My CEO Boss Is A Masked Internet Sensation-Chapter 284: The Three Of Us

(Arata)

I returned inside.

Soaked in his scent and love. The feeling of his wet lips was still on my skin and was making me giddy.

How this man unravelled me was beyond my understanding.

Baba was waiting for me near the fireplace when I entered, leaving my soaked shoes outside.

"Arata, come sit with me," he softly called and I obeyed. Martha took the wet umbrella from me.

I settled down near the fireplace, letting the heat of the cackling fire dry my wet clothes.

The yellowish-red fire reflected off Baba’s face and I could see how tired he was.

"I miss talking to you, Arata. Kids are easier when they are small. I never thought a day would come when both of us would be at a crossroads," he sighed and I placed my hand on his shoulder and lovingly pressed.

"I understand Baba. Sometimes two very close people want two entirely different things. I don’t blame you for trying to protect me, and on the other hand, I am not ashamed of loving Karsten," I told him sincerely.

There was no point in hiding that.

Maybe, it was a wrong decision. The world of Karsten didn’t match with ours but that was the only man I wanted.

"I know, Arata. But it scares me." He placed his hand around my shoulder and pulled me closer. "I can’t lose you...But I am sorry for the way I spoke to you the other day," the heaviness in his voice had my heart jolting.

"You won’t, Baba and I understand. I never wanted to be a source of disappointment for you or Mom." I hugged him and he just held me close, rubbing my arm softly. The heaviness of his heart, I could sense.

"I love you the most, Baba, but let me handle this, please," I requested, and he just stayed quiet. It was progress at least he didn’t flatly say no.

"Let’s take a day off tomorrow. Just you and me. We will go out and have fun. What do you say?" He nervously asked and I knew it had been so long since I spent time with him.

"I would love that." He affectionately kissed my forehead.

We sat there in silence after that, watching the burning fire until the door opened and a very happy Zaylen zoomed in carrying his umbrella.

"Hey!" He waved excitedly, and Baba called him over with a wave of his hand. He gave me a smile, seeing I was sitting with Baba.

He put his umbrella down and took off his wet shoes before coming forward.

"Come, tell us how your date went?" Baba asked with a hint of a tease and I giggled.

Zaylen excitedly walked over and slumped himself on the other side of Baba, making him place his free arm around him too.

Now Baba was sandwiched between Zaylen and me.

"Seriously, I didn’t expect it to go this well, but somehow it went well. Stella said she wants to explore this newness together with me and see if we can be more than friends," he shyly shared, but his voice reeked of excitement and this newfound love.

"Bravo! My son has finally found a girl and not just a girl—the girl. Stella is amazing and I have seen the love both of you hold for each other," Baba seemed exhilarated.

"I agree. There can’t be a more perfect girl for you to date than Stella." I leaned forward and winked at my brother. "And I am not saying this because she is my best friend. I am saying it because she is exceptional." I bent my legs on the sofa and cuddled close to Baba.

Zaylen’s smile widened, and a blush deepened on his cheeks.

"I know."

"So where did you take her? And what was the first gift," Baba asked, intrigued. His hand squeezed his shoulder.

Zaylen shook his head. "That’s a secret."

Both of us laughed at his secrecy and I knew Stella would call me soon and spill all of his beans.

Baba asked Martha to bring all of us some hot chocolate and cookies.

Zaylen turned on the flat screen and put on a comedy show so the three of us could have some quality time together.

"Where is Mom?" I asked, Baba.

"She has retired. I told her I wanted to have a private word with you." Baba placed a kiss on the top of my head and I nodded.

Soon we were enjoying hot chocolate with cookies I had made earlier and laughing hysterically at the show we were watching.

It was very late in the night when we finally said goodbye and saw Baba off to his room.

Zaylen walked me to mine and halted outside my door. He rubbed the back of his head nervously and I knew he wished to share something he hadn’t in front of Baba.

I leaned against my door and crossed my arms.

"Spill."

He awkwardly chuckled. "I am not sure if I should tell you this, but we shared a kiss and it was divine."

I pursed my lips at his innocence. He seemed to have finally gotten his first kiss.

"Awww! How sweet," I teased, elbowing him and his ears reddened.

"I hope it won’t be awkward in front of everyone from now on."

"Zayli, I can assure you. Everyone will be thrilled. Aunt Huria loves you and Stella is adored by us all. So, don’t worry. Just don’t get too lovey-dovey in front of her dad. That would be awkward," I deliberately said and he huffed.

"I am not stupid."

I knocked on his forehead. "Yes, you are."

"Very funny. By the way, where is your lover boy? I didn’t see him on my way in," he asked.

I had to shake my head as images of a very wet Karsten invaded my brain, enough to make liquid heat travel all through my veins.

"He was drenching himself in the rain just to prove his point of how much he loves me. I had to reprimand him and send him to the hotel before he would get sick. Why do men love to do stupid things?"

"Sometimes we are slow, especially in matters of the heart." Zaylen guessed and I thought he was right.

"You stand corrected." I slowly smiled. "We should get some sleep and talk in the morning."

Zaylen nodded and hugged me goodnight.

I went to bed thinking about the next day.

A day out with Baba sounded fun and I just hoped Karsten wouldn’t follow us.

I didn’t need another clash between the two of them.

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