Chapter 36

Anna's POV

The turn of events made me realize my stupidity. I should have told Zach about my meeting with Mason, no matter how casual it was. The media has exaggerated as always, making it even worse. Before I could even explain my side of the facts, we got interrupted by the Knock on the door.

"Later!" Zach shouts, halting whoever was knocking.

"It's me,'' the sound came from the outside. I lift my head, which was down all the while, staring at the closed door. Zach rather quickly opened the door, and there stood a nervous-looking Mason, rubbing his hands together.

"Zach!" he stood still waiting.

"Mason," Zach said and turned my way. "Great! Why don't you guys tell me about this together?" Zach's mocking tone only made me more guilty.

"Zach! Man, you know how this media is; they just print garbage to hike their sales." Mason tried explaining after entering my room.

"Do you think I don't know how news works? I don't give a fuck about them." Zach said, getting closer to Mason, "the only thing making me pissed right now is the reason behind the lying." Zach added, turning my way.

"I get to know about my girlfriend spending time together with my best friend behind my back, what should I call it?, and I'm not those people who will conclude without knowing the whole truth. So, tell me," Zach said, folding his hands across his chest.

I was about to talk when Mason cuts me off, "I'll tell you. That night at dinner, I said something stupid. I have no right to judge anyone, and the way you defended Anna made me realize my mistake and knew how serious you are for her. Though I had apologized to her, I still wanted to do something for her and you too." Zach gave him a nod to continue. "I messaged her to meet me at the cafe and told her not to tell you because I had planned a surprise for you and wanted her help to execute it."

"What surprise?" Zach asked, looking back and forth from Mason to me.

"Well, the surprise wasn't supposed to reveal this way, but I don't have a choice," Mason said and pulled out his phone to show the picture he had shown me yesterday. It was a three-story house at the center of a beautiful Island.

Zach came forward and stare at the picture, "It's beautiful, but what it has anything to do with us," he states, looking at Mason.

" Actually, it does." Zach narrows his eyes, confused. "It's yours."

"What!" Zach exclaimed. Mason nodded his head, a smile forming on his face looking at his surprised friend. Zach turned my way, and I just shrugged my shoulders.

"You are serious, but why? I mean, Could you come to the point soon?" Zach asked, getting impatient.

"It's your birthday present. You always wanted a vacation house on an Island, and after Maria, that dream got crushed. And when I got to know about you and Anna, I thought it is the best time to give you this." I could see the change of emotions in Zach's eyes. He is trying so hard not to cry that too in front of his childhood friend and girlfriend. You know man machoness and ego. I thought, rolling my eyes.

"You bought this for me; my birthday is still two months away," Zach said, a small smile forming on his lips. Mason grinned and nodded his head again. Zach hugged his friend, and I wipe my tears witnessing their bromance.

" Two months or now, it doesn't matter as long as I can see this surprised face. I'm sorry; you have to know about a house like this. But don't worry, I have called my lawyer and took care of the media. They will pay for publishing shit about us," Mason confirmed after they broke their hug. "I'm sorry, Anna, you had to go through all of this because of me. I'm extremely sorry." Mason said, coming my way.

"It's okay, Mason. Not everything is your fault, all fine if the end's fine." I assured him.

"You guys must have things to sort out. I shall leave you people alone," Mason left the room, and there was this awkward silence between Zach and me.

Zach came forward; with every step, my heart was beating faster. I gulp and shift my sight at the floor, admiring the marble. I don't have to feel this intimidated by him, Right? I thought, and sudden confidence rushed over me, and I lift my head to face him. His head was slightly bent down, rubbing the back of his neck, he lifts his head as well. His eyes were sad, filled with guilt.

"I'm sorry." We said at the same time. Staring at each other for a moment, we burst into laughter. I don't know why we laughed, but soon his eyes got filled with tears, and so does mine. Not wasting any time, we hugged.

"I love you. I'm sorry, the way I shouted at you, it's terrible. Please forgive me." Zach mumbled, holding me tightly.

"I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have told you before. I hate surprises now." Zach chuckled and broke our hug. He wipes my tears and places his lips over mine, making me forget about all the chaos that occurs earlier.

"But promise me, you will never lie again ever," Zach states, and I nodded.

"I promise." I hold his hands and kissed them firmly. "It's our first fight after becoming a couple," I said.

"No, I don't consider it a fight. A misunderstanding, perhaps. And I hate every bit of it," Zach said, wrapping me in his arms.

After some hugs and kisses, Zach and I headed downstairs to the living room, where not only Mason but Emily was also waiting for us.

"Emily! Nice to see you here," I said, walking towards her.

"I was worried after reading the article and called Zach, but he hung up on me right after hearing about the news. I wanted to check on you guys." I nodded my head and gave her a short smile.

"We are fine. Everything has fallen into places." I assured her.

"I am aware of that, Mason told me about the house. I'm super excited to be there." Zach stood beside me and wrapped his arms around my shoulder.

"So, What's the plan?" Zach asked Mason.

"It's simple, we four are going there for a short vacation," Mason announced proudly.

"Just four of us," Zach asked.

"Well, a friend of mine will also join us," Mason smirked, giving mischievous looks.

"Expected," Zach said, chuckling. "Are you taking anyone with you, Emily?" he diverts his question to Emily.

"Nah! I'll be alone. So, don't you guys dare to stay in the bedroom all day." Emily said, making us laugh.

"What about Chase?" I asked, turning to Zach.

"Uhmm...He can stay with my parents for a few days," Zach ensures, making me feel relief.

A week later

The day has arrived when we all are going on the trip. The Island is called Palawan, and it's in the Philippines. I'm super excited, never been to an Island before. Sophia came yesterday to pick Chase; he was excited to spend some time with his grandparents. "Chase, we'll be back after few days so, in the time, you be a good boy and enjoy your time with grandpa and grandma," I said, kissing his cheeks.

"I am a good boy. Come soon, Anna. I'll miss you," he said and got inside the car.

Zach and I are heading to the airport; we are taking Zach's Jet. Emily and Mason will join us at the airport.

Mike pulled over, and we stepped out of the car. "Thank you, Mike," I said when he helped me take out my bags.

"Your welcome, Anna," he replied and put the bags on the trollies. After the security procedures, we headed to the private runway.

"There they are," Zach said, pointing at Emily and Mason. We wave at them while walking ahead. A model-like woman was standing beside Mason, more like clued with him. That must be his close friend.

"You guys are late," Emily said, pointing at her watch.

"Sorry, we were busy doing stuff; lost track of time," Zach teased, winking at me.

"God! spare me the details," Emily made a face and headed inside the plane. Zach and Mason laughed while my face turned red.

"Won't you introduce me to your friends," the blond girl said. I admit she is beautiful.

"Right. Friends, this is Tanya. And this is Anna, and Zach," Mason lazily introduces us, pointing his hands back and forth.

"Hi, nice to meet you," I said, holding out my hand for a shake. She gives me a look at first but took it anyway.

"Same here," she replied. After the short intro, we got inside the Jet. Emily has taken the front seat while Mason and Tanya took the left side joint seat. Zach and I sat on the last section; it was more cozy and comfortable.

A stewardess came with drinks and snacks, putting them on the table she left. We fasten our seatbelts after the Pilot's announcement. The Journey was 18 hrs long, and thinking about it already made me tired. I shifted to Zach's arms, feeling his warmth. It's our first of many upcoming vacations; it will be great, I'm sure.

Zach pulled a thin quilt over us and pulled me even closer. His action made me smile, resting my head on his chest, soon I drift off to sleep.