"The voice of the blood"
So Aristotle Onassis explained later numerous friends and relatives cause of his sudden new passion. Young and handsome billionaire, made his fortune on whaling, he was happily married to Tina Aivanos, the girl with more than generous dowry. However, one evening, turned his whole a measured before family life. Then on the yacht of Aristotle, or Ari, as they called his family, there was a famous opera diva Maria Callas. There was, I must say, with her husband - both were invited to a reception to the influential Greek tycoon mutual friend, Elsa Maxwell. It is unlikely that the day Elsa foresee even approximately the consequences of his action. Rather, she just wanted to please both friends showing Onassis "Greek Italian diamond frame", and Callas - luxury yacht with a first class reception on board. Idea, I must say, was a success. Aristotle in the first minutes was fascinated singer. Small fan of opera, he certainly heard the name of Callas - like all educated people in Europe and America of the 50s of the twentieth century. It is one thing to hear, and quite another - to see the dark, bright and passionate compatriot with sharp facial features and unforgettable. It Ari could see in American Maria Callas Greek emigrant Cecilia Sofia Anna Maria Kalogeropoulos.
Million red roses
Their romance developed so rapidly that even the press could not always keep up with him. After the fateful reception on a yacht, where Onassis, according to the memoirs of Mary, "watering her palms of bitter Greek wine", followed by a ball in a London hotel, hosted in honor of Aristotle Callas. At this ball he literally showered her with roses: purple flowers were so many that they filled all the available space in the hall. 36-year-old opera diva, has seen a lot in his career eccentric fans fell in love like a girl. She left her husband, filed for divorce, which, however, took place not at once because of the strict Catholic traditions (Callas's husband was Italian). It is fair to say that Aristotle also divorced. Lovers began to live in Paris, content, seemed only to each other. Onassis, of course, things do not interfere with the heart to lead the already thriving business. But for the sake of a loved Maria Callas actually declined from the most expensive that it was. She stopped singing.
"We're just good friends"
The first thunder when Callas pregnant. By the time she was already 42, and doubts assailed, so that the support of a loving man needed more than ever. But Aristotle suddenly cut off: "I already have two children, and the third is not necessary". No persuasions did not help, did not dare to disobey Maria, what then very sorry. So the sacrifice great love was born innocent. And Onassis wore on. Rather than offer hands and heart of Mary, as expected all around, he suddenly announces at a press conference that he and Callas - "just good friends". The reason for this sudden transition from the love of "friendship" - charming elegant Jackie, Jackie Kennedy, widow of US President. It was on her finger Ari finally put an engagement ring. But Mary was alone, betrayed and humiliated as her favorite opera heroine Medea. Betrayed Onassis she was still trying to build a career, starred in the film. But. "Without it, it does not matter" - Mary wrote in his diary. In 1975, Onassis died. When this news reached Callas, she declared: "I can only die". Two years later, the great opera singer died in Paris - the city gave her so much happiness and sorrow at the same time.