"You are free to choose, but you are not free from the consequences of your choice." — Anonymous

....

Lauren's POV

It has been two weeks since that blissful night, yet the taste of his lips still fresh in my memory, the endearment, the way it rolls out of his tongue gives me these tingling feelings just by hearing it and had me smiling like some lunatic whenever I recalled it. His confession of liking me as a woman made me feel so alive and no doubt, the happiest woman in the world, or so I thought.

Two weeks had passed, yet no sign of him. He never left a call, text, or email to let me know that he's on a business trip or perhaps he just doesn't want to see me yet I don't want to think it that way. I have no idea wherever planet he'd gone.

Am I supposed to expect something? Or I am just giving deep meaning to whatever we shared that night?

Sighing deeply, I tried to focus on the laptop in front of me, but it was impossible. I want to go back to Naeah's desk and bother her again about his whereabouts, but I've done that for the past weeks, and had to lie that I need him to explain some things because I don't understand it, even if Vaughn had explained it millions times over, just to squeeze out some information, but damn, I failed miserably.

He gave instructions to his secretary that I will be trained by Vaughn Reynolds since he is on a business trip to only God knows where. And Naeah were too damn loyal, that even if I'd kill her she won't spill a thing. I tried not to look very desperate, hell I did, but the wait is killing me, and I don't know if there's going on between us, or Am I the only one expecting something between us.

I wanted to call him, but my pride was stopping me. It's only there is left in me after my confession.

What if he doesn't mean what he said that night? What if he was just tempted because he's just like the other normal guy?

Today is his third week, and I heard nothing about him. Vaughn had been really good and patience in explaining it to me detail by detail about how marketing works. He was smart, but as the days passed by, it's getting harder to comprehend what he was talking about since my head wasn't with him all the time. Instead, it has it's own mind, wandering somewhere, where the name Zandros were.

Sometimes, he is openly flirting with me, and I just politely laughed it off his rakish innuendo. If only I met him before Zandros, perhaps I'm happy now or maybe not.

I let out a loud sighed, then shook my head trying to shake off all these annoying thoughts. Perhaps concentrate on the file screaming at my face for an attention.

I don't know when Am I be ready to take over our company, but today, I felt like I'm definitely ready. If he won't show up until the end of this month, then I'll leave without a word.

To hell with him!

A thought sparks in my head. If Naeah won't tell me where he is, I'll ask google. I should have done this before. Why it never dawned on me? I turned my laptop on and I started typing, 'new update about Zandros Mailov'. Then a bunch of links appeared on my screen.

A triumphant smile graced my lips.

Voila! 

My smile slowly withered as I click on the link that has a picture of him with a beautiful Asian girl. The article opened in another window. Frowning at the screen, I read the article that was dated recently. It was posted three days ago to be exact.

The very successful billion deal-makers and most sought after bachelor of Greece, Zandros Mailov, CEO of the CMOSA Co., once again had shown his brilliant strategy in gaining industry alliances, and nobody can stop him from conquering the world of business, acquiring a new position in the biggest market in Japan. Akiko Hayashi, CEO of the Hayashi Inc., one of the largest supermarket chains in Japan, had announced their new partnership with the Christo-Mailov SA Co. The look on his face says it all, rather successful negotiations and promising subsequent millions of returns.

A ball was soon followed after the negotiations had been made and signed.

Unconsciously, my hands curled into tight balls, my sharp nails digging into my palms as I ran my watery liquid eyes along the words, then to the picture of him and the sophisticated woman in his arms. I felt like my heart was stabbed with a sharp knife senselessly, twisting it painfully, over and over again. I stared at the picture of him with the exotic beauty beside him, with burning eyes.

With my bleeding heart, I found myself curious about the girl. I scrolled down the page and found myself tormenting my heart even more.

Below was a photo of the most elusive bachelor, Zandros Mailov and the only daughter of Akiko Hayashi, heiress of the Hayashi Inc., Ayumi Hayashi. Looking happy and oblivious around them. Sparks fly as the two shared hard stares. Don't they look perfect together?

The two was also spotted in a fancy restaurant, before the ball, and some are speculating that the two might have something going on. Will the elusive heart of the young billionaire is finally taken?

I blink the tears back then powered down the laptop as if it will erase all the content I just read, and the photos I just saw. I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to stop the tears from falling as I gritted my teeth. I was quiet for a moment trying to grasp what I just read and what was really going on. I was stupid to think that something is special about that kiss. I was naive to expect something more from him. Then a conclusion was drawn in my head. There's nothing going on between us. He was never into me, and it's all my fault. He didn't promise me anything, yet I expect something.

A bitter smile broke out on my lips. "It's a one-sided love, Lauren. He never loves you, since the beginning. Get over it!" I mumbled to myself.

A lone tear escapes my eyes. I wipe it away with my finger, a little harsh. Folding the laptop and put it back in the case, I decided to leave the building. I'm glad it's Friday. I need to relax and start enjoying, get loosen up. These past months, I've been sulking in my penthouse. Just replaying the memories of that night with him like a broken disc. Sleeping at night with his kisses and feverish touch lingering in my head until sleep overcomes me.

Wake up Lauren, Zandros never had any serious relationship. So you're not an exemption.

I pick up all my stuff and made my way to the elevator down to the garage, where my sports car was parked. I saw Naeah on her desk with their new assistant secretary, Amalthea, stunning blonde girl, busy tapping on her keyboard, as I headed towards the door.

"Heading home?" Naeah smiled as she sat back on her chair with bunches of papers on her hands. Stopping in front of their desk, I gave her a small smile. "Yes. Please, tell Vaughn that he's off the hook," I grinned cheekily, wondering how did I manage to act like I was fine. She frowned but nodded anyway. "Let him know that I will be flying to New York to meet my management team for the coming days, and his job is done. As much as I want to go see him myself to say goodbye, I need to pack," I explained further. "Thanks, Naeah!" I gave her a grateful smile.

She looks sad upon hearing me and rose from her seat. "Does that mean I won't see you again?" she cooed, her nose crinkled in disapproval.

"Of course I will see you again, silly. I just don't know when" I smiled reassuringly. Then she rounded her desk and gave me a hug. Amalthea was just watching us with a gentle smile on her face.

"Let me know when your back, and let's hang out,"she said crestfallen, and I nodded. Sadness starting to crawl in my gut.

"Promised," I agreed, forcing a cheery tone

Naeah gave me another hug. "Have a safe flight then, Lauren. I hope to see you again, soon," she stressed the last word and pulled herself away, walking back to her desk.

"Bye, Lauren!" Amalthea waved and I smiled at her as I waved back, leaving the two watching my behind as I headed to the elevator. I let out a loud breath and decided to leave the place at once.

Not long, I was driving back to my penthouse. My chest was so heavy that I felt like I'm suffocated. I felt like my breathing is constricted, as the pictured flashed in my head with that Japanese heiress. He looks so happy in the picture. A full blown smile that I haven't seen before nor he gave me that smile.

Stop thinking about him, Lauren! Stop, just stop!

I tried to distract my thoughts with another thing. Maybe going to the bar would at least divert my attention, and my thoughts about him, but I decided against it.

Shortly, I was looking for a parking spot in the basement of my building. I grab all my stuff, laptop, folders and my purse. After securely locking the car, I made my way to the elevator.

Within minutes, I'm inside my penthouse. The place was so quiet, it's like grieving, too, with me. It's empty, as empty as my heart and cold, as cold as the night outside.

I place my stuff on the couch and made my way towards my small bar, then opened a white whine. Grabbing a glass on the cabinet, I poured myself some and made a sip as I planned my next move.

I remember to call back Mr. David. He has been bugging me about attending the business conference in New York, and start prospecting new aspiring designers, and for that to be resolved, I need to get out and attend all of these shows, where these new aspiring designers are presenting their unique handiworks, and it's up for us to finally liking it or not. Since after my parent's passing, the style of His'n'Hers is already out of trend, and the company needed new, fresh, and unique designs. The designers they had hired was now lacking new and fresh ideas, and if they won't find a bunch of fresh designers, the company will likely to flop down in a matter of a year.

And so my life as the new CEO of the His'n'Hers begin.

Picking up my phone I dialed my acting CEO, Mr. Mario David.

"His'n'Hers Clothing Co., Mario speaking," a deep sexy voice resonated in the speaker. If I don't remember my mother mentioning it to me one day that most men working with her were gay, including Mr. David, I would say he is surely a handsome guy, and for sure I will swoon over his voice.

"It's Lauren Leventis, Mr. David." I started.

"It's nice to hear back from you, Lauren. Call me Mario," he said enthusiastically. His deep voice becoming lighter, I could hear a tinge of feminism in his voice. I could picture him gracefully snapping his dainty fingers while talking.

"If you could please secure me an RSVP of the upcoming event, that would be great. I will fly in the next two days after wrapping everything up here," I announced decidedly, with my austere voice, laced with determination.

"Noted, Lauren! Shall I order someone to meet you at the airport? Please do tell me earlier of your itinerary details, and I will arrange someone to fetch you and to settle a place for you to stay," he rambled excitedly. A ghost of a smile crept over my face.

"I will keep you posted. That's all, Mario." I answered shortly in a dismissal tone and ended the line. I tossed the phone on the couch and made another sip of my wine, and another until it was all gone. Placing the empty glass on the coffee table, I decided to get change. I walked to my room and opened one of my drawers where all tops and yoga pants were. Pulling the first top, I tossed it on the bed then I opened another drawer and pulled out pink yoga shorts.

Kicking the drawer shut, I walked back to the bed and started undressing. Then put on the white tank top and the short. I decided to make my dinner first before starting to pack my clothes to bring to New York. I've never felt so confidence in my life, so determined until today.

I will leave Greece and live in New York, where I will start my life, a new beginning, and opened my heart to new opportunities, new surroundings, new people to hang out with and let the fate takes its course.

.........

Zandros' POV

"How long do you think before we land to Athens Eleftherios Venizelos Airport?" I inquired Xiena, one of my flight attendant who was pouring me another glass of white wine. My trip to Japan and China has been successful, and I'm so ecstatic with the new partnership with the four biggest markets in Asia. I knew this is just the beginning of making my name in the whole Asia. I've been itching to invade China since it was known as the world's number one economy.

"In about a couple of hours, Mr. Mailov," she smiled sexily flashing her white teeth as she batted her lashes. I ignored her open invitation and focused myself on the thought on how to face Lauren after a month.

I was scared after that kiss we shared, that a sudden decision to leave Greece made me undertake, without giving her any words. I had to avoid it or I will regret later. She had to move on.

That confession terrified me and excites me to no end at the same time. She can't love me. It only made me feel remorseful, and hurt, knowing the truth. I believed that her love for me wouldn't last. She's young and naive. And when she finds the right guy whom she truly loves, she will forget me for sure. She has a lot of opportunities waiting for her, and I will be long forgotten by then.

And the thought of it made me feel worst than dying. I swigged my wine in one gulped. I never felt so vulnerable in my entire life. And she's making me feel powerless. Just the thought of her with another man, made me want to rip that man's limb into pieces. I don't know what she did to me, but definitely, I am beguiled.

Damnation!

After that kissed, I became allergic with another touch. My mind and body only ache for her. Her touch, her kiss, her smell, and everything about her. The kiss that was still fresh in my head, haunting me every time I closed my eyes. Her soft yet firm full lips, it tastes of a sweet cherry just as it looks.

"Damnation!" I hissed as I shifted my position. I could feel my growing erection just by thinking about the kiss, and her soft body against mine.

I closed my eyes and thought of sleeping to shut my head from thinking about her. Her confession still reeling in my head like a broken disk, it kept replaying to my annoyance.

"I had always loved you, Zandros" it's like a music to my ears. And I could listen to her repeatedly, forever. I would never get tired hearing it, but I know, once she found a guy of her age, she will for sure forget those words once she told me. Leaving me heartbroken and scarred for life.

While I could still resist her, I should stop this nonsense feelings before It's too late.

As the time ticking, my heart was hammering in my chest, and about to explode with the anticipation of seeing her again. Mixed emotions rushed through me. I felt excited and at the same time anxious.

What am I gonna say? That I had to leave because I don't know what to say after the kiss? That I don't want her to give meaning to the kiss, that it was an accident? That I didn't intend to kiss her, but I did because my heart aches to do so?

Fucking damnation, why is it hard to find a better word to say it! I groaned inwardly.

Dammit, Zandros! Since when you lost your words over a girl?

"This is your Captain Toby Kroft announcing our landing. Please make sure your seatbelts are securely fastened...." The captain's voice reach my ears and I involuntarily put my seatbelt on, then tried to relax my restless mind.

The plane smoothly landed on the private tarmac of the Athens international airport. I unfastened my seatbelt, and stood up, stretching my legs before picking up my suitcase and my laptop in a case. I walked to the aircraft door. Captain Toby and his two co-pilots were standing outside the aircraft door with the three flight attendant in a row.

As soon as I stood at the aircraft doorway, I felt the chilly breeze of fall tickling my bare skin.

"Welcome back to Athens, Mr. Mailov," Toby exclaimed as he tips his head lightly, and I gave him a handshake as soon as I made my last step of the aircraft door stairs steps. Thanking them for their excellent service, I walked towards my awaiting car with my driver Calixto in waiting.

He opened the door as soon as I got closer. Tipping his hat and bowed lightly as he greeted me.

"Good Morning, Mr. Mailov, and welcome back to Athens sir!" he greeted politely as he puts back his hat on his head, and closed the door beside me as soon as I got settled. Calixto was an army before. He was the brother of our family driver, Castor. When I was looking for a driver, Castor recommended him since he retired that year. I saw the passion in him that without a doubt he will be a good driver, company, and a security at the same time, and right away he started. He's in his mid-forties. He stood almost as my height, 6'5, but with bigger physique. Rippling muscles everywhere. He looks scary but not ugly. And his signature is wearing his favorite blue fedora hat.

"How's your wife doing, Calixto?" I inquired. I heard his wife got hospitalized, but Castor didn't specify why. The good thing in this people, they don't bring their problem with their work. You couldn't tell if they are having troubles at home because they will never show it. They are very professional and they take their job seriously and devotedly.

I saw a tinge of surprise in his eyes, but he concealed it right away. I was looking at him in the rear mirror.

"She is doing fine now, Mr. Mailov and thank you for the concern," he said as he gave me a stiff smile.

"I'll cover the expenses of her medical fees, Calixto, I'll send my secretary to pay the amount you owe at the hospital," I offered in a tone of no room for argument. He just looks at me at the rear mirror with gratefulness in his eyes. I thought for a second, I saw a tear. He smiled genuinely.

"Thank you so much, Mr. Mailov. My wife will be happy and relieved," he exclaimed ecstatically.

"My pleasure, Calixto," I replied, giving him a small smile of reassurance. "And oh, drive me straight to Stadiou Street, at the Stadiou Condominium," I added as I look out the window.

I smiled at the thought of seeing her again. I was getting anxious as the time ticks. I missed her terribly. I remember the necklace I both in china. They were known for Jade so I bought her a vintage 1980s Chinese carved shou green jade with 99.99 karat gold pendant on a short chain. I found in an old jewelry shop in Shanghai. I opened my suitcase and pick up the green box where the necklace was laying. I stared at the beauty of the little thing as I smiled in satisfaction.

The pendant was carved in a green jade oval with an attractive 99.99 karat gold mount on a short 99.99 karat gold chain. The jade is carved and pierced with a central Shou symbol, meaning longevity, with foliate detail around the edges.The gold mount has been made by the well-regarded Birmingham Jewellers, Nathan Brothers, and is hallmarked for 1980. The chain is marked to the clasp, 99.99 karats, according to the old man.

I closed the box and stuffed it in my pocket. I looked out the window and I knew we are getting closer to her place.

Shortly, Calixto parked the car just in front of the condominium. I reached out for the car door when Calixto opened it for me. My heart was racing rapidly. I feel the butterflies in my stomach with growing anticipation. The excitement of seeing her was too overwhelming. Funny, because I never felt this before and it's nerve wrecking. Will she be happy to see me?

I walked into the elevator with the other people and ignored those who gave me stares that I'm so familiar with. I always get that wherever I go, especially with the opposite sex. Sometimes it's annoying when you get that stares like you are a piece of meat they wanted to devour. They shamelessly throwing themselves at me, boldly. Girls that are hungry for money and fame.

"Sir, which floor?" The red headed girl's purring, snapping me out of my zoned out thought. I forget to punch my floor. The girl was openly flirting with me. When I didn't meet Lauren, I would gladly take her right here.

"Penthouse, top floor," I replied tersely, ignoring her discreet invitation. She beamed when I mentioned penthouse. I know those actions. She pouted when she got no response from me. I just shrugged it off. I put my hands in my pocket trying to relax my chaotic nerves. I smiled when I felt the box. Playing it with my finger while waiting for the elevator to reach my destination.

After like a decade, finally the elevator door slides open and I stepped out of the lift with buoyancy. I hastily walk to her door, my nerves increasing rapidly in excitement and at the same time, agitation. I stood there trying to relax and act cool as I tried to think for the first words to say, something that sounds casual, and not too excited.

"Ok." As I let out a deep breath. "Hi! I—" my mouth hang open, trying to think what was the next word I was about to say, but damnation, I was lost. I hissed frustratedly, uttering a string of profanities and tried it again. "Hello, Lauren. I'm so— ... no .. try it again," I mumbled to myself. "Hi, I'm back. I'm so—" I let out a loud frustrated breath and clenched my jaw in frustrations. For some reasons I can't find the words that will make me sound cool and not a desperate guy.

You can do this, Zandros. I mentally comforted myself. I heaved a loud breath and then I stretch my hand with my index finger pointing on the door bell button. Changing my mind, I drop my hand back on my side frustratedly. I stood there pacing back and forth as my heart and mind battled if I will see her or not.

The temptation of seeing her was too powerful that finally, my finger found the courage to push the button. It rang and I waited but no answer. I tried it again, and no answer. I knocked the door, thinking maybe the doorbell doesn't work but with no luck, still with no answer.

I gave up. With slumped shoulder, I dialed her house number. After a few rings her nanny Rieta pick up the phone.

"Rieta, this is Zandros."

"Zandros! What made you call?" She asked, sounding so surprised.

"Is Lauren around?" I asked. It's Saturday. She should be home not working unless she's with someone. I remember to call my sister.

"Lauren flew to New York a week ago. Didn't she tell you?" Rieta's words were like a bomb that shattered my heart, my body into pieces. I was speechless for a second. Picking up myself, I thanked her and ended the call.

She's gone! 

I felt like a melting candle, and my heart felt numb. My world just collapse. She left without a word. I knew this day will come. When she realized she doesn't mean what she said to me.

Move on, Zandros! I mentally chided myself.

Slumping against her door, I close my eyes trying to hold back the tears. I swallowed hard, it felt like a huge lump got stuck at the back of my throat. My chest getting heavier each passing seconds as I tried to recollect myself.

I opened my eyes again and pulled out the jewelry box. Opening it, I stared at it for a few seconds smiling bitterly like an idiot. "I know you're going to like this, but I guess it's not gonna happen. I hope you will be happy," I mumbled audibly and folded the box, then stuff it back in my pocket. I looked at her door once more before heading back to the elevator with a heavy heart.

"Goodbye, Lauren!" I mumbled incoherently.

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