Chapter 5: New York

"Love is like a friendship caught on fire. In the beginning a flame, very pretty, often hot and fierce, but still only light and flickering. As love grows older, our hearts mature and our love becomes as coals, deep-burning and unquenchable." - Bruce Lee

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Eleanor Pallos' POV

We reached the Central Park known as the lungs of the New York city since it's the midpoint of the city and it was beautiful. It feels like you're out of the city, but in fact it was the core of the city and looking around, you could see the skyscrapers buildings, surrounding the park.

Lots of things to see. From Central Park Zoo, Belvedere Castle and the Friedsam Memorial Carousel and restaurants that give a beautiful overlooking breathtaking panorama.

There's also the Sheep Meadow and the Great Lawn that offers a sprawling grassy expanses where visitors can relax and enjoy outdoors. At this hour the Great Lawn is pack with visitors who wanted to just relax and get more sun.

Nicolai has been kind to explain to me the places. The place is massive and a day is not enough to survey the whole area. There are so many places to visit within its boundaries. We managed to visit Belvedere Castle, the Great Lawn, Shakespeare Garden, The Ramble, and a few, and left me feeling that we merely scratched the surface.

"So you're not dating anyone?" Nicolai starts as soon as we sat side by side comfortably under the sun in one spot, with my eyes rounding the tourists such myself. A lot of them were almost naked, mostly women who sprawled on the grass on their back with exposed skin taking advantage of the bright sunlight to get tan as much as the sun could give.

The grassy lawn looks like a beach with thousands of barely-clothed sunbathers stretched out on towels.

Men were playing catching while some couples were amble along, arms in his, others just strolling around the area.

"I wasn't." I replied shortly as I glance at him briefly, then drifting my eyes back to the women laying on the grass. Most of them were staring at us, or I would say to him.

I can't blame them.

Nicolai is a great distraction, especially to the opposite sex.

Just his dominating stance, women would swoon over him and would do anything to get his attention.

I could also see the envy stare from the men as they shot him a scowling stare whom he never even give a shit about it.

He looks relax, although he's still wearing that impassive look, it only gave him that domineering aura.

I've seen gorgeous men before, but none of them had surpassed that beauty now laid in front of me. Perfection could be the perfect description to his face, body, except his character. It's the opposite of his looks.

A walking dick.

"Why aren't you dating yet, sweet pea?" I look at him and he was still staring at me.

I want to see any emotion in those cold see green depth, but I was disappointed. He is really good in masking his emotions.

As we lock eyes, I felt like I was stripped off and he could read right through my soul. I look away and shrug my shoulder. "Who would want to date me? I'm nothing like my sister, sophisticated." I sigh.

"Yes, Victoria is the epitome of beauty and grace, but you also is beautiful .. just have to bloom more." He then look at me and gave me a small smile.

I chuckled but not from amusement. I tasted bitterness that's crawling in my gut. I always felt pity of myself.

I gave him a detach smile and forcefully shrugs my shoulder trying to feign nonchalance. Just being with him made me feel remorseful. I shouldn't have gone with him. It only made me entertain that feeling I was trying to get over with and the thought only made felt like a traitor.

That feeling of betraying my sister.

It was awful.

"Do you like her?" I asked out of the blue.

Nicolai stared at me like sizing me up and I kept my poker face. "She's everything that man wants. I don't think I would have problem liking her." Nicolai shrugs and then he carelessly lay down on the grass with his back, palms on the back of his head, not caring with his white crisp shirt getting dirty.

I look away ignoring the loud thumping of my heart, bleeding and withering against my ribcage. I blink back the tears brimming around my eyelids threatening to fall.

"Yes. She's perfect!" I commented nodding my head in agreement as I look away and smiled bitterly.

"So what are your plans when you graduate?" Nicolai asked and I knew he wanted to drop the topic which I'm happy to obliged, before I would burst out here in tears.

My heart is already pierced and tampered, pain and hurt envelops it.

"I don't know. Maybe help dad in the office, or go back to school and study nursing or medicine." I blabbered.

I know what I want to do when the arranged marriage hasn't announced. That is to work with my dad so I could see him everyday, but now, it was undetermined.

But for sure, I wouldn't want to work with him anymore. I wanted to be far away from them so I could move on and maybe someday, someone would come along and made me feel this kind of feelings again and be happy.

I just wish.

"Work with your dad. I know you will be good in managing a hotel." Nicolai look at me and I just shrug my shoulders again.

I would love to, but now, I don't want it anymore.

"I'll try," was all I said as I gave him a tight smile and he looks up the sky then he squints and then shut his eyes for a moment.

I pulled my purse on my lap and dug through it, fishing out for my phone to check on the time.

It's almost five in the afternoon. The nap I was thinking to do is long forgotten.

I put the phone back in my purse and zip it. "Would you like to go for a walk again and then we will head out to Time Square? It looks beautiful there at night." Nicolai said as he sat up and then rose on his feet, brushing the grass that stuck in his crisp pants and shirt.

He extended his hand for me to help and I hesitantly took it and carefully stood up not wanting to give a nice view of what underneath my dress' skirt.

"Alright." I responded.

"Maybe we can asked Victoria if she wants to join us. It would be fun." He suggested and my heart cries in pain.

I force a smile but I knew it didn't reach my eyes as I nodded and watch him pull his phone out of his pocket and tap on his phone. I started walking heading to the concrete pathway, and Nicolai walk beside me with his phone close to his right ear.

"Hey." I heard him started. "We are going now to Times Square. Do you guys wanna join us?" He asked and I wonder who he was talking to.

I walk with him in silence as I listen to his conversation, but my eyes was fixed to where I'm walking and look around occasionally trying to enjoy the scenery around me and ignore the jealousy settling in the pit of my stomach.

"Great. We all see you there." He ended and then I saw him tap something on his phone before shoving it back in his pocket.

"Let's go. Xandrous, Victoria and Raffy with Natalia and Ember just arrived at Times Square." Nicolai laced his hands on mine, unconsciously and I felt all my blood rushes to my heart and my heartbeat raises rapidly, hammering against my ribcage.

Tingles elicited and erupted in my skin then courses throughout my body with just a single touch.

I shook the erratic thoughts out of my head and instilled inside my head that he is not mine and will never fall for me.

I let him led me back to where he parks his car. I staggered to keep up with his pace, since he has a long legs and I obviously had short ones compare to his.

I was panting profusely and felt like my legs are burning with exhaustion, and I felt like we had been walking for seems like hours which is really not. I was wearing a heels and for me that is not used to heels, after a few minutes walking with one, I could really feel the pain, and then again I had to make two steps at every step he makes, to keep up with him.

He stops when he felt that I'm already exhausted and staggering.

"Are you alright?" He asked, his voice is tender, but it didn't melt the vexation builds up in my system.

Why is he so in hurry to get there? Can't he wait to see my sister?

I raise one eyebrow in annoyance. My sole is burning with pain, I could feel my sole, tender.

"I'm sorry. I forget you've got short legs." He chuckled and I just found myself swinging my purse onto his back. He dodge it releasing my hand and laughed hard, Ignoring the deathly stares I gave him.

"Alright, I'm sorry, but, let's be honest. You really have a short legs .." His amused eyes trained on me, then he knelt down and help me took off my shoes. I just huffed and was tempted to hit his head, but I felt his hand massaging my sole then place it back on the ground, then did the same with my other feet. It felt relaxing.

"We will be there in few minutes. Come on, I'll carry you in my back." He suggested as he turns his back on me, squatting while holding my shoes.

"I'm fine." I side step him and walk on.

I ignored the uncomfortable feeling of my bare feet kissing the concrete pathway, each every step.

"Come on, sweet pea." Nicolai urged and soon walking beside me.

I rolled my eyes. People already giving us curious stares, but he seemed to not care at all while my face is already burning with embarrassment. I tried not to meet any curious stares as I passed them, and kept going.

That endearment, Sweet pea.

If I didn't know the reason why he calls me that, I would surely swoon. He gave me that when I was seven saying that I was his little sister just like his baby sister Natalia.

Sweet pea for little sis.

I shook the thoughts off and kept on walking with him on my side now holding my hand and I didn't argue about it and this time he was walking slowly.

Finally we reach the garage where he parked his car. Nicolai just kept on sighing and I ignored him.

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We reach the Time square in like five minutes. It's not far from the place. Shortly, I saw Nat and Raffy looking madly in love, hand in hand. Ember is nowhere to find. I wonder where she is.

Alexandrous was still looking cold and they are all waiting at the front of the forever 21 store.

Nicolai was still holding my hand and as we get closer, Victoria was staring at our hands laced together. I saw jealousy in her eyes and I frantically pulled my hand off his hold and he didn't object, releasing my hand as reach them.

"Hi," I smiled to everyone especially to Natalia and Raffy.

Raffy gave me a hug and kiss my cheeks and I return the gesture briefly, shooting Natalia a teasing look and she giggles softly like a love struck fool.

"Hey babe, what took you both so long." I heard Victoria purred as she close their gap and Nicolai and kiss him in the lips just when I turned to face them.

Nicolai smiled at her and let Victoria hold his hand.

"Hi, Elle. You look beautiful." Xandrous complimented and pulled me for a hug and kisses me on the cheeks.

"Thanks Xandrous." I rolled my eyes which made him chuckled.

I stared at him dumbfounded.

Is he really Xandrous?

He chuckled? Did he really chuckled?

I felt his index fingers under my chin and push it up lightly. "Close you mouth honey, the bug might get in." He teased and I felt my cheeks blushing.

"Let's go." He offered his arm and I hesitantly loop in his and he led me following Victoria and Nicolai who seemed to forgets around them.

My heart was consumed with jealousy, but I tried really hard to ignore the feelings and just focus on the pack surroundings, dodging every passerby.

We just kept walking while we chatted and Xandrous and I may say, he wasn't the cold heartless bastard after all.

Once in a while we stops to watch the people dressing up like the statue of liberty, there's Elmo, there's some disney's character.

We took photos with them and gave them a tip after. It was fun, yet exhausting. The sun is set and I feel starving.

Alex and I was laughing the whole time as we talk and look around the busy street. It seems endless and people seems to kept pouring from every corner.

I'm not even sure where to look while walking through the world-famous Times Square. With massive digital billboards whose bright lights made dark night look like mid afternoon, people peddling art and jewelry on the streets, and of course the naked cowboy- who plays guitar in his tighty-whities.

The expansive stretch of Midtown is a feast of for all five senses. The sounds of the guitars, cries of car tires passing by here and there. The breathtaking looks of the high-rises buildings, skyscraper. The smells of the food coming from the rows of restaurants between eight and ninth avenue.

Plus the fact that it was pedestrian friendly made it more interesting and fun.

"I'm hungry!" Natalia groaned and I felt relieve someone had spill my thought.

"So am I." Victoria grinned at Nicolai then gave Xandrous a poker face, then she gave me a snide smirk.

I love her, but she's making me feel like an outcast and I don't like the feeling, but I shook off the negative feelings and instilled in my heart that she's my sister and I knew deep within her she loves me.

"Well, let all have dinner then. I'm hungry as well." Xandrous agreed.

"Do you girls have any preferences?" Raffy asked and Natalia responded flirtatiously.

Oh I'm so jealous of her.

"Can we try mexican food tonight?" Natalia grinned and I pitched in.

"I want to try it too."

Victoria pouted.

"I like Mexican food." Raffy remarks.

"Me too." Xandrous piped in.

"Well, let's find a Mexican restaurant then." Nicolai agreed and we walk along the theatre district and found a small Mexican restaurant. We are lucky to get a table before the people were pouring in.

We had nachos and guacamole to start and margaritas to drink.

The place is fresh, tasty, and has really high quality Mexican fare. We had the fruit/medium guacamole, which was really delicious, and tuna ceviche, shrimp quesadillas, pork tacos, and the steak entree. All were excellent, and we were STUFFED at the end leaving the place with a big smile.

By the time we left the place it was already noisy and pack, and were like smashed in with so many people as we got out, that it feels literally like communal dining, though the food were great, I can't complain.

"So you guys still want to walk around?" Xandrous asked and I was about to say no, when Natalia squeals yes.

Victoria seemed to agree with Natalia and the men just went with the flow.

Raffy and Natalia was walking ahead of us hand in hand. Natalia's head sometimes resting on Raffy shoulders and I could see him kissing her forehead once in a while. I knew they love each other so much and you could tell.

I don't know the two behind us. Victoria and Nicolai was following us.

"You're graduating next year right?" Xandrous asked and I nodded.

We were walking side by side as we talk while watching our way not to bumped into some walkers.

"Yes. Hopefully." I answered briefly.

"So you're the CEO of the Mailov Engineering Construction company, right?" I asked.

I heard one time that he got the position after he graduated Engineering, I think last year.

"Yes." He smiled. I could sense that he loves what he's doing and I knew theios Zandros loves it too, that's why he made MECC successful.

"I see you love what you're doing." I smiled at him and he nodded.

"I do. I had to move to New York for another deal to work on." He said proudly.

"Wow. You're unstoppable." I chuckled and he grinned.

"I am. I wanted to double this company and make my father proud." He sighed heavily, with determination as he looks up the skyscraper laid in front of us.

"You'll do better for sure." I remarked as I followed his gaze. The New York Times, New York Times tower, and more.. Buildings cloth with flashing lights and signs.

I look down and let a long yawn covering my mouth simultaneously. "Are you tired?" Suddenly he asks and I nodded.

"I can drive you back to your hotel, if you want." Xandrous offered and I smiled.

I never thought I would see this side of his.

Warm and gentleman. All throughout the time, he was very kind and thoughtful.

"Yes, thank you." I smiled and he nodded. Then he hold my hand and stop to face Nicolai and Victoria.

Nicolai still wearing his impassive look while Victoria was wearing her flirty smile. My eyes drifted to their laced hands and before I felt jealous, I look away and kicks off the unwelcome feelings.

I gave a fake smile to both of them.

"I'll drive Elle's back to their hotel. She's tired." Xandrous explained briefly.

"I'll drive her back since I was the one who offered to tour her around." Nicolai said. "She can come with-"

"No. Xandrous will drive me, and don't worry. I'll explain it to mom and dad. For sure they will be happy to know that you two are together." I cut him off before he finish his words and I saw how his eyes turned colder, but I ignored it.

"Let's go." I smiled to Xandrous and he nodded and we bid farewell to them and to Natalia and Raffy.

We left them and I felt my heart leaving an empty hole in it.

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Nicolai Petropoulis' POV

The whole time we were walking, Victoria was suddenly so sweet and for some reasons I like it. I enjoyed her company but once in a while my eyes drifted to Alexandrous and Elle who was talking comfortably and laughing once in a while. Looks like the two are getting along pretty well and I envied Xandrous.

Elle seemed to be very warm and looking relax with him.

We had our dinner at a Mexican restaurant and the food was delicious except the place was packed and noisy. Not too romantic, although I wouldn't consider this is a date.

Not long, we are back again on the side walk, walking along the street of theatre district.

"So will you accompany me to find a good wedding planner?" Victoria's sexy voice dragged me out of my trance.

I look at her and smiled. "Sure." I answered less ecstatic.

"So have you decided yet who was your best man?" She asked as we both walk hand in hand.

I caught Alexandrous taking Elle's hand and led her through the pack street.

"Not really." I responded to Victoria and she nodded her head. "I guess Xandrous would fit the spot since he's my best friend." I thought but said it out loud.

Victoria suddenly fell into silence but I was too focused following the two ahead of us with my scrutinizing eyes, shooting fire into their laced hands.

"I hope this marriage would work out. Aren't you dating anyone serious yet?" Suddenly she ask and I look at her. Something in her eyes that made my heart clenched for her.

Is it sadness?

She's not the Victoria that I know.

She looks vulnerable and I felt something strange for her.

Is it care? love?

"We will work it out." I said, sounding determined and she looks at me and smiles genuinely.

I thought she's not bad after all. I guess this arranged marriage is not a bad idea after all.

Maybe I just need time to know her better. After all, she's going to be my wife.

Suddenly, I heard Xandrous voice, which made my blood tick but I held my temper at bay. "I'll drive Elle's back to their hotel. She's tired." He explains briefly.

I clenched my jaw discreetly. "I'll drive her back since I was the one who offered to tour her around." I said. "She can come with-"

"No. Xandrous will drive me, and don't worry. I'll explain it to mom and dad. For sure they will be happy to know that you two are together." She cuts me off before I could finish my words and I shot them a cold look, hoping Xandrous would froze and died at the spot.

Dammit! Since when I killed my best friend in my thought?

"Let's go." I heard her said and saw her smiles flirtatiously to Xandrous. They bid goodbye, but I ignored it. I was so mad and just watch them as they left.

"I'll drive you back to the hotel." I blurted out to Victoria and she just nodded her head.

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A/N: Sorry my dear readers for the slow updates... Starting today, I will update every 24 hours..

Again, I apologized in advance for all sorts of errors you're going to stumble along the story. It's a rough draft so I hope that explains it.

I will stick to this story until it's completed and then continue the HWW. (I apologize for the HWW supporters for letting you wait.)

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Thank you and have fun reading.