"Two moments that will never be forgotten. The first time you said you love me and the first time you dumped me." Unknown

(Unedited)

Zandros' POV

"Chrissy!" I called out. I'm in front of her door. I'm done of her ignoring me. Since Lauren left without calling any of us, my baby sister was very mad at me. Blaming me why Lauren left. She was accusing me of something I didn't do. Although my parents were quiet, but I knew they are blaming me too. If only I could follow her and take her back, I would. But I don't want to complicate things. It's hard, because I want her close but I don't want to fall hard on her. Love is really confusing.

It's good that she left. I know everyone was hurt when she left, and I'm no exception. They just don't need to know.

I'm just glad she was very successful and she looks like she's very happy now. Mom and Dad was relieved after she was on the news one night, where she was announced as the new CEO of their company.

I can see the new Lauren radiating in her. Confident, Glamorous, an-every-inch-a-woman. Gone was the Lauren I know. I knew this will happen. She will realized she's better off without me. Although my heart still longing for her, aching to see and touch her, but I knew it's going to be just a dream. Her confession once, I always imagined at night and holding on it, till I sleep.

I don't know how long am I going to forget her but I'm hoping, maybe one day, i'll find a girl who can ignite the passion in me, just the way how she affects me.

All I did was working this past months and Chrissy finally took interest in our company. Being my Vice President, she was good. And Vaughn Reynolds really helps her a lot. Dad and Mom was so proud of her. I'm so happy that I get to work with my friends, Andreas and Cassandra. Dad wasn't ecstatic after knowing it, but he didn't show any protest.

After a week when Lauren left, I met the old Anistos, after finding he was back to his house. Offering him a very tempting amount, worth of his company, that I knew he couldn't turn down. After a few days, I got a call from him, and that's all it started. The place was doubled and the employees work around the clock, in return of a raise and a good benefits. For that few months, I made a huge impact in the construction industry, of course, with the help of my genius directors, Cassandra and Andreas.

Living like a hell, that people thought I'm enjoying my success. Little did they know, I'm working like a mad cow trying to forget her. Anything about her.

"WHAT??" Chrissy's snappy tone interrupted me out of my short reverie. She was glaring at me holding, while holding the door.

"Ok. I'm sorry! I don't know what I did, but please talk to me!" I beg. I only beg to my baby sister. To her, I'm the loving big brother.

"No! Until you take Lauren back here in Greece!" she exclaimed angrily and shut the door on my face loudly.

What the heck? It's been damn six months? Until now she's mad?

"I can't!" I replied behind the door. Trying to sound calm stifling the urge to yell back at her, that would only ignite her fury.

"Then don't talk to me!!" she yelled passionately.

"Why are you blaming me of something that I didn't do?" I complained rolling my eyes with growing irritation. She still act like a teenager.

"Because I know you like her but you are holding it back!" she cried out and then a silence.

That day when I found out she's gone, I spend my day drinking until I can barely walk. Chrissy found me in my penthouse totally wasted. I don't know how it happened, or how she knew it, but the next day she was cussing at me. Calling me an idiot, a big chicken for not fighting for my love for her. I guess, I have admitted it to her.

I was about to respond and deny it when my phone vibrated.

"Speak!" I snapped. Shoving my free hand in my pocket, I decided to leave her for now.

"Hey Handsome!" Ashley Averill, a friend of mine, whom I met at the opening of one of the hotels my company had built 3 months ago. She was very sweet and nice. I know she likes me but she never showed desperation or any kind of temptation, that is why I like her company and I used to asked her to escort me wherever event I had to attend. I knew, there's nothing to worry about the relationship we had since she's not the type of girl who will force herself or even tried to seduce me.

"What's up Ash?" I grunted. I'm in no mood to have a conversation at the moment. I'm still annoyed with how my sister was acting and treating me.

"What's with the attitude Mr. Mailov?" she chuckled. For just barely 3 months, she's already used to my mood swings.

"No. Just a bit exhausted." I replied, no plans of revealing the cause of our little feud with my sister.

"Alright! I called because I need a favor from you." She explained in her serious tone.

"Spill it!" I said impatiently, as I listen intently. I carefully walked down the stairs to the living room while waiting for her words.

I heard her sigh. "Is it possible if you can escort me at the Charity Ball, I'm attending in New York? It's a customary fund raising event the FIO or Fashion Industry Org. hold every year." she explained. I couldn't turn her down. This is her first favor she ever ask and I had asked her multiple times to accompany me to every event for the past months we had known each other.

"Well, when is this?" I inquired less enthusiastic.

"In three days. Can you please?" She beg. "And one more thing. I like you very much, but I love someone and he doesn't know it. He was very aloof and he really intrigued me. I would like to unravel this mysterious guy. Maybe play along with me?" She begged as she waited for my response. I could hear her harsh breathings.

"Where exactly are you?" I asked out of curiosity. "And do I know this guy?" I added coldly. I never seen her sounding desperate. And knowing that she doesn't love me just the way she does to another guy made me feel relieved and our friendship wasn't at risk. I have troubles making friends with the opposite sex due to they end up tempting me. Either I could turn it down or ended up on bed and then the next day, we are both strangers. But I was glad with Ashley, nothing to worry.

"I'm in New York. He's the Vice President of the His'n'Hers Clothing Co. I don't know if you know him. It's the fashion industry, I bet you're not even interested in it." She blabbered. The name of the company froze me, as Lauren's face flashed through my head.

"Zandros?" Ashley's irritated voice woke me up in my frozen state.

"Sorry. What was his name?" I asked trying to confirm my speculation.

"Mario David!" She mused as she giggled. A sound of an in love. She's 28 and she's acting like a teenager.

That name, I would never forget. I knew they are very close and Lauren, although a lot speculated that the two has a thing going on. Lauren and Mario denied it, but their actions can't hide it and how the guy look at her like a delicate thing. That guy whom I curse and thought of killing in my head million times.

"So?" Ash impatient tone was waiting for my response.

"Alright. I'll wrap things up here and meet you in New York." I agreed. She was still rambling about how gorgeous the guy is and why is he aloof to her or to any girls who was trying to get his attention that she will unravel his secret.

I was so pissed.

What is it that guy has?

I just ended the call not wanting to hear more of her blabbering.

I hope I won't regret this later. I had managed to get her out of my system, albeit not quite forgotten. I drowned myself with my new business and barely no time to think other things, including her. Except at night, when she visits me in my dream.

I knew Lauren was barely seen in any event. I heard she was labeled as a 'workaholic' from her employees. She had declined every interviews on every network who wanted to meet the new CEO of one of the largest clothing corporation in the whole world. But, I'm not sure if she's going to attend this event. Incase she will, then most likely, I will see her. I'm just hoping our paths won't cross. I'm good in seeing her from afar. For I'm not ready yet to see her close. I know she's still in my heart, and that's scares me. I don't know if I could hold my emotions this time, if ever.

I let out a loud breath and try to think on other things.

I dialled Cassandra's number. After a few rings..

"Cassandra Speaking!" her ecstatic voice rang through my ears.

"It's Zandros. I will be flying to New York tomorrow. Inform Andreas. Can you meet the company manager for the confirmation of the materials we are needing for that Condominium in Attica, Greece?" I explained myself. While listening to her, I sat on the couch in the living room as I felt my legs are getting sore from long standing.

"Of course!" She agreed happily. " Good! You need to loosen up a bit, Mr. Workaholic. Leave this to us and Andreas. You've been working like a caveman!" She lectured sarcastically.

"I had to. Anyway, keep me updated of any development going on in Dubai. I will fly there in the next few weeks." I announced.

"Andreas and I, will go back as well. Making sure, it's supervise." She stated casually.

"We can all go together if you want. Let me know what's your decision. I'll let you go for now, I know you still have lots of things to do. As I have bunches of contracts to finish before I'll leave." I dismissed. After agreeing, she ended the call.

I stood up from the couch and decided to leave to my office and finish all the pending documents before leaving Greece. Then I called my pilot for tomorrow's flight.

--
Lauren's POV

I'm done talking to Isaac on the phone, he is our head photographer, regarding the catalog we are preparing for the spring to come. Every season we produce a new catalog, to hand out and for the website for online buyers.

I was in my office in my condo since this morning, making calls while studying the new prospect malls, places internationally where we expand our stores. Calling the managers of every factory we had to ensure everything is running smoothly and well. So far, all the employees of His'n'Her are very efficient and trusted. I gave them so much respect in their field and I always appreciate their passion and devotion in our company.

I was too engrossed in looking the design some of our designers emailed to me, for the next season when my phone rang. Picking up the phone from the receiver without tearing my eyes from the computer screen.

"Lauren's Speaking." I began. Clipping the phone from my shoulder and the side of my head as I emailed Sophia, one of His'n'Her's designer.

"Hey, I'm coming to pick you up in couple of hours." Mario's excited voice pulled me out of my riveting head with my work. I stopped typing halfway from my email when I realized I have a ball to attend to tonight.

"What time is it?" I asked blankly. I hate going to the party, but I have no choice. I had to maintain the reputation my parents had built, or even make it better if I could.

"It's 5 Lauren! Please, tell me you're not working?" he huffed exasperatedly. I rolled my eyes at his tone. He is really over acting. I can get ready in an hour.

"Don't you dare roll your eyes on me lady! Get up and start getting ready. I will head to your place now, to make sure you are coming. Ciao!" He stated angrily and cut the line without waiting for my response. I decided to finish the email to Sophia and end the work for today. I don't want to argue with Mario, as I don't have energy to. I woke up very early this morning and all I want tonight is to have a good and peaceful sleep. But I guess not. For sure this party will ended up till midnight or even later.

"UUrrggh.." I groaned. I turned off the computer as soon as the email sent. I pick up the empty mug and walked out my office. I walked to the kitchen and place the mug in the sink. Then I turned back my heel, heading to my room upstairs.

Not long, I was in the shower room. I brush my teeth. After brushing my teeth, I looked on the mirror. A sad honeyed brown eyes was staring back at me. I love how my very long thick lashes surrounded my doe eyes. My eyes I got from my mother. But the color of my eyes is from my father. I'm a mixed feature of my parents. Hair color from my father, and skin from my mother. Mom had a dirty blonde hair, fair skin, and ocean blue eyes, with a slim body. She used to work as a fashion model, that's how they met and Dad. Mom works as one of the model of the His'n'Her. Dad didn't stop then until Mom succumb to his charm. I smiled at the thought. When Tata told me that story, I felt so proud of my parents. How much they loved each other. Although I didn't witness it much, I knew they are both inlove. They are inseparable.

My Dad has an amazing jawline, heart-melting almond eyes, with a honey brown color, plush lips whom I inherited from him. Most of the people who work with us always tells us how handsome he is, and I know he does. Both of them are. I missed them. I missed Mom and Dad. They may not be there for me most times, but I knew they love me and adored me.

Wherever you are Mom and Dad, I hope you are both watching me. I hope you are proud of how I become. I know I wasn't the perfect kid you both wanted, but I promise you I will make it up to you. I know it's too late. I wish I can turn back time. I wish...

I let the tears fall freely as I rested my hands on the counter top with my head hang low. I felt so empty. So vulnerable. I don't know how long I was crying when I heard the door bell, rang. I wipe the tears in my eyes and let out a loud breath.

I head back downstair to open the door, with a heavy heart. I knew it's Mario. He's going to throw fit when he sees me, not even showered.

I unlocked the door and twisted the knob, pulling to open. And Mario was standing leaning on the door frame with his hands inside his pocket. His forehead furrowed looking pissed. He looks so handsome in his tailored suit. His tousled hair made him look desirable, angular face, upturned nose, and his eyes that could reach through your soul. I smiled. I know he's a gay, but I still swoon at his sight.

Too bad he's a gay.

"What? You're not even showered? God Lauren! What am I going to do with you!!" His deep rich voice boomed inside my room as I shut the door closed before everyone hear him. I chuckled. His voice he always tried to hide and talk like a girl but it resurfaces.

"Fine, I'm actually going to shower now, then I heard the doorbell.." I snorted as I turned my back on him and headed back upstairs.

"I drove here for 20 minutes young lady!" he quipped sarcastically. I know, I had wasted that time. I was mopping in front of the mirror.

"I'll be back!" I called when I reach upstairs.

Not long, I'm in the shower washing my hair and my body. Scrubbing it until I felt satisfied and then completely rinse my whole body and my hair. I turned the water off and I climbed out the shower. I grab a towel from the towel cabinet and then dried my hair and my body.

Soon enough, I was busy putting my make up on. A few years ago, I like to put a heavy make up, but now I despised it. So I just put a light make up, looking natural. With my hair done in knotted chignon bun, that took me 15 minutes to do it more than putting my make up, completed the simple look I wanted, yet screaming elegance.

I'm wearing a Prada light pink duchesse satin, backless column gown, showcasing my slender flawless back. With a slit behind, before mid thigh giving a view on my long toned legs when I stride. The close fitting gown showed my hourglass figure with my very slim waist. Mario was really good in picking a dress. It was lovely.

I accessorized it with a simple tiffany silver diamond stud earrings, cushion-cut marquise and round diamond fringe bracelet set in platinum, and diamond corsage necklace set in platinum too.

I applied a Mac cherry red lips, to enhance my full lips. I smiled with my handiwork as I stared at myself on the mirror. With just a simple make up, it can transform.

I always receive compliments from others but I thought their are just too polite, but today, I agree with them. After admiring myself on the mirror, I decided to go down downstairs before Mario will get really piss off. He had a very short temper.

I pick up my nude rectangular clutch and I stuffed my phone and keys in it and I wore my open toe nude stiletto.

Just as I'm about to walk to my door when Mario showed up looking very pissed.

"Sorry! I'm about to go downstairs, you see?" I explained trying to ease his temper. But his angry expression was slowly fading looking at me tongue-tied, gaping at me incredulously. I felt conscious all of a sudden.

"How do I look?" I asked worriedly. I hope I did well. It took him a few seconds before he composed himself and smiled broadly.

"You are stunning Lauren!! I had to admit. If you always goes to work like this, I will definitely forget Isaac!" He grinned deviously.

"Shut up!" I felt my cheeks blushing. "Come on, lets go!" I grab his hands and dragged him downstairs.

"Ok, ok!" He chuckled as he keep up with me.

Not long we are outside the building and he ushered me to his luxurious car. Red Lamborghini. He opened the door for me like a true gentleman. I smiled. I'll just forget that he's a gay for tonight.

He was very quiet the whole drive to one of the grandest hotel in New York. The Pallis-Petropoulis hotel.

"Ready?" He smiled as soon as the car was park in front of the tall building with a magnificent edifice. There's tons of reporters and paparazzis swarming at the entrance trying to get a photos of every attendees, while a several securities was trying to calm them while guarding and ushering the guest until inside the hall.

I nod and smiled. Then he climbed out of his car and walked around to my side. He opened the door for me and help me out of the car. I looped my arm on his and he gave the keys to the valet. Camera flashing here and there as we gave them our smile while passing them, while we were ushered inside with two securities.

We arrived at the place around 7:30 and almost all the tables was already occupied. We are greeted with two blonde tall ladies.

They gave us a heart melting smile or I would say to Mario. Mario gave them our names and one of them ushered us to our table at the middle of the big hall. We get a lot of eyes staring at us. I didn't realized Mario was already holding my waist possessively.

I smiled at Mario and he smiled back. Our eyes talk. Only us knew he's acting up like a true gentleman.

I looked around then my eyes locked with the two forest green eyes I've been longing to see. He was staring back at me with dark eyes and I could see red.

Zandros!..

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