My CEO Boss Is A Masked Internet Sensation-Chapter 275: Zaylen’s Innocent Questions

(Arata)

Disappointed. Today my father had been disappointed in me and the life choices I had made. I wish I could have done better but Karsten came into my life like a train wreck and completely ruined me.

A messed up part of me enjoyed him, the way he showed jealousy, the possessiveness and ownership.

But when I considered Baba...my thoughts spiralled.

Grandma rubbed my arm gently as I rested my head on her shoulder.

"You know he loves you the most," she softly whispered and I sniffled at her words.

"I agree with that," Zaylen quickly added. We had occasionally joked about Baba always picking me for games and everything over Zaylen.

Grandma continued to speak. "Your father’s life has been a mess and things he has gone through. None of us can even imagine. All his life he has ensured nothing like that would happen to his children. He cares too deeply, Arata. You know that."

I sobbed but agreed with her. I didn’t even blame him but my heart refused to forget Karsten. I couldn’t cut him out of my life.

"Maybe, I should go and apologise to him." I straightened and brushed away the leaking tears.

Grandma slowly shook her head. "No, let your Mom handle him for now. Only she can do it when he becomes like this. Talk to him later. You should go out and get some fresh air," she suggested.

"Come, I will take you out. We will grab a bite." Zaylen gently took my arm and helped me up.

I thought it was better to step outside the house for now and breathe. It was suffocating me, and having a sibling-to-sibling talk might help.

Soon I was strapped in the front seat of Zaylen’s car as he eased it out of the driveway.

Caysir began tagging behind without even having to ask.

"Should we get pastries from your favourite bakery? That always cheers you up," Zaylen asked, taking a cut towards the left.

"No, I am not hungry. Just drive." He nodded and put on some soothing music to calm my nerves.

"Whatever slump we are in...we will overcome it, Arata."

"I don’t see a way out of this. And it’s hard being the disappointing child for the first time." I sighed while staring out the window.

Spring season had hit Angel City. Greenbelts were brimming with seasonal shrubs bringing forth colourful flowers in full bloom.

Red, yellow, orange, purple, blue, you name it. It slightly lifted my spirits.

"There is always a way out. We will find it." Zaylen being a forever optimist, ensured me.

Silence fell between us as Zaylen took me towards the quieter part of the city with less traffic and relaxed driving.

"Just to take your mind off the current situation. Can I ask you something?" I detected a hint of reluctance in Zaylen’s voice.

"Sure."

He cleared his throat as my eyes travelled towards him. His jaw had tightened.

"Why did Stella break up with her boyfriend? I think I know, just want to confirm it."

I had seen him cast covet glances towards Stella, more than often now. Mostly at times, when he thought no one was looking.

"I can’t. I promised, Stella. It’s her secret to tell, not mine," I simply told him.

"If I can guess, can you at least confirm it? Stella already kind of revealed it in her drunken state." He snatched in a frustrated breath. "It was because of me. Wasn’t it?" His gaze swept towards me and found mine.

I just gave a small sad nod.

"I knew it, I fucking knew it." He banged his hand against the steering wheel. "She chose me over him."

"He shouldn’t have made her choose. That showed his insecurity," I merely spoke the truth.

When you ask stupid questions be ready to get not very pleasing answers.

"Can I be honest with you? Keep it a secret because I am not yet sure myself." Zaylen focused on his driving again. ƒгeewёbnovel.com

"Yeah!" I could guess where this conversation was going.

"I have been thinking more about her recently. Like seeing her in a whole different light. Every time she comes closer to me I feel my heartbeat rising. It never happened before. Is this normal?" He innocently asked. His ears had turned crimson, somehow.

Oh! Sweet sweet mercy. My little brother was falling in love. And that too with the best girl. Stella was incredible in every way.

She was funny, smart, knew her worth and extremely loyal.

"Awww! Zayli. I think you are falling towards the deep end. I hope you have a life jacket because the first dive is always intense." I reached forward with my hand and pinched his cheek. The red colour had coated it.

"You think? This is all very new to me and I am afraid of speaking to her. What if she only sees me as a younger annoying friend?" Zaylen asked. Uncertainty was evident in his words.

"You will never know if you won’t ask, Zayli. Take your time and read the signs. Both of you have always been close so I know you guys understand each other at a higher level." I rested my assuring hand on his arm.

He silently nodded but I could sense he was in some deep thoughts.

"My winter break is almost over. Before leaving, I am hoping to speak to her. I am just afraid it will ruin our friendship if she doesn’t have feelings like I do."

Zaylen had a point. I was left heartbroken when Karsten didn’t reciprocate my feelings and I would never want that for my brother. But if he didn’t act on it and kept it buried he might regret it later.

"Keeping what you are experiencing hidden will only hurt you in the long run. Just ask yourself if you will be fine with seeing her with someone else. You will get your answer."

Zaylen sighed but I could tell he got my point.

"Valentine’s Day is just coming up. I think I am going to have a conversation with Stella and see where it leads."

"Good luck, little brother. You got this," I encouraged him and sent a silent prayer for Stella to have some feelings for him too. I didn’t want him to get heartbroken like me.

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