Leanna-Chapter 206: [Determination] [Too Late]

[Zoe’s POV]

[Determination]

"Hello, Zoe. Long time no see."

Lawrence smile grew wider, and it only made my heart thumped more as waves of memories came pouring back.

How long had it been since the last time I saw him in person?

"Lawrence . . . it’s . . . it’s good to see you again . . . ," I said honestly.

It was really good to see him again after almost four years.

Although we parted ways, it didn’t mean I was angry nor mad at him, nor there was any animosity between us. So of course, I was not avoiding any news related to him.

It was just that, he had his own life, and I had mine now.

I never imagined we would cross each other’s paths once more with him being busy with his career and school. And me, working with my galleries and all. Our schedule simply didn’t create an opportunity to meet. And partly because I was avoiding him.

I often saw him with Lance on magazines, commercials, and advertisements, promoting their restaurants and other investments –– but seeing him like this in the flesh after so many years was . . .

. . . pure joy.

"Zoe, do you know him?"

I was snapped back from the trance and noticed that Nicholas was still here.

"Yes. Nicholas, this is Lawrence, Leanna’s brother."

I introduced and glanced at Lawrence, who was still smiling at me. I averted my gaze when my cheeks burned.

"Lawrence, this is Nicholas Farrell."

The two men nodded at each other, not even shaking hands.

Nicholas sized Lawrence up. "Oh. You’re that . . . celebrity kid. So you’re Leanna’s brother?"

Lawrence was still a growing teenager, so Nicholas was much taller and well-built than he was.

Lawrence politely smiled, and he completely ignored Nicholas all together as he focused his gaze at me.

"Zoe, here. Congratulations. Hope more blessings to come." He then flashed me a bright smile as he handed me the bouquet of red roses.

I welcomed the beautiful roses in my arms with a blank mind.

"Lawrence, I never thought I’d see you again. What are you doing here in New Haven?" I asked when my brain finally responded. I couldn’t believe he was in front of me at this very moment.

Of course, being Leanna’s best friend, I accepted the fact that I would one day bumped into him. But I never thought that day was now.

"Oh, my sister didn’t tell you?"

I frowned, and he huffed a laugh. "Lance and I are taking our majors here in New Haven. I’m taking computers in Zephyr academy while Lance study in Artem university. We are staying at my sister’s condo at the moment."

What?!

Leanna didn’t tell me anything!

So what if Leanna didn’t tell you? It’s not like Lawrence is your boyfriend or anything.

I bit my lips.

"Zoe . . . ?"

An arm rested on my bare shoulder, and Elliot’s smiling face came into our view.

"Hello everyone. Mr. Farrell, it’s nice to see you again."

Elliot smiled, yet his gripped on my shoulder tightened while Nicholas nodded in return, looking all serious.

I knew that whenever Nicholas was present, Elliot would always hold me closer to his side.

Elliot turned to Lawrence, and my heart rate doubled in speed.

"And you are?"

Elliot remained smiling, looking at Lawrence.

Lawrence maintained his polite smile, and his gaze wavered on Elliot’s hand on my shoulder.

I felt uncomfortable all of a sudden, feeling like I was bathing in ice-cold water. It was a good thing I controlled my shaking to a minimum.

I didn’t mention Lawrence to Elliot. Not even a tiny information about our past.

"Hi, I’m Lawrence Lee. I’m Zoe’s . . . ," Lawrence trailed as he stared at me before answering. ". . . Friend."

. . .

. . .

. . . Friend . . .

Somehow, those words sent a pang in my heart.

No! NO! NO! You have Elliot now!

Lawrence and Elliot shook hands while Elliot’s other hand remained lock on my shoulder.

"Oh, are you Leanna’s brother?" Elliot’s smile grew more extensive, and Lawrence chuckled.

"The one and only. Although I have a twin."

"Right. I always saw you on TV. The both of you are popular. No wonder you look familiar." Elliot grinned.

Then he stared at me. "Zoe, are you cold?" he asked and rubbed his hands against my bare arms, which warranted a frown from Nicholas’s face, and an eyebrow twitched from Lawrence’s.

It was a good thing Elliot was focusing on my face, so he didn’t see their reactions.

"Y-yes," I lied.

I could no longer stop my body from shivering caused by too much anxiety. I was nervous and scared out of my wits, just imagining Elliot knowing my past with Lawrence.

I don’t want to hurt Elliot.

Elliot was a nice guy, and he was the one who was by my side when I was at my worst, continually making me laugh and smile.

He was a part of what I am today.

I couldn’t afford to betray him.

Though I didn’t like him in the past, he was an awesome guy who wasn’t so hard to love. I learned to like him these past few years, and I was contented with my life since.

I’m already happy with my life.

Satisfied even.

I didn’t want to create any more complications, and I didn’t want my past to ruin everything.

With a newfound determination, I smiled at Elliot and circled my arm around his waist.

"Come on, everyone, let’s go inside. It’s chilly here outside."

I avoided Lawrence’s gaze and focused on Elliot as we went inside, leaving the two men behind.

----

[Zoe’s POV]

[Too Late]

The whole night, Elliot remained by my side. With Nicholas here, he was on guard. And thanks to him, Nicholas, Emma, and Sophia never dared to bother me.

Lawrence, on the other hand, wandered around the gallery after he greeted Estela’s group.

I glanced at his direction from time to time.

I couldn’t help it.

It was like my eyes kept traveling to him even though I didn’t want to.

"Zo . . . e . . . oe . . . Zoe . . ."

"W-what?"

I looked at Elliot.

"I said, do you want to watch a movie later? Either your room or mine?" Elliot chuckled as he rubbed my arm.

I blinked, and it took a while to register what he said.

After I graduated from Artem, I finally accumulated enough money to buy me a condo, and of course, Elliot purchased a unit too. Although we were not living together in a single room, his unit was just beside mine. Sometimes, he often slept in my flat. But don’t get me wrong, we didn’t break the last step.

Elliot had always been a gentleman and kind and caring. We would kiss and hug –– but that was it.

It was not that I was against it, it was that, whenever things went out of hand, Elliot always stop and laugh it off.

Sometimes, I even wondered if he was gay.

But of course, I proved time and time again that he was not. I felt his desire and lust from just his touches alone, not to mention the bulge from his pants whenever we were alone.

I was often amazed by his self-control.

He was much more in control than I am!

"Hey, you okay? It’s not like you to be so quiet," Elliot teased as he put pressure on gripping my shoulder.

"Y-yeah . . ."

I stared at him and smiled. "Sorry, I’m a little worn out, can we postpone it tomorrow?"

I didn’t lie. I was literally exhausted with the gallery and all, and unexpectedly meeting Lawrence drained half of my energy.

I need to recuperate.

Elliot shrugged my rejection off.

"Alright, you rest. I’ll be here in New Haven for a week anyway. We have plenty of time to be together."

Elliot was always busy ever since he graduated college at Harvard, majoring in business. Since then, he was on a tight schedule with his business travels. Their family business in Russia was a counterpart of Grandpa Luke, although Grandpa Luke was a level ahead.

I didn’t say anything and just smiled my sweetest and hugged him tight. Letting him know that I appreciated everything he did.

Not once did I regretted that I said yes to him.

Elliot was a wonderful man to be with. He was always the one who adjusted to accommodate my schedule, which I somehow felt guilty about.

"Hey, what’re you doing? Don’t rub your face on my suit. Your make up will smudge all over me." He laughed when I rubbed my face against his chest. My gesture of endearment towards him whenever he made me happy.

Even though he protested, he didn’t have the slightest bit of intention to push me away.

-----

Lawrence glanced at the gorgeous girl with pink hair, laughing in the arms of a handsome young man with golden-brown hair.

He couldn’t help but frown as he averted his eyes.

He sighed and placed his hands inside his pocket while he closed his eyes tight.

"I was too late . . ."

He whispered and smiled weakly at himself.