My CEO Boss Is A Masked Internet Sensation-Chapter 99: Friends Or More Than Friends?

(Zaylen)

My plan had been successful. I was able to gather all the people my family loved on this vacation so they could relax.

Dad had been tense since Andy betrayed Arata and left her heartbroken. If it had been in my hands, I would have beaten the shit out of him, but Arata didn’t want any violence, so I held myself back for her sake.

Everyone went to sleep so I began to stroll alone on the beach. I wasn’t tired and the salty air mixed with foam was welcoming.

That’s when I saw Stella. Clad in her satin pink night dress with a knitted shawl on her shoulders she was slowly ambling towards the stairs in front of the villa.

The stairs were designed in a floating manner, extending outward from the front of the villa. They were broad and shallow, making them easy to walk on while providing a visually appealing, gradual descent into the turquoise water. We, as kids, used to love sitting on them and throwing seashells and pebbles into the sea.

The design blended naturally with the beach sand. The bottom steps were partially submerged in water, reinforcing the villa’s luxurious waterfront concept. One could sit on them to dip their legs into the sea and just relax or read a book.

It used to be Stella’s favourite sitting spot and she was headed right over there. I watched her settle down with her palms pressed down on both sides of her and her head raised.

Her caramel-shaded hair was whisked back by the strong sea breeze.

Stella and I were like male and female versions of best friends. Being there for each other whenever the need arose. She was two years older than me but we had always acted as if we were twins. Constantly bickering and pulling each other’s legs.

Arata used to get tired of our shenanigans as she was slightly older than us and found our actions childish. But both of us never got tired of playing tricks on the other and making mischief.

Amidst all that, we grew up, and she got herself a boyfriend. Until now, no girl had interested me like Stella did but we never got past that friendship barrier.

Pausing behind her I called her out in a teasing manner.

"Hey! Phone Worshipper. Can’t sleep."

Startled, she turned to find me standing behind her and I could sense a profound sadness on her face. She only shook her head.

Knowing her my whole life, it was evident something was wrong with her. The smile on my face disappeared.

"What’s wrong?" I asked without hesitation. I was not someone who liked to beat around the bush and she just sighed.

Taking long strides forward, I arrived beside her and settled down. Lowering my bare feet into the cold water. My arm went around her back, and without any complaints, she leaned in, placing her head on my shoulder.

"Talk to me Stel. Did someone say something?" I asked again, worries tinged my voice.

She was always laughing; her laughter was infectious, and she never held back from speaking her mind. Seeing her quiet and lost, pinged my heart.

"He broke up with me..." she sniffled so quietly that I thought I had imagined it. My hand tightened on her waist and I pulled her further into me.

What???

I blinked twice. She had always seemed extremely happy and content with him.

That fucker, he broke her heart.

First Arata and now Stella. There was something wrong with the men of Angel City.

"I am so sorry, Stel..." I was lost for words to comfort her. She seemed so broken and vulnerable as she clung to me.

"It’s fine, it happened a week ago. It’s just, I haven’t told anyone, not even Arata and it’s weighing heavily on me." She stifled another cry and I felt that in my heart like a splinter had been slowly pierced into my beating organ.

"Why? Did he hurt you? Do I need to go and break his legs?"

I couldn’t believe the heartbreak she must be going through. Only a while ago, I had seen Arata’s battle, spiral into depression, and I didn’t want the same thing to happen with Stella.

She woundedly let out a small chuckle.

"No, it’s fine. He was leaving Angel City, having acquired a job in another city and didn’t want a long-distance relationship. He asked me to come with him but I couldn’t leave the place I had grown up in..." she paused and sadly said, "I couldn’t leave everyone behind."

"So he only wanted you when he was near?" I couldn’t keep the disdain from my voice. It clearly meant he only valued her for a physical relationship, and that just pissed me off.

Stella was not only intelligent but had a great sense of humour. She brightened up the place with her presence and always had a snarky comeback. We were so different from each other and yet we immensely enjoyed each other’s company.

That fucker had lost a gem and didn’t even know it.

"He gave me a choice, Zayn. But I was the one who didn’t want to accept."

Maybe she didn’t believe him to be the one for her. If she had, I am sure she would have followed him to the last corner of the world.

"If he had cared enough, he would have given you time, not an ultimatum." I never liked her boyfriend in the first place, so it was easy for me to pick him apart.

"Relationships are complicated and I think I am done with having a boyfriend for now. I am going to focus on my career." She moved her dipped legs in the water and didn’t lift her head from my shoulder, seeking comfort from me.

I placed my head on hers as we sat in what seemed like a deep silence. Only the calm waves seemed to make sounds when they crashed against the white sand.

"You should talk to sis. She is better at this relationship stuff and giving advice. I know you will feel better."

Stella sighed.

"She has been through enough already and I don’t want to dump my problems on her."

I rubbed her arm slowly while we watched the night sky together. Thousands of stars blinked down at us from the heavens.

"That’s what friends are for, Stel. So take this opportunity and speak to her."

"I will," she slowly answered and closed her eyes.

I let her be, hoping my presence was a source of comfort for her but my heart immensely ached.