Chapter 1 - Once upon a time in London

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Troy's POV

I parked my car in front of the cafe and got out of my car. When I was about to walk towards the exit, my phone rang. It was my assistant. I walked into the cafe while talking to her on the phone.

As soon as my elder sister, Sienna saw me, she waved at me, smiling. I gave her a warm smile and hung up my phone as I approached Sienna and her husband, Romeo.

Romeo was my best friend. We met in a karate class when we were children and became friends.

Sienna and Romeo were high school sweethearts. They got married two years ago and now they were expecting their first child together. In three months, I was going to be an uncle.

After giving a half hug to Romeo, I hugged my sister.

"How is my niece?" I asked softly as I pulled back.

"Fine. But I would be happy if she didn't often kick hard." She replied, placing her hand on her bump protectively, and sighed dramatically. "Most probably, she will be so naughty." She added, smiling, and caressed her belly.

"Considering who the baby daddy is, it is inescapable." I commented playfully and gave Romeo a teasing smirk.

"Hey!" He pouted, giving me a dirty look.

Sienna chuckled. "You are right."

"You too?!" Romeo scowled. Sienna grinned, amused.

"Where is Liam?" I asked as we sat down.

Liam was our younger brother. He was two years younger than me. Our family's troublemaker. There wasn't a day when he didn't make the front page.

"Probably, in the arms of some girl." Romeo commented, smirking. "More correctly, in some girl's bed." He smirked mockingly.

"Liam sent a message informing me that he couldn't come." Sienna informed and shrugged her shoulders.

I sent a message to my assistant asking about the meeting while sipping my coffee when Sienna interrupted me. "Troy, please put your phone down. It is annoying. You became a workaholic. It isn't good for your health. You work non-stop. When you go out, you are always on the phone, still working." She sighed, shaking her head in disapproval.

"Ok. Ok. Don't start you too. Mom gives me a lecture about it every day." I stated, placing my phone down on the table.

When I lifted my head up and looked through the window, my expression instantly changed. My heart started beating faster.

"Rose..." I mumbled, staring at a girl with black hair standing far away from the cafe while talking on the phone.

"Troy, what happened? Your face is pale. And who is Rose?" Sienna asked, concerned as she rested her hand on my forearm.

I instantly stood up and rushed out. I ran towards the girl, bumping into the people.

"Rose! Rose!" I shouted, searching around as I couldn't see her anymore. I ran my hand through my hair, looking around. "Rose..." I murmured, desperate, placing my hands on my hips.

Was it hallucination again? But I was so sure that she was Rose.

I shook my head, closing my eyes, and scolded myself. "Forget her, Troy. Just forget." I sighed sadly and walked back.

"Who was she?" Sienna asked curiously as soon as I approached them.

"No one. No one." I replied sadly as I sat down and ruffled my hair, lost in my thoughts.

"Troy? Something is wrong. What is going on?" Sienna insisted, giving me a concerned look.

"Sienna, don't worry. I am fine. I just confused her with someone else." I lied and sighed.

A few minutes later, Sienna went to the restroom, leaving me with Romeo alone.

"Troy, what is going on? Isn't Rose the same girl we met in London?" Romeo asked, intrigued. "Your one night stand?" He added.

I entwined my hands on the table, sighing. "It was more than that." I responded as I looked at my yin-yang tattoo on my wrist and ran my fingertip over it.

His eyes widened in surprise. "What? But you didn't tell me anything." He said, confused. "Oh... Because of her, you have changed. Oh my goodness! Why didn't I understand it?! You gave yourself to your work. You don't spend so much time with us like before. And you are often lost in your thoughts." Romeo commented.

I pursed my lips together, clenching my fist without looking at him. I sighed and started explaining.

Flashback

Five years ago

London, England

I was strolling along the River Thames, my hands in my pocket while enjoying the magnificent view. It was the second time I visited London. The first time I had come here with my parents and siblings, but now I was alone. I came here to see my best friend, Romeo. Our families were friends as well.

Romeo studied at the university in London. It had been more than five years since I had seen him the last time. His parents sent him to England to study at the university and keep him away from trouble; they decided it after his last bombshells. My parents supported them as well because of the relationship between my sister, Sienna and Romeo. They thought it would be better if they stayed away from each other till Sienna and Romeo graduated from university after that so-called incident. Because of it, they hadn't even let them talk on the phone. Romeo's father ordered his bodyguard to keep his eye on Romeo and not to let him out of his sight for a second.

After getting his bachelor degree, Romeo was studying for a master's degree like me. However, he was going to graduate this year compared to me.

I was studying at Harvard. After getting my master's degree, I was going to start working in our family company. However, on my semester breaks, I worked part-time there.

I increased my pace as it started raining. I was going to meet up with Romeo at the cafe near the River Thames. It was my last full day here. Tomorrow evening I was going back to New York to see my family before going back to Boston.

I stopped as I saw a black-haired girl trying to open her umbrella hurriedly, but she couldn't open it. I smiled, looking at her; she looked so cute. The girl had thick long silky hair and an angelic face. She was so beautiful.

"Hey, dude." I turned around as I heard Romeo's voice. "She is beautiful." He added, giving me his signature smirk as he approached me and held his umbrella over our heads. Meanwhile, his bodyguard stood a few steps away from him.

"Romeo!" I warned, giving him a dirty look. Then I turned around, but when I looked at at the direction where the girl was standing, she wasn't there anymore. I sighed, upset without knowing why I felt sad. She was just a stranger. I cleared my throat and looked back at Romeo.

"You look like a British boy." I teased him, gesturing to his navy blue beanie and matched scarf.

"I try to adjust as much as an American man in London can." He said arrogantly and winked at me playfully. I chuckled, shaking my head.

"Come on, let's go." I suggested. He nodded as we started walking towards the cafe.

***

Hey guys!

Troy and his mysterious girl's adventure has started. Hope you will enjoy my new story.

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Lots of love,

H.Mia