The flight was otherwise uneventful, where I either cried or slept.

Christopher didn't ask me any questions about my situation, which I appreciate, because I cannot talk about it at this point.

All throughout the journey, I kept justifying my decision to myself. The job will not only give me money and a place, but will also give me a purpose to live and keep my mind off the past.

Also, Christopher seems like a decent enough guy. Who knows, we might even become good friends in the process.

A slight nudge on my shoulder woke me up.

"Hey Athena, wake up. We're about to land".

His voice sounded like a lullaby. So warm and so reassuring. So smooth like chocolate.

Wait.

What is wrong with me?!

After the flight landed safely and we were out of the airport after immigration and customs,  an elderly man approached us.

"Good evening Sir!" He tipped his cap towards Christopher, and smiled widely at him.

"Good evening Ben. You seem better than before!"

Ben smiled as tears brimmed in his eyes.

"I feel better, sir. The cancer is leaving me gradually."

Christopher smiled genuinely.

"You've always been a fighter, Ben. We couldn't let the cancer win now, could we?"

"It is all because of you sir. You gave me a new life".

I looked at Christopher in confusion, and his cheeks were tinted pink as he scratched the back of his head.

He was blushing!

"I'll take the luggage sir", Ben came forward to take his luggage, when his eyes landed on me.

He looked at Christopher in confusion.

"Oh, this is Athena. Ath, this is Ben. He has been working in our New York office for more than forty years now. Ben this is my girlfriend." He finished with a self satisfied smile.

The suitcase that Ben was carrying fell off his hand, as he stared at Christopher, shocked.

"I am so sorry. So sorry sir. I'll put the luggage in the car right away."

He picked up the luggage and settled them at the back of the car as fast as he could.

"Why is he so shocked?" I asked Christopher, surprised myself.

"I don't know", Christopher replied, seeming exceedingly confused by the minute.

"You guys go, we'll meet you at the hotel", Xavier said. "Christopher, Evelyn will meet us at the hotel. And another room for Athena has been booked."

"Thanks man! You're the saviour, Xavier. See that rhymes", he laughed out loud.

Xavier, the other three important looking men and I just stared at him.

"It really isn't", I muttered to myself.

***

The ride to the hotel was simply beautiful. This has been one of my favourite places in the world, and holds so many beautiful memories for me (primarily why I decided to come here).

The entire ride, I kept thanking the heavens for the job that Christopher offered. Back in Greece, the prospect of looking for a job here seemed easy, but looking at all these people and all these places, it would have been impossible.

Christopher has been a blessing in disguise.

"So, tell me something about yourself", I ask him.

Christopher was gazing outside the window with a smile on his face, and he turned towards me surprised.

"What about me? You know everything".

I rolled my eyes.

"I know only what I've read in the tabloids, which I see isn't all true. As your girlfriend, I need to know you."

He stared at me. He stared into my eyes. Didn't say a word, just stared.

"You have beautiful eyes Athena", he breathed out.

Warmth crept up my cheeks at his complement.

He smiled.

"I was born in Los Angeles. I am twenty-six years old. I am a business graduate. I love continental. I hate sushi. I love music. I play the piano, violin and the guitar. I don't like judgmental people who label someone on the basis of sheer presumptions.

I have two sisters- one older and the other younger. I love them. Emilia, the older one has a son- Jackson. She's a fashion designer. Chris Trends- you must have heard of it- she owns the line.

Abigail, the younger one is studying law at Harvard. She's the crazy one of the lot. She's your age by the way. I'm sure you two will get along very well.

Then come mum and dad. There isn't much to say about dad, we've hardly had him around, but he's perfect. He has been the best dad, mentor, friend, critic, that anyone could ever wish for.

Mum is my most favourite person in the world. She's a gynaecologist, and directs the Chris chain of hospitals. You'll love her!"

All throughout this, Christopher had a constant smile on his lips- his face was glowing and his eyes were glistening- he was genuinely happy. His happiness was so infectious, that I felt happy too.

First time in a week.

"Your turn Ath!"

"What? No!"

"What do you mean 'no'? I told you everything about myself and you are not going to say even a thing? That's hardly fair!"

"I have nothing to say".

"Come on. As your boyfriend, I need to know you."

I narrowed my eyes at him but couldn't stop the laughter that escaped me.

"Stop stealing my words".

"I wouldn't need to if you cooperated", he smirked.

The car came to a halt and Ben opened the door for Christopher.

"We are here, sir".

Christopher nodded and got off the car, while Ben ran to my side and held the door open for me.

"Thank you Ben!" I smiled at him.

He returned the smile. "It's my pleasure, ma'am".

We were walking up to the entrance, when Christopher offered me his hand.

I looked at it suspiciously, then looked up at him confused.

He rolled his eyes at me.

"Come on! To convince the world that we are dating, this is the least that we need to do".

"Right", I looked at him suspiciously.

What else do we need to do to convince the world?

All motion ceases when we enter the lobby. Waiters stop and greet him. People greet him. The receptionist comes strutting towards him and greets him.

A man comes running towards us. His blazer had a badge with the words MANAGER inscribed.

"Good evening sir. So good to see you!"

He offered his hands to Christopher to shake, and he shook it, smiling at him.

"You have another suite prepared?"

"Yes sir. We have the platinum suite ready for your guest".

The manager looked at me sideways, as if to gauge my importance in his boss' life.

Only if he knew.

The both of us were ushered towards the elevator, and were left to ourselves.

He clicked the button on the elevator to the twenty-secondth floor.

"You like it?" He asked.

"The elevator?" I asked, confused.

"No silly. The hotel".

Oh.

"I have been here a few times before. I've always loved it. Especially the view of the Brooklyn bridge from the terrace".

He looked surprised.

"You've been to the terrace? Wow. Not many people know of that".

I smiled.

"What can I say? I am a wanderer". 

He smiled at me.

"It's your turn now, Ath".

"My turn for what?" I asked him.

He looked at me pointedly.

"To get to know you".

I chuckled humourlessly.

"There's really not much to know about me".

"The more a heart hides, the more secrets it has to reveal".

The elevator dinged as we reached our floor. 

He got off the elevator, as I stood there staring at his back.

What did he just say?

And at that moment, I knew that Christopher Holand is way more than what meets the eye.

___________

Heyyloo! Merry Christmas!

It's Monday and 6 days till I need to update, but it's Christmas and you guys deserve a special present for voting and commenting and getting the story to where it has reached on the ranking list now.

Thank you very much, and I hope you have a wonderful time.

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