedding. You know very well…
Marc. Our wedding! I know how busy you are lately, baby and I don’t want this to burden you with unnecessary obligations. We had better cancel it.
Alexis sees the end of Maria’s note on his desk.
Marc. You look pale again! I thought you would be glad! Don’t you want to cancel our wedding Alexis?

Maria’s parents are trying to amuse the baby by singing to her. The baby starts crying because it’s time to be changed.

At Ecomoda
Marc. Did you swallow your tongue? What are you hiding there? A love note again?
A. No, Marcella my love….
Marc. Relax baby… you are free to get love notes, kisses and anything else! You are saved! There is not going to be a wedding.
A. I didn’t swallow my tongue! I just don’t think this is the place to discuss these matters!
Marc. Why, my love? So that Maria won’t hear us?
A. Maria? What’s Maria got to do with it!
Marc. She has everything to do with it!
A. I don’t understand.
Marc. She has everything to do with your dirty work and I am sure she is already best friends with your girlfriend.
A. How many times do I have to tell you! There is no one else! You are being paranoid.
Marc. I know there is someone else Alexis! I know it! I don’t care if Maria hears it! So much the better! She can tell your girlfriend that you are as free as a bird!
A. Can’t you have some patience? We can discuss this at your apartment!
Marc. Discuss what? Either we get married or not! It’s no use discussing it!
Sergios comes in.
Marc. We had set dates, told everybody, the magazines wrote it! But then she came and our little boy wants to discuss it because he is confused again.
S. Your little boy was born confused! Very much so!
Marc. I didn’t hear you come in,
A. Of course you didn’t! He didn’t bother to knock. It seems that at the Ministry, where he works, they don’t knock. Isn’t that so?
S. The truth is that there is a draft in here so it wasn’t closed. But I heard enough…
Marc. Sergios, you have no idea what’s going on…
S. I don’t need to have a great imagination! Did some fair lady made you cancel the wedding? You are so predictable! It’s boring.
A. Your spitefulness is boring!
Marc. Sergios, stop! Let’s go find Christo.

They leave. Maria goes back to her seat and when Alexis comes in her office she pretends to be busy.
A. I am sorry Maria; I see you are busy….
M. I am very busy!
A. Sergios is here. We are going to see Christo’s designs.
M. You should go!
A. Don’t you want to come and take a look at the new collection?
M. What is the point? I don’t think that giving my opinion will serve any purpose. I am very busy anyway…
Alexis leaves a bit disappointed.

Nicolas is in the taxi. The taxi driver tells him that he just heard a very touching story from a client who came from the USA and was a musician who left his family to pursue his career.

At Christo’s office the models are getting ready. The phone rings and it’s Popi's boyfriend. She tells him she doesn’t want to talk to him and he obviously asks her to forgive him. Christo obliges her hang up. Sergios and Marcela come in. Sergios says that they are waiting for Alexis to destroy Ecomoda and then join them. He starts insulting Monica and she answers back. Dimitirs comes in followed by Alexis.

Nicolas is interested because obviously the client was his father. He asks the taxi driver if the man found a donor but the taxi driver telsl him that he didn’t care for his life anymore. He says that the client told him it was enough for him to see his son.
Iraklis is changing the baby and says to his wife that they must notify the police.

The girls are having lunch and trying to make Martha hurry up, so they can see the new collection. Lilian insults them by saying that they will never be able to see the new collection and the girls tell her that they know she is trying to steel Maria’s boyfriend

Christo is ready to present the dresses but it seems that Popi has an accident so they must wait for a few minutes. Sergios goes to make some phone calls and Marcella goes to her office. Dimitris asks Alexis if he talked to her about postponing the wedding but Alexis answers that she asked him to cancel it. Dimitris asks him if he was stupid enough to accept because this was probably a trap. Alexis says that he knows better than this.
A. The worse thing is that Sergios overheard us.
D. That's not good.
A. Such bad luck! The only thing that made him control himself until now was the fact that I was going to marry his sister.
D. I don’t want to know how he will react if he finds out….

Marcella goes in her office. Someone knocks on her door. She thinks it’s Lilian but it’s Odysseas. He asks her what’s wrong and she says it’s Alexis and the fact that he doesn’t want to commit. Odysseas tells her that this is a disease most of the men have and asks her if marrying Alexis is what she really wants. She says yes and tells him that she wanted to marry him ever since she was a small girl. She says that she will marry him no matter what. Odysseas says that if that's what she wants, she is going to manage it.

At the restaurant, Lilian denies that she is after Maria’s boyfriend but the girls tell her that she is jealous Maria is with someone and she is alone. Lilian is ready to leave when Maria comes in and asks her if it’s true that she is trying to steal her man.

At Christo’s office the models are almost ready. Sergios comes in and starts looking at Monica.
D. Look how he is looking at her. I am mad.
A. She is looking at him too.
D. I don’t like these looks.
A. What's going on Dimitris? Are you jealous?
D. Me! Jealous! This word doesn’t exist in my vocabulary. You know I am not committing.
A. I know, but it’s a long time since you’ve flown for a new nest.
D. Because Monica’s nest is very cozy.
A. I know you feel warm there. You are being monogamous and that worries me.
D. You have to separate monogamy from jealousy. Look how he is looking at her. He is like a crow.
The girls are ready and they all see the first part of the new designs.

Maria’s mum is feeding the baby. Keti convinces Iraklis to keep the baby for a few days just in case the mother returns.

When the girls go to change, Sergios approaches Alexis.
A. How did you like the designs?
S. They are good… but you know me, the only way to know the value of a collection is by its sales.
D. Like a true artist!
S. I never said I was one. I am a business man I only care about results. Everything is clear in my head unlike Mr. President's.
A. The president is interested in profit too…
S. I am not going to loose my time talking about that with you. I want to talk to you about your wedding.
A. My wedding is none of your business.
S. Wrong… because your wedding is connected to my business interests.
D. Don’t tell me you invested on the flower shop.
S. Good one! Alexis do us both a favor and don’t marry my sister.
A. How dare you! If she heard you!
S. She is the most precious person in my life and I know she will not be happy with you. Leave her alone.
A. You are not well…
S. I am very well. If you don’t marry her we will not have to see each other again.
A. I don’t understand what you are saying.
S. If you separate, we can sell our shares and leave Ecomoda.



Episode 140 ( 38 )

A. I am pleased to see that you are so loyal to our parents’ dreams. It’s very touching.
S. We are both businessmen Alexis… There is no room for sentiment in our business.
A. Don’t you think we should inform the other parties involved? If this is Ecomoda’s last collection, they should now!
S. If everything goes well… Yes! This would be Ecomoda's last collection! Why hide it?

At El Rostro, Lillian tells Maria that if she really wanted to get her boyfriend they wouldn’t be having this conversation because she wouldn’t have a boyfriend anymore… Maria answers that in that case she is not as effective as she thinks because Nicolas is still her boyfriend. Lilian tells her that she is right to feel insecure and advises her to do something with her hair. Lilian leaves saying that she has to go and look Christo’s collection. The girls congratulate Maria for standing up to Lilian and they invite her to sit with them. Maria says that she is very busy and she will only have a juice. The girls advise her not to be sad because of Lilian.

At Christo’s office.
Marc. Sergios, are you out of your mind?
S. I was planning on telling you Marcella. We have decided to divide Ecomoda.
A. You decided. I never said anything!
S. It’s the right time to go through with this. If you decide not to get married, there is no point to continue.
Marc. I can’t believe this! You want to leave Ecomoda? Our father founded this company!
S. No… I think the name and the assets of the company can be negotiated. I am certain Alexis will be reasonable.
D. Alexis is reasonable. Someone else is out of his mind.
Christo scolds them for saying things like that in front of the models because they get upset. Sergios tells him not to worry because he will keep his job. Marcella says that they must not discuss this in front of all the employees and Sergios tells Alexis that he should think about his offer and present a detailed report of Ecomoda’s financial status at the next board meeting. Alexis tells him that he will have everything ready for him. Christo tells Marcella to keep him informed if she is planning to cancel the wedding so he would not bother to make the wedding dress.

In front of the elevator.
S. I am usually bored at Christo’s presentations but this was a thrilling one.
A. I will marry your sister (Maria hears this coming out of the elevator) so don’t get too exited yet.
M. Excuse me for a moment…
A. Sorry Maria.
S. You didn’t ask my sister! She might not want to marry you anymore,
A. We will see about that!
S. Good afternoon.
He goes to the elevator and Dimitris stops him and asks him why he wants Monica to get fired. Sergios says that it’s his business and when Dimitris insists, he advises him to ask Monica because she will give him more juicy details.

At the pastry shop, Nicolas' mum was worried because it took him a long time to come back. He asks her for a cup of coffee and when she goes to the other room he finds his dad’s telephone number and he calls him saying that they need to meet.

Dimitris goes into Christo's office to find Monica. She is very happy to see him but when he tells her that he asked Sergios for the reason of his dislike, she is upset. Dimitris asks her what the problem between her and Sergios is and Monica tells him not to insist because it has nothing to do with him. Lilian comes in to see the collection and overhears their argument. Dimitris insists and Monica asks him to respect her private life. Dimitris tells her that if she had something with Sergios, he should now. Monica denies everything and tells him that she is fed up with the whole thing. She leaves looking very angry.

At the lobby, Jerry wants to escort Popi to her house but she denies saying that she has to be serious if she wants Spyros to see her more seriously. Christina makes fun of him.

At Maria’s house her parents have put the baby to sleep. Her mum tells her dad that they should buy a crib and some toys for the baby. Maria’s mum says that she is wondering what Maria will say. Iraklis insist that they should take the baby to the police and while they are arguing about it, the baby wakes up.

At Alexis’ office.
D. Isn’t Maria the one gathering the reports?
A. Yes, but give this to me. You cannot imagine how edgy she is since this morning.
D. She is not the only one. Something is wrong today… Is it an eclipse? Is it a full moon? You should see Monica…
A. Did you make a scene about Sergios?
D. I didn’t get the chance! She made a scene because I dared to ask her what was wrong.
A. Maybe she doesn’t want to open up!
D. I didn’t ask her about her childhood… I only wanted to know about Sergios.
Marcella comes in.
Marc. Here is my report!
She throws it on his desk.
A. Marcella?
Marc. What do you want?
A. Calm down… I didn’t say anything… I wanted to ask you where you are going.
Marc. I will do as I please… I may go out or I may stay in. It’s none of your business.
She leaves, slamming the door.
D. If she goes home, she will start braking things…
A. Now… I want you to be calm and polite.
He picks the phone up and calls Maria.
A. Maraki… can you please come in?
Maria comes in.
M. Yes Mr. Mantas.
D. You look beautiful today.
A. Here are the reports from Dimitris and Marcella. Do you have the other ones?
M. Yes.
A. Good. I want you to make a general report.
M. As you wish.
A. Thank you Maria.   Ahhhh Maria!
M. Yes Mr. Mantas
A. Make an appointment with Loukia so we can calculate the cost.
M. As you wish.
Maria goes to her office slamming the door.
D. This can’t go on… You will have a nervous breakdown.
A. They will demolish my office the way they are both slamming the doors.
D. You are surrounded by female lions that are ready to devour you….
A. You are forgetting Sergios.
D. Please tell me… What company does he wish to divide?
A. Company… there is no company. What will I say to him? Come by next year and I will have something for you?
D. I have faith in you.
A. If we are not to divide the company (In a lower voice) I would have to marry Marcella.
D. And if you want no one to know that you don’t own Ecomoda anymore, you should reconcile with Maraki.
A. Do you think I can do it?
D. I don’t have a doubt! You have to win them both tonight.., starting with Maraki. That’s why I brought you another picture of our beloved Adrianna. She is doing a new show on TV.
A. Good for her.
He gives the photo back to Dimitris but he insists to keep it.
D. You need it more than I do. I am sure one day you will be laughing at the whole thing. I just don't know when.
A. I hope so but I am afraid I am not going to come out of this situation unharmed.

Lilian asks Marcella if she knows anything about Monica and Dimitris but Marcella is not in the mood to talk and tells her she is insensitive. She also tells her she wants to be alone.

Maria is getting ready to leave when Alexis comes in.
A. Are you leaving?
M. I will deal with the rest tomorrow, if that’s all right with you.
A. Of course not! Can I drive you home?
M. Better not Mr. Mantas.
A. Why not? And why are you calling me “Mr. Mantas” again? I thought we are past that….
M. Mr. Mantas, let’s not make it any harder.
A. What are you saying Maria? And why are you talking to me as if I am only your boss?
M. Because that’s what you are Alexis. That’s not going to change. The fact that you are going to get married is not going to change either.
A. Don’t’ say that… don’t say that…
M. Am I wrong? I am surprised at myself for not thinking about it. If I had thought about it I might not have behaved the way I did.
A. Please! Can I drive you home? We have to talk and this is not the place. Please…
M. All right.
A. Shall we?
He tries to take her hand but she steps back.
They go out of the office and Lilian tries to find out where Alexis is going. He tells her that he will take Maria home and that Lilian can tell this to her friend. She tries to deny that she is giving information to Marcella. When they leave she calls Marcella but she tells her she doesn’t care because she is not going to marry Alexis.

Dimitris goes to El Rostro and he finds Monica. He tries to explain to her that he is not used in having steady relationships but now that he does he feels they should share everything. Monica tells him that she can keep some things to herself but he insists that this is not what a relationship is about. He wonders what she would do if she were in his place but Monica gets angry and leaves. Lilian, who is sitting by the bar, asks him if she could join him.

In Alexis' car
M. I’d better go! Goodnight!
A. Wait a second! I want to tell you some things.
M. I am listening.
A. It’s not that easy.
M. I am listening Alexis.
A. Maria, what characterizes our relationship is mutual trust. Am I right?
M. So far…
A. I am right… from the first moment you came to the office you showed me that I can trust you completely.
M. Of course!
A. But you trust me completely too… isn’t that so? That’s why you are helping me… because you know I will never harm you.
M. I don’t know Alexis… some things are beyond our control.
A. I know that what I am about to ask you is hard. I want you to trust me one more time. You trusted me in our professional relationship and now I want you to trust our love too. Because I love you! Don’t you know that?
M. You may love me but you are going to marry Marcella. I don’t want you to cancel your wedding because of me! I don’t want anyone to get hurt….
A. Maria, wait a moment! I am not going to cancel my wedding.

Lilian and Dimitris are having a conversation about relationships. Dimitris says that he must be doing something wrong because every time he tries to have a serious relationship something goes wrong.

In Alexis car.
M. I don’t understand you Alexis. Is this what you wanted to tell me? I know that you are not going to cancel your wedding! Good for you! I don’t know why I should endure this?
A. Stop! I haven’t finished yet! I can’t cancel my wedding! If it were in my power I would have separated a long time ago!
M. If it were in my power you wouldn’t be engaged… but you are!
A. Listen to me! Sergios gave me an ultimatum today. He knows that things between Marcella and me are not good. He told me that if there is no wedding he will ask from the board to split our capitals.
M. What?
A. Yes! He wants to divide Ecomoda and you know very well that this is not possible because there is no Ecomoda to divide.
M. There is Alexis! I am going to give it back to you.
A. This can’t be done! You know it! If you give Ecomoda back to me, the banks will take it. Ecomoda must remain in your hands until I pay my debts.
M. So you can’t take the risk. You have to marry Marcella.
A. That’s why I can’t cancel the wedding. It will be like sabotaging all our efforts.
M. Then…we can’t be together.
A. Of course we can, if you trust me! I will go on with the wedding preparations until  the board meeting, we will have the new collection and when we pay our debts to the banks I will be able to talk to Marcella.
M. And?
A. I will tell her the truth… That I am not in love with her… that I don’t want to marry her.
M. Alexis, are you crazy?
A. I am crazy for you!
He kisses her.

Lilian tells Dimitris that he is scared he is not going to meet real love in a relationship. She tells him that she is not angry at him and that she knows she pushed him too hard. Dimitris tells her that she didn’t try to trap him like others do. She advises him to try and discuss things with Monica. Dimitris says that he might not deserve to find true love.

In Alexis car.
A. we are both crazy Maria. I never thought I will experience something like that! I love you more each day!
M. Me too Alexis! I love you too!
A. So we can’t break up! Don’t do this to our love…
M. How can you do this to Marcella? How can you let her believe that you are going to marry her and then leave her? It’s not right! It’s terrible; it’s calculative… I can’t let you do this.
A. But I don’t have any other choice and it will be for a short while! Don’t you think that Marcella doesn’t deserve to be with someone who doesn’t love her? Don’t you agree?
M. I don’t know… I feel awkward.
A. Do you think it’s easy for me? How can I endure not having you, not being able to say to the world that you are mine…. That I love you…. That we are going to live together for ever.
M. Do you really mean this Alexis?
A. what my love?
M. That we are going to live together forever?
A. Of course I do!
M. Let me understand this. When all those lies are over, are we going to get married?

Episode 145 (43)

Alexis stops his car.
M. Where are we?
A. I have no idea! But here we can talk without interruptions.
M. We have nothing to talk about! Why didn’t you bring Adrianna here? I am sure you will have more to talk about!
A. I don’t believe that! Maria, are you jealous?
His phone rings.
A. It’s Marcella.
M. Pick it up! I am leaving!
A. Come on Maria! Are you crazy? Where are you going to go? There is not a soul around!
M. I don’t care! You should have thought of that before you kidnapped me!
A. Maria, stop acting like a baby! Please…
M. Like a baby? I can’t bear to listen to you telling her lies! You lie to all of us!
A. I am telling lies? Me?
M. Yes!
A. Well I am not going to lie now… wait and see!
He picks the phone up.
A. Hi my love… No, I will not come by… I am with Maria.

At Maria’s house her parents want some proof that the girl that came to their house is really little Anna’s mom. She recites the contents of the letter she left with the baby so they will know it’s her.

In Alexis car.
A. Yes… you understand, don’t you? We have a lot to discuss since we are leaving tomorrow. I am certain that everything will be under control. Ok Marcella. Goodnight!
M. Is that what you meant when you said you will not lie?
A. All right… I said one truth and one lie. Would you like me to tell her the whole truth?
M. I am wondering what you are saying to Adrianna.
A. Maria, I never expected that you of all people would be jealous. I really am wondering what’s with you and Adrianna.
M. I heard you Alexis…. Yes, yes, I heard you talking to Dimitris. You were saying that Adrianna is every man’s dream…
A. “Every”! Did I say “My dream”? You obviously didn’t stay long enough to hear what I said after that!
M. No, I left!
A. If you weren’t in such a hurry to jump into conclusions and had stayed a little longer, you would know that I said to Dimitris that I am tired of all the models, of all these seemingly perfect women who will probably turn out to be very boring when you get to know them better. Maria, I want a woman I can talk to…
M. Alexis…
A. I can’t believe you reacted this way! Don’t you believe in us anymore?
M. No, no, it’s not that! I…I am sorry! I don’t know what came over me! It’s the first time I get jealous…
A. It doesn’t matter Maria…
M. I don’t know… maybe it’s because it’s the first time I feel so in love!
A. I want you to believe more in yourself. You don’t have to get envious of any Adrianna…
M. I am ashamed, ashamed…
A. Don’t be! Just tell me where you want us to go!
M. Where I want to go?
A. Do you want me to get you home or maybe you want us to go somewhere to relax, just the two of us!
M. Ehhh…. Ok. The truth is that I don’t really want to go home just yet!
A. So you pick the place this time!
M. Any place I want?
A. Any place you want!
M. Great! Go to the main road and I will tell you!

At Maria’s house Keti gives the baby to her mother to hold it.

At Ecomoda, Christina is shouting to Makis to let them out but he leaves. They suddenly realize that he has taken their phones too. Christina begs Jerry to phone from Ecomoda’s phone someone to help them. Jerry finds out that Ecomada’s phone doesn’t work either.

Maria and Alexis arrive in front of the amusement park.
M. You did say "any place I want”, didn’t you!
Alexis looks very pleased.

At Marcella’s apartment, she is eating alone. Lilian comes for a visit and they start talking about Alexis. Marcella tells her that she couldn’t insist that he came by tonight after the way she behaved earlier. Anyway he is with Maria. Lilian asks her how she is so sure about that. Marcella says she decided to believe him.

At the amusement park.
M. We can go some place else if you don’t like it here! I really don’t know what came over me! It was a dumb idea!
A. No Maria… It was a perfect idea! Do you know how long it has been since I went to a place like this? I think this is the perfect place for me to relax tonight!
Maria takes him by the hand and they start their tour in the amusement park.

At Marcella’s apartment, she tells Lillian that Alexis is so stressed lately she is feeling sorry for him. Suddenly they hear noise from Odysseas door. It’s obvious that he has brought a woman with him. Lilian is exited but Marcella seems a little annoyed. Odysseas starts kissing Machi and is making a lot of noise. Marcella turns the volume of her music on.

At Maria’s house Iraklis and Keti want to know her story. She tells them that she and her parent’s recently moved to the neighborhood but when her pregnancy started to show, she left her house so her parents will not know. She knew that they were good people and when she gave birth to the baby and saw it was difficult to take care of her, she brought it to their door. She stayed to a friend’s house and this friend told everything to her parents who immediately forgave her so now she can take care of the baby.

Maria and Alexis are having a great time, although Maria seems to be better than him in every game they play! Finally Maria is in a car driving and Alexis is watching her and …… he obviously is falling in love with her.
She takes him to the Ferris wheel.
A. You must be joking!
M. Don’t tell me you are scared!
A. Me... Scared?  Nice joke!
M. Are you coming then?
A. After you!
M. Come on Alexis…. Come on Alexis (she is dragging him by the hand)

At Ecomoda Christina is getting really scared. Jerry finds some keys and they start trying to open the door.

At El Rostro Dimitris tells Monica that he missed her. Monica tells him that she didn’t like the fact that he accused her for not revealing to him something she was not ready to.

At the park, Alexis and Maria are on the Ferris wheel. He looks terrified while Maria has a great time. When they finally get down:
A. Land, at last!
M. Come on Alexis, it was not that scary!
A. Well I am overreacting as always…you know me…. I didn’t know this side of you Maria…
M. What side?
A. That fearless one!
M. Don’t you see this side every day at work?
A. You are right! If you only knew how long it has been since I had so much fun!
M. It’s true that you are not laughing very often!
A. I don’t ehhh? You are right! I can’t remember the last time I laughed with all my heart, I felt carefree, I got away from work!
M. Doesn’t this happen every time we are together?
A. It does Maria, but today it was more powerful than ever! Do you know that no other woman has ever taken me to a place like this! You are the first one to do such a thing!
M. Really?
A. All the women I knew wanted to go to fancy restaurants, fashion shows, expensive shops. No one liked the simple things, doing something spontaneous. They didn’t want to get rid of the decorum we are obliged to show every day at work!!!
M. Alexis, I think you feel tired…
A. On the contrary! It’s the first time I feel careless and happy! I will be Alexis Mantas again tomorrow! Today I am just Alexis! With no last name, no responsibilities, no other obligations but to have fun! (he takes his jacket and tie off and throws it away).
M. Alexis, are you sure you are OK?
A. I am very well! Do you want some candy?
M. I do… I do…
A. Maria…

At El Rostro Monica tells Dimitris the truth about her father and she says she will never forgive him. Dimitris tells her that she has to listen to his side of the story and not cut him out of her life but she is too hurt.

At Ecomoda Jerry tells Christina that he can’t find the right key. Suddenly the phone rings. Christina picks it up but it’s no one. Christina understands that the phone was working all along. She confronts Jerry and he kisses her.

Odysseas and Machi are making love but Odysseas tells her not to get too attached to him. Machi says that she knows exactly what to expect.
Marcella and Lillian are watching TV. Lilian is wondering if Odysseas has finished making love because she can’t hear anything. Marcella looks annoyed and Lilian asks her if she is jealous. Marcella tells her she is out of her mind but Lillian says that she only meant that she must be jealous her neighbor is having such a good time while she is not with Alexis.

At Maria’s house the baby’s mother thanks them for everything they did. She tells Maria’s parents that the father of the baby didn’t want the responsibility because he was too young. She asks if she could borrow the baby carriage and they give it to her. She tells them that they are not going to loose little Anna because she wants them to be the baby’s godparents. They are very happy about this.

At El Rostro, Dimitris decides to take Monica to his house so she can relax and forget everything.

Odysseas wakes up and starts taking photos of Machi. They start making love again.
Marcella and Lilian shout: “I can’t believe this!”

Alexis and Maria arrive in front of her house.
A. Here we are…
M. You say that as if you are sad about this…
A. I don’t know… maybe… I had such a good time with you tonight. Doesn’t this happen to you sometimes?
M. What?
A. To have had such a great time, to have laughed so much that when it’s time to go back home and return to your routine, you feel an indefinable melancholy… I don’t know… Maybe you think I am crazy…
M. no, no, not at all! I know exactly what you mean. I used to feel that way too.
A. Don't you feel that way any more?
M. I thought one day that we can really have a lot of fun in our every day life too!
A. That’s a good thought but…
M. Why not laugh as if we are at the most amusing place? And I found a very simple solution!
A. I am all ears!
M. If we don’t want to feel the melancholy of coming back to reality we have to make our real life be like this night.
A. I am trying to follow your thoughts…
M. We have to make each day exiting! See it in the most beautiful colors! Like when we were children! To laugh with life’s misadventures as if we are on the Ferris wheel! And it’s even better if we have someone by our side so we can laugh together.
A. You are the most unusual girl I’ve ever met… do you know this?
M. Unusual? You never said that about me before…
A. Unusual… Special… you are changing me… you know that?
M. I am not doing this on purpose…
A. It doesn't matter Maraki…. I had a wonderful time tonight! I haven’t laughed like this…
M. I will set as a goal in my life to make you laugh more every day!
A. Maraki…
M. I am telling the truth! I will make a list of all the things we can do, so that you will have as much fun as you did today!
He kisses her for real this time.

Episode 146 (44)

Alexis is kissing Maria.
M. Alexis, you never kissed me like this before!
A. … Yes… Forgive me…
M. Why are you asking me to forgive you? For the most wonderful kiss of my life?
A. Really?..... I mean… was I such a bad kisser before?
M. (laughing) No! No! I am not saying that! It’s just that today I felt… I felt you were different Alexis! I felt you closer to me…
A. Yes, Maria. I know exactly what you mean… but I have to go now… We don’t want to make Mr. Iraklis mad!
M. You don’t need to worry about that! My dad adores you since that night at my party because you sat there for hours listening to his stories about his uncle.
A. Still… I have to go… Goodnight Maria…
He kisses her again…
M. Goodnight.
Maria gets out of the car and Alexis is looking at her…

At Maria’s house her parents are feeling very sad because the baby is gone. Maria comes in and asks them what’s wrong. They tell her what happened and she tries to console them.
Later she writes in her diary: “My family is precious to me… It’s not the easiest thing living with them but I love them… I love them but I feel a bit sad…. because I feel ready to leave them, to have a family of my own. I feel ready to pass from being a child to being a wife and mother. Am I going too fast? Am I fooling myself? No! Alexis made me feel today that this reality may not be that far away… I never felt him more in love than tonight. I feel that this evening we spent in the park was, in some strange way, decisive! That it changed so many things between Alexis and me!"

Marcella is sleeping on the sofa but she wakes up by the noise from Odysseas apartment. She calls Alexis. She is glad he is not home yet and she invites him to come over but he refuses saying he is too tired and almost home. She is very angry and tells him that she is not going to beg him anymore.

At Ecomoda, Christina and Jerry made love and they are very grateful to Makis. Christina wonders if they should go since Jerry has found the keys but he says they can stay there a little more.

The next day Marcella comes in early. Makis is trying to stop her from coming in and when she sees Jerry and Christina lying on the couch sleeping, she can’t believe her eyes. She wakes them up and orders them to follow her to her office.

Maria’s parents are having breakfast. Maria tells them she is leaving for work and her parents notice that she is going there earlier than usual.

Marcella is with Jerry and Christina in her office demanding an explanation. They are both willing to take the blame and so is Makis.
Maria arrives looking very happy and singing…
Marcella is trying to find out what happened and says that it’s obvious that Jerry and Christina have solved their differences. Makis tells Marcella that he is the one who locked them in. Marcella decides to forgive them but she points out that this must not happen again.
Lilian calls her and asks her if she wants a cup of coffee but Marcella tells her that she is coming there instead. When Lilian asks her if Alexis would mind if she is not in her office, Marcella says that he has to learn that thing will not always be as he wants them.
Christina, Jerry and Makis are very relieved. Christina says that Marcella has a heart of gold deep down and that Alexis doesn’t know the kind of woman he has near him.

Marcella comes down just as Alexis is arriving.
Marc. Good morning Alexis.
A. Good morning. Are you leaving?
Marc. Yes. I am going for coffee with Lilian. I hope you can spare her for a while… besides you have your Maria.
A. Are you ready?
Marc. Yes. My suitcase is in my car.
A. Good, I will move it to mine before wed leave.
Marc. If it’s not too much trouble for you…
She leaves and Alexis goes to the elevator.
Christina mentions that they don’t seem to get along lately and that in her opinion it’s Alexis’ fault.

In Alexis office Maria has another drawing ready for him.
A. Good morning!
M. Good morning! This is for you! I didn’t want to leave it on your desk…
A. What’s that?
She goes in her office and he sees that it’s the drawing of a wheel. He reads: “Life is like a wheel and it’s turning”… Alexis says to himself: “I wonder in which direction it’s going to turn in the end”.

At El Rostro, Marcella tells Lilian what happened between Christina and Jerry and Lilian seems jealous of their happiness. She wonders why she and Marcella are not that happy. Odysseas comes and Marcella is looking very angrily at him. Lilian leaves them alone for a while and Odysseas asks Marcella why she looks so angry. Marcella tells him that people in civilized society try not to annoy their neighbors. She tells him that she doesn’t know what he was doing in his apartment but he didn’t let her sleep. He tells her that on the contrary she knows exactly what he was doing that’s why she couldn’t sleep.

In his office Alexis is still looking at Maria’s drawing. He decides to call Marcella.
Marcella is still talking to Odysseas.
Marc. What did you say?
O. OK, I got carried away.
Her phone rings.
Marc. Hi Alexis. What do you want?
A. Marcella, it must seem crazy to you but can you please answer a question?
Marc. If bigamy is legal in Greece? I am afraid not! You have to restrict yourself to me.
A. After we come back from our trip, would you like to do something different? Something spontaneous...
Marc. Like what? A threesome?
A. No Marcella! I am talking about something much more innocent, like going to the amusement park…
Marc. Why don’t do something in the office, like work, instead of calling me to tell me nonsense!
She hangs up.
A. Just as I thought. .... Maria!
She comes in
M. Yes Alexis.
A. You draw beautifully, do you know that?
M. Come on Alexis… don’t tease me… It was a silly drawing just to say "good morning".
A. It was not silly! It was wonderful! And your "good morning" was wonderful too!
He suddenly looks sad again.
M. Alexis, are you all right?
A. Yes. Why are you asking?
M. I don’t know… since last night you look different. It’s like you are happy and sad at the same time.
A. Happy and sad at the same time...  I think you explained it very well… and it’s the first time something like this is happening to me.
M. Alexis, last night you told me that I am changing you… You are changing me too… You are making me feel ready to let go! To start trusting people again.
A. Trusting people?
M. Yes, I never told you before but the one time I trusted someone, he betrayed me. In the worst way…

Marcella tells Odysseas that he has no manners but he tells her that she had the music on very loudly all night too. Marcella tells him that she has to go because she is leaving with Alexis for a short trip.

Alexis is sitting in his office. Dimitris comes in.
D. Anybody home?
A. What do you think?
D. You seem like you are not here…
A. Don’t worry about me… I am fine. Are you ready?
D. Ready… I can’t wait to get on the plane.
A. Good…
D. And as always I've cared about you!
A. What’s that?
D. Goodbye card. Take it!
A. A card again?
D. You are not leaving her like that! We can’t let Nicolas have the coast clear even for a day!
A. “My mind is flying to you! I hope you are thinking of me as I do” What crap is that?
D. Sorry? You don’t like my cards? If you don’t, write your own.
A. Shhhh... That’s what I will do! What’s that little airplane? These ridiculous things are not for Maria! She deserves something better.
D. Something better than you or the airplane?
A. Both!
D. I see… What has happened Alexis?
A. Would you like to go for a cup of coffee? We have some time before we leave.

On their way out they see Lilian. She asks them where they are going and Alexis tell her that he is going for a cup of coffee. Lilian asks Dimitris if he is ok. And he tells her that everything is great between him and Monica and thanks her for her help.

At the pastry shop, Sotiris comes to see Angeliki bit Nicolas is not very happy to see him. Nikitas comes too. Sotiris asks Nicolas to introduce his girlfriend Lillian to them and he seems very upset. His dad asks him if he can help him.

At El Rostro.
D. Wait a moment Alexis… I don’t understand a thing! What is the connection between Maria’s school years and what we are doing to her now?
A. If you let me explain, you will! Stop interrupting me!
D. I pretend I am you! Go on!
A. Maria made a confession to me today...
D. Great! We are starting to have confessions too!
A. ….
D. OK! I am not talking again!
A. In her senior year…
D. All the other kids were making fun of her because of her glasses and her crooked teeth… as if we didn’t know… OK I am not talking again!
A. At the dance, the most good looking boy in class asked her to dance and then he kissed her in front of all her classmates…
D. Drugs are very popular in these ages….
A. Maria couldn’t believe what was happening. She was so happy! She was madly in love with that boy!
D. I am listening…
A. … Until she found out that it was all part of a bet!
D. So the boy was not on drugs!
A. Can’t you see what he did to her? He gave her hope that she was like all the other girls her age and then he took her hope away… he crushed her!
D. Exactly as you are going to crush her!
A. Now you got it! Finally!
D. I am not as dump as you think!
A. She told me that, after that incident, I am the first man she trusts.
D. Boy she can pick her men…
A. She thanked me for the gift I gave her… to be able to experience love as all the other girls by a man like me…. A bastard…
D. An expensive  bastard though…
A. She doesn’t deserve me, my friend.
D. That’s why she is not going to have you in the end. Isn’t that so?
A. ….
D. Isn’t that so?
A. Yes…
D. My boy, what happened? What did she do to you last night? You don’t look so well!
A. We had a great time! It has been so long since I had such a good time with a woman!
D. Wait! Wait! Wait because you are staring to scare me!
A. I am scared of myself too…every day…
D. Are you scared of what you are doing to Maria or of what you are feeling for her?
A. You can never understand what I am feeling for Maria! No one can!.... Let’s go! I have a lot of things to do before out trip.
D. I hope this trip makes you come to your senses… Stay away from Maria’s influence! Away or we are going to get into trouble! Big trouble!
They leave El Rostro.

Nicolas tells his dad that he doesn’t have anything with Lilian but that they are talking on the phone. His dad tells him that he is very experienced with women and can help him.

Alexis comes in his office.
A. Maria!
M. One moment! I am on the phone!
He takes out the card and starts writing: “Maria I want to tell you…”
Marcella comes in.
A. were you following me?
Marc. I was calling your name but you seemed elsewhere… What was on your mind?
A. The last preparations before the collection.
Marc. I wanted to ask you if you want to have lunch now or at the airplane.
A. it depends on Maria.
Marc. I forgot that everything depends on Maria!
A. Marcella wait… the girl has a phone call to make and then we can go.
Marc. Don’t forget to ask her if we can go to the bathroom now or later!
A. What can I say… I don’t want us to leave for our trip like this…
Marc. You are right baby… I am sorry… I have a cynical sense of humor sometimes…
A. Cynical…
Maria comes in and Alexis steps away from Marcella.
Marc. There you are! Good. Tell me, can I take my man and leave now?
M. Ehhh?
A. Maria I forgot to ask you before… Are the tickets ready?
M. Yes I have them on my desk since this morning but…
A. But?
M. I talked to the suppliers and they don’t want to close the deal with me! They want to talk to you.
A. That’s impossible! Didn’t you tell them I am leaving?
M. Yes I did, but they said you can sign after the trip.
Marc. Then you will sign later!
A. We cannot waste any time! Production must start immediately.
M. But they want to talk only with you!
A. What can I do?
M. I don’t know… It’s your decision but if you leave we cannot start production now.
Marc. Alexis!
A. Marcella, I am afraid I can’t come with you.
Marc. You must be joking! Of course you are coming and stop making silly excuses to stay here.
A. You heard Maria!
Marc. Of course I did! You taught her well!
A. What are you talking about?
Marc. You want to get rid of me so you can spend time with your girlfriend here!
A. Are you serious? You are not making any sense!
Marc. You know something Alexis? I have had it! You win! You can stay here and have a great time with your girlfriend! I’ve had it! I’ve had it!
Alexis runs after her.
A. Marcella….

Episode 147 (45)

Gina arrives at Ecomoda just as Marcella storms out of Alexis’ office. Alexis is following her.
A. Marcella, Marcella, please…
G. Hi Marcella…. Alexis….
Marc. Hi Gina…. I am leaving forThessaloniki in a while so you have to talk to Alexis.
A. Marcella… Excuse us a moment Gina…
He takes Marcella aside.
A. Can you listen to me for just a moment?
L. Another interesting day at Ecomoda… How are you Gina?
G. I am fine… I just don’t get what’s going on here…
Marc. The only thing you care about is not to ruin your image!
A. It’s your image that gets ruined if you continue to shout hysterically…
Marc. You have thought of a whole plan with Maria so you can spend time with your girlfriend and you dare tell me I am hysterical!
A. Can’t you stop being so irrational? I don’t have any plan at all! I just have to stay here so I can sign the contract for the fabrics.
Marc. Very convenient…. Don’t you think?
A. My love…
Marc. Don’t call me that again! You are free to do as you pleased! The wedding is off!
She goes to her office and Alexis to his.
G. I think I didn’t come at a good time.
L. I guess so…

At the pastry shop, Nicolas tells his dad that Lilian doesn’t know he exists but his dad tells him to set high goals and he will succeed. He tells him he has to impress her.
At Ecomoda, Gina decides not to go to Alexis' office. Alexis gets out of his office. Gina decides to visit Christo.

Alexis goes to Marcella’s office.
A. we can’t go on like this… we need to talk.
Marc. I don’t like your attitude…
A. Listen to me carefully! There is no plan! When I heard that the suppliers only want to talk to me, I was surprised too.
Marc. With what? Were you surprised with Maria’s skills as an actress or your skills as her teacher?
A. Don’t talk that way about Maria.
Marc. Of course…
A. You are being unfair! You are insulting her and me!
Marc. Cut the melodramatics...
A. You cut the crap!
Marc. The crap! Watch your…
A. You watch it! You cancelled the wedding! What more can you do?
Marc….
A. We must come to an agreement. I will go to the trip…
Marc. Don’t do me any favors.
A. … but if the collection has problems it will be your fault Marcella… You can be happy about that! I wash my hands of it!
He leaves.

Gina is at Christo’s office. Gina admires his designs. Suddenly she notices a weeding dress. She asks him if it’s for the closing of the fashion show but he says it’s for Marcella. Gina tells him that it might be better to keep it for the show.

At Alexis office.
D. Are you crazy? What will happen to production if you go now?
A. It will be delayed...
D. You are crazy! We will be ruined!
A. I know! But Marcella doesn’t seem to mind. She is certain that this is a plan so I can cheat on her.
D. With Maria?
A. No! She doesn’t suspect Maria… I don’t know whom she suspects.
Maria comes in.
M. These are for you! Jerry gave them to me.
A. Thank you Maria! Anything from the suppliers?
D. Are you waiting for something?
A. The samples. Maria… please… if they come please send them to Christo!
M. Yes Alexis… I mean Mr. Mantas…
A. Thank you Maria…
D. I’d better go now… I have to talk to Marcella! She can’t ruin the whole production…. Good bye Maria…
A. Good luck! You are going to need it!
He leaves.
M. What happened with Marcella?
A. She sees conspiracies everywhere Maraki…
M. Is she suspecting us?
A. No! Don’t worry!
M. What are you going to do?
A. What could I do? I told her I will go too…
M. What about production?
A. I have no idea… Dimitris will try to reason with her but I doubt it!
M. Don’t worry Alexis… Everything will be solved!... Alexis… would you like me to get you something? You don’t look very well…
A. No Maraki… Thank you… or…if it’s not too much trouble… could you bring me a cappuccino?
M. No trouble at all! I am going right now!
She leaves…
Alexis thinks: “she is an angel….”

On her way to El Rostro she sees Christina and Jerry holding hands and is very pleased for their happiness. The girls beg her to tell them what’s going on but she tells them she is in a hurry.

At El Rostro the owner is very upset because his mother made him hire his cousin to the coffee shop. Maria comes in to order the coffee but he is not paying any attention to her. His cousin comes in.

At Ecomoda, Dimitris is trying to reason with Marcella.
D. Can’t you wait and listen to me for a moment?
Marc. Did your friend teach you too?
D. Marcella, I am telling you… you are pressuring him too much! He is ready to destroy everything for you. Let him stay…We are going to be fine together…
Marc. You know something? I’ve had it! You can tell your friend he can stay here and have a great time.
D. Why don’t you call the suppliers and ask them?
Christ. I can call them if you like!
Marc. Christo, mind your own business…
Christ. OK, I am going back to my office…. But I have to tell you that I am preparing a wedding dress in there… Who is going to wear it? Me?
D. Please Marcella ,marry Alexis! We have to avoid this sight!
G. Marcella what’s going on?
Alexis comes out of his office.
A. what are you all doing here? (to Dimitris) Have you seen Maria? She was bringing me my coffee and she is not back… Do you think something bad might have happened to her?
Marc. Like what? What is with you lately? You are always running after her as if you are afraid someone will steal her from you…
G. We have to be ready for the collection on time. What happened with the fabrics?
A. I haven’t closed the deal yet...
G. When is production going to begin?
A. I don’t have a fixed date yet…
G. Alexis, I can’t handle another fiasco! I risk my good name here.
Marc. Don’t worry. Alexis will sign today.
A. You mean…
Marc. I don’t expect you to come with me…
A. You are a doll!
D. And with brains!
G. So everything is settled…
Marc. Everything always gets settled. We only have Alexis’ coffee to worry about!

Maria is in trouble because Michalis at El Rostro insists on teaching his cousin how to make coffee. Maria is trying to let them understand that she is in a hurry with no luck!

At Alexis office.
D. We owe everything to Gina!
A. I don’t want to think what I am going to hear when she will come back from the trip!
D. Anyway we are over this. Did you write Maria’s card?
A. No…I tried but I couldn’t figure it out yet...
D. Such a bad poet!
A. Not at all! I will right it when I am alone!
D. OK, but your good friend has you covered.
A. What do you mean, good friend?
D. I have in my office a box with a lot of small things for the sleeping beauty…
A. You are not going to be away that long!
D. I don’t know… I don’t want you to run out…you can’t even write a card!
A. I will practice!
D. Well I have left you an envelope with instructions…
A. Thank you so much!
D. I have left you cards to cover all cases. A quarrel, a night of passion, a romantic night…
A. Stop it Dimitris… Don’t you think I should start buying her more serious gifts instead of all these cheap ones?
D. Like what? Diamonds?
A. I didn’t say that!
D. Look… I think your feelings are going in the wrong direction, so please let me handle the situation…
A. Anyway… anything else?
D. No… I am going to add another card or two to your package and I am off.
A. It’s too early!
D. I get bored here… I will have lunch at the airport... You know how I love airports… Tourists, air-hostesses…
A. I thought you were serious!
D. So did I!
A. Be careful!
D. I will keep an eye on Marcella! If she dares look at another man I will call you!
A. Marcella… look at another man...
D. All you men make the same mistake! You take your women for granted! Don’t forget… She can do the same to you!
He leaves.
Alexis is thinking: “Marcella… impossible…”

Marcella is in her office. Odysseas comes in and invites her to lunch. She admits she is not leaving with Alexis but she tells him she will have lunch with someone else.

Alexis sits down on his desk and is writing: “Maria I want you to know that…. That…I never expected that you will make my life so beautiful! You make me laugh, forget myself, wonder if the choices in my life make me really happy…”He stops and says: “Damn...” he takes a piece of paper and continues.... “Or if they are strategy choices of a life that is not my own…”
Maria comes in and sees him writing. He sees her.
A. Maria… How long have you been standing there?
M. Not long…You looked so wrapped up in your writing, I didn’t have the heart to interrupt you.
A. Thank you for the coffee…
M. I am sorry I am late but there was a lot going on in the coffee shop… Anyway...
A. Maria… I will stay here… I will go to the suppliers myself… Please let them know I am going…
M. Of course Alexis…I am glad everything is settled because I felt very badly that Marcella...
A. You must not feel bad about anything…
M. I am going to call them………. Alexis, can I ask you something?
A. Anything you want!
M. What were you writing when I came in?
A. The truth is that I was writing a card for you, but I have so many things to tell you that the card didn’t have enough room so I used a piece of paper… And I ruined the card too… I can’t give it to you now…
M. No! No! Please don’t!
A. It’s just a piece of paper!
M. It’s not!
A. I haven’t finished it yet! Please! I will restrict myself to the cards…
M. Please…
He gives her the piece of paper.
A. I warned you…
Maria starts reading the card: “Maria I want you to know that I never expected that you will make my life so beautiful! You make me laugh, forget myself, wonder if the choices in my life make me really happy or if they are strategy choices of a life that is not my own… You make me look myself straight in the eyes and this is painful because I see things I don’t like… Painful…”
Maria looks at him…
A. terrible…I told you so…
M. It’s the most beautiful thing you have ever written to me!
A.   Come on now…
M. No! It’s true…it’s…
A. It’s nothing! Stop it… I am going to our suppliers now.. Tell them I am going…
M. yes Alexis…
A. And don’t forget the samples… The envelope will have my name on it. Take them to Christo.
M. Don’t worry Alexis…
A. With you here, I never worry!

He goes out of his office. He talks to Lilian and then sees Marcella.
Marc. Can I talk to you for a moment?
A. My love I don’t want you to torture yourself…
Marc. Are you leaving?
A. Yes I have the appointment with the suppliers. Is Dimiris driving you to the airport?
Marc. I will go on my own. I have a couple of things I want to do…
A. Call me when you get to the hotel.
Marc. Why?
A. What do you mean why! We have to talk! You threatened to cancel the wedding again!
Marc. There will be a wedding if everything is OK when I come back!
A. Everything will be ok.
Marc. Don’t let me keep you from your appointment…
A. Have a nice trip.
He tries to kiss her but she refuses. He leaves…

Maria comes out of her office and is ready to go to lunch with the girls. Marcella invites her to have lunch with her instead.

At Maria’s house her parents are making arrangements to go to dinner at the baby’s grandmother’s house. They both miss the baby but they say they still have Maria…

At Ecomoda, Maria is trying to avoid going out with Marcella but she is not successful. Lilian tells Marcella that she wants to talk to her.

Dimitris has a box ready for Alexis. He puts a letter in an envelope, writes Alexis name on it and places it on top of the box.
Lilian asks Marcella is she is in her right mind but Marcella tells her to mind her own business. Maria and Marcella leave.

Dimitris calls Alexis to tell him about the box but he doesn’t pick up. Dimitris says to himself:” Oh well… He knows it’s here”. He leaves…

At El Rostro, Michalis is trying to explain to his cousin what she must do. She asks him if people from Ecomoda come there and when he says yes, she asks him to let her know who they are. Marcella and Maria come in and he tells her who they are. She begs him to let her wait on them.

Maria and Marcella sit down and Maria has one of her daydreams again. She dreams that Marcella accuses her of trying to steal her man from the beginning. She shouts: No! Not from the beginning!” She suddenly comes back to reality. Marcela wonders what’s wrong with her lately. Maria tells her that she is stressed with work but Marcella asks her if Alexis is making her do things that are not acceptable by her morals. Maria pretends not to understand and Marcella tells her that it’s time to open their cards.

Episode 148 (46)

Maria and Marcella are in the restaurant.
Marc. Is Alexis forcing you to do something against your moral values?
M. I don’t know what you mean…
Marc. Maria, it’s time to speak openly!
M. Excuse me?
Marc. Don’t be afraid! I just want us to have a conversation.
M. OK. I am listening.
Marc. Maria, I know that we don’t get along…
M. I am sorry to interrupt you but I have to correct you on that Miss Stefanelli. You don’t get along with me… I never had anything against you.
Marc. Good… Let’s suppose that you never had anything against me… I invited you here because I want to talk to you.
M. Good… let’s talk Miss Stefanelli… let’s talk.
Marc. When I say we must talk, I don’t mean that we will talk as the shareholder to the Financial Manager…
M. As what do you want us to talk then? I am sorry I don’t understand you…
Marc. I want us to talk as woman to woman.

At the pastry shop Nicolas is very exited because he found out that there is an old movie (Brief Encounter) playing in a cinema. To his surprise Angeliki knows the film but she never managed to see it all. Sotiris calls her on the phone.

At El Rostro
Marc. From the first moment you came in Ecomoda you managed to become Alexis right hand.
M. I worked very hard for that.
Marc. You are very capable… I know that Maria… As his right hand, you didn’t take on only his business affairs but his personal too… His phone book…
M. The truth is that you accused me many times of that.
Marc. I am not accusing you now… I am praising you…In a very short time you managed to win Alexis confidence in areas that I was not able to. This I imagine could be one of your secret weapons against me…
M. No! No Miss Marcella! I am loyal to Mr. Mantas as his assistant. That doesn’t mean I am against you… If I were your assistant, I would be 100% loyal to you
Marc. I totally understand that Maria.
They are interrupted by Michalis cousin who comes to take their order. Marcella and Maria choose what they want to eat but she insists they should try the new specialties and they do that in order to get rid of her.

At the pastry shop Angeliki tells Nicolas that Sotiris has to go to a friend’s party and she will go with him. Nicolas tells her that she always does what he wants and never what she likes.

At Ecomoda Sandra can’t believe that Marcella invited Maria for lunch. The girls suspect that something serious us going on. Dimitris phone rings and Sandra goes in to pick it up. She sees the letter and the box on his desk.

At El Rostro Michalis asks them if they liked their lunch. They say yes.

Marc. I know that some rivalry between us is very natural…
M. No…
Marc. We are both professionals. It’s very natural to develop a close relationship with the people we work with. You as his assistant and me as his companion will always be in opposite sides. It’s very logical. But we are both women… Tell me Maria. Are you in love?
M. Excuse me?
Marc. Why are you upset? It’s nothing wrong…
M. Yes I am….
Marc. With Nicolas… right?
M. Of course… who else…
Marc. You must be experiencing it too then….
M. Experiencing what?
Marc. The fact that women love differently than men. Women love with their hearts and men with their minds. We are totally devoted to our relationship, we live for it, we make dreams for the future, we hope we will grow old together... (Maria starts reminiscing of her moments with Alexis) You have felt that way, didn’t you Maria?
M. Totally! What I mean is that I totally agree with these words.
Marc. Being women we are condemned to experiencing those feelings alone, although I think that you have a healthier relationship than me.
M. I don’t…
Marc. Really Maria… What’s your opinion of my relationship with Alexis?
M. I prefer not to talk on this subject! It’s a very personal subject and it’s none of my business.
Marc. It is a very personal subject but not for you. You are the most suitable person to talk about it. You are the only person in the world who can express an opinion on his personal affairs.
M. Me?
Marc. Maria, look… I didn’t come here to interrogate you but you are the only person who can tell me.
M. Tell you what? I don’t think I understand you...
Marc. You are the only one who knows exactly where my relationship with Alexis stands.
M. Me?
Marc. Yes… you… I can’t talk about this with anyone else, not even with Dimitris, who is his best friend. Only with you… That’s why I want your opinion.
M. I… I… totally respect your relationship…and… and I believe it’s something very powerful and meaningful in his life.
Marc. Everyone knows that! It’s nothing new…
M. I am sure you must fight for your relationship with Mr. Mantas.
Marc. I know Maria… but I feel I am loosing him… there is someone else. I know he has occasional relationships with other women but I didn’t come to interrogate you or try to get a name out of you. You are the only one who knows what is going on in his life.
M. Yes… but who can I help you…
Marc. I want your honest opinion Maria… Do you think I am right in still wanting to marry him?

At the pastry shop Sotiris calls Angeliki again to tell her that they should cancel because he has to work and Nicolas invites her to go to the cinema. Angeliki accepts.

At El Rostro

Marc. I know it must sound weird to you that I am asking you about me and Alexis…
M. Miss Stefanelli…
Marc. I know that if there is another woman in his life you wouldn’t tell me and I wouldn’t want to put you in that position. I am not asking you for a name… I know it would be insupportable to you to betray his trust.
M. Miss Marcella…
Marc. The only thing I am asking you is if you think it’s worth the trouble to get into this marriage. Your answer will make me reach a decision I am not going to regret.
M. But…
Marc. Is that too much to ask? You are in love too… I thought you would understand…
M. Of course you must fight for the man you love. How can I or anyone else tell you to stop fighting…?
Marc. You are right Maria… it was a dumb question. I think that I am making a mistake somewhere… I am pressuring him too much and Alexis is capable to marry me only to avoid conflict. Isn’t that so?
M. Well, Mr. Mantas doesn’t like to be pressured.
Marc. If there isn’t another woman in his life, then it’s my behavior that drives him away… Isn’t this so? If I keep this up, I will loose him for sure…or have I lost him already? Is that what you are afraid to tell me?
M. No! I am not scared… but I am not the one to tell you this Miss Marcella... I don’t know what’s in his mind…
Marc. This uncertainty is killing me… I am thinking of the three years I gave him. Three years full of love… Tell me… do you think I have lost him?
M. Miss Stefanelli, just because I happen to know some of Mr. Mantas personal affairs doesn’t mean I can give you advice… I don’t have any experience especially with men.
Marc. I think that there is another woman and you are covering for her but you should know…
Her phone rings and it’s Dimitris. They make an appointment to meet at the check-in at the airport.
Marc. I have to go… You know that I am leaving him in her hands… I think I’ve wasted my time talking to you… I should have known better.
M. Miss Stefanelli…I don’t know if you are loosing him or not! You have been fighting a lot lately and he is under a lot of pressure….
Marc. Finally! An outburst of honesty…
M. We fall in love with someone because we see in him things that intrigue our emotion. If what you feel for him or what he feels for you is still alive everything can be fixed.
Marc. I had high hopes for this trip. I thought it would bring us back together. But I am going and he is staying and I really don’t know what I am going to find after I am back. Anyway… thank you Maria… even at the last moment you were honest with me…
She leaves.
At the pastry shop, Argiro gives Nicolas some tissues for the cinema. She says that she would like to join them but Nicolas doesn’t think this is a good idea.

At Ecomoda. The girls are still talking about Maria’s lunch. Maria comes in and they want all the details but she is not telling them anything. Sandra brings her the letter and the box and gives them to her. Maria puts them on Alexis desk. The phone rings and it’s him. He wants to tell her that he closed the deal and to remind her that he is waiting for the samples. She tells him not to worry because something came and she will check it. She sends him kisses and they hang up.

At the pastry shop, Sotiris calls Angeliki and tells her that he managed to find someone to replace him so they can go out anyway. Angeliki and Nicolas look disappointed

At Maria’s house her mother turns the TV off. She was watching a movie and she couldn’t stand looking at the heroin suffer. Iraklis makes fun of her but when she tells him the story he starts getting interested. It’s the story of a woman who was deceived by the man she loved the most. He only wanted her for her money and she found out. Iraklis is so interested that he turns the TV on to watch the rest of the movie.

At Ecomoda, Maria is in Alexis office. Sandra comes in and tells her she must open the letter just in case it’s the samples. Maria doesn’t think it’s that and she says she will wait for Mr. Mantas to open it. Sandra insists and tells her that Mr. Mantas wouldn’t mind if she opened it because he totally trusts her. Sandra leaves and Maria remembers Alexis' last words before he left and decides to open the envelope.
She reads: “Directions of navigation for presidents. Conquering the trash, chapter one…”



Episode 149 (47)

Maria continues reading the letter.
“Cards, cards and cards…Just because you managed to have Maraki in your bed that doesn’t mean that you should stop sending her cards.”
M. Have me in his bed… No, that’s not true… he couldn’t have said that…
“In the box you will find the usual cards with the nonsense that will make the monster’s heart beat more quickly. You will also find some silly little gifts so you can keep Maraki standing by…”
M. No… It’s not possible… everything was a lie…
“Conquering the trash chapter two. Maria by night. I know it will be the ultimate embarrassment but you should ask her to escort you to Adrianna’s party. Since Marcella is not here, this will be a good opportunity for the bat to come out of the dark. At the party, drink as much as you can and perhaps you will manage to spend another night of monster-sex. Stay away of amusement parks! People will make fun of you. Only you and eight year olds go there…”
M. No… It can’t be…It must be a nightmare… no... No...
“If on the other hand you see that Nicolas, you big rival, takes her to amusement parks, the circus and other sophisticated places, you must be ready to strike back! Don’t let her fall into his claws because then we will loose both Maria and Ecomoda”
M. Nicolas? Take Ecomoda?
“Above all my friend Alexis, every time you kiss her ugly mouth or touch her badly shaped body, you should remember that you are sacrificing yourself for the company. We are lucky that you seem to be immune to her ugliness the last few days but now you have to do more. We need the extra loan and I am afraid you have to pay for it with your body”

M. He is deceiving me… He is deceiving me to save his company…

At Maria’s house her parents just had lunch and are eating dessert. Maria’s mum is very upset because her husband eats too much and his cholesterol is very high. She tries to make him stop eating and make him go for a walk. He says he prefers to go for a nap.

Christo is trying to find out what Gina thinks of his designs. She tortures him a little and tells him that there is one big problem with his collection: how he will be able to design a better one next time. Christo is very happy and Gina tells him that she is going to congratulate Alexis. Monica comes in and tells Christo she is ready to go. Her dad calls her on the phone but she doesn’t answer.

Maria starts taking out the gifts from the box and suddenly imagines what Dimitris and Alexis must have been discussing when they were alone.
A. She looked in my eyes and she said “I love you Alexis. I know deep inside me that I will love you for ever. I will never live anyone else”
D. Of course, who else could do such a good deed…?
A. It is very difficult to do this. I have gone where no man has ever gone before.
D. You are a hero! You passed the ultimate test! You made love to Maria. Any man would be scared but Alexis Mantas was not scared.
A. Of course… that is what a good stud is all about. Anyone can make love to a beautiful woman.
D. Trush has a higher level of difficulty.
A. Especially if they want sweet talk too.
D. Be brave... in a very short time, Ecomoda will be yours again. Then you can kick her out and marry Marcella.
A. I forgot to tell you the most important thing! She wanted me to marry her!
D. Frankenstein’s bride.

Maria’s fantasy ends and she starts putting everything back to the box, crying and saying: How could he do that…. How could he?
Gina comes in.
G. Alexis…. Maria... where is Alexis?
M. I...
G. Maria, what happened? Why are you crying my little girl?
M. He is not here yet…
G. Maria, tell me what’s wrong…
M. Nothing... nothing….
G. If you need…
M. I don’t need anything!
G. Don’t get angry… I don’t want to seem indiscreet. I am just worried about you.
M. I am sorry…. I didn’t mean to yell… I didn’t want that…
G. My God… What happened to you my sweet little girl?
M. You will not understand… A woman like you will never understand... I am sorry Gina... I am very busy… You can wait for Mr. Mantas if you like.
G. Why are you saying that? What could happen to you that’s impossible to happen to me?
M. I am not saying that you don’t have problems but we are totally different.
G. You are crying for a man... aren't you? Do you love him very much?
M. What if I love him? I am ugly and he detests me, he is deceiving me…You have never experienced that….
G. So you love someone who doesn’t love you back.  There is no woman on earth who hasn’t felt this way Maria. Do you know how many times I have felt this way?
M. I can’t believe that you, a beautiful and successful woman, has ever felt like that!
G. Why do you think it’s strange?
M. Gina, the only thing we have in common is that when we walk into a room people will look at us. They will look at you with admiration and me… they will make fun of me…
G. Come here… I will tell you something that will be hard for you to believe…
M. What?
G. When I was young, I was ugly…

Maria’s mum wakes up from her nap and sees that Iraklis is not in his bed. He finds him in the kitchen eating and starts a fight with him. Finally he agrees to eat a yogurt for dinner and she tells him that she will take the dessert to the baby’s mother.

Monica is leaving Ecomoda and her dad calls her again. She doesn’t pick up but her dad is waiting for her at the lobby. He invites her for a cup of coffee and she reluctantly agrees.

In Alexis office.
M. You? You were ugly?
G. At least this is what the others thought of me… The more they showed me what they thought, the uglier I felt.
M. How? I don’t understand…
G. Maria, do you remember Simone de Beauvoir?
M. Yes.
G. Do you remember what she said? “You are not born a woman… you become one”. Do you know how they called me at school?
M. How?
G. Broomstick! I was too tall, too thin, very ungraceful and shy. So I know how you feel… although you shouldn’t feel this way.
M. Yes but you were lucky enough to become what you are today. I will stay like this forever because I don’t want to wear contact lenses, I don’t want to have plastic surgery, I don’t want to become someone else. God made me like this and I have to live with it.
G. Maria, have you any idea how many beautiful girls feel uglier than you? You can have all the surgery in the world, wear the most beautiful clothes, exercise daily… If you don’t love yourself, you will never feel beautiful and the others will not admire you…
M. yes but you can win the man you love more easily…
G. Unfortunately it’s not always like that… Sometimes I miss my old self… I knew then that the man who came near me was truly interested in me. It didn’t matter that this didn’t happen often. Do you know how many men approach me and the only thing they want is to show me off like a trophy?
M. So they will look good…
G. Yes… they don’t care to know who I really am. It’s enough that I attract attention. And there is always someone better looking…
M. Yes but that’s not fair! Everything is different for men!
G. Since the beginning of time… They are trying to convince us that a woman’s most important quality is beauty!
M.   Yes. It was convenient to them. There is not a lot you can do with just beauty…
G. Exactly! They said: “Girls try to find out who the most beautiful is and leave the laws, the government , the world to us!”  Simone would be very proud of you…
M. yes but she was a very beautiful woman…
G. You, me and all the women on the face of the earth want the same thing. To love and to be loved, but you have to love yourself first! You should be the one to take care of this little girl. Take care of her as you take care of your eyes, which by the way are very beautiful. Try to get better… I am going… tell Alexis I am looking for him.
M. He will not be long.
G. If you need anything, I am here. Bye Maria.

Maria takes the box in her office. She starts taking the gifts out again.

At the pastry shop Angeliki asks permission to leave work early so she can get ready for the party. Nicolas is obviously jealous and Angeliki asks him to forgive her for not keeping their date.

At El Rostro Monica and her dad order coffee and he starts asking her about her work and her life as a model. He asks her if she is seeing anyone and she tells him she is dating Sergios and asks him if there is any chance she and Sregios might be brother and sister. Her dad pretends not to understand.

At the pastry shop, Argiro asks Nicolas if he really knows who he wants: Lilian or Angeliki. Nicolas has another daydream where Lilian and Angeliki ask them to choose between them but he tells them that he can’t because Lillian is his dream and Angeliki is the one who makes his heart beat faster. The two girls accuse him of being a coward and leave together.

At El Rostro Monica tells her dad that she feels she doesn’t know him. She asks him if he got a divorce from he mom because of the affair and he says yes. She gets up to leave but he tells her that she must listen to what he has to say.

Maria is in her office and remembers some other part of the letter;
“Since today you are relieved of your duties, you must give her a card tomorrow. How about this: The night I spent away from you was the longest of my life. Thank god we have dreams so I can see you every night.
How about that Mr. President?”
M. he doesn’t even write his cards… everything is staged… everything is a lie.
“You should give her this one after Adrianna’s party if you have done the good deed and slept with her: Your skin on mine, your lips on my lips. Tell me that you will be mine every night.
The poor thing will be so happy…”
Maria remembers Alexis' kisses.
M. It can’t be true… It’s a joke! It’s a bad joke that Dimitris made. Perhaps he learned about us and makes fun of him.
She starts reading the letter again.

At El Rostro Monica’s dad tells her that he was very young when he met Sergio’s mom and he fell in love with her right away. He was very shy though so one day he found out that she and his best friend were a couple. He was crushed and tried to keep his distance, especially sine they married but one day he saw her and she told him she was not happy and that she loved him from the first moment she saw him too. He could not think of anything else and he they started being lovers. Monica tells him that if it was in his power she would not be born but he tells her that she is the joy of his life and wouldn’t trade her with a lifetime with Sergio’s mother. Monica leaves.

Maria gets out of the office. Martha asks her to tell her what happened with Marcella but Maria doesn’t answer. She goes to Sandra and tells her that she has to talk to her.

Episode 152 (50)

M. I don’t want to come back to Ecomoda.
G. What does that mean? Don’t you want to return to Ecomoda?
M. It’s my business!
G. I am sorry Maria but it’s my business too!
M. I don’t understand…
G. What don’t you understand? You are the company’s financial manager. As far as I know, everything passes through your hands.
M. It might be so…
G. When there is a problem, you find the solution! Do you remember the fiasco of the last collection? Only with your help they managed to have a new one!
M. I always tried to do my best for the company.
G. And you tell me I shouldn’t worry? I would worry less if Dimitris or Marcella left… even if Alexis left.
M. They can manage without me… their resourceful little minds will think of something!
G. What did they do to you Maria? Tell me… What did they do to make you want to leave Ecomoda?

At Maria’s house the dinner goes on. Nikitas wonders where Maria is because she is Nicolas best friend. Iraklis says he is worried because when he called her on her mobile a lady answered and told him that nothing was wrong and Maria was busy.

At El Rostro.
M. There is nothing wrong…
G. And you want to abandon everything just like that… You are crushed, you are crying, you go into the bathroom, you are crying, you are suffering a nervous breakdown and you tell me that nothing is wrong. What are you talking about?
M. Ahhh Gina… I don’t want to talk about it any more…. I just want to get some rest... I want to go at home, close my eyes and not think about anything for days.
G. So you want to drop everything and leave… OK, do that… but you owe Alexis an explanation.
M. I don’t owe anything to Alexis.
G. What did he do to you? Tell me! Did he treat you badly?
M. Why do you think that he has done something to me?
G. Who else? You threaten to leave your job. This decision harms Alexis. He did something to you and you want to get back at him.
M. I don’t want to get back at anyone! I want to leave! Leave!
G. And leave Ecomoda to it’s fate… I am sure Alexis hasn’t the faintest idea of what you are feeling… of what has hurt you. He seemed clueless…
M. He has other things on his mind…
G. what you are doing is not right! If you thing he has hurt you, you have to tell him so he can explain or defend himself!
M. Defend himself?
G. Of course! Although I don’t think it has to do with work…
M. No?
G. It’s of a different nature, isn’t it?
M. No! Gina, no… what is happening to me doesn’t have anything to do with Alexis or Ecomoda! It’s personal.
G. Why do you want to leave then?
M. I don’t want to leave because someone did something to me. I want to leave because I can’t stand the pressure of work while I am like that.
G. You can ask for some days off but you can’t leave him now. The show is approaching Maria. Have you any idea of the chaos you would create?
M. I don’t know… I really don’t I only want …
G. The pain to go away?
M. I feel I am going to die.
G. You are not going to die, Maria… You are going to be stronger. Take my word for it… if you show strength and dignity, this adventure will only be good for you.
M. Great… so I must be happy...?
G. I don’t know who hurt you but it’s up to you if you will get over it or not!
M. Will it be my fault if I continue to feel hurt?
G. It’s your choice! Help yourself Maria! Stop hurting him!
M. But I am not hurting myself!
G. I know that my little girl, but it’s up to you to fight it! And when the pain is gone, you will be a different person!
M. A different person? Will I be beautiful?
G. More beautiful than ever!

Micahlis' cousin wonders what is wrong with Maria and she is crying. Gina offers to take Maria home but she says she prefers to go on her own.
At Maria’s house, Nikitas wonders if Maria is always working that late. Iraklis is certain that something is wrong.  They start talking about Iraklis inventions. Maria comes in looking like a zombie.

At El Rostro Micahlis is having another fight with his cousin. Angeliki and Sotiris come in fighting because Angeliki didn’t like the party and asked him to take her to the movie but then she wanted to leave because they missed the beginning of the film.

At Maria’s house she meets Nikitas but her parents understand that there is something wrong with her. Her mother asks her if she is tired and she says "Yes mother, you cannot imagine how tired I am…”. She says she is going to her room but her mother tells her she should eat. Nicolas makes a joke and tells her that she may even get taller. Maria very coldly asks him if he thinks she is short. She goes to her room and Maria’s mom asks Nicolas to follow her and see what’s wrong with her.

At El Rostro, Angelki and Sotiris realize that they had their first fight. Sotiris tells her that he wants her to meet his mother.

Maria is in her room and reads the letter again. She starts crying when Nicolas comes in.
N. Maria... Are you crying?
M. Nicolas, go away…
N. Come on Maria, I was only joking about your height!
M. It’s not your fault! Leave me alone…please…
N. I can’t leave you alone Maria… What happened? Is it that serious? Everything will be fixed. It can’t be that serious? Tell me!
M. It can’t be fixed Nicolas… Nothing can be fixed! They killed me Nicolas… they crushed me!
N. Who crushed you Maraki? Please tell me who they were!
At this point Maria’s parents come in. Her dad asks why she is crying.

At El Rostro Angeliki is feeling awkward about meeting his mom. Angeliki tells him that she was not always as she is now. Sotiris tells her that people never change and that a thief is always a thief and a good person is always a good person. Angeliki tells him not to be so sure about that and not to expect too much from her because he really doesn’t know her that well.

At Maria’s house her dad wants to know why she is crying and why is Nicolas hugging her. Nicolas tells him that she is very tired. Her dad doesn’t believe it because she is crying and her mom asks her if something happened in the office. Maria begs them to leave her and Nicolas alone. Nicolas says that she is very tired and she felt pressured with the new collection that’s why she is crying. Here mom says that she is also hungry. Her dad wants her to assure him that this is true. Maria tells him that she is just too tired. Her mom tells her that she should speak to Mr. Mantas and Iraklis agrees saying that he is a very good man and he cares about her. He adds that Mr. Mantas even got into a fight for her. Maria says: "I don’t want any favors from Mr. Mantas!” Then she tries to explain that he may be a good man but he is the president of Ecomoda and she is just an employee. Here mom tells her that she must take some days off and her dad agrees. Maria tells them that she will do that. They leave but her dad tells them not to hug in their absence and comes back to make sure.
N. Do you think they believed that? Come on Maria… tell me who destroyed your life?
M. It’s the second time Nicolas… the second time they deceive me… the first time was at school when I believed that someone can love me, what an idiot! And now… now… I should have had more sense Nicolas… I can’t bear it Nicolas… I can’t.
She lies on his lap.
N. I don’t understand Maria… who deceived you? Tell me who?
M. Why Nicolas… why? Why should I be ugly? Why should I get tortured? What did I do wrong?

At El Rostro, Ageliki tells him that she is a little afraid to meet his mother but he tells her that she is the best woman in the world and that he thanks God for her every day.
Angeliki understands that he is very attached to his mother and even asks him if he bathes by himself. He is angry and Angeliki tells him that she feels it’s too soon to meet his mom. He asks her if she is serious about their relationship and if there is someone else.

At Maria’s house.

M. I am going out of my mind when I think that I am cursed to be alone… when anyone who looks at me doesn’t see me, the real me but he sees the ugly Maria. The one you can make fun of, kick around, step on, throw in the garbage, without feeling guilty because you never really looked in her soul.
N. I can’t listen to you talking like that.
M. How will I be able to go on living? Tell me! How will I be able to go on living, when I know that every time life gives me hope, it takes it back in the worst possible way, when I know that every time I have hope, I am destined to hurt more…I don’t want this life!
N. Stop it! You should be ashamed! You must live your life, love it, cherish it!
M. Yeahh...
N. Maria, I don’t recognize you! Your life is precious to you, to me, to your parents. You may not want your life but we thank God every day for your life!
M. Why?
N. Because you make our lives beautiful…
M. Yes but I don’t get beautiful!
N. not if you say things like that… then no, you are not beautiful.
M. I am talking nonsense, aren’t I?
Nicolas kisses her hand.
N. What do you think? Want to take a walk? Not far… let’s go to the garden. You can smell one of your flowers or feed the pigeons… and then tell me if life is not beautiful.
M. Even if you hurt inside?
N. Even then. Happy or sad… life is beautiful. It’s full of small miracles and very big hugs.
M. And good friends.

In the living room, Nikitas wonders why Maria and Nicolas are only friends and not something more. He says that looks don’t matter to Nicolas. Iraklis is offended and Argiro agrees with him, hoping that Iraklis will hit Nikitas. Nikitas apologizes and Iraklis sits down.

In Maria’s room.
N. This is the last tissue, all right? There is no more room in the bucket. Can you aim straight? Maraki? Come on! One, two, three.
She throws the tissue but it goes out.
N. Well done Maraki!
M. do you think I will start scoring from now on?
N. You have already scored. Once with Terramoda, once when we became owners of Ecomoda.
M. Stop it!
N. I said that as a good thing! What did these guys do to you?
M. Nothing, nothing…
N. Right! What could they do to you? They need you!

At El Rostro Sotiris tells Angeliki that he loves her very much and wants to know if there is someone else. She says no.

At Maria’s house.
M. You can never understand Nicolas.
N. Of course I can!
M. My Nicolas, you are so kind! Thank you so much but I have to be alone for a while… Don’t worry, I will be all right.
N. Maraki…
M. Please… do me this favor! We will talk tomorrow, OK?
N. OK… would you like something to eat?
M. No… I just want to go to sleep…
N. Ok but if you change your mind….
M. I will tell you.
They hug.
M. thank you.
N. Maraki…Maraki…
M. Goodnight
N. Goodnight
He leaves the room. Maria starts crying again.
The door opens. It’s Alexis.
M. What do you want here? Go away! Go away! Go away!
A. Are you sending me away? Your Alexis?
M. you are not my Alexis! Go away… How dare you show yourself!
A. Are you talking this way to me? To me, the man who loves you so much? The one that wrote that letter to you today? The letter you said was the best thing you read in your life?
He starts reciting the letter.
A. “Maria I want you to know that I never expected that you will make my life so beautiful! You make me laugh, forget myself, wonder if the choices in my life make me really happy or if they are strategy choices of a life that is not my own… You make me look myself straight in the eyes and this is painful because I see things I don’t like… Painful but precious” ;here you interrupted me…
M. Lies, lies… it was all a lie…
A. can’t you see that I opened my soul to you? Everything in this letter is true! Can’t you see how much I love you? I really love you!
M. Go away… leave my sight! I don’t want to see you anymore…go away…
End of the hallucination.
Nicolas is in front of her carrying a trey with Maria’s dinner.
N. Maria… your mom sent some food… what happened to you? I left you for a moment and you collapsed…
M. Nicolas… do you want me to tell you who destroyed me? Who treated me like garbage?
N. Of course I do but I though that you…
M. Alexis.
N. Alexis?
M. For some time now I have a relationship with Alexis Mantas….



Episode 153 (51)

N. You must be joking…
M. Do you think I am in a mood to make jokes Nicolas? Can’t you see the state I am in?
N. When you say you have a relationship with Mantas, you mean a real one?
M. It’s been going on for some months…
N. I don’t understand. Isn’t he supposed to marry Marcella?
M. Yes Nicolas… you don’t have to tell me… I know I made a mistake. I know it and I am paying for it! I am paying for my stupidity, my idiocy, my naivety…
N. Wait! Stop blaming yourself! I am speechless… This has been going on for so long and you haven’t said anything to me?
M. I couldn’t tell you anything Nicolas… I wish I had though because you would have made me come to my senses.
N. What could I do? The moment you heard “Alexis” you suffered a love fit! But you got him! You made it, you goody-goody…
M. What are you talking about Nicolas? Haven’t you been listening to me? He crushed me, he walked all over me, he destroyed everything I have inside me…
N. Why? What did he do to you?
M. He deceived me… everything was a lie… our relationship, our “wonderful” relationship, his passion, his words, his letters, his gifts… everything was a lie!
N. So he had an affair with you just because he wanted to deceive you? That’s perversion…
M. In his case it was a premeditated plan. He made this plan with his friend Dimitris and I was the victim. The most stupid victim in the world.
She remembers the dinner when it all started.
M. That was the night it all started. Both of them were so kind to me! They complimented me and I felt like a princess. In reality I was the little mouse that was about to get caught in the trap. Alexis was drinking all night… I was worried for him… Now I understand that he drank in so he could get close to me…so I would not be repulsive to him. At the right moment, Dimitris left so Alexis could be in charge.
Flashback to the time when Dimitris left them alone and Alexis made a toast to them.
M. I knew something was going on. I had never seen him like that. Although I have dreamt this scene a million times, I could never have guessed what was going to follow…
Flashback to the scene where Alexis tells her he is in love with her, he is afraid he is going to loose her to Nicolas and he kisses her.
N. My God…Maraki...
M. And you haven’t heard half of it! This is only the beginning...
N. I have only one question… If he didn’t really want you, why was he jealous of me?
M. Nicolas… don’t you get it? You were the key to the whole story!

Odysseas is in his apartment watching TV. His doorbell rings and it’s Machi. Odysseas is not very pleased to see her and she tells him she can go. He says that he wanted to spend some time on his own but now that she came she can stay. Machi tells him that any other woman in her place would have left, but she will stay.

At Maria’s room.
N. Is it my fault that Mr. Mantas is a bastard?
M. He behaved that way to me because he wanted to make sure that we will not become a couple.
N. So Mr. Mantas is not only a bastard, he is also stupid.
M. No Nicolas… Unfortunately that rumor between the girls in the office, who believed that we were a couple, reached him.
Flashback to the time that Alexis heard Martha talk to Maria about Nicolas.
N. I always knew that this lie will not bring anything good.
M. Nicolas… the girls at the office knew I was in love with someone and they kept asking me… you were the first who came to my mind.
N. Isn’t it ironic? He was afraid you will get involved with me, while you were in love with him the whole time.
M. He didn’t know this then… he thought I was just a loyal employee... then he heard about you and he got scared.
Flashback to the scene where Alexis asks her if Nicolas is her boyfriend and Maria assures him that they are just good friends.
M. Even recently, when I mentioned you he seemed upset…. And I was stupid enough to think he was jealous.
N. Didn’t you find it strange that Alexis Mantas, the most eligible bachelor in town, fell in love with you?
M. More than strange... It seemed inconceivable, paranoid… It was my craziest dream but something inside me told me that it could not be so…but Alexis with his snake tongue made sure that I had no doubts.
Flashback to the scene on the beach, where Alexis tells her that he is in love with her because she is special, intelligent, educated…
N. (hugging her) don’t feel stupid Maria…it’s not your fault… anyway he presented the fairytale to you like an artist. Isn’t it so? You were justified to believe him… you were in love. I am troubled by another thing though Maraki…
M. What?
N. How could you get involved with Mr. Mantas knowing that he was engaged to Marcella. You knew he was going to get married.

In the living room their parents are playing cards. Iraklis doesn’t agree by the way Keti is playing and finally Argiro and Nikitas win. Iraklis wonders what Nicolas and Maria are doing and wants to check on them, but Keti tells him that she will go.

In Maria’s room.
M. I know there is no excuse for what I did to Marcella because despite the guilt, the remorse, I caved in…but I did struggle Nicolas, I swear…
Flashback to the scene in the car where Maria tells him that he is engaged and Alexis tells her that he doesn’t love Marcella but he has to stay with her until the board meeting.
M. And so I surrendered Nicolas… I was living in a dream that became a nightmare… I have to admit there were happy moments though, moments I never dreamt of experiencing. Moments when love and happiness overwhelmed me… My heart could explode by happiness. But it is all over…

Her mom comes in but Maria tells her she has to talk to Nicolas some more.
N. I know I am not an expert in these matters but if all this was a lie, don't you think you would have felt it?
M. When you are in love you cannot be objective. There may have been signs and I missed them…
N. The same thing happened to me with Angeliki.
M. In the mean time, as time passed, Alexis became sweeter, more tender, more spontaneous. I saw parts of himself that I had never seen before, so I was convinced that everything was true. Until today…
N. When you had to face reality… How did you find out?
M. God helped me… A parcel came into my hands and I opened it.
N. And what did you find?
M. Gifts bought by Dimitris, cards written by Dimitris. He prepared them and gave them to Alexis….
N. Maraki…
M. He didn’t even write his own cards. I wasn’t worth two silly verses.
N. How do you know this?
M. there was a letter in there too… here it is. Read it and you will see the humiliation…
N. “Conquering the trash…” Maria, I want to kill those two. They don’t deserve to live Maria.
M. Read on… it has better lines…

In Odysseas apartment he wants to make love with Machi.

In Maria’s room.

N. Maria, I swear it! I will kill them. I will take your dad’s gun and I will blow them to bits.
M. And then you will go to jail and I will loose my best friend because of those two ridiculous guys.
N. I can’t believe they were capable of doing this to you after everything you did for them. He deceived you and he got you in his bed.
M. No! Not this!
N. But it says here…
M. No… and it’s the worst thing. He lied about it.
N. So you never….
M. No…I have to admit that I wanted to because I was so in love and I wanted him to be the one… but thank God… it didn’t happen…
N. Thank God he had some morals.
M. No… I was just too ugly for him… he lied about it so that Dimitris won’t think less of him.
N. The bastard, the perverted… and all these because he was afraid we will take his company…. No, Mr. Mantas… we are not all shameless like you!
M. Don’t you see the irony? That thought never crossed our minds…
N. All we did was multiply his capital… I really want to destroy him now.
M. We are not that kind of people… He might have treated me like garbage …
N. Worse than that…
M. … but I will keep my dignity. This is his stupid company and it will remain his.
N. What are you planning to do? You have to do something.
M. Of course I will do something… I will leave! I don’t want to see him anymore… he makes me sick.
N. So you are going to leave just like that!
M. I can’t face him… and I will be doing him a favor. He will not have to see my ugly face anymore…
N. I am sorry to tell you this Maria but you are a moron…

The parents have finished playing cards. Iraklis tells them to take Nicolas with them and Argiro decides to go and get him.

In Maria’s room.
N. Of course I didn’t mean that but you can’t always be the victim… they have to pay!
Argiro comes in and tells him they are leaving but Nicolas tells her that he has to stay with Maria. Argiro leaves.
M. I thought you would understand me Nicolas. I can’t see him again.
N. I understand Maria but you cannot leave like this! No! That man crushed you as if you were nothing!
M. I let him do this to me. I let him control me.
N. Yes! you let him because you loved him. If it weren’t for you, the banks would have taken his company… And instead of feeling gratitude, he treated you in the worse possible way… him and his friends! You have to do something about it… If you don’t then you are not the Maria I know!
M. What can I do Nicolas? I don’t want to be like him!
N. You don’t have to! You own Ecomoda! They are in your hands, all of them! Alexis, his family, Marcella, Sergios, Dimitris!
M. I don’t want them in my hands… I want to leave and forget they exist! I can’t go back… I will die…
N. You will go back… don’t say anything until we decide what to do… I will help you… I am here for you…OK my Maraki?
M. Nicolas… I don’t know if I could bear this without you…
N. They will pay for this, Maraki. My shoulder will always be here for you. You can cry on it although he doesn’t deserve it.
M. Yes Nicolas, he doesn’t deserve my tears.
N. No! They will pay… Maraki…
Iraklis comes in.
I. What are you doing here?
N. I was hugging her to wish her goodnight.
K. Are you feeling better Maraki?
M. Yes. Nicolas calmed me down.
Nicolas leaves and Keti tells Maria that everything will seem better in the morning.

Argiro and Nikitas go to the pastry shop because Argiro thought she left the shop unlocked. Nikitas tells her that he knows she is a very strong woman. Argiro asks him to escort her to the house because she is afraid of the dark.

Maria is writing in her diary: “I am broken to pieces… my heart is broken into a thousand bloody bits. I have been hurt many times in the past but Alexis was the final blow. The man of my dreams became my executioner and he killed me. He condemned me to eternal loneliness and pain. I don’t know if I can ever love again because I know for sure that I will never be loved. Why did I let this happen to me? Why did I believe that HE could love me…I first found out that people are mean when I went to school. (She hears the voices of small children making fun of her). As I grew up people became meaner to me… they hit me where it hurt the most. (she hears the voices of older boys telling her she is ugly).It’s the same thing over and over again… Michalis, who told me that he loved me and now Alexis… he needed his friend’s advice in order to make me fall in love with him. I wish I could tell him to his face: “you have overestimated yourself Mr. Mantas… you accomplished nothing with your charm… I fell in love with you from the first moment I saw you… I was that stupid. But not any more Mr. Mantas". Nicolas is right! I will not always be a victim. It’s time I get my revenge."

Episode 156 (54)

Maria takes out Dimitris’ letter again and reads the part where Dimitris advises Alexis not to let Nicolas catch Maria in his claws because then they will loose Maria and Ecomoda.
M. He is afraid that Nicolas and I will become a couple… and then we will keep Ecomoda for ourselves… You must be afraid Mr. Mantas! It’s time to strengthen your fears…

At Maria’s house, Iraklis doesn’t really remember the man but he tries to act as he does, so the man will not be offended. He says his name is Charilaos and he tells Keti that he has a lot of stories to tell her about her husband from the time they spent together during their army service. Keti invites him to dinner and he accepts. Charilaos starts telling Iraklis stories he doesn’t really remember but when he says that he admired him when they were young, Iraklis seems very flattered.

At Ecomoda, Lilian is reporting to Marcella that Alexis will be going to Adrianna’s party but she can’t follow him because she doesn’t have a car. Marcella tells her to call a taxi driver she knows and she will pay the fare later. Lilian tells her that she doesn’t have an invitation but she will find a way to sneak to the party.

Nicolas is dreaming of Lilian again. He sees her as a fairy but she complains to him and asks him to dream of her as the cat woman because the wings make her itch and she looks so much better in stretch pants. She sprinkles him with fairy dust and he starts sneezing. His phone rings and it’s Maria. She asks him if he is sick and he says no.
M. Good, because I need you tonight.
N. I don’t feel like going out…
M. You will because tonight you are coming with me to an event.
N. Is it for charity?
M. No. It’s for a TV show. Alexis will be there too.
N. Is Lilian going to be there?
M. I don’t think so. As far as I know she was not invited.
N. Why do you want me with you then?
M. You are not coming with me... not exactly...
N. What then?
M. I want you to pick me up from there at 11.
N. And take you where?
M. It’s not important. What’s important is that Alexis will see us leave together.
N. You want to make him jealous?
M. I don’t want to make him jealous Nicolas, I want to scare him. His worst nightmare is that we will become a couple… why not give him a taste of that?
N. Maria, you are diabolic…
M. Write down the address…

At Maria’s house, Charialos tell them that he was visiting his nephew, who lives near and he made a mistake in the address. When he saw his name on the doorbell he remembered him and thought it would be a good idea to meet him again.

At Ecomoda Maria is reading the letter again when Alexis comes in her office.
A. Are you ready?
M. Yes Alexis… I have another phone call to make though…
A. Is everything OK?
M. Yes… It’s just that…
A. Did something happen to you Maria?
M. Alexis, look… I feel bad about escorting you to such an event looking like that!
A. What do you mean?
M. I didn’t have time to change but even if I did, I don’t have anything suitable to wear.
A. Don’t be silly… You look perfect like this…. I am sure you will be the most interesting woman in there.
Maria starts hallucinating…
M. Perfect? Do you find me perfect Alexis?
A. Yes Maria, I find you perfect.
M. Definitely…. We don’t need a doctor to tell us that your eyes are not well.
A. What happened now?
M. You don’t have to lie to me anymore Alexis!
A. Lie?
M. Yes. Not only you don’t think I am perfect, but you think I am a monster! You and your friend Dimitris!
A. You are being paranoid! Relax!
M. Look me in the eyes and tell me if you think I am beautiful!
End of the hallucination.
A. Are you all right? Why are you looking at me like that?
M. …
A. What do you say… are we leaving now? Do you have your invitation?
M. Yes…
They leave the office and Alexis is watching her looking worried. His phone rings.
A. Excuse me a moment. Hello…my love… Yes I talked to Dimitris… how are things there? I am envious of you… Tonight? I am going to Adrianna’s party… with Maria… she is invited. Then I will go home to sleep. I am very tired. We will talk when you come. Bye.
He approaches Maria.
A. I am sorry.
M. Why did you tell her that you were going with me?
A. Because everyone will see us there. There is no way she will suspect something… don’t worry…
M. I don’t worry at all! Let’s go!
A. Is something wrong?
M. Why are you saying that?
A. I don’t know… you seem different… more indifferent…
M. I am so sorry Alexis… It’s just that I am feeling pressured lately, that’s why I am a little abrupt.
A. Do I pressure you?
M. No… various situations pressure me…in general.
A. Maraki, don’t get stressed… everything will turn out great! You will see…
He tries to kiss her bit she walks away.
M. We are late…. Let’s go…
Alexis looks very displeased. They leave.

A burglar is in Marcella’s apartment. Odysseas and Machi see the door open and Odysseas decides to see what is going on. Machi tells him not to go in but he orders her to call the police. Then he manages to knock the burglar out.

At Maria’s house Charilaos has eaten practically all their food and then when Iraklis starts yawning to show him that he should go, he tells them that he doesn’t have anywhere to go because he made a mistake on the dates and his nephew is away.

At the party, Alexis and Maria arrive. Alexis approaches the man at the reception.
A. Good afternoon. We are here for the party of ON Productions. My name is Alexis Mantas.
Man. Yes…I see… Is the “lady” with you?
A.   Yes and I don’t like your tone of voice at all! I am escorting the lady!
Man. Yes…
Adrianna comes and greets them.
Adr. I am so glad you could come!... (to the man at he door) I would like you to be friendlier with people.
Man. I am very polite.
Adr. I didn’t say polite, I said friendly. Maria, Alexis… let’s go inside. I want you to meet some very interesting people.
They go inside and Lilian arrives wearing a brown wig. She pretends she has forgotten the invitation and the man decides to let her in because Adrianna told him to be friendly.

At Marcella’s apartment, the police arrest the burglar and Machi tells Odysseas that she admires him a lot. He says that they have to wait for the locksmith to change the lock.

At he party.
Adr. Here is my terrific director, Pelios Portokalis. Alexis is the president of Ecomoda and Maria the Financial manager.
A. Glad to meet you
M. Glad to meet you! I have never met a director before in my life!
P. Do you know what kind of inspiration you could be for a man like me? I could write a play for you!
A. Luckily for us, Maria met me first! She is a financial genius and she is my right hand.
P. Yes but I would like to discover the face that’s hiding behind those glasses…
A. Is he all right?
P. The little ears that hide under those hair… the little teeth that hide behind these…
Christ. …. Braces!
Adr. Christo! Where have you been?
A. How are you Christo?
Chr. I am fine, crazy boy! I am circulating and meeting people! Maybe I can design clothes for a TV series.
A. Dream on!
Christ. Ecomoda will not clip my wings. Show business is calling me! Ciao!
A. He is a goner. You ruined him for me! Adrianna, I beg you… tell everyone he is a bad co-worker or I am lost!
M. Alexis! How could you do something like that just for the company's sake? You are not that kind of person!
A. Of course not! I was just joking!
A woman called Samantha, comes to talk to Alexis. She asks them if she can steal him from them and asks him why he hasn’t been returning her calls. Alexis tell her that he is going to be married. She tells him that she is crazy for married man and she would like to show it to him tonight. Maria excuses herself and orders a glass of water.
A. That’s good… but you have to let me introduce you to Maria. (to Maria) Where are you going? Samantha… this is Maria. She is the financial manager of Ecomoda. She is my closest colleague.
Maria. Glad to meet you.
She starts hallucinating again.
M. But we are not only colleagues. Alexis and I are a couple!
A. What? What are you saying?
M. The truth Alexis! Everyone here must know the truth!
A. Please….
M. Alexis, shut up! It’s time for me to speak! This man, ladies and gentlemen, this man, who looks like a gentleman, is a fraud! He deceived his family and me and he ruined his company!
A. She is lying! You are lying!
M. I will not fake the numbers Mr. Mantas and say goodbye to your company! I am never returning it to you!
End of the hallucination.
A. Maraki? Maraki, did you blank out?
M. I am sorry… I am going to mingle…
Sam. Is she stupid?
A. Stop it !

At Marcella’s apartment, Odysseas is talking to Marcella on the phone. He tells her not to worry because he is not hurt and when she thanks him he clearly stats flirting with her. When he hangs up, Machi makes a scene because he is always ready to help Marcella and Odysseas tells her that she has to get used to it because that’s who he is.

At Maria’s house, Iraklis and keti can’t sleep. Iraklis reproaches Keti for inviting a stranger to sleep at their house. Keti tells him that he practically invited himself. Charilaos is wandering in their living room.

At Marcella’s apartment Machi and Odysseas are still arguing. Odysseas tells her that he can’t stand a woman who is always suspicious. She tells him that she feels he is not totally concentrated on her. Odysseas tells her that he never promised her something like that. Machi says that she knows that she is not the woman of his life and wonders if he is just passing his time with her. He says he is doing just that and that this is not a bad thing because it means that he likes her and he has chosen to spend time with her. He says that she should not trouble her mind with him and just have a good time. If she can’t do that then there is no point in continuing seeing each other.

At the party Lilian is taking photos of Alexis with her phone in order to send them to Marcella. Christo bumps onto Maria!
Christ. Watch it! You are going to spill your drink on me!
M. It’s just water Christo! It’s not going to stain!
Christ. Be careful not to get drunk!
M. have you seen Adrianna?
Christ. What are you going to do to her?
M. I want to ask her something!
Christ. I haven’t seen her! She is probably hiding from you! Watch it, you dunk!

At Marcella’s apartment Machi doesn’t agree with Odysseas suggestion and tells him that she wants to make love to him there. He protests and the locksmith interrupts them.

At the party, Maria asks Adrianna if she can do her a favor. She consents and Maria tells her that her boyfriend Nicolas Markakis is coming to pick her up so she would like Adrianna to inform the man by the door to let him in. Adrianna agrees. Maria tells her, looking at Alexis, that it’s very important to her.


Episode 157 (55)

M. Adrianna, will you do me another favor?
Adr. Of course!
M. Please don’t tell Mr. Mantas that Nicolas is coming to pick me up!
Adr. Is there some kind of problem?
M. Nothing really… forget about it!
Adr. Maria!
M. OK. If you insist I will tell you. Alexis might seem cool but in truth he is a tyrant!
Adr. I could never believe that!
M. Believe it! I am working with him for so long! He doesn’t want us to mix out personal life with our professional one.
Adr. I could understand it if it were for relationships between employees.
M. He totally forbids them too!
Adr. But the fact that he doesn’t let you bring your boyfriend to the party… that’s incredible!
M. That’s why I don’t want him to know anything… please don’t tell him anything…
Adr. Don’t worry! I am going down to the reception to let them know.
A. Adrianna! (Maria passes in front of him) Maria…. Adrianna, I want to ask you something…
Adr. I have to go down…
A. just one moment! Please tell me… what was Maria saying to you?
Adr. Curiosity killed the cat, Alexis… don’t you know that?
A. Tell me and I will still have six more lives, don’t worry.
Adr. You are a terrible gossip! Can’t your employees have a private life? Must you control everything?
A. Come on now… you misunderstood me…
Adr. Alexis… relax… have a drink! Talk to some models for you next show, but don’t forget… you have to separate your professional life from your personal one!

At the pastry shop, Angeliki is trying to convince Argiro to go to the cinema. She says that she doesn’t have anyone to go with. Nicolas doesn’t want to go out with her and Keti is always asking questions. Angeliki tells her to go alone but she says she feels awkward. Nicolas comes in and they both admire his clothes. He tells them that he is going to Adrianna’s party and Lilian is going to be there too. Argiro complains that she is always alone and Nicolas tells her that she must ask Nikitas to take her to the cinema. She gets very upset and when Nicolas asks her what’s wrong she tells him that today is her wedding anniversary.

At Maria’s house, her parents are sleeping when suddenly there is a big noise. They wake up and start wondering if Charialos is a criminal or not. Iralkis decides to go out and ask him to leave. Charilaos comes into their room and starts talking to them about the army again. Then he invites them to their kitchen for a glass of milk.

At the pastry shop Argiro is very sad thinking about her life. Nicolas tells her he really loves her and she tells him to go to his party.

At the party, Lillian is in front of the reception. She asks the man if he has seen Alexis Mantas. He tells her that he hasn’t but perhaps this "lady” might know. Maria is approaching.
M. Excuse me… Is Nic…  Lillian? Is that you?
L. Maraki? You are here too?
M. What happened to your hair?
L. Do you like them? I am experimenting…
M. I didn’t know you were invited…
L. Of course I am! Let me talk to you…Come here… How could you think I could come uninvited…
M. I didn’t want to offend you.
L. Just because you are here, you think you are something special? You don’t fit in here…
M. That’s what you think! If you only knew…
L. Anyway… don’t tell anyone, especially Alexis that you saw me here…
M. Don’t worry.
L. By the way…where is Alexis?
M. Where do you think? He is upstairs, flirting with some models. One of them is called Samantha…
L. I am going to check…. Out of curiosity of course… Maraki, were you looking for someone?
M. Ni… I mean Gina...
L. I haven’t seen her…and I see everything! Remember this!
She leaves.
M. If she sees Nicolas, it will be a disaster… Where is he?

At El Rostro Nicolas is meeting with his dad. He asks him if he wants to get back with Argiro or not.
At Maria’s house, Keti is asks Charialos if her husband had any girlfriends in the army and when he says yes, she tells him that this is very interesting because she was engaged to him. Charialos tries to change the subject and tells them that he is hungry again.

At El Rostro, Nikitas says that he wants to get back with her but he is certain that she doesn’t want him anymore. Nicolas tells him that she would have gotten married again if she didn’t and reminds him of the date. Then he leaves for his date with Maria.

At the party Alexis is having a drink with Samantha.
S. All you think is business… Don’t you want anything more?
A. I really don’t know what you expect to hear from me.
S. I don’t know who you are expecting to see Alexis. You haven’t stopped looking around for someone while we are talking…
Alexis spots Lilian.
A. You always have to look around… You never know what you will find and where.
S. Whatever… I will give you my number… to make arrangements for the show… and maybe a drink…
A. I never mix my personal life with business. You’d better give your number to my secretary here. (Lilian tries to hide)
S. Where is she?
A. She was here… maybe she is looking for something too… Lilian… Lilian…
L. Good afternoon Alexis… I’ve lost my earring…
S. I will help you find it.
A. Samantha, help Lilian, or shall I say Mata Hari, find her earring
L. Alexis, let me explain…
A. I don’t want to hear anything and I don’t care. I am very sorry for the fact that Marcella has thought of such a low trick.
L. Marcella has nothing to do with it… she doesn’t know I am here. Christo invited me...
A. Since you are here, make yourself useful… take Samantha’s number. Have you seen Maria?
L. Yes.  She was downstairs looking for someone…
A. If you see her, tell her that I want her. Ciao Samantha…
Lilian sits with Samantha and takes off her wig.

At the lobby, Nicolas arrives and asks the man if he is on the list. He tells him that he is. Maria appears.
M. Nicolas… where have you been?
N. I had to do something… I am looking good, am I not? What a pity Lilian is not here.
M. Don’t worry, she is here.
N. Really? This is a sign!
M. stop it! Don’t you dare get near her, you will be sorry. Remember what we said!
N. OK, I know… what am I supposed to do?
M. Nothing! You will just be with me but you must behave as a gentleman. You will not look around. And then we will leave together… right?
N. So Mr. Mantas will see us and get jealous… right?
M. Right…No! I don’t care to make him jealous… I want to scare him. This is the only thing that interests him. He doesn’t give a dime about me…
N. Yes but now that he knows you own Ecomoda he gives a dime…
M. that’s why you should be the perfect gentleman. Do you understand?
N. No! But don’t worry… when Mr. Mantas sees you next to me, he will not know what hit him.
M. that’s the spirit! I am going to find Adrianna now and then I will come back to get you.
N. I want to see Adrianna too… I want to!
M. Stop it Nicolas. You are on a mission.

Nicolas sees Lilian but he can’t talk to her because he is on a mission.

At Maria’s house, Iraklis sets a trap for Charilaos. He asks him if he remembers the time when he was almost court-martialed and when he says yes, he tells him that he is going to jail.

At the party Maria finds Adrianna.
M. Adrianna… thank you for everything.
Adr. Is you friend here?
M. yes, I am leaving with him now.
L. Hi Adrianna…
Adr. Hi.
L. Maria, Alexis wants you. You should go to him immediately.
M. Tell him I will be there in a moment. I have to do something…
l. Is that what you want me to tell him?
M. Yes Lilian, that’s what I want you to tell him.
L. What nerve! That what happens when you pay too much attention to a bumpkin… Of course a bumpkin would dress better…
M. And behave better Lilian!
L. I am going for a drink. Adrianna, do you want one too?
Adr. No thank you! If you don’t mind, we were in a middle of a conversation…
L. Sorry to interrupt. Maraki… your boss wants you. You didn’t come here for your Public relations…
Adr. What is her problem?
M. She doesn’t like me very much…
Adr. Even so, she can’t talk to you like that!
M. what she said about the clothes is true though…I don’t know anything about fashion. I am so sorry I came dressed like that to your party but I am an economist, not a model…
Adr.What are you talking about? I am a model and I still didn’t know how to dress… I didn’t have a stylist in my village.
M. I think you are one of the most elegant women I know.
Adr. Yes because they taught me how to dress and put my makeup on. No one knows these things since birth! A fashion editor taught me everything!
M. Really?
Adr. Yes. I think she is my fairy godmother, not because she transformed me but because she taught me to show my best features. There is a big difference there Maria. Beautiful clothes, jewelry and a beautiful face are not enough… you must have something to shed a light on them.
M. It has to come from inside of you.
Adr. Exactly! You have the light in you! All you have to do is turn it on! I am so glad you came...
M. Thank you Adrianna and I wish you success in your show.
Adr. Thank you Maria.
She leaves and Nicolas approaches.
N. Maria… I am bored…
M. OK, Nicolas… we are going to Mr. Mantas.

At the pastry shop, Angeliki leaves and Nikitas comes in and serenades Argiro with the song he played when they first met.
He ten wonders if it’s not too lat but Argiro tell him that it is too late and sends him away. She then starts crying.

At the party.
A. A whisky please.
L. Don’t drink too much, you are driving.
A. I am not… Anyway I plan on leaving very soon… Don’t forget to write down what time I am leaving for your report for Marcella…
L. Don’t start again!
A. You must also tell her that I will drive Maria home. I don’t think Marcella would mind…
L. can you give me a ride too?
A. Do I look like a taxi driver? Anyway, I will be talking about business with Maria. Did you find her?
L. I told her you were looking for her but she didn’t seem to care about you… I don’t know where she gets the nerve but she said you should wait.
A. there she is!
L. (sees a good looking guy) what a work of art! Alexis I must leave you. Someone… I mean something came up!
A. Where have you been? What is Nicolas doing here?
M. I came to say goodbye Alexis… I am leaving.
A. Where are you going? Weren’t we leaving together?
M. No! I am leaving with Nicolas.

Episode 160 ( 58 )
D. If I were you, I wouldn’t wait for next week. You have lost valuable ground and you have to win it back.
A. She said that to me without a care in the world! “See you next week”? Coming from Maria? The woman melted every time I looked at her!
D. We can always hope that she is behaving this way because she wants to make you love her more. Who knows? She may have read an article in a woman’s magazine.
A. I doubt that…
D. Me too. If she read women’s magazines, she wouldn’t be the way she is!
A. Unusual, one of a kind…
D. I meant she is like a nerd from Sunday school… Anyway…
A. Anyway… I have to change this card right away! I promised it to her and you are going to help me. In can’t think anymore…
D. For many years now… Anyway, let me see the card.
A. There you go.
D. Do you think I should write “your interest” instead of “your love”?
A. No… it’s too week… You should write “love”…

Maria is in her office when Nicolas calls her.
N. Good morning. I would like to speak with Maria Papasotiriou, president of Ecomoda.
M. Nicolas, stop that! I hope no one is listening to you.
N. Don’t worry. The bank called me. They have approved the loan. Now we can give the money to ”he, who's name must not be mentioned".
M. Good! I made him sign another promissory note.
N. Another one?
M. Yes Nicolas, another one! We cannot give away the loans as if they were candy to that liar, that scoundrel, that hypocrite!
N. Say some more Maria…
M. To that… to that… to him… we have to watch our backs. We don’t know what evil things he has planned. We may get into trouble.
N. You are right! Can I tell you something else?
M. What?
N. I am going to the car agency for the car.
M. What brand?
N. Surprise!
M. Nicolas, I don’t want us to buy something too expensive!
N. Don’t worry.
M. Good! You are not going to buy anything without consulting me first.
N. I will call you from the agency and you can come and see it!
M. OK. Bye.

At El Rostro, Sofia tells the girls that Kostas drove her home. The girls ask her what kind of car he drove but Sofia tells them that she is not interested in that. She says that they listen to the same kind of music and that means they have many things in common. The girls ask her if he kissed her and she says that he did and it was wonderful. She tells them that he promised he will call her again today.
Odysseas comes to El Rostro and he talks to Lefteris who tells him he can’t stand his cousin. She appears and starts flirting with Odysseas. He orders a sandwich. Lefteris makes the sandwich and Odyesseas says he will not eat it there. Suddenly Marcella appears and asks him to join her. She kisses him and thanks him for his bravery.

In the board room.
D. There you go! This is more suitable to the facts. What do you think of it?
A. I will look at it later.
D. If you don’t like it, write one yourself. This is the last lukewarm card you are giving her. I want passion, my boy…eroticism… And so does Maria, even if she is being hard to get!
A. I wish…
D. I am leaving. I have an appointment with the interior designer for the new shop. I would like your opinion later. OK?
A. All right…
D. I am off!
He leaves. Alexis start reading what Dimitris wrote.
A. “I was dreaming about our night together for days but you chose not to spend it with me. I can only wait for the next one and hope that you will not disappoint me.” Disappoint me… It’s all wrong!
He starts writing a new one.

At El Rostro Marcella confesses to Odysseas that she would not have acted the same but only call the police. She says that she would hate herself if something happened to him. He asks her if she loves him that much. He tells her that he has a black belt but she says that this would not have helped him if the burglar had a gun. He says that then he would pray the police came in time. He tells her that Machi called the police and Marcella looks a little annoyed and apologizes for ruining his date. He says that his date was not ruined and Marcella looks uncomfortable. She tells him that she missed Alexis too much and that she can’t wait for her night with him.

At the pastry shop, Angeliki can’t believe that Argiro send Nikitas away after his serenade. She tells Argiro that she thinks she still loves him because if she didn’t she would have married all these years. Keti comes in and while they are talking, Angeliki understand that she feels a void in her life. Keti says that she is tired of doing things for others and she wants to do something for herself. Angeliki tells her that she can do so many things, like dancing, drawing etc. but Keti tells her that she wants to have French lessons. Argiro makes fun of her and tells her that these are not for her age but Keti says that she would do it if she could afford it. A man selling lottery tickets comes in and Angeliki tells her that since they say that one in three people wins, she has to buy one.

At Ecomoda, Lilian asks Marcella what she brought Alexis from Thessaloniki and she says it’s his favorite sweet bread filled with chestnut cream. Marcella says that she hopes the chestnut will work as a aphrodisiac and they will make love. Lilian tells her that after so many days, he must have missed her. Marcella says that he is too busy that’s why he is in no mood.
Marc. He is very busy, poor man. (Alexis comes out of the board room looking happy and reading the card he just wrote and saying “OK. That’s fine”). Look ant him! He is walking and working. Alexis!
He looks terrified and tries to hide the card.
A. My love! Welcome!
Marc. It’s great to see you!
A. How was Thessaloniki? Did Dimitris take care of you?
Marc. He was the perfect gentleman. And he was a very good boy.
A. I was too but you must already know this from your friend.
L. I don’t understand why all of you think the worst of me!
A. don’t you have anything to do? Are you coming to my office?
Marc. See what I brought you!
A. You ruined me! There goes my healthy diet… Let’s go to my office.
They go in his office.
Marc. Come here baby… I missed you so much!
(Maria hears everything from her office)
Marcella throws the sweetbread away.
A. Watch it! You ruined it!
Marc. I don’t care about it! I thought of you all the time!
A. me too my lone… me too… me too (he is trying to hide the card)
Marc. What are you doing? What’s that?
A. It’s an invitation. Don’t pay attention to it. Kiss me now. Tell me how much you missed me!
Marc. I prefer to show it to you.
She starts kissing him on the neck. Maria comes out of her office and Alexis sees her.
A. Stop it now… stop…
Maria closes the door.
A. Maria is inside… she can hear us!
Marc. It doesn’t matter… She closed the door. She is a very discreet girl.
A. I don’t feel comfortable and I have a lot to do here.
Marc. Come on Alexis… work, work… we used to lock ourselves in you office in the old times.
A. In the old times I wasn’t president of Ecomoda.
Marc. Yes… the happy days, when you didn’t have the satellite Maria around you, are over!
A. Come on Marcella! That’s enough!
M. Am I wrong? Sometimes I have the feeling that during the wedding ceremony, she will be standing next to you handing you reports and when we go on our honeymoon ,we will find her in the fruit basket in our room.
A. Are you annoyed that I took her to Adrianna’s party?
Marc. Come on baby, don’t underestimate me! I may be jealous but I am not paranoid. I prefer it when you spend time with Maria instead of the other woman.
A. The phantom lover!
Marc. I am afraid of ghosts but I am not afraid of Maria. Besides she has a boyfriend. I heard that last night, he came to the party and he stole her from you.
A. I see Lilian told you everything. Her talent is wasted. She would have a brilliant career in gossip newspapers.
Marc. Yeah...  gossip newspapers would be so interested in Maria and her escort!
A. you may laugh but you are forgetting that Nicolas is a rising businessman.
Marc. Come on baby, you know I have seen him! He is a nerd with glasses like the “beauty” in the other room. They are a well suited couple.
A. Right, right…. But I am not interested in gossip! Please go to your friend Lilian and we will talk later.
Marc. OK but you are not going to escape me that easily.

At Dimitris office, he is kissing Monica and he tells her that he missed her. She wants to lock the door but he says that he has a bad experience and he prefers it unlocked. Monica receives a message on her phone from Sergios. He writes that she has a bigger influence on him than he thought and that he is going to visit a shrink.
Dimitris asks her who send her the massage and she tells him it was Sergios.

Maria is working in her office when Alexis comes in.
A. Am I bothering you?
M. You? Never. I am in the way sometimes… and Maroudas office is still empty. I can move there…
A. Come on, what are you talking about? Don’t say that again! I can’t part with you! It will be like someone is taking my oxygen away…
M. I am only thinking of you…
A. Ok… If you want more space…I would understand… this is not an office…
M. No, it’s all right… besides it suits me, like Nicolas… like Miss Marcella said. Isn’t it ironic?
A. Come on! I don’t want to hear Marcella’s foolish remarks. You know that she is always defensive… I wanted to give you this (he gives her the card) and this (he gives her the present)
M. Why is it wrinkled?
A. it went through hardships but everything went well! What’s important is the content.
M. And not the appearance, isn’t it so? Don’t worry Alexis, I will pay attention to the content.
A. And when you read it, I want you to tell me your thoughts. OK?
M. All right Alexis. Thank you so much.
He leaves and she throws the card in the garbage but then she changes her mind and reads it “Maria, I could pretend to be indifferent but I am not! I am in love with you and in the same time confused by your behavior. To me, our wasted night was a painful loss. To you, a mistake in you calendar. What has changed? I hope I haven’t done something that made you sad. If I did, talk to me… I can’t live without your warmth. Yours, forever Alexis.”  Maria says “Creep… you are scared”

At Dimitis office he is having an argument with Monica. He asks her since when Sergios left her past and became her present. He tells her that he doesn’t care about her past but he cares about the present. He wonders why Sergios has suddenly changed his mind and is sending her little messages. She tells him that they are trying to resolve their differences. Dimitris tells her that Sergios is flirting with her but Monica says that Sergios is not what he seems. He used to be a very good man and she is bringing his good self to the surface. He tells her that there can’t be friendship between men and women and she tells him that he is talking nonsense. He tells her that Sergios is trying to take her on his side to get even at her dad. Monica says that what he says is bullshit and leaves.

At Alexis office.
M. Alexis, may I…
A. Did you read it?
M. Ehh. Yes I read it! Thank you so much. It was very good. Your talent shined once more.
A. ....and?
M. I wanted to ask you if I can go out for an hour.
A. Are you going to lunch? I thought maybe we could go together…
M. But…
Dimitris comes in.
D. President, lunch, the two of us now!
A. Dimitirs, I will have lunch with Maria.
M. It doesn’t matter Mr. Alexis…. Anyway, I have other plans… Have a nice meal!
She leaves.
A. Did you see that?
D. I did.
A. And what have you to say?
D. She rejected you. What has happened to women?
A. What did I do to her, Dimitris? Form the perfect happiness to the total rejection!
D. You did nothing wrong my boy! They are totally crazy! Maria has you, the catch, and she spits you like a seed!
A. She doesn’t give a dime!
D. What about my woman! For the first time in my life I decided to be faithful and she exchanges messages with our worst enemy! I am telling you, things are not as we used to know them.
A. into what kind of world are we bringing our children ?
D. no one can guarantee you that we are going to reproduce. Things are hard. I am afraid we are going to remain bachelors…

Maria is waiting for the elevator. Sandra and Marianna come out and they tell Maria the news about Sofia. She is happy for her and Sandra tells her that they are all going to have men soon. Sandra asks her if Nicolas has a friend.
M. only me… I mean we spend our free time together. I am going to meet him now.
Alexis and Dimitris hear everything.
A. I thought you were going to lunch with your friends Maria.
Marian. No Mr. Alexis, we already ate. She is going with her" love."
D. And where is your "love"  taking you Maria? To a trendy restaurant?
M. I don’t know… it's a surprise! I am waiting for him to call any minute.
(Her phone rings). It must be him!
D. Already?
M. I told you, I was waiting for his call. It’s him! Hi my Nicolas… OK… I will take a taxi and I will meet you there. Bye my Nicolas… I am leaving. Are you coming Mr. Alexis?
A. Yes, I am...
D. Let’s go Alexis.
M. Bye girls!
S. Have fun! Give Nicolas kisses from me! (Alexis and Dimitris look mad)
M. Gladly!

At Maria’s house Iraklis doesn’t think that Keti is going to win but she says she had to try. He tells her that he is happy with his life but he starts dreaming of food and when he comes back to reality he tells her that they are going to buy lottery tickets every week.

At El Rostro.
D. how much more rejection can a man take? Last night she threw away a night of passion with you to have dinner with four eyes. Today you invite her to lunch and she says she can’t because "her love"  has a surprise for her!
A. What could have happened? Do you think he is going to ask her to marry him?
D. What can I say? I would rather jump to a lake with alligators than marry Maria. Any woman for that matter!
A. When he called her, her little face lit up! It doesn’t light up like this with me anymore!
D. There are men that think very differently from us. They are not afraid of marriage and commitment! They are not afraid to jump to the alligators. These men scare me!
A. I am loosing her Dimitris… I am loosing her…
D. Alexis, you look as if you really care!
A. Yes… I don’t want to loose Maria… I don’t know… I feel good with her! She brings out the best in me!
Dimitris remembers that Monica said the same thing about Sergios and herself.
D. Alexis. Are you in love with Maria and ashamed to tell me?
A. You are going to fast. Soon you will tell me that I want to marry her and raise our little monsters…
D. I don’t know… you are pale and…
A. I am thinking of the company. I am going to loose it.
D. You are not going to loose it to Nicolas. The best defense is to attack! You are going to attack tonight!
A. I can’t tonight! Marcella is waiting for me for a night of passion!
D. Alexis my boy…in life we must make choices… Marcella or Maria? Sharks or alligators?

Maria arrives at the car agency. Nicolas is waiting for her for the test drive. Maria tells him that there is no way they are going to find there a car that costs only 30.000 euros. Nicolas tells her that they deserve it. Maria says that this is Mr. Mantas’ money but Nicolas says that they multiplied his capital and they deserve some money. Maria says that this car is not for them. It’s a luxury car and people will laugh at them. Nicolas asks her if they don’t have the right to dream or live better just because they are ugly. Maria remembers the talk she had with Alexis about her office. She changes her mind and tells Nicolas:
M. You are right Nicolas. I am little mouse that doesn’t want to get out of its hole. I can but I am too afraid!
N. So we are buying this car?
M. Yes, we are! Since we can afford it we are going to buy it! We are going to say that we have the greatest car!
N. the most beautiful one!
M. You know something Nicolas? I am not Maria, the ugly one anymore! I am beautiful and I deserve this car! I am Maria, the beautiful one!




Episode 161 (59)

Christina and Jerry arrive outside Ecomoda on Jerry’s bike. They start kissing. Marcella and Lilian arrive and see them. Lilian makes an insulting remark but Marcella tells her she is jealous because Christina has a boyfriend.
Suddenly Maria and Nicolas arrive in their new car. Maria gets out of the car and kisses Nicolas goodbye calling him “my love”.

Inside Ecomoda Christina and Jerry ask Maria about the car and she tells them that he bought it today. Maria goes into the elevator with Marcella and Lilian. Christina asks Jerry if he could ever have imagined seeing Maria in a car like that and he answers no. Christina keeps admiring the car and Jerry feels a little insulted but Christina tells him that she would not change him for any other man. She calls all the other girls to tell them what happened.

When Maria gets out of the elevator all the girls surround her to congratulate her on the car. Maria tells them that Nicolas promised her that he will let her drive it sometimes. Sandra asks her if she has a driver’s license but her dad doesn’t let her drive. Nicolas’ car is automatic. Lilian says that she is certain that the car doesn’t belong to Nicolas but to his boss and that Nicolas is probably a chauffeur. The girls tell her that she is jealous because she doesn’t have a boyfriend or a car anymore. Maria seems a little uncomfortable and says that Nicolas has a right to buy an expensive car because he has worked very hard. The girls tell her that she doesn’t have to explain anything and that Nicolas deserves her. They wish her to enjoy the new car in good health.

Alexis is working in his office, when Maria comes in.
M. Hi Alexis! I didn’t think you would be back from your lunch so soon!
A. I had to come back quickly because I am very busy here.
M. Yes, I know… excuse me.
A. Maraki, you didn’t tell me… did you have a good time with Nicolas?
M. Good!!  Great!!
A. Great… I am so happy! Pray tell me…were you celebrating something? You have never gone out for lunch before...
M. Celebrating? No…no… we weren’t celebrating anything. It’s just that we had a long time to go out and have fun!
A. Have fun...
M. Yes. We are always talking about business when we meet… We don’t have much time for our relationship so…
A. ...he took you for lunch on your brake!
M. Exactly! He thought it would be a good idea and he was right!
A. Yes, it was a good idea… Do you know what I can’t understand Maria?
M. No, what?
A. All this time you used to be more discreet with Nicolas.
M. I don’t understand you…
A. how can I explain this to you…. You never used to boast for your relationship with Nicolas.
M. Ahhh Now I understand! Didn’t you tell me to speak openly to the girls about Nicolas? Don’t you remember? So they will not suspect anything about us?
A. Yes but there is a limit to all that!
M. look… Marcella is back from Thessaloniki and you seem to get along so I thought I could accentuate my relationship with Nicolas.
A. You know… things between Marcella and myself are not as good as you think. She may be pleased because I didn’t go out during her absence but that’s all!
M. ok. Anyway I am happy! I am going now!
A. Maria!
M. Yes?
A. Gina has thought of some very interesting things about the new collection so I need your final estimates.
M. I will have them ready today.
A. Good! We have to be ready for the board meeting… you remember what you have to do… We can’t let anyone suspect us!
M. I will see what I can do…
She goes in her office. She remembers the part of the letter where Dimitris said “Alexis my friend, every time you kiss her ugly mouth or touch her badly shaped little body, you have to remember that you are sacrificing yourself for the company.”
Maria is thinking “And so you had to sacrifice me, Alexis my friend… time will tell… we will see who the victim and who the victimizer is!”

Christo is trying to have a fitting with Monica but she is slouching. Christo tells her that he is certain she is having trouble with her boyfriend. Monica refuses at first but then she admits it ,saying that she doesn’t really know if these are serious problems or not! Christo immediately stops the fitting and invites her for a cup of coffee.

Marcella is telling Lilian that Nicolas looked more like a driver than a businessman and Lilian agrees and complains to Marcella about the way the rest of the girls are treating her. Marcella tells her that she is provoking them.

At the pastry shop, Argiro is giving Angeliki lessons on how to present the candy to the customers. Sotiris comes in saying that he dropped buy to kiss Angeliki and let her know that they are going out with his mother tonight. Angeliki is terrified and annoyed because he didn’t ask her first but she agrees to go. When Sotiris leaves Angeliki tells Argiro that she is afraid that Sotiris’ mother will not like her. Argiro says that she doesn’t think that there is a future mother in law in the world who would not like her. Angeliki says that she doesn’t know of anyone and Argiro answers that she is looking at one.
Nilcolas comes in and asks them to go out because he has a surprise for them.

At Ecomoda, Sofia and Martha are very happy with Maria’s good luck. They say that Maria is so kind, innocent and hard working that she deserved to be happy. Sofia tells Martha that she is happy to and she has a very good feeling about Kostas. Martha advises her to be very careful and not get too exited… She also tells her that if he calls her, it will be a good sign. Sofia’s phone rings but it’s only her mother.

At El Rostro, Christo and Monica are having coffee. Christo thinks that Dimitris was unfaithful but she says that this is not the problem. She says that she thought she will have a relaxed and carefree relationship with an independent man but he has been acting in a way she never thought possible for him. Christo can’t believe that they are talking about the same man. Monica says that he has become very pushy and wants to know everything. Christo tells her to send him away because these womanizers are the worst kind of men when they get stuck with one woman and all their flaws become obvious. Monica says that she really likes Dimitris and hopes that he ill change but Christo says that this is not possible.

At Maria’s house, Iraklis tells Keti that Charilaos is doing very well and that he is very happy he has found something to do. Keti wonders if she will be able to do what she likes.

At the pastry shop, Argiro is very proud of her son and she says that she has underestimated him. Nicolas promises that he will take Angeliki for a ride someday. His phone rings and it’s Lilian. Nicolas faints.

At El Rostro, Monica says that she can’t stand it when he wants to know who calls her especially when she is doing nothing wrong. Christo tells her that this kind of man becomes an explorer when he is in love and wants to find out everything about the woman he loves so he starts searching drawers, bags, cupboards etc. Monica says that she will hate that.  Her phone rings and it’s Dimitris. Christo advises her not to answer and Monica follows his advice.
Dimitris leaves a message in her answering machine. He asks her to call him because they have to talk.

Maria is working in her office. She is working on the figures that don’t seem to be very good. She remembers of a time when Alexis asked her is he can count on her help and she answered “absolutely”. Then she remembers of the time when he asked her to fake the figures, told her she is his star and when she agreed he took her in his arms, lifted her up and called her an angel. A little later she remembers of the time she told him that she will never abandon him and he asked her to give him her hand and promised her that he will never let her down. She remembers that he came in her office and told her that he should have been working for her because she owned Ecomoda.
She takes out her diary and writes. “How much have things changed… I loved you so purely… how could you believe that I could betray you, so you can betray me too. Why did you do this Alexis? Why? There was a time when I would do anything for you… but now… nothing is the same. My heart is not eager to save you…. I have to save myself…”

At the pastry shop, Nicolas is talking with Lilian. She tells him that she should be angry with him because he didn’t call her. Hen she reminds him of his promise to help her with her financial problems. Nicolas asks her to go out the next evening. She accepts and when Nicolas realizes that, he faints again.

Episode 164 (62)

Maria is writhing in her diary: “I know that Alexis wants like crazy an explanation for my behavior but I am not the one who needs to explain. I don’t feel bad for the things I do… I feel bad for the things I feel because… because I can’t get out of me what I felt for him for so long… (We see Alexis get in Marcella’s apartment and pour a glass of whisky). I don’t know where I found the strength not to talk to him on the phone and I had my mother lie to him… I still feel so week but I have to protect myself! I have to keep in mind all the time that although I would have died for him, he was interested only for his company. The only reason he is suffering is because he is afraid of me, not because he loves me”

At El Rostro, Dimitris is drinking. Sotiris’ mother can’t believe that Angeliki is his girlfriend. Dimitris is talking to Lefteris and tells him that all women are useless. Lefteris agrees with him. Dimitris says that he doesn’t care if she is gone and she is with Sergios. Lefteris tells him that he shouldn’t be drinking so much.

Sotiris mother tells him that she is surprised that he is seeing someone like Angeliki. She asks her to forgive her but she says that it’s a good thing this happened because she now knows who Angeliki really is. Then she gets up and demands to go. She says that he has to choose between her and Angeliki. Their drinks arrive and she sits back down.
Dimitris is saying that all women are good-for-nothing. Suddenly he hears Lilian’s voice asking me if there aren’t any exceptions, like her.

At Marcella’s apartment, Alexis is in the bedroom and gets into bed. Marcella wakes up.
Marc. My love… you are here! What time is it?
A. It’s late. Go back to sleep.
Marc. I want to do other things now. (she kisses him) Where you drinking?
A. Just a small drink… to relax.
Marc. I will help you relax… (she starts massaging his back)
Alexis is huffing and puffing, holding his head…
Marc. What is it? What’s going on?
A. I have a headache…
Marc. I thought that was our line… I mean, women use it…
A. I am just a little stressed, that’s all!
Marc. You are always stressed lately…
A. How can I avoid it? The show is approaching and I have the crucial board meeting.
Marc. Don’t worry my love… Everything is going to be fine! Besides you have more important things to think about.
Alexis looks scared.
A. Such as?
Marc. Our marriage Alexis… did you forget about it?

At El Rostro, Sotiris has managed to convince his mother to give Angeliki another chance. She says that she will overlook the fact that Angeliki called her mad. Angeliki says that she called her names too. Sotiris tells Angeliki that they all agreed to put the incident behind them. Sotiris' mother asks Angeliki if she is patient enough to stand her son. She then says that only his ex girlfriend, Elpida, could stand him. She wonders why they broke up and tells Angeliki that Elpida was polite, coming from a very good family and she was a lawyer.

Lilian seems surprised to hear that Monica and Dimitris broke up. He says that he asked Monica to break up because she was too pushy. Lilian wonders why he is drinking if he was the one who wanted to separate and Dimitris tells her that he is celebrating.

At Marcella’s apartment.
Marc. I have a lot of ideas for our wedding and I want your opinion. It will give you a chance to think of something more pleasant. What do you say?
A. Baby…You said that you will arrange everything on your own. Besides you know I trust you. You are going to plan the perfect wedding… (in a lower voice) if there is such a thing.
Marc. What did you just say?
A. I said I totally trust you.
Marc. Normally, talking about our marriage should put you in a better mood but you have a long face…
A. Marcella, baby…Why are you always thinking the worst of me? I am just stressed about work and the only thing I want is to totally empty my mind…
Marc. Yes, Alexis but…
A. Don’t Say “yes, Alexis” to me… I don’t want to think about how many bridesmaids we are going to have or how big the wedding cake is going to be or if we are going to have the reception on a boat or on a beach… I don’t want to think about anything! Is this so difficult for you to understand?
Marc. No… and I know the best way to empty your mind.
She starts kissing him. Suddenly Alexis sees Maria.
M. Alexis, what are you doing? Alexis… Alexis… what is Marcella doing to you?
A. Nothing… nothing…
Marc. What do you mean “nothing’? What are you saying?
A. Nothing… nothing relaxes me more than your kisses…
Marc. Let’s see if you are telling the truth…
She starts kissing him again. He sees Maria again.
M. Alexis you are letting her continue?
A. Go away….
M. Alexis… don’t let her continue…
A. Go away… go away…don’t… stop... leave…
Marc. Great! Now I know how much my kisses relax you!
A. No… Marcella please…
Marc. Perhaps you want me to leave the bed so you can sleep on your own! Or, even better, I can leave the house because obviously my presence is annoying to you.

At El Rostro Dimitris tells Lilian that her presence is very valuable to him because every time he is in a bad mood or in a difficult situation and needs someone to talk to, she appears. Lilian tells him that she thought he didn’t need anyone. Dimitris says that this is not true. Then he asks her what she was doing there alone. She tells him that she found him. Dimitris says that women usually find men… Lillian adds that if men are clever enough they take advantage of that. They decide to have another drink.

Angeliki is drunk. When the coffee arrives, Sotiris mother tells her that she has to dink one because she is drunk and mentions that Elpida never drank.

At Marcella’s apartment, she is in the kitchen, drinking some wine. Alexis comes near her.
A. Baby... I am sorry... I am not feeling myself lately.
Marc. And who is responsible for that? Is she? The other woman?
A. Marcella…
Marc. Alexis, don’t lie to me… you were thinking about her! She is the one you wanted to get out of your head just now!
A. Marcella please…
Marc. Alexis…
A. I told you, I am very stressed. Please understand that!
Marc. What I understand is that I have to give you time to forget her… but there is not much time left until our wedding.
A. Marcella…
Marc. Listen to me! The only thing I am asking is for you to be honest with me. When our wedding day is approaching, I will want you to tell me if you managed to forget about her or if she is still on your mind. I am not asking that much… I am not even asking you who she is.
A. Marcella, please…
Marc. I want you to tell me before it’s too late. Before we are married! I don’t plan on marrying someone who is thinking of someone else, even if I love him.
A. ...
Marc. I am glad we understand each other… let’s go to bed because we have a lot to do in the morning...

Maria is writing in her diary: “I am going to see him again tomorrow…. I can’t bear it… I see him every day and I pretend. I know that every word he says is a lie. I am trying to convince myself that I should continue torturing him”
Alexis is lying on the bed and remembers what happened earlier outside Maria’s house. He hears her mother’s voice lying to him while he remembers that Maria kissed Nicolas. He seems to suffer a lot.

At El Rostro, Angeliki is eating a chocolate cake. Sotiris mother tells her that she has to be very careful because she will get fat when the years pass. Sotiris tells her that Angeliki is very young but she implies that she is older than him. Angeliki tells Sotiris to ask for the bill.
Lilian is telling Dimitris a funny story about a man she dated once. Lilian is a little drunk and they decide to leave. He tells her that he is going to drive her home but she says she will get a taxi. Dimitris insists. Dimitris remembers that he left his car keys in the office. Lilian tells him that she is going to go with him.

Maria is writing in her diary: “Since I know that everything is ruined, why do I still feel inside me that nothing is finished? I know that Nicolas is right! There is no way a man like Alexis could ever fall in love with someone like me… not even magic. (we see Alexis sleeping and obviously seeing a bad dream) Even in his worst nightmare, he could not have imagined that he would be obliged to get involved with someone like me to save his company… because that’s what I am to him… a nightmare…”.
Alexis is dreaming of going to Ecomoda at night. He hears laughter coming from Maria’s office.
A. Maria… Maria… (he opens the door and he sees Maria and Nicolas kissing. He tries to get her out of Nicolas’ arms). Get your hands off her, you creep!
M. Alexis, stop it! He is my sweetheart!
A. No! It can’t be! You can’t really love him! Maria, tell me that you don’t really love him! I am talking to you! Tell me!... Maria!
Alexis is saying in his sleep: “Maria… Maria… Maria. "
At the same time, Maria, who is sleeping too is saying: "Alexis... Alexis..."
Marcella wakes up and hears him. She wakes him up.
Marc. Alexis! Wake up!
A. What? Marcella! What?
Marc. Would you rather have Maria next to you?

Maria is talking in her sleep saying: “Go away… bad little dog… Alexis… go away… go to Marcella.”

At Marcella’s.
A. Maria? What are you talking about my love?
Marc. Me? You were calling Maria!
A. It was nightmare!
Marc. Maria? Well, it makes sense…
A. Please go back to sleep. We will talk tomorrow… come…
She tries to go back to sleep but then she turn the light on again.
A. Now what’s wrong?
Marc. Tell me your dream!
A. Do you want to drive me crazy? Why is that important?
Marc. I am curious… I want to know!
A. Since you are curious, I am going to tell you. I saw Maria holding an axe and destroying Ecomoda.
Marc. Alexis, are you worried that Maria could hurt Ecomoda?
A. No my love… what are you talking about? It was just a nightmare! Please go back to sleep!
Marc. All right! Let’s sleep… but make sure that you see me in your sleep and that it’s not a nightmare.

Dimitris and Lilian arrive in his office. Lilian finds his keys but she wants to play games. They end up kissing.

The next morning At Marcella’s apartment.
Marc. Wake up sleepyhead! Wake up Alexis!
A. Ma…  Ma… Marcella?
Marc. Thank God you didn’t call me Maria again! I would be very worried!

At Maria’s house her parents are having breakfast. Keti says that she is sure that Maria and Nicolas needed the car but Iraklis answers that they are just showing off!
Maria comes out of her room and the doorbell rings. It’s Nicolas. He came to pick Maria up. Keti asks him to stay for breakfast but Maria says that they have to leave early because she has to go to work and he has to go shopping for clothes. Iraklis asks him if he is going to spend Mr. Mantas' money but Maria says that it’s their money too. Nicolas tells them that he is going to ask his dad to come along because he has very good taste. Maria tells him that she is taking the car to the office. Both her dad and Nicolas tell her that she must be out of her mind. Maria says that she has a driver’s license. Iraklis says that she hasn’t driven for a long time and Maria says that it was not that long ago. It was when she just scratched a plant a bit. Iraklis says that she totally destroyed the plant but Maria says that you can’t forget how to drive a car and runs out of the house followed by her dad and Nicolas.

At Marcella’s apartment, Alexis is having a cup of coffee
Marc. A second cup? It will destroy your nervous system…
A. I am feeling sleepy! I didn’t sleep well.
Marc. Neither did I!
A. I am sorry ! I told you I am under a lot of stress! Would you like me to stop coming here to sleep?
Marc. I think you want to get rid of me!
A. Why do you take everything I say the wrong way?
Marc. Why everything you say is for your own convenience?
A. I am thinking of you! I don’t want to torture you and not let you sleep. Why should you suffer with my anxiety?
Marc. So you are thinking about me!
A. You are getting tired too! You need some piece and quiet...
Marc. I need you!
A. My love…
Marc. I feel peaceful when I sleep next to you, when I smell your cologne, when I put my head on your chest and listen to your heartbeat, when you hug me in your sleep… something that’s not happening lately, I am afraid.
A. It’s too hot lately… maybe we have to turn the heat off at nights.
Marc. That’s not it...
A. then what? Don’t start telling be about the other woman I am thinking about because it’s like a science fiction movie…
Marc. I don’t know… you may be right… If you were thinking of someone else you wouldn’t be calling Maria in your sleep.

At Maria’s house her dad tells Keti that Maria is gone!

At Marcella’s apartment
A. I am so glad you are not having that paranoid suspicion about the other woman any more.
Marc. With you suspicions come and go...
A. Don’t do this to yourself!
Marc. Alexis, I want to marry you so much! Have children with you…
A. I know Marcella…
Marc. When I think that you love me and you want to marry me despite your fear of commitment….
A. Fear of commitment? Me?
Marc. I am serious... the day you propsed I felt that you were saying “I love you” for the first time!
A. Come now… you are exaggerating! You mean to tell me that people, who don’t get married, don’t love each other?
Marc. Yes. I always believed that! I’d rather be alone than with someone who doesn’t love me.
A. you are not going to be alone!
Marc. Is that a promise?
His phone rings.
A. It’s Dimitris! Is it possible he is awake so early in the morning? Hi….
D. Good morning!
A. Are you all right?
D. Why are you asking?
A. Because you are up so early!
D. I am feeling great and I am ready for another day’s work in the cruel fashion world.
A. You are crazy…
D. And you aren’t?
A. I am here having breakfast with Marcella…
D. so you can’t talk…
A. we will talk in the office. Are you there?
D. No I am having coffee… Since the boss is away….
A. I was sure about that!
D. Why are you all thinking the worst of me?
A. are you sure you are Ok?
D. I am fine! By the way… I broke up with Monica.
A. Really? Why?
D. She was very jealous… I couldn’t stand that anymore…
A. You know best…
D. Of course. Men always know best. Bye! Kisses to your shrew.
They hang up.
A. Dimitris says hi...
D. Really? How are things with Monica?
A. they broke up.
Marc. For the second time?
A. You know how Dimitris is….
Marc. I hope that he is not a bad influence on you!
A. Of course not! Dimitris is an OK guy… He just hasn’t found the right woman yet.
Marc. The woman he will want to marry… like you…isn’t it so?
A. If he doesn’t find her, I am afraid he will stay like that until his old age.

Dimitris is talking with Lefteris about his night. He says that he had a great time although the night was not promising.

Outside Ecomoda Makis, Sandra, Jerry and Martha see Maria arrive in her car.

At El Rostro, Dimitris is trying to avoid Olga, Lefteris cousin. Lilian comes in and Dimitris tells her they have to talk.

Episode 165 (63)
Lilian tells Dimitris that she thinks she knows what he wants to tell her. They order their coffees and Dimitris tries very hard to get rid of Lefteris’ cousin, who wants to offer them coffees with different flavors. When the incident is over, Lillian tells Dimitris that she knows he regrets last night.

At Ecomoda, Jerry is describing the whole incident with Maria! Christina can’t believe it but Sandra confirms it. Maria comes in and Christina calls her “Schumacher”. They ask her how it feels to drive a car like that and she tells them that it is a dream. She tells them that she wants to take them for a ride but the girls look like they hesitate. Maria asks them if they are afraid and they tell her that if Nicolas trusts her with his car they will too. Maria tells them that Nicolas wants her to invite all her friends out to lunch and he will pay for it. The girls are delighted and ask Maria where she is taking them. She tells them that this is a surprise but it will be a great place! Jerry tells Makis that Maria looks different lately, that there is something in her air and she even looks prettier.

At El Rostro, Dimitris is very surprised and he asks Lilian if he is so predictable. Lilian tells him that he is. Dimitris says that he is very sorry but they were both drunk and he feels very comfortable with her. He tells her that he hasn’t gotten over Monica yet and thinks he still wants her. Lilian tells him that she is sorry too and that there is a man in her life. Dimitris is very surprised but Lilian wonders why. He says that he didn’t know anything about him but Lilian says that she is very discreet. Dimitris asks Lilian for details. She tells him that she can’t reveal a lot about him but he is very clever, he is into investments, he is rich and very polite. Dimitris tells her that he is happy for her and she tells him that she hopes things work between him and Monica because sadness doesn’t suit him.

At Maria’s house, Keti is complaining again that she is bored. Iraklis tells her that he can’t stand her complains all the time. She asks him if she can have driving lessons but Iraklis says that this will happen over his dead body. Keti tells him that he is not paying attention to her. The only thing he cares about is his stupid invention. Iraklis tells her that he knows what she can do. He tells her to sit down and he tries to test his invention, the hairdryer-iron, on her. Keti runs away to save herself. The doorbell rings and Charilaos comes in.

At Ecomoda, Loukia asks Maria if she will be taking the car everyday. Maria says that she will take it when she needs it but not everyday. Then she tells Loukia and Martha about lunch. They are delighted. Marianna says that Maria is keeping the place a secret. They arrange to go out at 13.00. Loukia says she hopes Christo will let her go.

At Maria’s house, Charilaos tells Keti and Iraklis that the priest is a very good man and he has helped him a lot. Then he says he came to work in their garden. Iraklis takes him out to show him where the tools are. Keti starts reading the paper.

At the pastry shop Argiro is singing. Nicolas and Nikitas come in holding a lot of bags. Argiro is very surprised to see how many clothes her son bought. Nicolas shows her some of his clothes and his dad says that Lilian will be very impressed to see him dressed like that. Argiro tells them she has to make some cookies and when Nicolas and Nikitas are alone, Nikitas tells Nikolas that today, when he goes out with Lilian he has to play it cool because women don’t like shy men. Nicolas is very upset but his dad tells him that he is going to be fine. Angeliki comes in and she is in a very bad mood. She tells Nicolas that she didn’t sleep all night. Nikitas decides to leave. Nicolas asks Angeliki what Sotiris did to her and she says that his mother did something to her.

At Ecomoda, Maria is thinking: “Where are you Mr. Alexis? Are you still asleep? You should sleep because you don’t know what you will find out when you wake up!”

Alexis and Marcella arrive.
Mak. Good morning Mr. Mantas.
A. Good morning Makis. Tell me, is Nicolas Markakis here?
Mak. No. Why are you asking?
A. I saw his car parked outside.
Marc. And what a car this is!
Mak. The car… Maria was driving the car.
A. (laughing) Maria… (then looking serious) Maria?
Mak. Yes Mr. Alexis.
Alexis is stunned. Marcella takes him by the hand and leads him to the elevator.
Marc. I am not in Ecomoda. I am asleep and I am dreaming. This can’t be true.
A. Wait a minute… Maria… driving? A car like that? How can this be?
Marc. She has to let people know so they can protect themselves.
A. I don’t understand…
Marc. Me too… It’s so odd that Maria drives a car like that. No one in this company has one like that. Nicolas must have a lot of money.
A. Yes… he must have a lot of money… God…

At the pastry shop Argiro is very sympathetic to Angeliki. Angeliki tells them that she is loosing Sotiris. Argiro and Nicolas think she is overreacting but she says that Sotiris is very fond of his mother and since she hates her, she is going to influence him against her. Argiro tells her that she will like her in time. Angeliki tells them that she kept talking about Sotiris ex girlfriend. Argiro is very angry and Nicolas thinks that this is a very good opportunity for her to see Sotiris true feelings for her and if he does love her, he will change his mother’s opinion of her. Argiro agrees and asks Angeliki if she really wants a woman like that to be her mother in law.

At Ecomoda, Dimitris is in his office, talking on the phone. Alexis comes in. Dimitris hangs up.
D. What happened? Are you about to explode, or it’s just my idea?
A. I couldn’t tell you on the phone but… Maria is lying to me…
D. Come on …. What do you mean by that?
A. I called her last night but they told me she was out…
D. So what?
A. She wasn’t out! She was at home!
D. How do you know this?
A. I know because I followed her!
D. Excuse me? You mean to tell me that last night, instead of going to Marcella’s, you followed Maria?
A. Do you think I can have any fun if I don’t know where Maria and my company’s future are?
D. Calm down… calm down because you are not well. Let’s take it from the beginning. You followed Maria…
A. Don’t you hear what I am saying? Maria was at home and didn’t want to talk to me!
D. Stop jumping into conclusions Alexis… “Maria was at home and didn’t want to talk to me”. She could be out without the car.
A. You are wrong again! When they told me she was out, I didn’t leave…
D. What did you do?
A. I waited for her!
D. And?
A. I saw her coming out of her house with Nicolas! She was hugging him, kissing him… and he took the car and left.
D. (shocked) I see… I see… I can’t deny that you have accurate information….
A. And if that wasn’t enough, Maria took the car from Nicolas and came to Ecomoda today.
D. Hold it! I am lost! Maria took the car from Nicolas and drove?
A. Yes… Makis told me… She came driving the car… on her own… I am going out of my mind! The good old days, when she took the bus, are gone…
D. What can I say… Maria, behind the wheel…
A. You don’t look very well today… You look pale…
D. I am fine!
A. What happened? Did you try to find a way to substitute Monica last night?
D. I went out with a couple of friends… Stelios and Petros, very nice guys…. you don’t know them.
A. I don’t know my friend… I think that something is happening and I am loosing her… I feel that I am loosing her…
D. The company or Maria?
Alexis remembers Maria kissing Nicolas.

At Maria’s house, Iraklis is very pleased with Charilaos. Keti is still reading the paper. She sees that she can check her lottery tickets.

At Ecomoda Maria is waiting for Alexis, pacing up and down. She hears him come in his office and pretends to be working. Alexis come in her office.
A. Good morning Maria.
M. Good morning Alexis.
A. I called you on the phone last night but you were out. I don’t know if your mother told you…
M. Of course she did but I didn’t know if I could call you! I figured out you would be with Marcella.
A. Yes… I was with Marcella… you are right.
M. Naturally…
A. I wanted to ask you something.
M. Anything!
A. Did Nicolas buy this car? Or perhaps he borrowed it form someone?
M. No, no, he bought it!
A. so he didn’t borrow it… I am asking this because it is a very expensive car. You understand that…
M. It’s very expensive…
A. And he bought it?
M. To be precise… we bought it together!
A. Together? Maria, what are you talking about?
M. Yes, I gave him the money to buy it so we will have a car to move around.
A. What are you saying? Hold on a moment, because I am hearing crazy things! You gave him the money? Where did you find this kind of money?
M. We bought it with Terramoda’s money.

At Maria’s house, her mother checks her lottery tickets and starts shouting that she won. Iraklis cuts his finger because she scared him and Charilaos comes in holding a flower pot.

At Ecomoda.
A. Maria, hold it because you are not making sense… no sense at all! When you say Terramoda’s money you mean Ecomoda’s money
M. No, Alexis… no… Terramoda has a separate capital.
A. Of course… but I gave you money for Terramoda. Terramoda has a capital that comes from Ecomoda!
M. Ecomoda belongs to Terramoda now… Alexis… I didn’t buy the car with the capital I use to help Ecomoda.
A. Then where did you find the money?
M. I bought the car with the money that Nicola’s good investments brought to Terramoda.
A. Great Maraki… since things are so clear in your head, answer me this: Why did you buy such an expensive car without informing me?
M. Alexis… I think that, from the beginning you told me many times that I can run Terramoda in any way I see fit and that you totally trust me.
A. I trust you totally… but out of simple curiosity… why did you have to buy such an expensive car?
M. It’s of vital importance for the managing director’s image! Nicolas’ image!
A. It was of vital importance for Nicolas’ image! (Maria nods “yes”) You are going to drive me crazy! What’s happening here? What on earth is going on?

At Maria’s house ,Keti is very exited and tries to think what she can do with the money. Iraklis tells her that she has to find out how much money she won and not be too exited.

At Ecomoda.
A. Well Maria? Since when is it so vital that Nicolas Markakis has an expensive car?
M. It’s important for a managing director to have an appropriate ca!  we don’t want people to suspect us! Besides, the car doesn’t belong to Nicolas. It’s the property of Terramoda.
A. You are still not answering me. Why did it have to be so expensive? I don’t mean you should buy a wreck  but you exaggerated! Explain this to me please! Explain it!
M. Alexis…Terramoda has a huge capital. It wouldn’t seem believable if the managing Director used the bus!  He has to drive a car that suits the company’s profile otherwise people will suspect that things are not the way they seem.
A. Right... I get it... I am trying at least...
M. Alexis… I hope you are not angry… I also needed a car…
A. All right… that’s true…
M. I couldn’t tell the others that this car is mine. I had to tell them it was Nicolas so they would believe me.

At Maria’s house, Keti is disappointed because she didn’t win a lot of money but she tells Iraklis that she can now have her French lessons. Charilaos tells her that she can later teach him some French.

Sergios arrives at Ecomoda. He asks Makis who the owner of the car parked outside is and he answers that the car belongs to Maria. Sergios wants to know who is this “Maria” and when Makis tells him that he is referring to Maria Papasotiriou he is very surprised. Makis tells him that the car belongs to Maria’s boyfriend who is rich. Sergios can’t believe his ears.
In Maria’s office.
M. Many people would think that I don’t deserve a car like this.
A. No… you deserve it Maria! You must not doubt that!
M. Thank you Alexis… but I get the feeling that something is still bothering you…
A. It’s just that I don’t understand what’s happening to you Maria… all of a sudden your behavior is bizarre. You go out with Nicolas the night we agreed to be together… you don’t want me to drive you home… you buy a car without telling me! It can’t be… Maraki, something is wrong…
M. Alexis, if you don’t trust me, if you don’t like the way I run Terramoda and you are angry about the car, I can give them both back to you.
A. I am not talking about that Maria… I am not talking about the company!
M. Then you are angry about the car that I bought and Nicola’s is driving…
A. I am not angry!
M. Yes you are Alexis…it’s obvious!
A. I AM NOT ANGRY! DO I LOOK TO YOU LIKE I AM ANGRY?
M. ….
A. I am sorry I yelled at you…
M. OK…
A. You just don’t understand… I am not thinking about the company!
M. What then?
A. It’s neither the company… nor the car… it’s you and me! I feel I am loosing you Maria… and it’s because of Nicolas.

Episode 168 (66)

Maria and her friends come in the restaurant.
A. It’s not possible!
D. Please pinch me… What is Maria doing here? And with her flock too…
A. How should I know?
L. Perhaps they are looking for you… Perhaps something came up at the office.
A. I don’t know about the office but something is definitely going to happen to me…

Martha asks Maria if she knew that Alexis and Dimitris were there too and Maria says that she only knew that they had a business appointment. The waiter asks them if they have a reservation and Maria says yes. The waiter asks them to follow him and Sofia wonders if they should say hi to Mr. Mantas.
M. Hello! How are you Mr. Maglaras?
L. Hi, Maria…
Alexis grabs Maria by the hand.
A. What's going on? What are you all doing here? Did something happen at the office?
M. No. Mr. Mantas! We came here to have lunch. I invited the girls!
A. You invited them?
M. Yes! Have a nice lunch!
A. Wait just a moment, just a moment!

At El Rostro, Monica is finishing her lunch. She says that Christo would be furious if he knew she ate so much. Sergios asks her why she is there with him and not Dimitris. Monica says that she doesn’t want to talk about her personal life with him but finally she admits that she had a fight with Dimitris because of him. Then she says that it’s not right to talk about this with him. Sergios tells her that it’s not wrong to talk to a friend but Monica says that things are not exactly like that between them and he agrees. Marcella sees them and is very surprised. Sergios asks her to join them and Monica says she has to go. When Monica leaves, Marcella asks him how it is possible to be friends with Monica.

At the restaurant.
A. What kind of game is this? Tell me…
M. What do you mean Alexis? I don’t understand you!
A. You knew we were going to be here! Why did you bring your flock here? Do you ever have lunch here?
M. There is always a first time for everything Alexis! Don’t you think I should start going to places like this? Unless you think that entering places like this must be forbidden to people like me and my flock!
A. I didn’t say this! All right! We will talk later.
M. Gladly! Again, have a nice meal!
She leaves waving to him and he waves back. Then he goes and sits next to Dimitris.

Maria asks the girls if they like the place and they are ecstatic. They wondered what Mr. Mantas was telling Maria because he seemed angry and she says that he was adnising her on the best dishes. Loukia tells her that this place is very expensive but Maria says that they don’t have to worry about a thing because Nicolas is paying. She tells them that they can order the most expensive dishes on the menu. She orders caviar, crawfish, five lobsters and the best champagne they have.
Alexis and Dimitris can’t believe what is happening.

At El Rostro, Marcella tells Sergios that he must not start competing with Dimitris for Monica but Sergios says that Dimitris is no longer Monica’s boyfriend. Marcella says that these two keep breaking up and getting back together. Sergios says that Dimitris is not the man for Monica and when Marcella asks him if he thinks he is, he changes the subject and asks her about Nicolas. He wants to know the name of the company he is working for but Marcella can’t remember. She tells him that Lilian knows. Sergios tells her that he doesn’t like the fact that he suddenly appeared to have money and wonders if perhaps Nicolas is a spy of another company and has approached Maria in order to learn Ecomoda’s secrets. Marcella invites him to her house for the evening so they can continue their talk. Sergios asks her if Alexis is going to be there too and she answers that she never knows Alexis plans lately. Sergios agrees to visit so he can offer her his brotherly advice.

At the restaurant.
L. My father always says that it’s best to work with people you trust even if they are more expensive.
D. Your father is a wise man!
L. Yes he is! Let’s dink to his health!
D. Let's do that!
L. To old Mr. Yiannis!
Three champagnes arrive at Maria’s table.
A. It is impossible! Champagnes! I am loosing my mind!
D. Alexis, we were going to make a toast with Lakis. Isn’t it so Lakis?
L. To old Mr. Yiannis!
D. To old Mr. Yiannis… did you hear that?
A. Yes… right…
D. Are you going to drink with us?
A. Yes… to old Mr. Yiannis health... What are we drinking?
D. Tsipouro (a traditional Greek drink)! What are you talking about Alexis! We are drinking wine!
A. Yes… to our health…
At Maria’s table the girls tell Maria that Nicolas is the greatest. They also say that they wish they will all be able to find men like him so they can go to places like that. Maria says that it’s better to work so they can pay for their dinners themselves and not depend to any man.
The lobsters arrive.
A. Lobsters? Lobsters?
Sofia wonders how she is going to eat the lobster but Maria says that the waiter will show them.
D. They exterminated an entire family! How many lobsters did they order?
L. Alexis, why don’t you hire me to work at Ecomoda too? You must have the best paid employees!

The girls are enjoying their food while Alexis is boiling!

At Christo's office, Christo doesn’t seem to like the photos Odysseas took of Monica but Odysseas says that people want to see the models get dirty and be like everybody else. Machi comes in and Odysseas is not very pleased to see her. He tells her that he doesn’t like to feel like she is checking on him. He tells her to go to El Rostro and he will join her in a while.

At Maria’s house, Keti is having trouble absorbing all the things Michel is teaching her. Suddenly Iraklis comes in holding his gun. He tells them that he will sit with them and clean his gun; Michel starts feeling a little uncomfortable and decides to leave. He tells Keti that if she wants to continue her lessons, she can call him. Keti tells him that she will definitely continue. When Michel is gone, Keti is ready to have a fight with
Iraklis.

At the restaurant the girls are still having a good time. Maria calls the waiter again.

L. Your girls brought some life to this place! I like them very much! I can't stand people who sit without talking! Congratulations Alexis. You have jolly employees.
D. Yes… we want to keep our employees contented… Isn’t it so Alexis?
A. Right…
The waiter brings them a bottle of champagne with three glasses and tells them that it’s coming from the ladies.
Alexis is sighing and Alexis and Dimitris are so absorbed looking at Maria’s table that they get startled by the noise of the champagne opening.

At the pastry shop, Angeliki and Argiro are eating pastries. Sotiris mother comes in and Argiro decides to leave them alone to talk. Sotiris mother asks Angeliki if her relationship with her son is serious.

At Maria’s house, Keti is very angry at Iraklis for his behavior. He accuses her of flirting with her teacher and Keti suddenly realizes that Iraklis is jealous and tells him that she likes that. Iraklis doesn’t want to admit it. Keti tells him that she plans on going to Paris as soon as she learns a bit more French and that he is going with her. Iraklis refuses and she says that she will ask Michel to join her and show her around. Iraklis threatens to get his gun.

At the pastry shop, Angeliki says that she is always serious in her relationships. Sotiris’ mother asks her how many relationships she had so far and when Angeliki tells her that she can’t ask her that, she tells her that she is concerned that her son might catch a disease. Angeliki can’t believe her ears. Then Sotiris' mother starts making rude remarks about Angeliki’s education, job and lack of money. She says to Angeliki that marriage is not a good thing for women.
Argiro joins them and starts saying good things about Angeliki. She even tells her that she wanted Angeliki to marry her son. Just as Sotiris' mother seems to be having second thoughts, Nicolas comes in shouting that he saw on TV Angeliki’s step father giving an interview from jail. Sotiris' mother is ready to faint.

At El Rostro, Machi is still waiting for Odysseas. Lefteris’ cousin notices that. Machi’s mother calls her on the phone to find out how she is.

At the pastry shop, Sotiris mother asks for a glass of water and wonders if Sotiris knows that Angeliki's step fathr is a criminal.  Angeliki tells her that Sotiris saved her from him and she seems to get more upset by the minute. Angeliki keeps telling her about her mother’s boyfriends, implying that they all were criminals. She finally gets up to and leaves just as Sotiris is coming in. When he sees her so upset, he asks Angeliki what she did to his mother.

At El Rostro, Lefteris’ cousin asks Machi if she can bring her something else but Machi says she will wait for her friend. Lefteris’ cousin feels sorry for her.

At Ecomoda, Lilian reads in a magazine: If you have found what you want, don’t let it go for the wrong reasons.
L. “If you find what you want…” (She remembers the last time she was with Dimitris.) “…. Don’t let it go for the wrong reasons” (She remembers her talk with Nicolas at Adrianna’s party)
Marcella interrupts her and brings her another bill that was accidentally left on her desk. Marcella asks her if Alexis or Maria are back, Lilian says that Maria is out with her friends having a good time, unlike them.

At the restaurant, the girls think that they ate too much. Maria says that she doesn’t know what the big fuss about  lobsters is and that she prefers her mother’s cooking. The girls promise that they are going to take out Nicolas for dinner some day. Loukia says that they must leave but Maria insists that they have dessert too.

L. Your girls don’t cease to be happy!
A. What happened with my credit card… we have to go!
He pays the bill.
A. let’s go!
L. We have to say goodbye to the girls first.
A. That’s not necessary! I have a lot of work at the office.
They leave without talking to Maria, who seems a little surprised.

At Ecomoda, Alexis and Dimitris go in Dimitris' office.
A. What is happening? Can someone please tell me what’s going on?
D. You girl is out of control! I don’t understand! Where did she get the money to go to such an expensive restaurant? And she treats her friends too! She treats us too! I don’t understand! What is she trying to prove?
A. No… this is not the Maria I know! She knew we were going to be there and she came just to show off! She wanted us to see her spending money! I can only think of one thing!
D. Don’t keep me in suspense! Tell me!
A. Maria is getting back at me! Yes Dimitris… Maria is getting back at me!

Episode 169 (67)

D. She is getting back at you? Why Alexis? What did you do to her so she would want that?
A. I can’t explain her behavior any other way! She knows very well that I am jealous of Nicolas!... I mean I am not jealous… It doesn’t bother me… I…. I am not jealous…
D. Go on! Go on!
A. Although she knows that, she doesn’t miss a chance to mention him! To bring him around! All of a sudden he started giving her lifts, they started going out together!
D. She even went out with him the night she was supposed to go out with you!
A. That’s an indisputable proof! What about the car! She bought him a car, I wouldn’t dream of buying! She does everything for him!
D. That’s so obvious!
A. And she is changed! She is trying to provoke me, to belittle me! Today she came to Le Noir looking like the Queen of Sheba. She paraded with her lobsters and caviars and she almost didn’t want to greet me!
D. Who? Maria! Maria, who was afraid to order when we went out!
A. Exactly! This change was too sudden! Too sudden… she couldn’t have decided all of a sudden that she is not interested in me and she prefers Nicolas!
D. This is not totally improbable… Is it possible that you are right? That she suspects you are acting?
A. I am not acting!... I mean it’s impossible! My behavior is perfect! Every day that passes I am warmer to her!
D. Oh… God! I just had a thought that gave me the creeps!
A. What?
D. The package! The package I left for you before leaving for Thessaloniki! Do you remember it?
A. Yes I do!
D. Do you remember the letter with the package?
A. I remember that too!
D. Is it possible that Maria read that?

Marcella tells Lilian that she doesn’t have to be jealous of Maria because she just went to El Rostro. Lilian tells her that she heard that they went to a very expansive restaurant and that Nicolas was paying for it. Marcella tells Lilian that she is buying her lunch from El Rostro.

At El Rosto, Lefteris is taking Lilian’s order. He decides to send his cousin to make the delivery. She refuses at first but when Lefteris tells her that someone might see her and hire her there. Odysseas comes in and asks her if Machi is still waiting for her. He apologizes to Machi for being late but she tells him that she wants to break up with him.

At the pastry shop, Sotiris asks Angeliki why she told everything to his mother. She says that she doesn’t want to keep secrets about her life and that the only thing in her life she is ashamed of is stealing money from Nicolas. Sotiris asks her to talk in private and when Nicolas and Argiro go into the next room, Angeliki tells him that she is getting mixed signals from him. He tells her that he doesn’t want to have his mother whining all the time but Angeliki says that she did everything possible to make his mother like her. She wonders if she is important ton him and when he assures her that she is, she tall him that in this case, he will not let his mother cause them problems.

At Dimitris office.
A. Do you know what you are saying? If she read that letter, it’s a miracle I am still alive! She would have killed me!
D. Perhaps that’s why she is getting back at you!
A. This is not possible! I won’t accept it! That letter was hideous! You wrote extreme and horrid things! How could you Dimitris!
D. Now it’s my fault? You know that this is my style of writing! I had a very high grade in essays in high school!
A. Yeahhh right!
D. Anyway… when you found the package, was the envelope closed?
A. I found the package right here! It seemed untouched!
D. Where was it?
A. On your desk! Right there!
D. I left it here… that’s true… There is always the chance that Maria read the letter and then replaced the envelope!
A. I don’t believe that! It’s impossible! She is very discreet!
D. Perhaps it was a misunderstanding…
A. Do you remember that letter? If I were her and read that letter, I wouldn’t try to make the bastard who deceived me jealous of Nicolas!
D. Me too! If I were in her shoes, I would have strangled the bastard. That’s you!
A. Me? Why? I.... I…. (he almost says I love her) I didn't want to do this to hr! it’s your fault! You made me do this with your stupid ideas… she should have strangled you!
D. All right! Since she didn’t strangle neither me nor you, let’s suppose that she hasn’t read the letter.
A. So she doesn’t know anything about our disgusting trick because she couldn’t have discovered anything from my behavior.
D. You know what that means… don’t you? That we underestimated Nicolas and overestimated you!
A. What do you mean?
D. What I mean Alex is that Maria is in love with Nicolas and she doesn’t give a dime about you!

Maria and the girls arrive at Ecomoda. Christina wants to know everything. The girls tell her that it was incredible and that Mr. Mantas was there too and he couldn’t believe his eyes. They also praise Nicolas.

At Dimitris office.
D. It’s crystal clear! He is manipulating her! He has brainwashed her; told her that they can live like kings at your expense!
A. Maria doesn’t care about money!
D. What about the car! What’s that?
A. Do you think he has that kind of influence over her?
D. It seems that way! Expensive restaurants, expensive cars, lobsters… Maria is living the big life! So she has to breakup with you in order to steal your company!
A. Maria is not that kind of person!
D. Money can corrupt anyone Alex… especially a poor girl like Maria. Don’t forget that we set up all this romance to protect ourselves from something like that!
A. And she throws away everything we had just like that? She is mortifying me like that because she wants to enjoy her wealth with Nicolas? Didn’t she love me one bit?
D. Don’t commit suicide my boy… she wasn’t a catch!
A. That’s not funny!
D. I never thought you were that vain! You can’t stand the thought that the trash rejected you for another trash!
A. You don’t know anything… you live in your own world!
D.   I agree it’s the biggest defeat a man can experience! My deepest condolences!
A. Why can’t you stop? You have no idea…
D. I will stop making fun of your pain, my hurt little boy… Don’t worry… there is some light at the end of the tunnel!
A. What do you mean?
D. I mean that there is still a way to make Maria, that fame fatale, yours again!

At El Rostro, Machi tells Odysseas that she knows he is using her as a back up plan. He wants her to fill his life until the right woman comes in his life. She tells him that she can’t let this continue and she gets up to leave. Odysseas kisses her.

At Dimitris office.
A. What can I do about it Dimitris? When someone doesn’t want you, she doesn’t want you!
D. I know that your ego is hurt but you have to stop looking at the situation sentimentally. We lost a battle, not the war!
A. And what do you propose I do, general? Write another card? She is not interested in them any more…
D. We will come to that later. First we have to admit that we handled the financial part of the situation in the wrong way. Maria has needs. She has to understand that you value her work.
A. So I should buy her gifts?
D. Not gifts! Not yet! You have to give her a generous bonus for her work!
A. where will I find the money? Do I have to remind you that we didn’t even have money to pay our employees?
D. I know that but Maria has to know that you value her more than the others. And you have to take her out tonight!
A. Where can I take her?
D. To an amusement park… or the circus… on second thought not the circus… they might keep her there! Take her to a puppet show!
A. You laugh all you want! Maria and I had a fantastic time at the amusement park!
D. Go there then! You need to have a good time!
A. And what will I tell Marcella?
D. Come on Alexis! You have lied to her a million times!
A. Things are a bit tense between us! She kept talking about the other woman last night!
D. the Marcella we all know and love! Anything else?
A. There is something else…
D. Don’t tell me there is another woman?
A. Are you crazy? I can’t afford a third one! It’s just that… it’s a kind of …. I mean…I can’t score… The cake doesn’t rise! I can’t finish what I start…
D. Still? I know it happens once in a while but…
A. I don’t know what’s happening to me! I can’t … I mean I can… but I just don’t even want to try! This guilt for Maria is affecting me…
D. I hope it’s just guilt and you are not starting to prefer Maria to Marcella.
A. No… no… it’s not that… I feel like a lowlife! I deserve her punishment!
D. We will talk about Marcella later. Have you given a card to Maria today?
A. No.
D. No? What were you thinking? Here… I have a great one with the pussycat… I think she will like it!
A. I don’t think that Maria likes these cards especially with the nonsense you put in them.
D. Yes but if you stop giving her cards, she will think that you lost your enthusiasm. You should continue to strike. Write it yourself!
A. Me?
D. Since you don’t like what I write, I will stop being your Cyrano!

At El Rostro, Odysseas tries to convince Machi that things are not the way she thinks and that she is important to him. Machi begs him to tell her what he thinks of their relationship.

At Maria’s house Keti calls Michel and arranges for another lesson the next day. Iraklis tells her that she is flirting with him but her teacher will not notice her because she is too old. Keti calls her hairdresser and makes an appointment. Iraklis reminds her that adultery is a sin.

At El Rostro, Odysseas tells her that he has a good time with her and learns things from her. Machi forgives him and they leave together. Lefteris’ cousin is not happy about it!

At Ecomoda, Marianna is very disappointed she didn’t join them and it says it’s Marcella’s fault. Marcella hears everything and tells Marianna that she is sure Maria will take them there once more.
Lilia tells Marcella that Nicolas is the managing director of Terramoda. Marcella tells Lillian that she is going to check this company.

Maria is writing in here diary: “When I think of the amount of money I spent today, it seems weird that some people spend this kind of money every day for a meal, a bag or a dress…I wonder if poisoning Alexis mind is worth all these things... Loukia would say that I am poisoning my soul… I don’t know… I saw fear in his eyes and it felt like a small victory! The girls were so happy! They really deserved it!”
Her phone rings and Marianna invites her to her house for a night with the girls. She says that they will order pizza and read the cards. Maria accepts the invitation. Marianna tells her that she rally needs to read the cards for her and Sandra is shouting that Nicolas is a god, when Dimitris comes out of his office and asks her to follow him in his office.
Maria hangs up and she continues writing in her diary: “The cards… what more can they tell me? Dimitris' letter said it all! That horrible but revealing letter…. Thank God I read it and I woke up from my dream...”

Dimitris asks Sandra if she remembers the package he left on his desk. She says that she vaguely remembers it. Dimitris asks her if anyone took it from his office. She denies it and Dimitris asks her if Maria got in his office by any chance. Sandra says no and asks him if the package was for Maria. Dimitris says no. He tells Sandra that she is the ony woman he trusts in this world and asks her again if she can swear to him that no one took the package.