"A real man can't stand seeing his woman hurt. He's careful with his decisions and actions, so he never has to be responsible for her pain." - Unknown

(Unedited)
Lauren's POV

It's already 8 in the morning and my body was still sprawled in the middle of the huge comfortable bed. I was so exhausted yesterday. I went hiking with my new friends, Angela and Ainsley before they leave Bora Bora. And at night, I went out dinner with them. The couple was so jolly to be with. It was almost 1 in the morning when I got to my bungalow.

Today, they are both leaving to England, and I felt sad. For the past weeks I hang out with them, I come to adore them both. They never let me feel awkward or outcast. Sometimes, I felt guilty for ruining their supposedly honeymoon, but the two never made me feel that I was.

I quickly got out of the bed and went to take a quick shower. I hope I could catch them before they left. I knew they are leaving after lunch.

It didn't take me long to get dress after I showered. I was wearing a gorgeous floral print dress that's so perfect for the weather, with adjustable straps and exposed zip down back. And boning in the bust area, it stops just about an inch below the fullest part of my bust. Inside was a two piece black and white bathing suit, ready to explore the beautiful water again, after lunch.

I just hang loosely my still damped hair and just put on some powder onto my oily face because it was too hot even with my AC on, and take note, it was just 9 in the morning. But, when you're outside the bungalow, the fresh breeze swept over the hotness of the sun.

My skin had lightly darkened, and I love the colour of it. I never had this kind of tan colour before. Only the lining of the swimsuits that would tell my real skin colour.

I grinned. I've been here for two months. Two months and not one day I sulk, or even the thought came across to my head with the reason I was here. I totally forgotten everyone that I love, especially Zandros.

I knew Mario would be worried by now. But I don't want anyoneknow where I am, including him. It will only remind me of everything I left there, if one of them knew where I was.

I'm glad I've brought cash and it's almost gone. I had to either used my credit card or my visa checking account. And it's the last thing I wanna do. I even had to fly on local class, even though I had to endure the loud noises those kids making, with their mothers trying to stop them from whining.

Ok, Lauren it's time to enjoy another fun day!!

I bounced out of my bungalow door with my summer bag hoisted in my shoulder. The sun was already up and the sunlight was scorching when it hit my bare skin. Thank god, there's a fresh breeze that's wiping the harshness of the burning sunlight.

I put on my big glasses that fits my face perfectly and I walked down the plank to their bungalow, with my other hand clutching the strap of my beach bag.

They are a bit farther from mine. Bungalow 23.

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Zandros' POV

"DAMNATION! Why you don't know where she is Mario? She's your friend!!!!" I grumbled furiously. I was so frustrated. I had to go to London and begged Ashley and dragged her down to New York to talk and persuade Mario to tell me where she is. Demetrio's friend cannot trace her since she never used any of her card that could help him trace through internet.

I'm getting so seriously worried sick each day. I can't seem to relax with the growing anxiety in my heart. I felt so restless and I can't think straight. My head was too clouded with all these horrific scenarios. The torture everyday of thinking that she maybe taken with those heartless bastard and raped her then killed her, then threw her body somewhere where no one knows...

My heart was beating rapidly with the thought, and I felt like I wanted to kill someone.

FUCK!!!

"I'm sorry Zandros, but I don't really know where she is. I swear, I booked her to Maldives, but if she didn't get into that plane to Maldives, than I don't know where she is.. God, I hope she's ok!!" Mario replied agitatedly. Ashley was holding him, trying to relax him. He too was tense and a crease line on his forehead never altered.

"When should she fly to Maldives?" I asked.

"After she found out that you are engaged to Ayumi." Mario stated grimly. I clenched my hands. I felt that feelings she must have felt after knowing the news.

"That was two months ago.." I remarked tersely.. Mario nodded his head.

I kick the wall so hard not caring with the slight pain after. I blamed myself for abandoning her and only thought of myself. I never cared for her feelings.

I'm sorry Agapi Mou!! I'm sorry!.. my heart ache and my inside cried for her.

After a long silence, with my head leaning against the wall, with my back facing the couple, I decided to asked some help to my other friends.

I felt so lost. I wanted to scream and scream the hurt and longing and sadness.. the rage for myself. I wanted to beat myself out for not looking after her, for leaving her alone and for not giving her the love she deserved.

I dialed Stavros, I knew he had many connections. I heard nothing about him but I needed him.

"Stavros Speaking," he began with a happy tone. I raised my eyebrow questioningly. He sounded ecstatic.

"It's Zandros." I replied briefly. "I need your connection buddy." I started.

"And for what?" he probed.

"I cannot find Lauren Leventis. These idiots cannot find her and I want to know where she is as soon as possible!" I gritted my teeth after clenching my other hands, as I shoved it deep down my pocket.

"Have you asked every Airlines? Maybe she just went for a vacation.." Stavros remarked nonchalantly.

"I did. The New York Airlines was too tight. And Demetrio's friend cannot even get through their system." I explained frustratedly.

"You think she took the NYA?" Stavros probed for confirmation.

"Mario had this strong feeling she did. And she knew that NYA won't give information even if you kill them." I stated matter of factly.

"Steven Banks.. A friend of mine. Of course, I could help you squeezed him the information you needed. I'll call him today, and I'll let you know." Stavros promised and he ended the call after telling me he needed to meet Alessandra.

Not long after the line went dead, my phone rang, indicating Timothy.

"Speak!" I said grimly. I'm too angry and frustrated to becoming polite.

"I found her!" Timothy's words rang in my ears like a music, easing the pain I was feeling. Suddenly, I felt alive. I felt the oxygen back in my chest and the pain was gone, and replaced with so much hope.

"Where is she?" I asked impatiently, as I looked with Mario whose face lit after hearing my last words.

"She's in Tahiti, but the system didn't give a clear exact location. Somewhere, in Tahiti. If you know her credit card or any chips she was using will give me a hundred percent exact location." Timothy replied. His information was enough for me to know where she is. There's only one tourist destination in Tahiti.

Bora Bora!

Here I come Agapi Mou!

"Thanks Timothy. You surely deserve a generous pay!!" I exclaimed exuberantly. After he thank me, I ended the call.

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Lauren's POV

We are at one of the finest restaurant in Bora Bora, called the 'St. James', with my friend Angela and Ainsley, before they leave after lunch.

The atmosphere is elegant but relaxed. The service is attentive and well coordinated, and their over water deck makes for an unbeatable location and view. Sitting over the water, eating good food, enjoying a cocktail, and watching a school of flying fish fly by, is a rare experience I've ever had. That's why I love this restaurant.

"So I hope to see you again Lauren!" Angela smiled widely, but with a hint of sadness in her tone.

"Of course. I may come to see you in England one day.." I chuckled softly. She is so sweet.

"Well, we hope to be invited in your wedding if you have finally found the right guy.. and we wish you will before this year ends." Ainsley said genuinely as he smiled sweetly, and he looked at her wife with so much adoration and love. I wished I will found that kind of man who will look at me with the same passion. I know a man who does that to me, but he's already married by now to her.

I forced a smile.

"I wished!" I chuckled bitterly, as I pick up my cocktail and drank it straight.

Angela reach out for my hand and squeeze it, as soon as I put the glass down on the table.

"You will Lauren! You are stunning with a pure heart!! Those crazy men are too blind not to see how beautiful you are inside and out.!" Angela commented sweetly.

"Ohh.. you're so sweet Angela! I would surely miss you.." I cooed and I stood up and so she is and we both shared a sisterly hug.

"I will definitely miss you! Please keep in touch!" she murmured and we both pulled ourselves away. Ainsley stood up and gave me a brotherly hug as well. The we occupied back our chairs when the waiter came with our bills.

"I'll cover the bills guys.." I offered when Ainsley was trying to take the bill.

"Are you sure? I can pay it Lauren!" Ainsley offered but I insisted.

"For the last time..." I smiled. "I don't know when I'm going to see you again guys?" I bit my bottom lip with the sadness I suddenly felt.

"Ok. We will keep in touch Lauren!" Ainsley promised and Angela nodded in agreement. I smiled.

"I will!"I promised. I pulled my wallet and took my credit card out. I had to used my credit card this time. All my cash was wipe out.

After I paid it. I stuffed it in my wallet and we all stood up and walked out of the restaurant while chatting. Hoisting back my bag on my shoulder and putting my glasses on, Angela took my hand and we walk hand by hand, with Ainsley walking on her side.

I'm sure I'm gonna miss them!

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Zandros' POV

"She's in Bora Bora?" Mario asked incredulously. "It's closer than Maldives. I never thought about it. And that place was known for honeymooners.." Mario added in disbelief.

"Can we go with you?" Ashley beamed. Mario looked at her curiously.

"We will go on honeymoon right now, let's take this once in a lifetime chance.. Forget the wedding first." Ashley grinned mischievously as she batted her lashes to Mario. Mario shook his head in disbelief. I myself was still shocked how bluntly she is. I knew she's straightforward, but this kind of talk is not something to be so blunt.

But she's Ashley. She's who she is!

"Too eager to bed Mario eh? Can't wait to marry first?" I mocked as I chuckled.

"And looks whose talking!" she snapped glaring at me. "I didn't say anything when you and Lauren slept together?" she widened her eyes, reprimanding me.

I raise my hand in surrender. Mario's eyes was thinning in rage while staring at me. I can't blame him. I'm a jerk.

"You can come. But we had to leave tomorrow first thing in the morning." I stated excitedly.

I was about to leave the place when my phone rang again. I took it and accept the call without checking the number.

"Zandros." I began, stopping at the door, when I heard Timothy's excited voice.

"She just paid her bill at St. James restaurant, in Bora Bora!" Timothy exclaimed with satisfaction in his voice.

"St. James restaurant?"

"Yes, in Vaitape 98730, French Polynesia." Timothy gladly added sounding so ecstatic with the information he just got.

I grinned exuberantly.

I look at Ashley and Mario.. "You have an hour to pack. We will pick you up shortly." I decided and leave Mario's penthouse.

I left the place vigorously after ending the call.

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Lauren's POV

After Angela and Ainsley left, I went back to my bungalow and just did snorkeling on the water where the bungalows are. I decided to just relax. I felt alone all of a sudden.

I suddenly missed all of them.

I lost my appetite snorkeling so I decided to just go back to my bungalow and change and just go explore the place. Since I arrived, all I did was spending my time in the water, or to the mountain, or to the mainland where the souvenir stores are. I don't remember exploring around the resort.

I climb on the steps to the plank and walked back inside through my private deck. I grab the white robe that was lying on one of the beach lounges and was provided by the resort. Then I put it on as I made my way inside and into the washroom. I decided to have a shower.

I took my time showering. Suddenly, Zandros flirty smile flashed in my head, making me cry inside. I missed him so much. I missed his boyish and carefree laugh.

Maybe at this moment he's on their honeymoon. The thought of it made my heart rip into pieces. I felt like I'm losing my oxygen. My heart tightened, squeezed, to the point of losing my breath.

Why does it feels like this? The pain is still fresh. It's more painful than being stabbed million times, and worst I couldn't do anything to lessen the pain.

I felt the tears I was unfamiliar for two months..

Oh God, I thought I'm through with these? Why is it hard to forget him?? Why??

I let the tears kept pouring, with my shoulder shaking, and the warm water was running throughout my body washing the salty tears away, that seems to no end.

I close my eyes as I let the water runs to my face giving a little comfort to the burning pain in my chest.

I need to get out of the bungalow and divert my attention. I decided to start washing my hair with shampoo, then scrubbing my body with the shower gel. Then I rinse myself thoroughly until I was satisfied.

I emerged from the shower and took the towel that was hanging on the hook and dried myself as I walk back to the bedroom. I wrapped the towel with my hair and pulled out an underwear from my luggage, and wore a sexy sleeveless black and white stripe print long backless beach dress. With a round neck and cross back maxi dress.

I dried my hair with the towel and just brush it, not bothering to blow dry my hair and tied it in a messy bun.

I decided to wear a pair of black pearl silver drop dangle earrings, and tied my hair in a messy bun. I check on the time, it's almost 3 in the afternoon.

I pick up my small purse and stuff in my wallet, sunglasses, and camera. Then I headed out, ready to explore the pearl beach resorts, a heavenly made paradise on earth.

The resort is located next to a white sandy stunning beach and the waters are just a greenish-chalk blue. I loved the idea of the nursery coral which are next to the bungalows which encourages coral growth and as a result more fish and marine life.

The people in the resort was very warm and friendly. And everyone was wearing their smiles.

I walked down the white sand and saw some crabs. It's so cool to see them so alive, as they walk backward away from me. I took a video of them and some photos. Then I spotted a white hermit crab. I felt so ecstatic and followed the hermit crab until it went inside a hole on the sand. I giggled as I tried to talk to the crab asking the hermit crab to come out. If someone sees me, probably they thought I lost my sanity.

I decided to walk to the other way heading to the other end of the lagoon. Totally forgotten the nostalgic feelings that almost ruined my day.

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Zandros' POV

I just got in my penthouse when my phone rang. Without bothering to look as I stuff my laptop in the casing to bring with me, I connected the call then clip the phone with my shoulder to my ears.

"Zandros." I began.

"Any news?" Dad asked in an impatient tone.

"Yes Dad. Timothy found her exact location!" I replied ecstatically.

"Where?" his voice lift up a notch.

"Bora Bora in Tahiti, French Polynesia." I replied briefly. I slung the strap of the laptop casing on my shoulder and walk to my bedroom and pulled a few numbers of my shirts and threw it on my bed. A several shorts and swimsuit trunks, some under wears. I walked to my bathroom and took the travelling pouch where my toothbrush and other toiletries was kept, just for travelling. I pulled a luggage from my closet room and started to stuff all the clothes, including the travelling pouch and I zip the luggage.

"GREAT! Are you going to see her now, or yo-"

"I'm packing my clothes Dad and follow her!" I cut him off, with annoyance. After that wedding is off, the same day we all left to Greece. I started tracking her down and I found none. Even Timothy, he got so frustrated for finding nothing about her.

I had to make a drastic move, dragging Ashley to New York thinking Mario knew something but he was too tough to hide it.

I was so eager to find her. I can't relax until I found her. And thanks God, finally, we found where she is.

"Good! I hope you're not going to waste any more time son! I want her to be my daughter-in-law, SOON!" Dad stated bluntly with emphasis at the last word, with a warning in his tone. I knew it from the very start that both of them and Mom wants her to be my wife.

For now, after I made a lot of mistake, I realized how much she mean to me and how my life was a mess and bland because of her absence. My life here on earth would be of no meaning without her. I love her and I can't live without her. I needed her as I needed oxygen. Everything I had is nothing... And I just realized that on the day of my supposedly wedding.

I would have regretted it all my life if the wedding was pursued. I would have live in hell, with my heart broken everyday. I would have live in a dull, full of pain and all darkness life, till my last breath.

Lauren is my sun, that brings sunshines to my dull and dark life.

"We want to see her soon son!" Dad demanded impatiently, interrupting my thoughts.

"I will, Dad. I gotta go Dad! My plane is waiting for me." I said as I drag the luggage out of my room and to the door.

"Have a safe trip and send our regards to her." Dad exclaimed happily. After agreeing, he ended the call. I stuffed my phone in my pocket and pulled the luggage trolley and walk through my door. As soon as the door is securely lock, I headed to the elevator exuberantly.

I'll see you soon Agapi Mou! Finally, I could hold you again....

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