Lina's POV

I still can't believe that Jason kissed me, even if it's a small peck but still. He completely took me by surprise, and I was so shocked that I couldn't even react. And then when my mind started working again he accepted that it was a mistake, making me feel extremely awkward because he looked so ashamed.

Of course, it's a mistake... a meaningless mistake. The only difference is that this mistake will always bring a smile to my face whenever I will think about it. Because even if it was for a fraction of a second, but I felt wanted and cared for. Another memory to add to my overflowing collection of memories which I will take with me from this town.

Strangely, I have more happy memories of this place than the place which was supposed to be my home. I am glad that I came here because now I will have something good to remember when the moments of loneliness will try to tear me down.

Sighing, I get up from my bed and decide to meet Jason to put him out of his misery. Poor guy was so embarrassed by his mistake that he literally ran away from me.

My eyes land on some of my packed and unpacked stuff, as my heart drops a little realizing that my days here are limited. Soon I will have to find another place to keep up with the promise which I made to myself that I will not let myself get attached to anyone or anything because I refuse to go through the pain of feeling abandoned again. I will keep moving on... collecting bits of happiness from everywhere in my journey.

"Smile Lina and enjoy your present, leaving the worries of the future to stay in the future." I plaster a smile on my face while looking at my reflection in the mirror.

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While heading towards Jason's shop I decide to stop by any cafe to buy something to eat as I am starving, but then the thought of dragging Jason with me for a quick meal forces me to go directly to his shop.

I hope he will not be feeling embarrassed because of that kiss anymore. Maybe spending some time with him will help him to make him realize that I am not mad or anything and everything is cool between us.Humming to myself, I open the door of his shop."Hi!" I smile widely, hoping that my smile will convey that nothing has changed between us.He looks happy while talking to someone who is out of my view.It takes him a moment to notice me. For a brief moment anxiousness flickers in his eyes, which turns into relief when he notices my smile."Hey." He returns my smile and I notice how his shoulders relax like he has been tensed.However, before I can say something another voice forces me to look away from Jason."Hi, Lina." Jessica smiles slightly raising her eyebrows making me realize that Jason was talking with her."Oh, hello." I glance at her then back at Jason, slightly feeling awkward for interrupting their talk."I just stopped by to say hello," I inform as I keep holding on to the knob of the door while standing in the doorway."Why don't you come inside properly and then say hello?" Jason arches his eyebrow, jokingly. "Because you are blocking my customer." He points at the guy behind me.Muttering a sorry, I move away from the doorway."I was enjoying the view so it's fine." That guy smirks as he walks inside the shop, making me roll my eyes at him."Actually, why don't you join us for lunch?" Jessica smiles sweetly, as she places her hand on Jason's arm, "We were about to head for lunch. I think you should come with us, right Jase?" She looks at him while he meets my gaze after reading what she has said."Yeah, of course." He nods his head, "We should all go out for lunch." His words sound slightly forced like he actually doesn't mean what he is saying.Something churns inside my heart when I see Jessica with him, as the feeling of being unwanted begins to stir in me. Maybe all these past days, I have never seen him with anyone that's why now seeing him with her again seems strange to me."I already had my lunch, so I am sorry." Biting my lip, I lied, "But I will not waste your time by keeping you guys hungry, so you guys can carry on with your plan as even I have to take care of somethings."Jason's eyebrows pinch together as he glances at me, but doesn't say anything."Oh, please, Lina at least join us for dessert." Jessica makes a small pout, "We would love to hang out with you.""I am really sorry, Jessica." I smile while shaking my head, "I would have, but I really have to finish some work.""Then maybe some other day?" She raises her eyebrows, pretending to look hopeful."Yeah, maybe..." I slowly nod my head, while knowing that this maybe will never come.Glancing again at Jason I wave my hand at him while giving him a small smile, as I step outside the shop.My heart feels heavy while for some reason everything seems dull and uninteresting. I glance at the water, hoping the view will be to bring joy to my heart, however, today it seems like even the ocean is failing to lift off this heaviness from my heart.Locking my fingers I stretch my arms in front of me, as I almost finish packing my stuff. I have sorted out many of my things and decided to donate some of my stuff here to lessen my travel luggage.Looking at my stuff, I bitterly smile as these are all my belongings which I took with me when I left my father's house for good. Since I have no place to live other than hotel rooms, I carry all my stuff with me.However, I am proud to say that nothing in this is from his money, I have bought each and everything from my own hard-earned money. A little while ago I started running my own online jewelry business to support myself, and now I have the freedom to work from anywhere. This really helped me become independent and give me the confidence to choose the way I want to live my life.Picking up the prepared orders which I need to ship I place them with my purse so that I don't forget to post them.The growling of my stomach reminds me that I haven't eaten anything since last night and now it is time to treat myself to some delicious food.I decided to refrain from going anywhere near the beach because of the fear of running into Jason. After today, I have decided to gradually distance myself from him, as I want to protect myself from the hurt.I have seen how after some time friends change which breaks you from inside as their friendship means so much to you. Seeing a person, in front of whom you have opened your heart, changing with time... is the worst feeling any person can experience. You feel betrayed and you can't even blame them as you are the one who started relying on them... so in the end, it is your own fault.Picking up the parcels, along with my purse and keys, I walk outside the hotel and hire a cab. After dropping the parcels at a courier service, I check places on my mobile which offer good food.Unfortunately, most of them are located near the beach, but after some more searching, I finally find a good place which is slightly away from the town.After paying for the cab, I take quick steps towards the main entrance of the restaurant when the first drop of the rain hits the ground. It has been raining for the past some days, but like always I forget to carry an umbrella with me.The aroma of hot food welcomes me when I step inside the vintage-looking restaurant, with an open kitchen in middle allowing their customers to visually treat themselves as their food is being made."Sorry." I lightly laugh in embarrassment when I run into someone's back as I was busy admiring the interior of the restaurant."It's okay." The person turns to face me and a string of curses nearly escape from my mouth when my eyes land on a familiar face.It seems like I have born with shitty luck as while trying to run away from Jason I ended up coming face to face with the person with whom I never want to cross my paths.Chris.

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Thank you for reading.