https://youtu.be/FvbErM6ZTBA

The sweet humming of chirping birds brings me back into consciousness. My eyes blink on their own to adjust in the bright sunlight coming into my room from the window. I yawn while standing up and stretch my whole body to let go of all the stiffness in my limbs from the last night. When I look up towards clock which is hanging from the wall effortlessly, I blink in surprise. It's only half past six and I'm not feeling tired at all. I just smile and saunter towards my bathroom to do my daily business.

After brushing my teeth, when I look up towards my reflection in the mirror, I chuckle and try to straighten out my bed hair which is looking like a bird nest. But suddenly I stop and notice, something is different. Something has changed. When I look intently at my reflection, I notice there is a small smile on my face and there is a different shine in my eyes. The shine which I haven't seen from many years, I don't even remember. It's like there is a hope in them again, like I have found a ray of light in the dark tunnel and everything is going to be okay. I just smile at my reflection and start the shower. I strip out of my night pajamas and stand beneath the ongoing shower. When the warm pouring water touches my skin, I sigh in pleasure. I haven't felt this much peace in a very long time.

While rubbing down my bones, a face of someone's laughing come into my view which makes my heart race and tugs my lips upwards on its own. I don't know he does it every time when he's not with me. The memories of the last week come crashing down and now my cheeks are tainted crimson. It's already a week since Andrew starts accompanying me. It's a week since he starts picking me up from my home and dropping me back after the office hours. It's already a week from our first beautiful dinner together. I know it'd be not a big deal for him but it is for me.

First time in years I have let myself to try to know someone outside my family and Amelia. And I know my feelings have certainly grown in the last week. I know what he's from outside; hot, sexy, gorgeous or everything they say in the magazines and tabloids but what they don't know is that his heart is more beautiful than all of this. He is a kid from heart. Whenever he talks about something he loves, his whole face lit up and his eyes shine with new light which brings out the boy he'd be in his high school years. I laugh every time when I think he'd sure be a troublemaker then.

Since the last week, everyday Andrew takes me to breakfast in that same café and we always sit on the same place in front of café under the shades of trees and Berta always comes to greet us and serve us every day. Sometimes Berta talks about her husband and her family. We chat for sometimes while eating and then go to office in his car. I thought people in the office would get use to the idea of us being friends but no, it's no use. Every day they watch us passing by with the same curious expressions and I feel their hot lingering gazes on my back but I don't give a second thought to it and simply ignore it.

Every day when Amelia gives me the same look that something more is going on between us while wiggling her brows in that weird way, I just laugh in amusement while shaking my head to tell her that nothing is going on between us but she just smirks in return and utter that word which always make my heart skip a beat in return.

"Soon", she always utters that same word and saunters away on her path.

In the evenings, he takes me to new restaurants for dinner which he hasn't tried yet in the city or at the vicinity of it to which I always argue but I don't know how in the end I would be the one sulking from defeat on the passenger seat while he would be laughing on the driver's side after his victory. It pisses me off but in the end hearing his sweet melodious laugh and seeing the joy and contentment dancing in his eyes makes me smile and my heart swells in pleasure in return.

But today I have decided to invite him in my home and make him a tasty homemade dish which I have learnt from my mother. Even if I'm not that good in cooking but at least I can show how much the past week meant to me and how I couldn't be happier anymore. I really want to show him how every moment spent with him in this past week was special for me, how every moment has engraved itself in the corners of my mind where they'll stay forever, where he'll stay forever even if we part ways in the future. The thought always brings an ache in my heart and I know it's the truth but I can try to live in this heaven even for a little while like Cinderella before clock strikes midnight when all magic will wear out.

I sigh in defeat while the water is descending down my body leaving its trails back giving a soothing effect to my aching heart even for a while. A smile graces my lips on its own when I think back about all the conversations we had between us from everything to anything.

Within this short time I have discovered a totally different side of him which is making it so hard to not fall in love with him even if I try to resist it like Andrew is the eldest one in his family and has a younger twenty year old sister Evangeline. He calls her 'Eva'. She is graduating in Fashion designing from NYU. I knew Andrew is kind and caring but when he talks about his family, the care and love he feels for his family shine brightly in his eyes and lit up his whole face. He loves her baby sister, that's what he calls Eva but he is one of the typical overprotective brothers. I really laughed at him when he was telling me about Eva and how he didn't want Eva to have a boyfriend her whole life and marriage, that's an alien concept to him. I knew he was joking as a small smile was gracing his lips but seeing this side of him is making him cuter than he is.

After telling me about his sister, Andrew told me about his parents. I knew a little about Andrew's father Jim as he was the CEO when I first applied for a job. Jim is a very kind man but strict boss. He tolerated no nuisance when he was the CEO and always serious about business. I know sometimes they have their differences but in the end they sought it out. The way he talks about his father shows how much he loves and respects him.

And then Andrew told me about the woman who gave birth to him. The way Andrew tells me about her ensures me that she would be a very lovely woman. Evelyn is an interior designer and an event planner. But she rarely accepts any projects as she only accepts those one which inspires her. She solely does it for her passion. She is very active in society as she is one of the members of many famous charity organizations in New York so she goes to all the charity events they organize in the year. But even after all of this, Andrew told they have always been there for both of their children as the family has always been the first for them unlike now-a-days, many rich and high society people choose their business over their family and for that I respect them more.

Other than that, he tells me about his best friend Eric Matthews. I have heard about him. He is quite famous business tycoon in the oil world. His company owns half of the oil business in the whole world but besides that he is very famous in ladies, always in the headlines of tabloids and magazines. All in all he is quite a womanizer but the way Andrew tells me about him, he is a very nice man. They first met in the middle school and since then they became the best buddies and graduated together from NYU.

We also talked about all the basic thing we can find in this world like his favorite color is blue; a typical boy choice. His favorite sport is Football (American). He was quite famous for it in University but he wanted to join his father's company and pursue his career in the business so he never gave it any importance. He loves Rain. I like it but not as much as him. He is a big foodie. I surely know that now. He really loves to try different cuisines like Chinese, Thai, Italian, Japanese and French every time he goes out to eat. He loves sports cars of every type. He just loves the thrill the speed brings. So that also makes bikes his second favorites after sports cars specially Harley Davidson bikes.

I laugh at all the memories when he asks me again for dinner and make a big fuss when I said no and told me every time I'm making him to lie to me by saying no and no and I laugh every time when he pouts like a child on his seat.

The one thing I love the most about him is he knows what to talk about and when. He never makes me feel awkward or uncomfortable around him. I can tell him everything whenever I want and not because I'm obliged to but because I want to. He never forced me to say anything whenever I didn't want to. He never said a thing when I didn't tell him much about my father or about my childhood and school or anything related to it. I know he knows I don't like to talk about my past and I haven't told him much about me but he is okay with it and I'm grateful for that.

The truth is, he is the hope for me, a ray of light in this dark tunnel we call life. It feels like as long as he is with me, my life is simple. There are no complications, no worries, no past and no nightmares and I can really breathe this time. He makes me feel like, we are kids again and as long as we have light, no dark can touch us. With him, I feel like I can believe again, in the hope, of seeing the rays of happiness, after the storm will pass.

He has taught me to believe again and that's all, that matters.

I smile on the thought while drying myself off with the towel and wrap it around my body.

While walking around in my closet to find some clothes, a certain memory strikes in mind which makes my face heat up in embarrassment and I try to cool it down while distracting myself. After that first kiss on our first date night, as I really want to call it that, Andrew doesn't hesitate to give me friendly kisses on the cheek or on my head now, as I really want to think them that. It's like we have crossed some sort of an imaginary line that night and it's looking like that we are heading to a right direction but I fear if he doesn't catch me while I'm falling so hard for him then my worst nightmare of getting hurt will come to life and this time I'll not be able to come out of it alive.

I sigh on the thought and just focus on the present.

Enjoy it while you can.

I repeat the words in my mind and just start rummaging through my clothes to find something to wear. Today I'm feeling like blue. I pick out some random navy blue. I think about the day I bought this dress. It was fall and there was a clearance sale in the downtown. Amelia really wanted me to buy something off shoulder as I have always adored them and this particular one caught her eye and she practically dragged me to the counter to buy it. I never got the chance to wear it until today. The frill with the off shoulder top and the light flowing skirt below the waist line is making my fair skin glow more. I pair it with my nude stilettos and blow dries my hair. I put some nude make up on.

I give a once over to myself in the mirror and descend down the stairs in a hurry as it is already quarter past eight. I get the ding of a new message arriving on my phone as I was locking the front door. I check it while walking towards the elevator and hit the ground floor button. I smile at Seth while walking by his desk towards the front door.

As I step out in the autumn air, a gust of hot air hit me across the face while blowing my hair to the side with it. As I look towards Andrew's car, he is already getting out of his car and when he sees me walking towards him, his whole face lit up with a smile. He closes the distance between us in two long strides and holds me close in his arms. We fit together perfectly as always. My head in the crook of his neck and his head rests on mine. The sound of his fast beating heart soothes me while his strong arms make me feel safe in his embrace.

"Julie"

He breathes out my name while his breath tickles the soft skin of my neck and a slight shiver run down my spine in a manner that ignite the fire burning in the pit of my stomach more I haven't felt for anyone else ever before.

I miss him. I miss him bad. Even we met yesterday but it's like so much time has passed since yesterday and I need him. I need him to live again Even if this is all temporary, even if he doesn't feel the same for me, but I need him for the hope to live again and I can't loose him. I know I have passed the line of friendly feelings years ago and I can't go back when I have already jump off this cliff we call love and falling hard for him.

His lips presses against my forehead in a sweet kiss while my heart throb in an irregular rhythm. As his lips linger for more than mere seconds, I relish in the warmth of his body, locking away each and every sensation deep down in my memory.

He takes a step back and looks into my eyes while his eyes are intense with a darker shade of blue.

"Good morning, beautiful."

I smile softly in return while a soft blush is now glowing on my cheeks.

"Good morning"

He holds my hand and drags me towards his car while the soft tingling sensations are going up my arm giving me goose bumps. Looking down towards our joined hands, my heart swells in pleasure.

Andrew opens the passenger door and helps me getting in. He jogs around the car and settle in. The car engine revives with a small hum and Andrew turns it around towards our office.

As his gaze is fixed on the road, I look at him with a small smile. His eyes are shining with a bright blue while day old stubble is gracing his face making him sexier than before. His dark brown locks are flowing softly with the gust of air from the open window, itching my hands to tame them, making me curious of their feel between my fingers.

"Beautiful girls should not stare like that while driving; it's a huge distraction you know."

A smirk appears on his face in the place of a smile while he winks at me across the seat. I laugh in embarrassment while masking my flush. Andrew grins in return and I turn around my head towards the scenery of sky scrapers and people walking outside the window and lost again in my thoughts which are always haunted by a dangerously handsome man sitting beside me behind the wheels.

But there is something I can't put a finger on since this morning. An unsettling feeling is there in the pit of my stomach since I wake up in bed and I don't know what it is, why it has bothered me the whole morning. I just hope it's not something to mull over and hope everything will turn out right.

Andrew parks the car in front of our favorite and everyday café 'Blue'. The sun is shining beautifully with the soft rays indicating the fall as we tread towards the same table we always sit. As we settle down our old Greta come to our table with her bright smile.

"Good Morning, children. How are we this morning?"

I smile at sweet voice of Greta.

"Good"

"Good"

As usual we both answer her at the same time and as usual Greta's loud melodious voice reaches my ears.

"Same again eh?"

A smirk appears on her face and I blush in return.

"So what do you want to try this morning?"

Andrew scans the menu as usual as I have always problem to choose.

"I guess we have eaten everything on the menu already."

Andrew laughs at the dilemma and my heart swells at the sound.

"I guess we should keep it simple eh?"

I nod in return.

"I guess two scrambled eggs and two cappuccinos with two chocolate lava cakes. Is it okay to you?"

Andrew glances at me and I nod with a smile.

"Chocolate lava cake is my favorite too. I'll be right back with your order."

Greta walks in to the café as we sit in anticipation of our order. As usual Andrew starts the conversation and we fall right back into our relax zone. I never feel awkward around him and that's what I like most about our friendship even if I want more than friendship.

In the account of almost an hour we wind up our banter and breakfast. Greta bid adieu with a smile as we drive towards our office in a comfortable silence.

As we enter the building side by side, the weird looks start again from the security guard to the Lucy working on the front desk and everyone working around on this floor. It's like we are the only thing interesting enough in this office to look at. Why it's so hard to accept the fact that a boss and an employee can be good friends without any drama of relationships between them, sexual or emotional.

It's already been a few days since this charade has begun and I'm already tired of it. It's always the same. Everyone will give us weird looks and then will start the murmuring and at the end Amelia will rant to me all the things that stirred around the office about us. While I can't stand the drama, Amelia lives for this.

I sigh at the thought as the door of elevator is closing down. Andrew informs me about the meetings he's going to have all the day and how's it going to be so tiring. I laugh at his childish pout while my heart skips a beat looking at this perfect man with whom I'm falling in love.

We bid adieu to each other as we walk down to our own cabins. As I sit down on my chair, I look at all the files neatly organize on my table which I have to review today.

Laura.

I smile and start my task of the day.

As I stretch my arms after many hours of working, I get that same unsettling feeling in the pit of my stomach as this morning. I don't know why it's there. I shake my head of all the negative scenarios and look at the clock hanging on the wall. It's already half past eleven and I sense nothing.

I need coffee.

I sigh in delight at the thought and get up from my chair with all the files while treading towards the door for the break I sincerely need.

Hope Amelia needs one too.

I stop in front of Laura's desk and give her all the files.

"These are the files of today's and tomorrow's deals, so they need immediate attention of Andrew's. Take these all to him and if he needs me, I'm with Amelia."

As I glance towards the next desk to Laura, I come face to face with an empty chair and table.

I guess everyone needs a break.

As I walk into the open elevator, Laura smiles at me and goes back to her work. I hit the button of Amelia's floor. She works in the Accounts department so she with all the others checks everything related to the money. With the sound of ding, the doors of the elevator open as the hallway of Accounts Department comes in my view. Through the hallway, I walk to Amelia's desk which is on one side of the area. As I glance over, everyone is chatting as the ambiance is so light. Some members of other departments are also here for break. As I look down at Amelia, she is still typing something on her computer while the others are chatting around her. She has always been a dedicated one but a partygoer.

"Hey"

Amelia looks up to me and gives me a soft smile.

"Hi"

"Wanna grab a coffee?"

"Yeah"

"Let's go then"

Amelia winds up all the things and get up from her seat. As we walk side by side towards the hallway, an unusual silence falls around us. I don't give it much thought while chatting with Amelia.

"Yeah, there's that whore."

A feminine voice reach my ears as me and Amelia come to an abrupt stop. As we turn around, everyone has stopped chatting and is looking in our direction. As I look in the center, Emily is standing with her arms cross in the center and a smirk is there on her face. I furrow my brows in confusion of what is going on.

"She is Andrew's new whore."

Emily speaks again nodding in our direction. As the name of Andrew comes in the sentence, I look around once again. Then I see it. They are not looking in our direction. They are all looking at me. Emily's smirk is still there as she is looking at me. The venom and amusement is shining brightly in her eyes she takes a step forward towards me.

"Hey, whore."

She waves at me like a normal greeting and my brows furrow in confusion.

What is she talking about?

"What? You don't know what is happening here? What I'm talking about?"

I stand still and don't say anything. My heart beating in an irregular rhythm as I stare back at Emily.

"Oh, innocent card. Stop pretending, you sl*t!! We all know what you are up to."

Emily's disgust for me is all clear on her face. I flinch on the word 'sl*t' as my stomach flipped in an unusual manner and bile starts rising in my throat.

"You are the latest whore of Andrew. I can't believe he chooses you, you fat cow. What is it even there in you?"

Emily's voice rises as she points at me with her hand while looking around at others. Everyone is staring. Not a single word comes out of anyone's mouth. Amelia is still frozen beside me contemplating what is happening here while I'm doing the same. I can't find any voice in my throat as the Emily is speaking all the lies I don't even ever heard.

"You are not a model or something. Huh cow? You know I should tell you the truth."

A high pitched laugh full of venom and disgust erupts from her mouth as she is looking at me with her one hand on her waist and the other pointing at me like a boss.

"You are just a dog who follows Andrew everywhere. It's not like we don't know anything."

The distance between us grow smaller as Emily walks towards me.

"I can't believe. What happens to Andrew's choice?!"

As she stops in front of me, she looks straight in to my eyes with so much anger in them that I can't believe what have I ever done to her to hate me like this. She starts moving in circles around me while looking down at me like vultures do before devouring their prey. As the bile rises in my throat, the back of my eyes are now stinging with the fresh tears which I'm controlling with all my might. I just can't give her the satisfaction of breaking me piece by piece.

"You know, I'm sure you'd have begged on your knees to him to have sex with you because with a body like that, a person has to be blind to not see this."

Her high pitched laugh echoes in the whole room as everyone stand still.

"But still, how did you convince him? What did you do? Go naked in his cabin to lure him? Or beg him naked to have sex with you? And he took pity on you? Huh Whore?"

She continues laughing like she is telling some sick joke to entertain others.

My throat is constricted with all the tears I'm holding back to fall while my face is on flames with all the humiliation and embarrassment of the situation.

"Ohh... the pig is gonna cry now?"

Her sickly sweet voice reaches my ears as my vision starts blurring with all the unshed tears.

"Don't cry here, pig. We don't want your big fat ass here."

Her dirty smirk is still there on her face with satisfaction in her eyes, the satisfaction of humiliating me, breaking me piece by piece.

"You know, I'm impressed you are still standing here. I haven't seen anyone this eager to hear truth about them like you. I guess I have to bring a mirror for you to see what an ugly, fat bitch you are."

As those words echo in my ears, all the courage I was trying to hold on to, slip away from my hands as my heart break into million pieces and my world crumbles down to my feet.

I can't take it anymore.

When the reality of the situation finally sinks in, the pain caused by her words increases tenfold as one tear, finally slides down my face, follow by the others.

My vision is blurred with all the tears falling from eyes as my gaze is casted downwards. In a moment, my feet turn around on its own and I run into opposite direction with all my might. As the dark shadow of humiliation is following me, Emily's voice full of venom can still be heard as she hasn't stopped yelling yet but my mind automatically shuts down all the voices as the grief sets in.

In my disheveled state, I bump into something hard. When I look up, I come face to face with those striking blue eyes whose shade has turned dark now because of the storm swirling in them, trying to unleash itself on the whole world. My tear filled eyes are seeing the man, for whom I'm falling hard with each passing day, struggling with his anger while his knuckles are turning white by clutching the papers in his hand so tight.

He heard everything.

When the thunder of reality strikes again, my breathing stops and altogether what was left in my world come crumbling down to my feet again and this time I fear I'll not be able to pick it up.

This is all my fault. It's all happening because of me. If I wouldn't have said yes that day, everything would be the way it should be. We would have all been alright. That's why our lives should not mingle with each other.

As the truth stab me across my heart, a sob has freed itself from my throat while my heart is screaming in pain. Freeing myself from his heated gaze while the tears are streaming down my face, I take a step sideways and run towards the opened elevator to get away from the mess, I have created for myself.

Sooooo folks, At last!!!! i hv uploaded!!! i knw i have been gone for a while but sorry for that i was having my finals... so enough of that how are u all?? this is the longest chapter i hv ever written alomost 5K!!!! even of it took some days but finally..... i hope u'll enjoy it. dont forget to show ur support by hitting the like button and commenting ur thoughts. Stay tuned for what will happen in the future.... love u all!!! <3

~Stela~