Six months laterAthens, GreeceALAYNA“I found Brandon, Alayna,” Oliver says, reappearing at our table.
We are now at the annual family reunion in the Katrakis Manor in Athens. Hundreds of guests have attended, and I spot a sea of blond heads. Ollie said some guests are from the Stavros and Dragoumis family and others are close friends. Everything around us looks luxurious. I’m glad I listened to Casey; she had me wear her sparkly, emerald evening dress. As usual, Oliver is very handsome in his designer tuxedo.
I feel my face brighten up, but my heartbeat quickens. I gulp the champagne and grimace at it. “Where is he?”
“I suggest we wait for the party to finish. He’s... occupied.”
“Alayna? Ollie, Casey!” Cassius suddenly appears with a bright grin across his face. He is dressed in a white designer tuxedo, and his blond hair is brushed back.
With open arms, I embrace him. “Cassius, it’s good to see you.”
“It’s only been six months, but it seems like forever.” He gently strokes my back, then releases me. “When did you arrive?” he asks, looking at his siblings.
“This afternoon,” Casey answers and hugs her brother as well.
“Where is Brandon? Can you take me to him?” I almost plead. “Is he all right?”
I haven’t heard from him in the last half-year. He didn’t answer any of my calls. I can understand the situation he’s in, but I’m dying inside, waiting for him to return my voicemails, texts, or even emails. I’m freaking out, anxious that something might be wrong.
“He still needs a few more operations, but he’s perfectly fine,” Cassius informs me. “But you. You look stunning!”
I smile a little. “Thanks.”
“Cassius, where’s Dad?” Ollie asks.
“He’s with Grandfather. I’m joining you tonight instead. Have you eaten?”
My stomach churns. I haven’t taken any food since breakfast. I won’t be able to eat until I see Brandon.
“Alayna didn’t eat lunch,” Casey says. “Please convince her. She won’t listen to us.”
“I don’t have an appetite. I came all the way here to see Brandon,” I insist.
“We all know that, but we don't want you to collapse before you see him,” Cassius says.
“I spoke to him briefly earlier, and I told him you’re here. Let’s just wait until he’s free,” Oliver says. “I heard he’s giving a speech tonight. He’s probably getting ready.”
I roll my eyes. “Fine.”
“Alayna, I'll get something light you can eat,” Casey offers. “Oliver, can you help me?”
“Of course.”
Ollie stands up but stops when someone on the stage begins to speak.
“Good evening, everyone.” A very beautiful, blonde woman in a shimmering red evening dress says on the microphone. “On behalf of the Stavros family, I’d like to thank everyone for letting us celebrate with you. My mother wishes for me to do this under the spotlight.”
She laughs, and more pleasant laughter echoes in every corner of the hall.
“I’ve fought with her about coming here,” she goes on, “but here I am. She even wants to offer everyone a song, but I’ll cut this introduction off. I’d like to invite someone on stage. A person that is so dear to me...”
The lights go dim, and a spotlight hits a particular table in front of the grand hall. And I can’t be wrong. HeDressed in an impeccable blue Armani tuxedo, Brandon shifts his attention away from me and gracefully marches to the aisle. A version of him I haven’t seen before. He had his medium-length wavy hair trimmed into a short, classic cut. His flawless face is more defined now, with light facial hair on his angular jaws that makes him even sexier. He radiates power, with everyone’s attention on him.
“Let’s welcome one of the grandsons of Petros Katrakis, Mr. Brandon Katrakis Lucien!”
A round of applause erupts at the woman’s dramatic introduction.
Brandon walks on stage and greets the woman with a peck on the cheek. She blushes and looks at him with yearning.
My heart sinks, and I tear my gaze away. I’m not sure what’s happening anymore, and everything around me turns blurry. I’m certain that he saw me, but he ignored me.
“Excuse me, I need air.” I stand up and storm out of the place, but a firm hand snatches me from behind and spins me around. It’s Cassius.
“Alayna.”
I yank my hand away. “Please, just leave me alone for now.” I pivot and head toward the exit, but Cassius is faster and grasps my wrist again, then pulls me to the side.
“I’ll tell him.” He glances at the people coming and going, then faces me again. “I’ll tell Brandon to meet with you tonight, okay?”
“He already saw me, Cassius. I know he’s about to make his grand entrance, but he could’ve sent me a signal, don’t you think? I want to go back to the hotel now. I feel like I don’t really belong here.”
He sighs. “Don’t think that. You finally made it here. Just wait, okay? I’ll tell him right after his speech.”
I can’t answer right away. I’m hesitating a little, afraid that he’ll reject me again, ignore me again. I don’t know what’s going on with him anymore.
“Alayna?”
“Alayna!” Casey’s voice echoes, and I find her coming from the hall, marching toward us. “Brandon’s onstage. Why did you leave?”
I can hear his voice on the speakers—the voice I longed to hear for moments that seems like forever.
“He saw me,” I tell her. “And he acted like he didn’t know me.” I didn’t know I was already crying until I feel my tears drop on my cheeks.
Her expression falls dismayed. “Oh, no. I’m sure Brandon doesn’t mean it. He’s currently under the spotlight, and many people have been waiting for his comeback. She embraces me, and her comfort makes me want to cry, but I keep myself composed.
“I’ll wait for him, but I’m not going back there.” I wipe my face.
“Okay, let’s get you somewhere you can sit on.” Cassius offers, then ushers me to another hall beside the event’s place. He pushes the door open, revealing another spacious room that seems to be a conference room. The air is chilly, and it’s quiet inside. I can no longer hear any sounds coming from the party.
“I’m going back there before my family notice, okay? I’ll come back right away, okay?”
I nod with a small smile, then sit on a chair while Casey stays in the room with me. She holds my ice-cold hand and clasps me tight.
“He’ll be here,” Casey says, and it sounds like a promise. “Cassius will bring him here.”
“Do you really think?” Suddenly, I feel hopeful again.
She beams positively. “He misses you too, I’m sure.”
“You see, Casey… I don’t know what his silence means.” I swallow my dry throat. “Do you think he’ll give me answers now?”
“Honestly, Alayna, I don’t know what’s going on with him. We barely speak anymore ever since he left.”
“But he still speaks“But not with important things, and it’s only once a month.”
I shake my head. “You didn’t tell me this either. Oliver isn’t talking to me about him too, so I know. I know that he didn’t cut communications with you, except for me.”
“I’m sorry. I just thought that it’ll only distress you, but since you’re finally here, you can talk to him now, right?”
“I’m a little scared, you see,” I confess, and the pounding in my heart quickens.
“Why?”
“What if this talk….” I pause. “What if he decides to just end it all here? I can feel it, Case. Brandon is hiding something he’s not telling me. Why would he distance himself if he wants this relationship to work, right? I’m almost close to giving up.”
“You’re overthinking again. Brandon thought he almost lost you in Portland, and he’s here to fix everything just so he can come back to you and give you the normal relationship you both deserve. I’m still hopeful, Alayna. Give this another chance.” She squeezes my hand.
“I am. I’m trying to be more patient in everything.”
“That’s the spirit.” She grins sweetly. “I’m sure he’ll be thrilled to see you too. He’ll be walking in that door—” she points out the door—“and I’m sure he’ll come running to you.” She hugs herself dreamily. “He will lift your insides up, hold your face with his hands, then kiss—”
My heart skips a beat when the door suddenly pushes open, and Oliver steps inside. He looks at us with an incredulous expression, and it’s as if the clock stops ticking; he halts at the door.
I stand up. “Ollie?”
He finally tears his gaze away but still looks confused. Shortly, Cassius comes in.
“Oliver, what happened?” I ask nervously.
“He left…” His forehead wrinkles.
“What are you saying, Ollie?” Casey questions.
“After his speech… Brandon left,” Oliver answers.
“What do you mean he left?” My voice raises an octave, and I’m on the verge of crying again.
“I mean, he already left the party. I followed him outside, but he’s already gone,” Oliver rephrases. “I’m sorry, Alayna.”
“Damn it.” Cassius slams his fist on the wall.