The Enigma of Willow Falls ~ Stella Owen

' Jealousy? ' chapter 10

𝔹eer glass cups had been clung. All Aryan, Stella, Ethan, Mia and David cheering and raising toast for the records they got, drinking at the cafe late at night.

Mia : I can't believe you did it Stella.

Ethan : you're a wonderful detective.

Aryan : Stella did what anyone can do Ethan, so no need for you to give your opinion about her.

Ethan rolled his eyes resting them at stella's eyes.

Ethan : no, really, you barely survived.

Aryan : because of me.

Stella : thanks Ethan and thank you jerk too for saving me.

Aryan : hey!

Stella : thanks guys, I really appreciate your complements. But I wouldn't do anything without Aryan, he's the one who saved me today.

Aryan : it was nothing. you put yourself in risks but I think that's what you are.

Ethan : really Stella, you think Aryan has an impact on you more than me? I've been with you since a lot, but he didn't even make it to month.

Stella : of course Ethan you're the reason behind my most desire to come true. You're why my grandma is about to do her surgery.

Aryan muttered : what?

Ethan's expression shifted, morphing into one of concern.

Ethan : uh.. yeah.. thank you, Stella, it was nothing.

Stella : no really, remember that day when I was supposed to be on a date but I ended up in a dead end and you saved me from that man.

Aryan shot Ethan a furious glare, which Ethan couldn't ignore. It was clear that the tension wasn't lost on him, but he pushed on, following Stella.

Ethan : yes, I did that.

Stella : let us guys also raise a toast for another hero.

They all clinked their beer glasses and took another sip. Mia turned up the music, prompting everyone to start dancing, except for Aryan, whose gaze bore into Ethan with resentment. Ethan took advantage of Aryan's help to assist Stella, portraying himself as the hero in her eyes.

Ethan caught Aryan's cold gaze, a pang of guilt hitting him. In response, he approached Aryan and signalled for him to step outside. As they left the room, Aryan trailed closely behind Ethan, seizing him by the collar the moment they were alone.

Aryan : you told me that she was waiting for you so I don't have to worry. you let her walk alone in that alley, what if that man tried to do something, WHERE WERE YOU? LATE?!, and you are now the hero who saved her grandmother!

Ethan : I understand your rage and violence but CAN YOU LEAVE ME.

Aryan's grip tightened but Ethan shoved Aryan and released his grip on his collar.

Ethan : I wasn't late, that man wouldn't do her something.

Aryan : How could you have known him? You set this up, didn't you? You hired him, then asked me to go.

Ethan : you were leaving anyway.

Aryan : As a man I would never put a woman in such a situation. Even if it's Stella I'd never leave her go into that alley alone, I was going to follow her that day, but you popped up out of nowhere, telling me that you will join her home. Aren't you ashamed of yourself? What if Stella knew?

Ethan : NO PLEASE don't tell her!, please, I won't do that again, but don't tell her, I love her, Aryan, have you ever experienced love?

Aryan : heroic actions based on love must be done by the lover to his beloved, not to steal the efforts of others and attribute this effort to himself just to make her love him.