Charmed by the Billionaire CEO
Chapter 304: Friends

Chapter 304: Friends

After talking with Grace, Tristan resume his work while Ashley decided to watch television. Changing a few channels her hand stopped when she saw the news of Noah and Alice’s breakup surfacing in the headlines.

"This is any kind of strategy," she asked pointing at the screen ahead.

"Hmm," Tristan answered casually as he was already aware of what Noah will try to do to make his enemies believe him.

Ashley bobbed her head amusingly staring at the news. Last night they just attended their friend’s wedding and today, the news of their breakup was circulating all over the media.

Both Tristan and Noah were unpredictable at times, but that’s what made them unique in their own ways.

After swiping another few channels Ashley tried to wipe off her boredom when suddenly she remembered and she slowly turned to look at Tristan.

"What made Riel turn into your rival" her words took Tristan by surprise and he stiffed in his seat.

Tristan wasn’t expecting Ashley to bring up this topic so early, but when she did, he had no choice but to speak up.

Composing himself, he lift his eyes and met her curious one as they waited for him to speak.

"A misunderstanding led us to break our friendship" he answered, still a little skeptical to open up.

He never wanted to remember that past that he buried deep in his heart. But he also know, there was no way he would be able to hide it when it came to Ashley.

Gabriel was only after him because he wanted revenge for that girl who was the sole reason behind this rise of revelry between them.

Flashback

Tristan and Karl were nineteen when they both moved to country X for their higher education. Left alone, Noah too fought with his father and moved to the same country and started pursuing an Engineering degree at the same University as them.

No one was aware of the boys belonging to the prestigious family as they kept their identity lowkey and started living among the kids sharing the same lifestyle.

It was also the same year when Tristan happened to meet Gabriel and Sandra and soon they all became friends. Gabriel had a liking towards her but he never once showed her because he didn’t want to lose their friendship.

Sitting inside the library, Sandra, Tristan, and Gabriel were busy studying when suddenly they heard her speak.

"Where were you both yesterday" Sandra questioned Tristan and Gabriel as she eyed them suspiciously.

Sandra’s birthday was approaching and Gabriel was planning on surprising her on her special day. He was so determined that he begged Tristan to help him with the planning.

Everyone knew Gabriel was head over heels in love with Sandra but he never had the courage to propose to her. It was Tristan who tried to pursue him after he saw many bees lurking around his friend.

Both the boys fell silent when they saw her sharply gazing at him. "I-It was Tristan who didn’t want to attend the class. So he asked me if I could join him too" Gabriel lied putting all the blame on Tristan.

"Me?" Tristan started with his words and then moved his eyes from Sandra and Gabriel when he caught his friend silently begging him with his pitiful eyes.

Sensing the trouble Tristan quickly bobbed his head. "Hmm, yes it was me who didn’t want to attend the class and just wanted to stroll around" listening to his words Gabriel heaved out a sigh.

"See, didn’t I tell you" Gabriel thanked Tristan with a wink and then turned to see Sandra who still seemed to be doubtful about them?

They all knew Tristan wasn’t someone who would neglect his studies just to roam around. The boy was a top holder and never once they had seen him skipping any classes.

"Are you sure, this isn’t a lie? Why am I not able to believe it" Gabriel’s smile dropped the moment she turned her head and stared at him.

Gasping like a fish thrown out of the water, Gabriel looked at Tristan for help." He isn’t lying, it was my idea to skip the class because I was bored" Tristan cut in and took all the blame on himself before he stood and walked away from there.

Sandra watched him leave and to spare himself from her scolding Gabriel too disappeared from there.

Sandra was like a mother hen toward them treating them like kids. But only she knew that wasn’t the case. She was friends with all three boys except Tristan.

Since the day they met, she was charmed by his unique persona. He was the most charming and popular guy among the three and had many suitors who tried to catch his attention. But no one was able to sweep him off his feet.

He rarely paid attention to any girl except her because she was one of his closest friends but she mistook his friendship for something else.

She didn’t realize when she started liking him and soon it turned into an obsession. Instantly her eyes turned darker as she slowly pulled out a love letter from the book.

It was given by one of the girls who was trying to pursue Tristan for some days. But before it could reach Tristan, she caught hold of it.

Smirking, she tore the letter into two pieces before she dumped it into the bin and left the library. This wasn’t the first time she had destroyed the letter, her craziness even went overboard when she started threatening the girls saying she was his girlfriend and that if anyone tries to set their eyes on him, she would puck off their sight.

*****

Outside

Gabriel marched tailing Tristan and stopped him as he casually wrapped his arm around his shoulder." Thanks, buddy. You just saved me" Gabriel was genuinely thankful to Tristan as he didn’t want his plan to get ruined.

"It’s high time Gabriel, you need to be vocal about your feeling towards Sandra," Tristan said as they kept heading towards the canteen where Karl and Noah were soon going to meet them.

"I will. I will"

The moment they stepped inside the canteen Tristan roamed his eye around and found Karl sitting on one of the corner tables. Walking towards him both Tristan and Gabriel pulled out chairs for themselves and took the seat.

"Where is Noah? Isn’t he going to come" Gabriel asked as he looked around when suddenly his eyes fell on the table next to theirs.

"Don’t tell me he is dating our dean’s daughter" Gabriel gaped at the couple who was busy having their moment right next to their table, ignoring the eyes that stared at them disgusting.

"Get a room guys" one of the students who was passing by commented stopping the couple midway. It was then Noah realized that his friends were already there.

"Babe, I will meet you after class" using his sugarcoated words, Noah shoved the girl away and joined his friends.

Taking a seat next to Gabriel, Noah was about to greet them but stopped when he saw Tristan’s deadpan face and his smile dropped the next second.

"Hehe... I’ll go and place order for us" without wasting any time Noah turned around and ran towards the counter.