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Nicolai Petropoulis' POV (Unedited)

The music were so loud and a lot of the guest were heading to the dance floor while Elle and I was walking back to our table. The fast rhythm of the song made everyone sway their body, while enjoying their drinks.

"I Lo--- you ..." A muffled words came out of her mouth that made me stop on my tracks and I stood in front of her. I didn't pick it up clear enough, but I think she meant she love me, or I just misheard it. The music was really loud that it's hard to pick up anything she was trying to say.

"What?" I asked with my eyebrows furrowing in curiosity.

She looks startled and at the same time confused.

Facing her a bit closer so she can hear me clearly. "Did you say you love me?" I asked bluntly. I was hoping she would say yes, but then I realized that would only complicate the situation.

Why does my heart beats so fast? I shouldn't feel this way. Heck, I'm arranged to her sister.

Her eyes became wary. " No, really I don't." She shook her head, laughing hysterically. Her tone is sharp and I thought I must have misunderstood it. I just nodded my head. "At least, not yet." She added on which made me feel somewhat disappointed.

I just stared at her eyes and she smiled meekly. 

I couldn't hide my disappointment, so I walk ahead of her back to our table. I could feel her following me, and then I felt the chair being pulled and then she sat down.

Luke and Lucky are back in the table still talking about girls now.

Just as Elle sat, Lucky averted his attention to Elle giving her a wide flirtatious smile as he stood up. He walk to her side and bow lightly. "Getting the dance you promised, babe." He gave her a lopsided grin as he extend his one hand for her.

I found myself grabbing my beer and chugged it down until it's empty, while watching them. Elle gave me a brief glance and stood up accepting Lucky's hand that was extended for her and help her up, leading her to the dance floor.

I just realized that my grip with the beer bottle is like a vice, almost breaking it into pieces. I stood up and decided to hang out at the bar while scanning my eyes to find Xandrous, but he's nowhere.

Where the hell is he?

I saw Raffy and I'm glad he's not with my sister. I could hang out with him for a while. I feel like drinking till I drop tonight. I'm starting to get bored.

"Hey," I pat Raffy's shoulder lightly and he looks up at me putting his phone in his pocket then smiled. 

"Bored?" He picks up his beer and tentatively made a sip. 

"Whiskey," I told the bartender and sat on the stool next to Raffy. 

"So how are you and sister doing?" I asked just to make a conversation. I don't really mean to pry. I know he's a nice guy.

He looks at me and gave me a tight smile. "Still keeping up with her tantrums." He just shrugs his shoulders and I chuckled. I know my sister is acting not her age. Sometimes mom and dad was always complaining when she's acting like a baby most of the time. 

I'm just glad she chose Raffy. 

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. I know she can be childish most of the time." I smirk and thank the bartender when he slides the glass with whiskey in front of me.

I made a continuous sip while Raffy was watching me intently. 

"You're not planning to drink till you pass out, are you?" He chuckled and I just shrug my shoulder while continuously sipping my whiskey that was almost done. "Are you alright?" He shifted his body and now he's facing me, propping his elbow against the bar counter.

"Ye-ah." I replied lazily and gulped the last content of my whiskey and slide it to the bartender again and ask some more.

I turned my head to the dance floor and saw Elle laughing with Lucky. 

Those two look good together. 

I look around and then my eyes caught Xandrous and Victoria coming from one of the door. My eyebrows quirk in curiosity.

Xandrous look around and I lifted my hand to get his attention. He saw me and started walking to my direction. "Where's my sister, by the way?" I asked Raffy while watching the bartender pouring whiskey in my glass and drops few ice cubes in.

"She's with Sasha and Angel." Raffy replied briefly while watching the bartender too.

"Here's your drink, Mr. Petropoulis." The bartender places it in front of me. 

"Thanks," I gave him a small smile. 

I felt a hand on my shoulder briefly. "Hey, where have you been?" I asked Xandrous.

He took the stool beside me and propped his two elbows against the bar counter leaning forward and ordered Jack Daniels from the bartender. 

There's like three bartender attending each guest in the bar. The bar is like a one huge line at one corner of the hall. 

"Just went out for a fresh air. It was too loud in here, I felt like my brain is going to burst out of my skull. I still have a hang over from last night." He ranted ceremoniously wincing once in a while. I'm just glad that hang over is gone. 

Although I still feel exhausted plus this unfathomable emotions Elle is stirring within me. I think it's just my testosterone flooding my brain that I'm thinking things quite not right.

I need to get laid.

It's been a while.

Damn. I cussed inwardly as I made a successive sip on my whiskey. I could feel the alcohol kicking in my system. I ignored the burning sensation and bitterness burst in my throat. I needed this tonight anyway to keep this insane thoughts out of my brain.

Xandrous shifted his body and face me. Leaning his elbow on the counter and raise his glass to Raffy. "Hey Raf," he nods briefly then made a sip on his drink. 

Raffy just nods and raise his beer too and made a sip.

I saw Alexander James coming to our direction looking murderous. Looks like someone infuriated him greatly.

"I turned around too and leaned my back against the counter with my elbows resting on the marble counter, while holding my glass with my two hands. Raffy did the same.

"Hey guys," Alex greeted standing in between us and Xandrous. He place his hands on my shoulder and Xandrous shoulder while leaning a bit forward and ordered a five shots of tequilla.

"Woah," Xandrous exclaimed and Alex pulled one stool and positioned it in front of us. 

"So I'm not alone." I chuckled and Raffy chuckled too. Xandrous just look at me and so Alex with confused, rather cold eyes.

"You look like you were not having a good time, bro?" Raffy teased Alex and he just shot him a deathly stare. 

Everyone chuckled except me. That's Alex. When he's vex, he's worst.

"So is that because of a girl?" Xandrous was stifling his laughters while watching Alex's reaction. He gave Xandrous a cold stare which he only brushes it off and made a successive sip of his drinks.

"Sir Alex." I heard the bartender said behind me. I look to see five shots in line behind me. 

Alex stood up and stood between us and Xandrous. He picks up two and place it in his mouth and downed one at a time until he was done with five.

"Take it slow, Demakis." I pat his shoulder and he just lazily nods. He sat back in his chair and saw him scanning the crowd. Then his eyes stops. I followed his gaze and there, Clara Bell was talking to her older sister Alexandria, Lucky's twin and Victoria. The three were so engrossed talking.

"So are you ready for your wedding?" Alex suddenly asked making my head whipped to him. I involuntarily made a continuous sip with my whiskey before I responded.

"I don't really want to talk about it." I clenched my jaw and swirled the last content of my whiskey, watching the brown liquid splashing against the remaining ice, like the water in the ocean splashing against the rocks.

"That's hard. Honestly, I would not agree with an arranged marriage especially when it's loveless." Xandrous remark as he looks away and chugged his drinks. He then place the empty glass on the counter and ask another one.

"It comes with a condition and I can't say no." I responded briefly and finish the remaining contents of my whiskey. I think I had enough.

My head is starting to get heavy and so my vision too. 

"Another drink, Mr. Petropoulis?" The bartender asked as I slide to him the empty glass.

"No thanks." I responded and turned again to face my friends with the same position, clasping my hands and rested it on my abdomen.

"I'm guessing the condition is too heavy to agree to such loveless marriage," Xandrous kept talking and I stared at him. I could taste the bitterness in his tone. 

Does he like Victoria?

"What's up with you?" I chuckled as I shot him a curious look.

"Nothing. I'm just giving an opinion." He lazily shrugs his shoulder and took his drink and thank the bartender. "It's just unlikely to see you throwing your freedom like that." He continued on and I heaved a sigh.

"Yeah." I agreed. "Dad will give me the CEO position if I will marry Victoria." I explains.

"So to keep the business intact huh? Your dad is such a shrewd businessman to the extent of ruining his son's life." He added bitterly.

I smirked a bit hurt with his words. Why is he talking like that? It's unlikely of him blatantly opinionated? I knew him as quiet and less words- would only listen, unless was ask, and even then, he always talk less, give his opinion less. 

I stared at him flabbergasted, mystified. What's up with his remarks?

But it's true. I swore not to marry. I love my freedom. I love the way my life runs. No commitment, no nagging girlfriend or wife, and nothing to worry if I go home late or not.

"I think I had a lot of drinks." I stood up and then I felt like everything went spiraling.

I felt two hands holding me to keep me standing. I was now completely drunk. I saw Alex holding me and Xandrous.

"You are right man. I'm ruined. I should stop this nonsense marriage." I blabbered and chuckled bitterly. I have to talk to dad and tell him I'm not ready yet. 

Forget about the CEO position. I'm still living a dream, freedom with numerous mistresses, living my freedom to the fullest with my friends until I get tired of it.

"You're drunk man. Let's go upstairs and take one of the guest room." I heard Alex and I felt my body being moved. 

Not long enough, after I was dragged out of the hall, I felt my body being dropped to a soft mattress and I could barely open my eyes. It feels like they were glued, too heavy to open. 

"Thanks," I said without opening my eyes and turned on my side and felt the blanket being pulled until my shoulder.

Minutes past, I fell into darkness, deep and soundly.

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Eleanor Pallos' POV

It's been a week and all my family has been busy preparing for the upcoming wedding- in ten weeks. The flowers, the food- from dessert to main, the drinks and still looking for my sister's wedding gown. 

Today, I will be accompanying her wedding designer. I don't want to go especially that Nicolai will be coming too and they will go and pick their wedding band. 

It's going to be hard to pretend everything is just fine. If only I have a choice. I was her maid-of-honor and she specifically told my parents that she wants me to help her in everything. From her dress to her shoes, hair stylist, blah blah blah..

It's a torture. 

I just wish, I would forget him one day. 

"Elle," I heard mom's calling me.

"The door is open mom," I said loudly. I didn't bother to get up, still curled in a fetal position. It's almost nine and I should be ready by ten.

"You're not ready yet?" Mom was surprised to see me still laying on my bed. 

"Sorry mom. I'm just too tired." I sigh and lazily kick my blanket away and got up. 

"Oh, baby. Are you feeling okay?" She asked looking worried as she place her knuckles in my forehead. 

"I'm fine mom." I said stopping her. Sometimes, I felt like they are both too dramatic. Whenever I say I'm exhausted or not fine, they were acting like I'm dying. Over dramatic but I know they just love me.

"Are you sure?" Mom asked still unconvinced.

"Yes mom." I smiled and hug her briefly. "I gotta go and have a shower before Vicky comes in here. She'll freak out again she's going to be late at her appointment." I explained and headed to the washroom door.

"If you feel unwell, you can stay here?" Mom said behind me. "I'll just tell her you need a rest. I don't want you to worn yourself out." She added.

I stop before entering the washroom and turned my head to see mom. I gave her a reassuring smile. "I'm totally fine mom. Vicky is too worked-up with all this things going on especially her wedding gown." I wink at her and she giggled. "I don't want her to worry too much." 

"Alright. Let me know if you need anything." She said before retreating back.

I walk inside the washroom and had a quick shower. The warm water wash all this negative emotions and I felt invigorated.

I just pulled a gray skinny jeans and paired it with a white fleece sweatshirt with hood that has a print on the chest, "coco". It's cute and comfortable. It's a abit windy outside and it's perfect.

I wore on my black converse sneaker and hoisted on my black leather MK sling bag.

I just tied my hair in a bun and cleaned the frame of my glasses before heading downstairs where my sister was waiting for me.

It was 9:38 when we left and arrive at the Stevie's couture around 10. Not so bad. 

"Hi, welcome to Stevie's couture. I'm glad you came. How are you?" The girl with knee lenght midi long sleeve dress approached us wearing a very welcoming smile.

"I'm Victoria Pallos and this is my sister Elle."

"Victoria Pallos. Yes." She exclaimed ecastatically while leading us to another room that looks like an office. One corner a built-in shelvings full of catalogs, and the walls were filled with lots of picture frames of different models, with different wedding gowns which I believe her works. There's also several awards hanging in one wall and some are displayed on one table just before the door.

She said hi to me and I return the gesture. She motioned the couch for us to seat and offered us drinks.

I scanned the room discreetly not really wanting to involve with their conversation with my sister.

"Miss Monik will be here shortly." I heard her said before exiting the room.

Minutes later, the girl arrived. 

It looks like Vicky doesn't really need me anyway because she talks to her the whole time not even asking for my opinion and she actually has a lot of idea what design would she like to wear. Monik took all the details she gave, and then took her measurements. 

It's always the same circumstances and sometimes I felt like a puppet following her that even a puppet has a purpose.

It felt like a decade watching and listening to their conversation and I have no idea what is it.

I'm not into fashion so I have no idea what are those for ... tulle, beads, lace ... A line... 

Well, I know what is bead, lace ..

Finally, we left the place and we will going to meet Nicolai to the jewelry store to pick their wedding band. Here comes the torment seeing them together.

"Are you okay?" Vicky asked me after I heaved a long sigh.

"Yeah" I responded shortly as I gave her a brief smile.

"You don't look happy." She commented as she stared at me. We are inside the car heading now to the mall.

"Why did you say that?" I said, furrowing my eyebrow.

She puckered her lips. "I feel like your not happy for me." She commented as she looks away. Guilt suddenly ripped my heart apart, for her.

"I am, Vicky. I'm sorry if that's what you thought." I plastered a reassuring smile in my face to wash all her suspicion. "I guess I'm just too exhausted this past days." I sighed still smiling brightly and hoping she won't see the bitterness in my eyes. 

She just looks out the window.

"Why you never dated anyone?" She asked after a long silence.

I chuckled tersely. "It's not like someone had ask me." I bit my bottom lip as the bitterness starting to get the best of me. I'm starting to feel insecure again. 

Whenever we talk about dating, about men, I always feels like I'm so ugly that not one even dare to ask for a date.

She fell into silence and I didn't say anything. I have nothing to say anyway. I tried to kick the insecurities away and just think of positive things. 

Who knows, maybe I would finally find my right one. Maybe it wasn't the right time yet, but I'm waiting. Or maybe he wasn't born yet. 

We saw Nicolai waiting at the entrance of the People's Diamond talking to a guy in a suit. He looks so downright handsome as always. Women in the mall slows down to stare at him dreamily. 

"Hi," Nicolai kissed Victoria's cheeks, and then he just nods at me, not even bothering to look in my eyes. I felt like a dagger just struck my heart and pierced it until it bleeds incessantly.

I bit my inner cheek to hold the tears brimming around my eyes as I tried to paste that smile in my face.

Why would I be here? She doesn't need me here. I should leave since they seems like they are on their own, but I found my legs in the other way- following them.

I couldn't afford to make my sister angry or mad at me. 

I followed the two as I watch how sweet Nicolai to her and so my sister. Victoria's hand is looped in his arm as their walk to the display glass.

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A/N: Sorry guys for the very slow update. I hope this chapter isn't bad.

Hope this chapter will make it up to you. 

Please don't forget to show your support by voting. I would like to know your thoughts on this chapter. 

Again, I apologized for all the errors along the story. It's a rough draft and I have no time to rerun it or edit it. 

As I have said, I'm working a lot of overtime and my head is just blank. I really need some sleep.

Thank you and I will keep trying to write and update, but I can't promise everyday.