My CEO Boss Is A Masked Internet Sensation-Chapter 140: He Almost Called Her Phoenix

(Karsten)

What the hell was Ranold doing? The cocky bastard knew Arata didn’t want to be in the limelight and yet he was discussing this in front of her.

Sometimes I swear I couldn’t figure out Ranold and the strange ways his mind worked. Now, he had put me in a tight spot, and I didn’t want to say she was injured.

I was already trying my best to pull her out of the depression she might be spiralling into after that horrifying incident.

"It’s my decision and I will make it tomorrow. I didn’t ask for your opinion on the matter, Ranold."

I clutched the glass harder than needed. The taste seemed bitter today, although I knew it wasn’t. It was Ranold, which left that horrible taste in my mouth.

He flashed me that annoying smile of his which always revealed his extremely white teeth.

"As you wish, I am just giving suggestions."

"I am returning to the office tomorrow and we can plan it together," Arata calmly added from my side. I loved how she always took the initiative to speak for herself.

Ranold offered her another of his flashy annoying smiles. He had always been like that, but somehow when he did these tricks with Arata, it vexed me.

"What a dedicated secretary you are. I need to find one like you. All of mine are only looking to sleep with me..."

"That’s enough, Ranold." I glared at him and he unapologetically winked. Turning to Arata I took a deep breath before saying.

"Why don’t you go and lie down for a while. If you want to resume work from tomorrow, I need you fully rested."

Arata didn’t even protest; she simply nodded and got up as if tired of Ranold’s antics.

"Good evening, Mr Whittle."

"Good evening, Arata." He relaxed against the sofa and watched her walk away until she disappeared through the door and it shut behind her.

"What the hell, Ranold?" I asked, trying to keep my voice calm and placing my empty glass down.

"What?" He asked rather innocently but I was in no mood to play.

"I told you to lay off, Arata. There are innumerable amounts of women you can mess with. Why won’t you leave her alone?"

My eyebrows scrunched together revealing how annoyed I had gotten at him and his stupid comments.

Ranold childishly waved a hand at me.

"If you like her so much why won’t you just admit it? And, if you don’t. Let me have my fun."

"I respect her, there is a difference. I told you before to lay off, Arata. Why is it so difficult for your thick head to comprehend? Don’t make me break your hands, Ranold. Because I will."

I hadn’t thought of threatening him but I ended up doing it anyway. He was pissing me off, and knowing Ranold, I knew the threat would last barely a few days.

He raised his hands in defence and leaned back, faking a terrified look.

"Fine, fine. But I think Arata will be a better choice than Amanda. After all those surgeries, her body doesn’t look natural anymore. We slept together yesterday, so I saw it all. She looks amazing but is too perfect now."

He casually dropped the bomb. I knew he loved sleeping with every available woman in the office, and the idea that Arata was off-limits just didn’t sit right with him.

"I know, the news about her recent surgeries and boob job are the hottest gossip in the office. But Amanda is professional, and she does her job well. Besides, I don’t think Arata will be comfortable, keeping in mind she doesn’t want her identity to be revealed."

I hated how women modified their bodies but when it came to modelling, people preferred the prepped-up versions, the perfect versions, the enhanced versions of the women. As much as I hated the idea and struggled with these norms, it was a necessary evil.

"Just speak to Arata. You know our company is inclusive to every kind of woman. We already have diversity on the ramp but Arata will be a great addition. The media loves something different, the results might shock us." Ranold finished the last of his coffee and raked a casual hand through his perfect hair.

He was not wrong though. The idea of putting Arata on the ramp had crossed my mind but I didn’t want to push her.

"Let tomorrow come," I simply answered and he gave me a small nod.

Our conversation shifted to other departments. An hour later, Ranold left and I quietly made my way upstairs to check on Arata.

Softly, I knocked on her door to ask permission, but there wasn’t any response from her. Assuming she was resting or sleeping, I made my way to my room and left the door of my room open, incase she wished to come.

Settling on my bed, with my arm behind my head, I turned on the flatscreen and switched to an animated movie.

I had hardly slept for the last few nights, so before I knew it, the sleep consumed me.

Her soft voice woke me up, and for a few seconds, I was lost, wondering where I was.

Was I still in my dream?

As the fog cleared from my eyes, they focused and found her.

She was standing beside my bed, hugging the dolphin pillow to her chest and wearing a serious expression.

I almost jumped out of bed, seeing her look so grieved.

"Arata, what’s wrong?" I worriedly asked and slowly grabbed her arm.

"I had a nightmare and I can’t go back to sleep. Can I stay with you if it’s not a problem?" She carefully questioned and I could see she was trying not to become a burden.

Didn’t she understand? She was extremely important to me and wasn’t a burden at all?

I sat up straight, my legs hitting the floor. Carefully, I pulled her into my lap and she came willingly, still clutching that dolphin to her chest.

Gently I rubbed my fingers on her arm as she placed her head on my chest and deflated against me.

"Ph.." Shit, I was about to call her Phoenix. That would have been a disaster. I needed to be more careful, my mind was still sleepy.