"There are things we don't want to happen but have to accept, things we don't want to know but have to learn, and people we can't live without but have to let go." - Unknown

(Unedited)
Lauren's POV

I was waiting for him to tell me that he love me. That he doesn't want me to go with Anderson because he was jealous, that he doesn't want anyone touching me.. But minutes had past, he didn't utter any word.

He started back the engine and hit the road, this time... the silence is deafening. He didn't glance on my side, neither talk to me.

I don't know what he wants? All I need is a confirmation that I still owe his heart. But I'm too proud to asked it. Scared that he may deny it or it wasn't mine anymore.

Soon our house came into view. The old house the Mailov had live for long years, was 3 houses away from ours. They sold it when they left to Russia and they bought an estate when they came back, the day my parents died.

I quickly got out of his car as soon as he parked it in front of our house, not waiting for him to open the door for me. I just want to get away from him.

"Good Night Lauren!" he uttered when I'm halfway to the door. His voice was full of sadness. I turned around to see him. His hands are resting on his pockets, shoulder slumped. He was leaning against his car, looking defeated.

Why?

"Goodnight Zandros!" I replied, stifling the tears that's about to escape from my eyes.

"You're still going out with Anderson?" he added shortly. I wanted to punch him in the face. He doesn't want me to go with anyone but he can. He was acting like I was his, but he never accept it...

Damn him!

"Good night, Zandros!" I said, as I turn back on my heel to our door. He is just making it all hard for me.

I felt the lone tear, drop on my cheek. I unlock the door, with my shaky hands. I twisted the knob and push it to open and walked in, with a heavy heart. Then I closed it behind me, and I leaned my back against it. Slowly dropping my body on the floor. I felt so exhausted and hurt. The pain erupted in my whole body making me tremble with the intense of feeling broken in the inside, a soul-crushing pain. A pain in the chest that I thought it's going to explode. My heart is throbbing.

I hate this feeling. I hate it!

I freed the tears that had been threatening to fall. I cried silently, not bothering to wake up the people inside our house.

I lost him. There's no reason to stay here longer.

Is it hard to say it? Is it hard to accept that either he still love me or he had fallen into someone else? Why it had to be this hard? The pain was just too much! The familiar pain I felt when I lost my parents.. I felt my half was dead, and he took it!

Mom, Dad, I missed you so much.. I wish you are both here! I just wished I have someone to confide my problems. I felt alone. Why did you leave me? Why it has to be them? There's thousands of bad people around the world, that deserves death, why it has to be my parents?

Why??

I was sobbing and feeling choke, when the light in the foyer was turned on. Tata Rieta was on the stair looking at me, in daze. Then she frantically walk to my direction.

"Oh my goodness Lauren. What happened?" she asked worriedly, as she tried to help me to get up. I wipe the tears, but it doesn't want to stop. I stood up and Tata Rieta hugs me, rubbing my back in circles.

"I lost everything.." I cried.

"We are here for you Lauren! We are here honey. You were the child I didn't have!" Tata Rieta hushed as she kissed my hair. I cried more. When I thought every tears had been drained, I wipe my eyes and said good night to Tata Rieta and thank her. She walk me to my room, then I changed and brushed my teeth and she tucked me in my bed before she left, turning the lights off.

Just as soon as she close the door, the tears came flooding again. I cried quietly, until I fell asleep.

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Zandros' POV

"Sir, you have a meeting with Mr. Akiko Hayashi in 5 minutes." Naeah reminded me. I just nod and she left my room. I leaned on my back and closed my eyes. Remembering last night. It's hard to see her walk away. Why can't I say it? That I needed her, that I love her, and I don't want any man touching her.

"Dammit Zandros! Why is it so hard?" I groaned loudly. That night, I drove back to my penthouse and decided to drowned myself with liquor until I fall asleep. That until now, I felt like I'm floating. Hangover, headache and empty heart, what else worst feelings there could be?

And I have a meeting online with my partner Akiko Hayashi. I wonder what this old man need to talk? I just talk to him yesterday. We talk on video tech conference cam. That's how I connect with my managers around the world if I don't want to fly.

I haven't told Chrissy about Ayumi's plan and I don't think I could take it seeing Lauren again, and without touching her or breaking apart.

I heard my computer ringing. I turned on the video call.

"Good Afternoon Mr. Hayashi.. How it's going?" I began forcing a bright smile. Even if he's annoying sometimes, he is the key to our expansion in Asia. This is the opportunities we had been waiting. Since it's hard to penetrate China because they are known to be the producers of almost everything. They could imitate even an egg. So they need no other products from different countries. But I'm damned determined to invade China's market. And I knew Akiko was of friends of the largest supermarkets in China.

"Fine, fine Zandros. I heard that my sweet daughter had a great time with you. I really appreciate the effort Zandros." he smiled. He looks like he's still in his office. It's already 1 in the afternoon here. Probably it's 6 pm there, five hours difference.

"I'm glad she did!" I replied forcing a happy tone.

"Yes she did! I called you because I wanted to asked you a favor, in return of something else you had been aiming for." he admitted as he heaved a heavy sigh. I was staring on my computer, watching him closely. His words caught my interest.

What does this old man means?

"Whatever it is Mr. Hayashi, I want to know the details.." I replied nonchalantly, trying to stifle the urge of raising my eyebrow.

"You see, I'm getting old and I don't see any interest in my daughter to run my company. I need someone who is capable of and I needed to make sure that my daughter as well, is in good hands...." he started.. pausing for a bit. Then he continued..

I knew where this is going to end. I hope he's just joking. But judging his face and his reputation, he's a serious, humorless businessman.

"Marry my child in return of helping you get the contracts of the three largest market in China and here in Japan." he proposed. Now, he sat up right and waited for my response.

I was still shocked, even though I knew it coming.. And I don't know what to say. The thought of an easy invasion of China was too tempting. But that only means of in exchange of my lifetime happiness. But Ayumi is not bad. Besides, I would be travelling a lot. She may be just be in the mall most of the time, or just going bar hopping.

I was zone out for a while, contemplating with his proposal.

"What if I can't marry your daughter?" I asked coldly.

"Then I have to break the contract we had with your company, and believe me, you will never get the favor of the 3 largest supermarkets in China." he warned, giving me no choice.

I was holding my temper. I don't want to ruin our relationship. I had woo him for a long time.

"Have you ever considered your daughter's feelings? Maybe she's attracted to someone?" I asked incredulously. I'm beginning to hate this old sly man.

Then he chuckled.

"I knew she can't resist you, young man. You are too handsome to ignore. I could sense that she adored you, that would make it easy for me to decide. I've been looking for the best candidate for my only daughter, and I promise her Mom that I will marry her off to the best man in the world." he explained bitterly. He suddenly looked bored, rather sad.

"I will consider your proposal. Give me time to think about it, Mr. Hayashi!" I nod pathetically. I felt so cornered and I have no way out.

But this is the only thing we ever wanted. To be at the top of the list of the best company in the world. Asia's is the largest market in the world. And if we conquered China, then it's going to be a breakthrough of our company. CMOSA will be known worldwide and we don't have to chase every investors.. They come and chase us.

"I want your answer soon Zandros. I don't know how long I'm gonna live." he said seriously. He doesn't sound sick at all but who knows, he's dying? And usually parents wants to see their child settle down before they let death take them over.

"I'll give you a call when I have the answer. I'm still shocked with your proposal Mr. Hayashi, and this is a serious matter." I replied exasperatedly.

"You have 24 hours to think about it... If you still have no answer by then, I'll take it, you don't want to marry my daughter!" he declared tersely. "I'll call you back. Good day Zandros!" He added dismissively, not waiting for any response from me.

The call was long ended but I'm still staring at the blank screen feeling stupefied. This is the biggest decision I'm going to make in my 28 years of existence.

Damn that old man for giving me no choice!!

I stood up hastily and walk close to the glass window wall and watch the bright blue sky from the top of my building. Shoving my two hands deep down my pocket and thought about the proposal.

It could be a way to move on. But can I do it? Just the thought of Lauren being married to someone is like killing me.

Would she consider being my mistress? But I don't want her to be just my mistress! I want her to be the mother of my children!!

This is absurd.. Ridiculous idea!

I had to make a decision. And it's going to break me.. Chrissy will be devastated but this is the only way to keep the family company on the top.

My inside was crying. Slowly dying!!

I'm sorry Lauren.. Maybe this is the only way for us to move on! Or for me to move on! She had Mario, what am I thinking?

I chuckled bitterly.

God, give me the strength to live and face the world without her.

I hate it when you can't control some things. And this includes my heart!

-----
Lauren's POV

I woke up with a splitting headache, so as my heart. I glance at the bedside table clock and it's almost 10 in the morning. I decided to have a shower and have my breakfast before calling Mario.

I swung my legs out of my bed and dragged myself lazily to the washroom. I walked to the sink and gurgled. I could taste the bitterness in my mouth. I looked on the mirror and a puffy, bloodshot doe eyes was staring at me with so much sadness.

With a bitter heart, I decided to take a shower. Not long, I emerged from the shower and dried myself with a towel. Wrapping it around my body after.

I just wore a black leggings and a white loose long sweatshirt. After drying my hair with a blow dryer, I decided to head to the kitchen with my phone and laptop.

I walked down the foyer to the kitchen and saw Tata talking to Alexandrine. Fiona's son. He is still a teenager but he helps his Dad, in maintaining the garden. Although, this winter, no gardenening, so he help a bit inside the house or in the garage.

"Good Morning everyone!" I greeted cheerfully.

"Good Morning Lauren.. How's your sleep?" Fiona asked beaming at me.

"I slept fine Fiona. Thank you!" I smiled. And I settled myself on one of the chairs.

"What do you want for breakfast dear?" Tata Rieta asked, while stirring the coffee she's making for me, then she place down in front of me. Fiona went back to her work, washing the vegetables.

"What do we have for breakfast?" I asked nonchalantly as I pick up my coffee and made a sip blowing on it occasionally.

"We have fried rice, bacon, home fries, pancakes.. I could also make you a sunny side up eggs if you want or scrambled.." She replied happily.

"I'm fine with whatever we have Tata." I smiled. Then she fill a plate with fries, bacon and pancakes. She also cut some strawberries and melon.

Shortly, she served it to me. I started eating. I turned my laptop on and check on my email while I eat. But I couldn't understand the first email that I just opened. My head just doesn't want to cooperate. It feels empty. I tried to concentrate, but his face from last night still taunting me like a broken disk, who kept replaying in my head.

When I finish the food in my plate, I dialed Mario's number while eating, as I frustratedly turned my laptop off.

After a couple rings, it connected.

"Hey, it's Lauren. How's everything doing?" I asked casually, while picking a piece of strawberry and popped it in my mouth.

"All is well Lauren. Just relax and have fun in Greece! And oh, Ash and I talk last night. You'll be her maid of honor. But not until the summer comes. So you have more time to prepare!" Mario announced excitedly.

"So happy for you Mario. I can't believe your getting married already. Are you sure? Because you just met her?" I asked grinning like a fool. Someone was really fallen hard.

"I was never sure with my life until I met Ashley!" He replied swiftly. I'm so touched. I wish all man would be like him. It doesn't have to beat around the bush!

"Well, congratulations then. I know you found the right girl.. And Ashley is perfect for you!" I commented truthfully.

"Oh, thank you Lauren!"

"Your welcome. Any news with the new catalog?" I inquired casually, as I push the bowl of fruits away from me, half eaten.

"Just waiting for the signal to distribute. Everything is ready.." He proclaimed excitedly. "Well, I hope you have a good time there Lauren, but I gotta go." He added apologetically.

"Oh no.. no! You go ahead. I apologized for bothering you. I'll talk to you later." I said and I ended the call.

I sighed. I felt happy for Mario.

Time flies by..

Yesterday, he was a gay. And now, he's marrying a girl. A twist of life!

When am I going to hear it from Zandros, those words that every girls are dying to hear from their only love!

I wish...

I shook the thoughts of him and tried to think of other things I could do to divert my attention. Maybe I could help cooking. This time I will be fine and not screwing it up.

I smiled as I stood up. Placing my phone beside my laptop, I took the empty plate and walk to Fiona's direction in the counter. She is cutting some carrots.

I put the plate in the sink.

"Leave it there Lauren. I'll clean it up in a bit." She smiled and motioned me to move and leave her.

"How can I help?" I asked grinning widely.

Fiona thought for a second and she stared at me, hesitant. "I should be fine here Lauren." She replied.

"I had nothing to do though. Can I help you then cutting the carrots?" I asked persistently.

"Alright." She agreed and she handed me a little knife and a chopping board.

I took a peeled carrot and glance on the carrot that she already cut and estimated the size. Thinking I pictured it right, I started cutting it. I was halfway done when Fiona saw the cut carrots.

"Oh no! They are too big Lauren. Those will take longer to cook.." She chuckled.

"Ohh.." Was all I said and cut every big piece in half.

"How about this?" I asked Fiona showing the new cut carrot.

"Hmmm... too small but that's ok." She replied, but I think she was just too polite. She smiled warily and continued washing the lettuce.

This is one thing I misses. Helping them..

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Zandros' POV

I dialed the phone number of the place where Ayumi was staying to let her know we are coming to pick her up.

"Ayumi, Speaking!" She began cheerfully.

"We are on our way. Chrissy can't come. She has a headache from last night." I explained briefly. I called Chrissy after my work to ask her to come but she insist of not coming and definitely not hanging out with Ayumi.

I even blackmailed her but she was too tough. So, I gave up.

"That's alright! As long as you come, I am happy!" She giggled. She sounded so ecstatic.

I thought, tonight with her wouldn't be so bad.

"I'll call you when we get to the building." I said casually and she agreed. Then I ended the call.

I had to look on the bright side of her if ever I'm going to marry her. At least we could be civil, then it should be fine.

Gosh, it's getting harder! I felt like I'm being executed and my time is approaching..

I tried to imagine Ayumi's face but Lauren's face kept popping in my head.

How am I able to forget her. She is glued to my memory, tattooed, engraved in my heart.

Then Calixto pulled in front of the hotel.

"Go fetch her Calixto!" I uttered. I didn't want to call her again.

"Yes Sir!" Calixto replied and he climbed out of the driver seat and into the building.

Not long, I saw them walking to my direction. Calixto opened the door for her and she slide in, looking hot in her scarlet lacey dress top with her unbuttoned coat. She was wearing a sky high heels. Her bare legs was looking sexy with the shoes.

She's not bad at all. She looks stunning, with raven hair.

"Hi. How are you? I miss you!" She suddenly blurted out. So the old man was right. She wouldn't disagree with his dad's plan for sure.

Calixto was soon driving on the road to the bar.

I clenched my jaw discreetly, with the thought of our conversation with her sly father. He was indeed a shrewd businessman. He had cornered me and gave me no option but to agree with his proposition.

"Zandros!" Ayumi called me, looking worried. Her accent got more thicker.

"Sorry. Did you say anything?" I asked dryly.

"You look angry. Did I do wrong?" She asked softly. Suddenly, I felt remorse.

"No. I just rememberd something unpleasant." I replied casually.

"Ohh." She mumbled. Then she look out the window.

Shortly, Calixto parked the car in the bar. We got out of the car and we walked side by side to the entrance door. The bouncer knew me since we are a frequent customer and he let us in.

Soon, we decided to just sit at those stool across the counter. The place was not too busy. It's already 10 at night.

"What would you like to order? I asked casually as soon as we sat on the stool facing the counter. The bartender soon tend to us.

"Whiskey for me." I said coldly.

"Margarita please.." she smiled at the bartender.

"So how do you find Athens so far?" I asked her while waiting for our drinks.

"It's actually interesting. I'm quite liking it."She beamed. She seems not dense.

"So what degree did you finish if I may ask?" I added. The bartender gave us our drinks and she made a sip before responding.

"Business management. But I never like it. I wanted to be an RN, registered nurse, but Dad insisted me to take business." she replied melancholy. Well, it seems that there's something interesting about her.

"So you like caring people huh?" I remarked casually as I swigged my whiskey.

"Aha." she nodded. "How about you Zandros? What is your greatest dream?" she counter asked, as she lift her glass to her mouth and made a sip. I swigged another big gulp.

"To build the tallest building in the whole world.." I replied, shrugging my shoulders. She grinned.

"Cool." she remarked.

We talked about what she likes to do and I found out that she's very fond of animals and kids. I thought she's not hard to love. I found that she has a soft heart.

She already had 4 glasses of martini and she's blabbering a lot now. I had 3 glasses of whiskey. I'm tipsy but not drunk.

She ask me to dance and I agreed. I just want to divert my attention. It's not bad to enjoy once in a while and forget about my heart and my problems.

It's past midnight and I lost count of whiskeys I had, and tequila. I could also see she's already swaying instead of dancing. I could still manage to walk not stumbling, but I knew after few more minutes, the tequila will whack my whole system.

So, I decided to leave the place, with her. She didn't complain and I may say, I did had some fun with her. She looks so happy and she was giggling a lot. I don't understand why girls giggled a lot when they are drunk.

Calixto help her settled in the backseat as I help myself buckled, for the first time, wearing my seatbelt. I leaned my back on the back support and just close my eyes. Lauren suddenly popped in my head.

"Lauren.." I mumbled incoherently. I was grinning widely, watching her in my imagination as she look at me with so much love. She was so beautiful and I was so in love with her.

Then I felt the car stops. I snapped my eyes open and I saw Calixto walked to the other side of the door and help Ayumi out.

"Good night Zandros!" Ayumi giggled and holding Calixto hand, she lifted her body out of the car and Calixto walked her inside the building.

I waited for Calixto to come back as I close my eyes again and just imagine Lauren's face smiling at me. I wanted to touch her face. Feel her soft body closer to mine. I wanted to kiss her again and tell her that I love her so much.

Then I felt the car jerk. Calixto was back in the driver seat.

"To Lauren's house Calixto!" I ordered unconsciously.

"Sure Sir!" he answered and I heard the car engine roared.

I tried to sat straight, but it seems like everything is getting blurry. My peripheral vision is all blurry. And my head is getting heavy. I had to stay awake because I want to see her. I'm aching to hold her again.

After like a decade fighting my eyes not to sleep, finally, the car stops at their house. Calixto pulled in the driveway. I opened the car door and Calixto was too swift to hold me before I fall face first on the concrete driveway.

"I'm fine Calixto.." I slurred as I tried to balance myself. He let go of me and I walked to their front door without falling. I leaned myself on the door frame as I punch the door bell and I waited for her.

After like a decade, the door open, but it wasn't her. It was Tata Rieta. I felt disappointed. But that didn't stop me.

"Zandros. What are you doing here at this hour?" Tata Rieta asked incredulously, looking daze.

"I'm sorry Tata, but I need to talk to Lauren." I said apologetically. Trying to balance myself and thank god, my words are still clear.

"But she's sleeping already." she uttered softly.

"Go back to sleep Tata. I'll talk to him." Lauren said form behind her. Tata Rieta looked at her and she just nod and she left. I felt relieved and I got excited.

"Good night Tata Rieta!" I said and she smiled as she nod and left us.

"What are you doing here at this hour?" She snapped. And she looks so hot when she's angry.

"I love you Lauren! I came here to tell you, that I love you!" I confessed deeply, as I made a step but I stumbled and she was quick to grab me. Her soft body, her smell, was like a matchstick that ablaze the fire that erupted within me, with just her touch.

"And you decided to admit it when you're drunk and late at night, when everyone was peacefully sleeping!!" she snapped angrily as she led me to the living room. I nestled my head on the crook of her neck and just sniffed her addicting, intoxicating smell. I just want to drown myself in her sweet smell.

"I want you to keep in mind that whatever happens, there's always be you. My heart is always yours!" I murmured passionately.. I just want to hold her tonight. Be with her, for the last time..

Forgive me Lauren! Just for tonight.. let me hold you and memorized every inch of you!

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