My CEO Boss Is A Masked Internet Sensation-Chapter 281: Zaylen’s Secret

(Arata)

Baba stepped out of his room, confused at what was happening.

Oh no! Bewildered and slightly angered would be the correct words.

Mom followed him and even Grandma stepped out using her cane.

I acted as if nothing was happening and busied myself with making cookies.

"What is he doing?" Baba asked, confusion abundant in his voice. He stood near the kitchen with his hands on his waist.

"Seems like, trying to win you over. I like his commitment," Grandma’s calm but amused voice came. Mom guided her towards the sofa.

"Then he is knocking on the wrong door. I am going to let him suffer," Baba fumed.

I added butter to the batter and continued to listen while mixing it.

"Maybe he can withstand the test of time," Mom’s voice came, and Baba blurted out something inaudible under his breath.

While the trip outside amusedly discussed Karsten I baked cookies for him, trying to remain oblivious.

Zaylen zoomed inside the kitchen with the biggest grin on his face. His hair jostled as if he had adjusted it far too many times.

"What’s going on outside? Why are there flower petals everywhere and Karsten is here?" He asked, leaning against the counter with his hands holding it.

I picked up the tray with cookie batter neatly placed and shoved it in the oven.

Turning to my brother, I sighed and stood beside him before explaining.

He grabbed the spatula coated in batter and began to lick.

"Ohhhh! Ohhhhhhh! Baba is not going to take that well."

I shrugged my shoulders. "At least he is trying. Karsten is not a quitter."

Then I eyed my brother up and down and narrowed my eyes. He was immaculately dressed and had his best perfume on. "Where have you been?"

He cast a glance at Martha, who was busy with the dishes and lowered his voice, placing his hand at the side of his mouth so only I could hear.

"I went to see Stella and mustered up the courage to ask her out."

Curiosity made my eyes widen. "You did? What did she say?" I asked, taking off the mitten from my right hand.

Zaylen winked, and a slight blush coated his cheeks. "She agreed to go on a date with me tonight."

"OMG! Yahhh!" I shrieked in excitement and hugged my brother. This was the greatest news ever.

My brother and my best friend. I couldn’t have asked for a better match for both of them. They annoyed each other and loved the other even more.

Hearing my shriek, Mom and Baba rushed inside the kitchen to ensure I was alright. Seeing Zaylen and I hugging each other with excitement, their tense faces relaxed.

"Arata Chan! You scared us. What’s happening?" Mom asked and I stepped back from Zaylen.

He quickly shook his head at me to not spill his secret while rubbing the back of his head.

"That’s Zaylen’s secret to tell. My lips are sealed." I mimed my mouth and threw away the imaginary key.

Mom and Baba focused their attention on Zaylen. I could sense their nonverbal excitement.

"Tomorrow, if everything goes well." He raised his hands and rushed out of the kitchen, avoiding further confrontation or a line of awkward questioning.

"Hmmm, I know that look," Mom placed her hand under her chin and tapped her finger on her lips.

"He is going on a date?" Baba asked and then added. "With Stella?" His face had relaxed and it was obvious he wasn’t disappointed with Zaylen’s choice.

At least he was happy with one of his children.

I pursed my lips, not wanting to be the one to spill this or confirm it. Mom didn’t even seem surprised but tried to hide a smile.

"I am guessing, yeah. It has been obvious. About time they figure it out."

I kept my mouth shut. Baba was observing my apron now but didn’t comment.

"I am not saying anything yet." My phone began to ring; picking it up, I saw it was Stella. I smiled, knowing she had big news to share.

"Zy, let’s go out. It’s not only like kids can enjoy Valentine’s Day." Mom took Baba’s arm and led him away. In reality, she was just giving me privacy.

I quickly accepted the call and said. "Hey!"

"Arata! How are you? What’s up?" She quickly asked, seeming unsure. This was not like Stella.

"I am just baking some cookies. How about you? How is your day going?"

I kept my tone casual so she wouldn’t suspect a thing. The timer rang, letting me know the cookies were ready.

Wearing the mitten again, I opened the oven and extracted the tray.

"I have something to tell you, Arata....." She paused. "Promise me, you won’t be mad."

I already knew what she wanted to reveal. The excitement had me trembling but I didn’t let it reflect in my voice.

"I promise I won’t be mad. Go on." I placed the tray on the kitchen counter and the delicious smell of freshly baked cookies hit me in abundance.

"...Umm....Zaylen asked me out today and I said yes," Stella’s voice sounded small and afraid. She was frightened of my reaction.

"Wow! Really? That’s wonderful news, Stel. I am so happy," I exclaimed in joy, not letting her know that Zaylen had already told me.

I let the cookies rest, they had swelled to a perfect size.

"So, you are not mad?" She asked in a tiny voice.

"Why would I be mad? It has brought me immense joy, Stella. Both of you deserve the world and I know you will be perfect for each other. I can’t be happier," I confided in her and that was the truth.

"Thank you, Arata. I wasn’t sure how you would take it. Because Zaylen is younger than me and I didn’t want to come off as someone taking advantage of him. But...he makes me feel secure and alive. I can be myself with him, no pretension. I want to see where this goes."

I could sense the relief and joy in her voice.

"Stel! You have our love and you don’t have to justify this to anyone. Follow your heart always." And that advice was not only for her; I was going to take it for myself, too.

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