Zoe by Miu

"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.

"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, so of course, I was not avoiding any news related to him.

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

I often saw him with Lance on magazines, commercials, and advertisements, promoting their restaurants and 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.

"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.