My CEO Boss Is A Masked Internet Sensation-Chapter 102: Spooky Tales And A Revelation

(Arata)

The blissful days with my family and loved ones on this magical island seemed to have ended too quickly.

It saddened me to some extent, knowing that I would have to return to my complicated life.

Last night, before we had to depart, we held a barbecue. After everyone had ravished the charcoal meat, we grabbed drinks and set up a huge bonfire on the beach.

Everyone sat around the fire to enjoy each other’s company and tell spooky tales. It was Zaylen’s idea, knowing us girls frightened easily.

The yellowish-amber fire slowly crackled, sending tiny sparks and smoky tendrils in the air. The warmth felt comforting against the harsh winds that blew from the sea.

Baba held Mom as both of them were snuggled under the same blanket. Other couples did the same.

Stella and I were cuddled up in a single blanket too.

Mom started the stories as we listened to her made-up tale related to this island. She believed that once it was inhabited by a shifter and his lover–the goddess of love. Hence, where her story "Reborn As Cursed Alpha’s Mate" originated from. Everyone listened, spellbound.

She even told us about a flower that bloomed every twenty years. Baba and she had been among the lucky few who had seen it.

After her tale, more and more spooky tales continued.

Grandma told of a vengeful spirit who clung to her lover, refusing to let go until she took him to his grave and ate him up so they could be together—forever.

That was a very macabre way towards eternal forever. Fear crawled down my spine and a shiver ran through me as I hugged a shivering Stella.

The howling winds from the sea made the experience even more chilling and I ducked under the blanket. Zaylen made funny noises, seeing me hiding like that.

"Seems like someone is frighteneddddd," he hollered.

"Shut up, Zayn," Stella reprimanded him and their bickering started.

Horror stories frightened me, I was all for romance and fantasy, not horror. It wasn’t my cup of tea along with closed spaces like the damn rectangular steel boxes that moved and humans named as elevators.

Uncle Lawrence told the most gruesome and frightening stories, and he gave such sound effects that knocked the living lights out of someone.

"So when I entered the basement holding my flashlight—-suddenly, the batteries died and I was left in the DARK..." He moved his hands like a fake ghost from Scooby Dooby Doo. "That’s when...someone placed a gnarly hand on my shoulder, cold and bony like that of a skeleton..." He stood up with the blanket dangling on his shoulders and hands hanging down like that of a skeleton.

Stella and I screamed loudly while the guys laughed, seeing our scared faces. Cherry was recording with her cellphone, she was used to Uncle Lawrence’s stories.

"Your Uncle Lawrence is being dramatic, it’s just a story, girls." Baba came to our rescue, seeing we were scared.

"No, it really happened," Uncle Lawrence emphasized and Baba narrowed his eyes on him.

"Lawrence has a flair for being dramatic," Aunt Mawar pointed out, winking at us. Both of us relaxed slightly at her words.

After the stories, the elders began to retreat inside the villa to get rest as we had to head back to Angel City the next day.

Cherry received a call from her fiancé so she retreated to her room early too.

Stella removed the blanket and got up.

"Let’s take a walk," Zaylen offered and she glanced at me.

I was too stuffed and too lazy to get up.

"You guys go, I am going to relax a bit." I gathered the soft blanket all around me. They went ahead, leaving only Callum and me behind.

Still shivering from the horror tales when Callum spoke up, mustering courage. I had seen him squirming in his seat for a while.

"Arata, is it alright if I speak with you?"

"Of course," I said, peeking at him from my blanket.

He offered me a shy smile and brushed away his hair in nervousness.

"I know it’s still early for you after what happened with Andy.... but if you ever consider dating then can you.....consider me."

A drumbeat of panic erupted in my chest.

No!

No! Don’t go there.

Sitting opposite me in his red t-shirt and crisp white shorts, he appeared handsome. He had this rugged look which he had inherited from Uncle Kail but he also had this charismatic charm of his mother.

Too bad those looks did nothing for me. I found him too young. I admired slightly mature looks, like Karsten’s.

Now, that was a man I couldn’t get enough of; couldn’t even get him out of my mind. Slowly he was seeping into my soul, and even sleeping with Azul didn’t relieve all of the sexual tension I felt for Karsten.

I sheepishly smiled at him because he was a nice guy, but he couldn’t handle the depravity my mind held.

Calmly beginning I addressed him.

"Callum, I understand and appreciate you saying that, but after everything, I am not looking for a relationship; I am sorry."

His shy smile slightly faltered and he lowered his head for a second, rubbing his face with his hands in clear frustration. Maybe he was expecting this answer.

"I know, I am not up to your standard, but I won’t wrong you like Andy did. I am nothing like him."

Oh! Boy, now he was just making me feel miserable.

How was I going to reject him without sounding like a mean bitch because this sweet boy was not my type?

Rejecting someone had to be the hardest thing one had to do. Knowing you would be ripping out someone’s heart which they had offered on a gold platter.

"Callum, it’s not about the status if you are referring to it. I am not like that. I think you know that much about me, but I am not ready." I shook my head in frustration and furthered. "I don’t know when I will be. That’s why I don’t want you to hold yourself back because of me, it will be wrong." I offered him a sympathetic smile. His shy expressions had disappeared from his face, leaving it just sad.

"I am sorry, Callum," I quietly said, not knowing what else to say to him.

Miserable, I felt absolutely miserable.

"Please! Don’t be. It’s all good." He brushed it off with a wave of his hand as if he didn’t just get jilted from me.

My heart sank, seeing his fallen face. It hurt me to be the cause of pain for someone, especially someone so sweet and down to earth as Callum.

"Can I at least walk you to your room?" He requested, tiredly getting up from his seat and standing to his full height. His hands were behind his back, and a sad smile graced his lips.

"Of course!" I finally willed to move my lazy ass.

He offered me his hand and I accepted it. Getting up while wrapping the blanket around me. He helped me so I wouldn’t feel cold.

Like I said, a gentleman, just like his father.

We headed towards my room in awkward silence. Reaching it, he opened the door for me. I paused to face him and our eyes met. After a few uneasy glances and hesitant smiles, he awkwardly said.

"If ever you feel like it... I am here. If you need anything which I can provide, don’t hesitate. And please, don’t let this change the friendship between us."

I answered while wrapping the blanket tightly around me.

"It won’t affect our friendship, don’t worry. And yes, I will keep that in mind. Good night, Callum."

"Good night, Arata." I entered the room and he softly closed the door behind me. Yawning after a fun-filled day, I brushed my teeth and went straight to bed.

Grabbing my phone from the nightstand, I checked it.

Karsten’s messages welcomed me, and excitement which Callum or any other failed to instil inside of me rose like a wriggling serpent and swallowed me.

I had taken some pictures of the island so I forwarded them to him. As if waiting for my messages, he instantly replied.

{Beautiful island, seems like you are enjoying your vacation.}

I wanted to retort ’Yeah, because I don’t have to make coffee that can absorb someone’s soul.’ But I refrained.

{I am, it’s like a mini paradise.} I hit send.

{Maybe, someday you can show me?} He answered and a sly smile appeared on my lips. I could imagine myself walking with him on the beach.

So I put up a condition.

{It’s a promise then, I will show you this island but only when you will quit smoking.}

He took his time to reply.

{Hmm,,,we will see. Get some sleep, Arata. Night.}

It seemed like my condition didn’t sit right with him, but I was stubborn and was going to keep trying until he would let go of this habit.