Charlotte's POV

"It would be better if Alex told you himself. I really like you, but it isn't my place to tell you. I could just say he met the wrong girl who hurt my Alex badly. But it is in the past. I am sure you will be happy together." She said softly and gave me a warm smile.

I was pacing back and forth in the bedroom, thinking about my conversation with Anastasia. Meanwhile, Alexis was working on his laptop. I bit my lower lip, staring at him; I was sure I couldn't fall asleep tonight if I didn't find out what happened.

"Tell me." Alexis sighed, closing the lid of his laptop and placed it beside him on the couch.

I looked at him with wide eyes. "How did you know I wanted to talk to you?" I asked, frowning.

He gave me a charming smile. "I know my girlfriend very well." He said mischievously, emphasizing the words 'my girlfriend'.

I bit my lower lip nervously and took a deep breath. "Today... your mother mentioned that..."

He raised his eyebrow and stood up. "Is everything okay?" Alex asked, worried, approaching me.

"She told me you had a girlfriend who broke your heart." I said all in one breath.

As soon as he heard about it, his expression instantly changed. He averted his gaze as his jaw clenched.

"She told me it would be better if you tell me yourself." I resumed as he walked towards the window, resting his hand in his pocket. "What happened? What did she do to you?" I asked in curiosity.

He heaved a loud sigh and turned towards me. "I don't want to talk about it." He stated firmly with a stoic expression on his face.

"But we are a team. I will be better if I..."

"Charlotte! I told you I don't want to talk about it. And don't worry; there is nothing to concern you." He cut me off, annoyed. I frowned, irritated. "I have to get some fresh air. Sweet dreams." He added nonchalantly and left in quick steps.

"Ugh!" I gritted my teeth in frustration. "Sweet dreams." I mimicked him in annoyance. "Like I can fall asleep tonight. Mister knew everything about my relationship with Nathan, but he didn't tell me what happened between that girl and him. Annoying jerk!" I exhaled loudly.

I was tossing and turning in my bed without managing to fall asleep. Moreover, Alexis hadn't come back. It was 2 a.m.

Where are you, Alex?

Suddenly, someone opened the door quietly. I immediately closed my eyes, pretending to sleep.

I felt him approaching me. He pulled the cover up my body and caressed my hair gently. Then he sighed and walked away.

After a few minutes, I opened my eyes slightly and looked at him. He was lying on the couch, still in his shirt and pants, resting his arm under his head while staring at the ceiling absently. I sighed and kept watching him. He looked sad. I didn't know why, but seeing him in this state made me feel bad.

***

I was talking with my mother on the phone in the living room when Alexis walked in. He sat down on the couch near me and entwined his hands while I kept talking on the phone, ignoring him.

"How are your parents?" He asked as soon as I hung up the phone.

"Fine." I replied dryly.

"Hasn't my mother come back?" Alexis asked, looking at me.

"No."

He heaved a loud sigh and stood up. "I am sorry for yesterday." He mumbled uneasily, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Why?" I asked dryly, folding my arms over my chest.

"Charlotte! You know very well what I am talking about." He stated angrily.

"Don't shout at me!" I snapped, frustrated as I stood up.

"I don't!" He snarled, irritated as he closed the distance between us, looking into my eyes.

"You are the most annoying man in the world!" I commented, giving him a death glare.

"And you are the craziest woman in the world!"

"Yes, I am. Do you have any problems with it?!" I stated firmly and placed my hands on my hips, looking him in the eyes.

He exhaled loudly and ran his hand through his hair. "Why are we fighting, Charlotte?" He said, bored.

"Because of you!"

He rolled his eyes and shook his head. "You are...."

"What am I?" I cut him off furiously.

"Would you like to have dinner with me? After that, we can explore the city as well."

"What?" I asked, dumbfounded.

Weren't we fighting just now?

This man...

He will make me crazy.

"Would you like to have dinner with me? After dinner, we can explore the city as well." He repeated, resting his hand in his pocket.

"Fine. I will change my clothes. Then we can leave." I replied dryly and tossed my hair back smugly.

Alexis was giving me information about the city while we were strolling in Plaka, enjoying the magnificent village ambience. Narrow streets and the joyful little squares of this place were lined with beautiful bougainvillea-trimmed pastel-painted houses, different shops, and restaurants.

After a while, we had dinner in one of the best rooftop restaurants in Athens while chatting and enjoying the best night view of the Acropolis from far away. We talked about our childhood adventures, our dreams and future plans.

He mentioned to me about his house in the Greek island called Paros which he adored to spend time with and invited me to join him there when we came to Greece next time. I accepted it gladly, and I should admit I looked forward to visiting this beautiful country again. I was so excited to go to Paros. I had never been to this island before. However, from the photos Alex showed me, I was sure it was a beautiful place.

I always liked this country so much; however, after today, I saw this city in another aspect, thanks to my charming guide. If we didn't have important meetings in New York, I would stay here longer with pleasure. Unfortunately, we had to go back tomorrow morning.

The following morning, Alex and I had breakfast with his mother before going to the airport.

Once we got in the jet, I felt slightly sad, but there was nothing to do; we had to go back. I hoped we came back here again.

After the jet took off, Alex and I started talking while sipping our champagne, and he finally told me about the girl who broke his heart. I felt so bad for him after hearing what his fiancée did to him; it was awful. I should imagine how hard it was for Alexis. Being betrayed by someone you loved so much was a terrible feeling.
​
***

When I approached Alexis' office, his door was open; he was focused on his paperwork, furrowing his eyebrows. I leaned against the doorframe and watched him quietly. He frowned, rubbing his chin, and wrote something on a piece of paper on his desk.

"Don't fall in love with me." He teased me without lifting his head up and the corner of his lips curled up.

"I know a lot of things about you for not falling in love with you." I said arrogantly as I walked towards him.

He lifted his head up, smirking, and looked at me. "Cruel!" He pouted playfully.

I grinned in amusement and approached him. "Don't sulk. You have some good qualities as well." I said mischievously and pinched his cheek.

"Hey! I have authority here. Don't pinch my cheek like I am a child. Then no one will listen to my orders." He scowled, annoyed. "And I have a lot of good qualities." He added smugly and winked at me playfully.

"Fine, fine, Mr. Serious." I rolled my eyes, pursing my lips together, trying to hold my smile. "I came to inform you I am going to the meeting with Mrs. Roberts. Do you have anything to add about the conditions?" I asked firmly.

"Yeah, that meeting." He frowned.

I rolled my eyes, shaking my head. Alex wasn't happy that the meeting was going to take place at the restaurant in Nathan's hotel.

"Don't forget what I told you about him. Keep your distance." He reminded in an authoritative tone.

"Fine. Fine." I sighed and pinched his cheek, sticking out my tongue at him playfully before trying to leave the office quickly without letting him say anything.

"Charlotte!" He exclaimed, trying to sound angry, but I noticed he was amused.

When I walked into the hotel, I saw Nathan talking to Victoria for a distance. I frowned, looking at them. Nathan was saying something heatedly while she was furrowing her eyebrows, folding her arms over her chest.

"Ms. Wright, good afternoon." Mrs. Roberts interrupted my thoughts.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Roberts." I gave her a polite smile, turning my gaze from Nathan and Victoria to her.

"My lawyer is waiting for us at the restaurant." She informed, giving me a warm smile.

I nodded and walked towards the restaurant with her before looking at Nathan one more time; they were still talking.