"So it's not gonna be easy. It's going to be really hard; we're gonna have to work at this everyday, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever, everyday. You and me... everyday." ― Nicholas Sparks

(Unedited)

Lauren's POV

I settled myself back on the armchair before I dropped on the floor. My whole body was trembling with random emotions. It's consuming me. I felt like my inside was dying.

Why Zandros? Why did you kissed me back and gave me so much hope that in the end you took it away. In a harsh way. You took half of me. More than losing my Mom and Dad.

You handled yourself well for a half year Lauren. You can do it again!

I blink back the tears that's prickling under my eyelid and I stood up, thinking to go back inside the hall.

I need more booze tonight. Maybe drowning myself with alcohol would do the trick, making me forget about him. And all what happened.

---
Zandros' POV

"Yeah, Mario is a nice guy. I guess we both found our destiny.." Her words was ringing like a broken disk in my head replaying it incessantly. When she drop the last words, I felt my world and hopes, collapse and would never be restored. She looks determined and the twinkle in her eyes when she mentioned that guy made my heart bleed. That gnawing pain in my heart, was all I could feel.

I love her. I was so tempted to tell it, but I know it wouldn't matter anymore. She already found him.

I had to be happy for her, at least for the sake of my family and her parents, and may they rest in peace. Even if it hurt. Now at least we had a good closure. The guilty feeling I felt of leaving that day was finally pulled out of my chest and now I could try to live just the way my I live my life before.

I walked back into the hall and saw Ashley. She was talking to Mario. Looks like she's really pushing her luck tonight. Instead of interrupting them, I decided to walk to the bar and drowned myself with alcohol.

When I glance once more to Ashley's direction, she raise her glass and I just nod.

---
Ashley's POV

I watched him walk to the bar. He looks so solemn and I kinda have idea why. I saw him following her outside the hall. He may not tell me, but I knew those kind of look.

People call him the heartless and shrewed businessman but I knew when I first met him that he is not. If ever I met him first before Mario, I would surely fall in love with him. He is every girl's dream. But my heart belongs to this aloof Mario. I've been hinting him that I like him, but he seems not getting it. I'm getting so annoyed. I have never done this before with any other guy. I know, I'm not ugly or I wouldn't land in vogue. I have lots of suitors, influential guys but I want him. God, he is so dense. Can't he sees it that I like him? I'm almost throwing myself on him.

"So are you dating anyone Mario?" I batted my eyelashes as I stared at his electric blue eyes. I felt like I'm hypnotized. His eyes suddenly became cautious and then his smiles faded giving me a cold stern look.

"No!" he replied tartly with tight lipped.

"I like you!" I blurted out bluntly, with my straight face. I swigged my last content of my champagne.

He looked at me incredulously, like it was the ridiculous thing he'd ever heard.

"I don't date girls that's easy to get!" he responded tartly in sarcastic tone making me almost choke with his blatant response with contempt.

I was hurt but I didn't show him. I felt so embarrassed and I tried to hold the flush that's creeping over my cheeks. I was so angry, for calling me an easy girl. I may act like it but he doesn't know me well to call me that way. My pride was bruised and I had to find a way to restore it.

This conceited brute!

"Then you must be a gay!" I blurted out in madness. I hate him.. I was so pissed I didn't realized how must it hit him hard. His eyes turned into slits and before I could step back he pulled me into his hard chest and his lips landed on mine giving me a crushing, punishing kiss. Honestly, I haven't been kiss. So I was frozen and I don't know how to respond. Gradually his punishing kiss became passionate. I just soon found my hands around his neck and kissing him back. Just as I'm enjoying it, he yanked me away from him and gave me a disgusting look. Some people were staring at us curious and confused. Some gave us a teasing look. I felt the blushed rushed from my toes to the roots of my hair. I was never embarrassed in my whole life.

I didn't look at him as I turned on my heel with head held high and searched for Zandros. I need to go home or I will get more embarrassed. I could feel the tears pricking under my eyelids and I don't know if I could hold it back.

I hate him!!! He'll pay for this.

---
Mario's POV

I was standing in the middle of the hall where our table is. Talking to one of the designers when Ashley Averill joined up. She looked breathtakingly beautiful in her red dress that hugged her slender body like a second skin. I maybe a gay but It's not bad to admire a beauty.

"Ashley, you look gorgeous sweety!" Chloe commented, one of the famous designers of purses and shoes of 'Kate and Chloe' company whose I'm talking all along since Lauren went to the washroom, as she pulled her for a brief hug.

"Hey, Chloe! You look stunning as well!" she smiled broadly and responded to her hug politely. Then she turned to me.

"Hi. Ashley Averill," she introduced herself as she extend her hand. I took it as I mentioned my name. Then we all chatted for a bit until Chloe decided to leave our company since the husband was calling her.

"How's working with the new CEO?" she asked casually as she made a sip on her champagne. I knew this kind of girls. She is obviously flirting at me. She's beautiful but I already have Isaac and I love him. But her scent was giving me something that I never felt before. Strange feelings but in a good way. I love how she smells. Fresh, fruity? It's kinda addicting.

"She's nice and intelligent. She learns fast and adapt her new environment without a hassle." I replied nonchalantly. I wanted to leave her and find Lauren but I knew I would offended her. And I know her kind. She was known as being straightforward and strong willed.

"How come you're still single Mario? You know, I have seen you a lot of times in this kind of events and never saw you with company. Not until Lauren showed up." She teased, batting her eyelashes. I hated to admit but she's awakening something in me that I never recognized I had. I had to stop this. I had to leave her.

"I just don't find her yet." I snapped and looked around to see if Lauren came back.

Then she was silent for a bit. When I looked at her she was looking at Zandros Mailov. She raised her flute and Zandros nod. For some reasons, I don't like how close they are. And why Zandros just walk in to the door?

I had a feeling Zandros and Lauren talk. I had to know about this. I know there's something between the two. I saw how she paled when she saw him. How Zandros stared at her.

Something is telling me that the two shared more than a friends or acquaintances.

"Are you dating anyone Mario?" suddenly she asked. Making me looked at her incredulously. I was so pissed on how so upfront she is.

"No!" I snapped trying to control the temper that's flaring up.

"I like you!" she blurted out making me really angry. I told her that I don't date girls that's shamelessly throwing themselves. She looks offended at first but her last statement made me lost it. She asked me if I'm a gay? or did she call me, a gay!

I was so angry that the only thing I had in mind was to prove that I'm not. I yanked her hand pulling her hard into my chest and captured her lips crushing it, punishing her. But her lips tasted so sweet, so soft yet firm and I was so aroused. I felt all my muscles tightened and my friend was screaming to take her there and then. I kissed her lips tasting it, a bit passionate this time, then she responded, making me breathed sharply. It was so good. I couldn't think. I want to end it, but my heart and body doesn't agree. I wanted to kiss her all night long.

Gathering all my senses, I yanked her away from me, as I glared at her and cussed myself for letting myself lost in her sweet kisses. She looks hurt but she concealed it well. She turned on her heel and then left. I was left there speechless. That kiss was mind blowing. I never had that kiss with Isaac. Although, I love him but we never get too intimate. I guess we only need company. I don't know. But after that kiss, something strange that made me doubted my feelings with Isaac. And definitely I don't want to hurt him.

Fuck! I cussed inwardly. My peaceful life was shaken with just one kiss.

I decided to go outside the hall and look for Lauren.

--
Lauren's POV

I was about to push the door open when it opened, and revealed Mario whose looking disoriented. He didn't notice me at first until I step in front of him.

"We have to go!" he announce after realizing it was me. I wanted to ask why but he doesn't look happy at all. Gone the jolly Mario I know. I've seen him mad before but not this look. He looks actually sinfully handsome and nobody would believe me if I'll tell them he's a gay.

He's just one of those perfect creation that was wasted, I daresay.

"Why? I thought you like to have fun?" I asked incredulously. Now my plan was ruined.

Oh well, better go home than seeing Zandros inside with that girl. Would only break my heart again and I don't know if I could still hold my tears and my emotions without breaking apart.

"Alright, let's go!" I agreed and he lace his hand on mine and led me down the lobby to the door.

As soon as we walked out the door, he asked for his car to the valet. Not long, his Lamborghini was parked in front of us. The young guy in suit climbed out the car and handed the keys to him. He opened the car door for me before he settled on the driver seat. He was so quiet the whole time and I'm glad because I'm not in the mood either to talk.

The whole drive he didn't utter a single word. I was so surprised the chatter box Mario I know suddenly disappeared and came a new Mario. Quiet and serious. His stoic face was reminding me of Zandros.

Oh no!! I hope his mood doesn't have to do with him.

I was so tempted to ask him but I held my tongue. When he parked his car in front of our building, I had to talk or It will keep me awake all night. I had to know.

"What's bothering you?" I asked bravely. I felt a bit intimidated with his look.

"Nothing." He smiled but it didn't reach his eyes.

"No Mario, I know something happened. Tell me!" I urged not backing up. He heaved a loud sighed and turned the engine off. He leaned back on the car seat support and looked at me intently.

"I kissed Ashley!" he blurted out sighing heavy, momentarily. I thought my eyes popped out from it's socket with shocked. I can't believe I'm hearing it from him.

"No way!" I shook my head as I chuckled not believing his words.

"I did!" he sighed again and looked away. He really look disturbed and I realized he's serious.

"So why did you kiss her?" I asked incredulously. Still surprise with his announcement. I can't believe he kissed a girl, and Zandros girlfriend.

"She provoked me!" was all he replied. He was still hesitant to tell me everything.

"How?" I asked again. Unbuckling my straps and shifted my body to face him completely. I'm still baffled why did he kissed her?

"She called me a gay, and I was so mad that all I wanted to do is to prove that I'm not and I kissed her." He explained in one breath.

"Ohhh.." was all I said, still bewildered. "So?" I added thought provokingly. "Why are you so disturbed? guilty that you kissed a girl and you felt you betrayed Isaac? Is that why your so distraught?" I added nonchalantly. I thought it wasn't a big deal.

"No." He replied looking perplexed.

"Ok, Mario! Tell me what's eating you up!" I chided sternly. I'm getting annoyed, he's keeping me on the edge of my seat.

"I like the kiss. Her lips was so sweet and..." he's keeping me hanging..

"And?" I snapped.

"And I'm confused now. I'm doubting my feelings with Isaac." He finally revealed. I laughed so hard.

So only a kiss of a girl made him realized he has a heart of a man? Or he could be into both?

"You found this hilarious?" he accused glaring at me, with his forced girly tone which made me guffawed like a maniac clutching my belly while laughing my heart out.

"I hate you Lauren!" he seethed. When I saw that he's really serious, I tried to stop it. Stifling the laughters, I looked at him and bit my lip as I apologized. I was so mean.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't laughed." I said apologetically. He just shrugged. "Don't you think, maybe you are into both? Have you tried dating a girl before?" I asked.

"No," his voice were soft.

"You better figure out your feelings, Mario. Whoever you are, I still love you!" I gave him a sweet smile and he only nodded. "I'll see you tomorrow. And thank you Mario!" I uttered still shocked with his changes of heart. I smiled.

"Good night, Lauren!" he mumbled and was about to open his door but I stopped him. I opened my door and waved to him before I walked in the entrance glass door of the building, and into the awaiting elevator.

I punched 49th floor as soon as I entered the lift and it jolted to move upward. After like a decade, finally the elevator jolted to stop and the door slides open and I stepped out. I headed to my door and punched in the security code to unlock my door. After punching the enter, the door clicked to open. Pushing the lever door knob down to open, I walked in and closed it behind me. Again, that empty feelings envelops me.

I decided to drowned myself with liquor. Tossing my clutch on the couch, I made my way to my bar not farther from the kitchen. I took a glass and my only bottle of tequilla, holding the two with my hands, I made my way back to the living room. I put the glass on the coffee table, then I open the lid of the tequila and pour some on my glass until three quarters of the glass. I put back the lid of the tequila then deposited it on the table. I lift the glass to my mouth and swigged it. I cough violently with the harshness and bitterness of the liquor then place the glass on the table, half left. I frowned, with my eyes dimishing and nose wrinkling. It hurt my stomach a bit after a minute. It's been a while since I tasted tequila or any hard drinks.

I turned on the TV and watch as I drink to minimized the attention on the drinks so I wouldn't feel and taste the harshness of the liquid

---
Zandros' POV

I just had my 3 shots of rum when I saw what Mario did to Ashley. I was shocked and gaping at them like a stupid person. I can't believe he kissed her while he's dating Lauren!

"I will kill you Mario!" I hissed as I stood up. And stop when I saw Ashley looking hurt and distraught, approaching me. I know she likes him but I didn't like how the guy handled her so disrespectfully.

"Let's go!" she announced bitterly then grab my hand. The bartender just serve me another glass.

"Hold on." I stopped her and turned back to the bar and downed the rum. Pulling my wallet in my pocket, I pulled out few hundred bills and left it for the bartender. Then stuffing back my wallet in my pocket, I led her out of the hall to the exit door as I called my driver Calixto.

"We are at the exit door." I announced as soon as the call connected and ended it when he agreed.

"You ok?" I asked worriedly. She doesn't seem to be herself. She looks mortified, flustered..

"I hate him!" she mumbled blankly.

"I'll kill that guy!" I gritted my teeth. Then she hold my hand and we both comes to a halt. She looked at me, worried written all over her face.

"I didn't mean what I said. I'm just so mad. But I still like him.. Well, after that kiss I realized I love him!" she confessed. "Please, don't dare touch him!" she begged, clutching my one arm.

"He disrespect you!" I hissed, challenging her.

"It's my fault. I provoke him." She sighed heavily, and she started walking and I match her pace, with her side.

"I opened the exit door and let her out first then I followed. I saw the black Audi R8 GT, with Calixto standing on the rear door. Holding the door open, I let Ashley slide in first then I climbed in next. Calixto close the door beside me and then he move to the driver side and then settled himself on the driver seat while Ashley buckled her straps. I didn't, because I hate being strained.

Soon, we are emerging with the traffic. Calixto already knew where Ashley lived. He was driving on her place before dropping me off.

The thought of Mario kissing Ashley still reeling in my head like a wheel. He was betraying Lauren. I can't just watch it. I need to see Lauren. At some point I felt happy because It gave me a hope to win her love back. I decided to see her tonight. I wanted to see her. I had to. I will go crazy after knowing that asshole was cheating on her back.

"Thanks Zandros!" Ashley's tired voice snapped me out of my trance. I didn't realized we are already at her place. The car was pulled over right in front of her building.

"You sure you're ok?" I asked again for reassurance.

"I'm fine!" she smiled reassuringly. I nod. She waved goodbye before turning on her heel to the entrance door. When she's inside, I ordered Calixto to drive me to her place. I know her place since when that night she was announced as the new CEO of their company, I had her track down. I wanted to follow her that time to see her but my insecurities had stopped me.

Calixto soon driving on the quiet road of Madison Avenue. Driving slow as we both look on the Holiday En-suite Condominium. After like a decade, finally a big lettering of Holiday En-Suite, just above the entrance door. Calixto pulled right in front and he quickly climbed out of his seat and opened the door for me. Thanking him, I walked to the entrance door as I unbutton my coat and loosened my tie. I felt like I'm getting suffocated. I knew I'm a bit tipsy, and I'm glad it boosted a bit of my guts.

I entered the awaiting elevator and punch in her floor. I'm glad I had it memorized with my heart. Even her number.

Not long, the elevator jolted to stop. I'm glad that there's no other person in the lift. With this hour, 1 in the morning, surely everyone was sounding asleep. Only a stupid lovestruck, like me, was up chasing for his love.

I stood in front of her door thinking what to say. I smiled, since this situation reminds me the first time I went to see her on her penthouse. I was pacing back and forth in front of her door, battling what to do. Trying to form a words that wouldn't show me like a desperate mad man.

I let out a loud sighed and thanks to the liquor, my audacity was stiff.

I pressed the door bell. I waited as I shoved my hands deep down my pocket and relax my nerve. The anticipation I felt was overwhelming.

I was about to push the door bell again, when I heard the clicking sound of the door opening slowly, revealing a drunk disoriented Lauren. Her well tucked hair was now a messy, tangled hair. She's still wearing her dress. Even with her messy, untamed hair, she still look like a goddess.

"What are you doing here?" She slurred a bit. She looks like she's trying to balance her posture.

"You're drunk!" I stated the obvious. I wanted to smack my head.

Idiot.

"Yee....ah!!" she giggled and she tried to move back to let me in but she stumbled on her feet. I catch her before she falls on her back. I breath sharply when my hand touch her bare back. My skin felt burning. I kick the door shut and carried her bridal style to the living room. I notice the tequila almost half way and the glass with a little bit of tequila left.

I put her down on the couch while she's squirming demanding me to put her down.

"You are still the conceited brute!" she hissed after her body touch the couch. She was about to reach the glass but I grab it first and I swigged it, emptying the glass. I placed the empty glass back on the table. She looked at me angrily.

"That.was.mine!" she seethed through gritted teeth.

"I know but you're already drunk!" I stated coldly. I sat beside her, and I smelled her sexy scent that always drives me crazy. Mixed with the tequila but it didn't lessen the desire I felt for her.

"Why are you here?" she asked again after a brief silence.

"I want you Lauren and I'm going to win your heart back!" I admitted honestly meeting with her eyes. Her honeyed eyes that made me want to kissed her senselessly. That eyes that could make my head blurry.

"And how about your girlfriend? Am I going to be number two?" She asked bitterly.

"Ashley is not my girl friend. She's just a friend." I explained as I chuckled. I could sense jealousy in her voice and it gave me hope.

"But you look at her li-" I captured her lips before she finishes her words and kissed her hungrily. Pouring all that emotions and longings I felt for that long months..

"Zandros.." she said between kisses.

"SSShhh... Just kissed me Agapi mou.." I breathed and I carried her on my lap. Oh god, she's so beautiful and I love her. I want her back. And nothing can stop me now.

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