My CEO Boss Is A Masked Internet Sensation-Chapter 144: Good Suggestion Or Bad?

(Arata)

What the hell did he just say?

I paused in my step and turned around to face him with my brows coming together in confusion.

He had halted and crossed his arms.

"What’s that supposed to mean, Mr Whittle?" I asked.

"It means to guard your heart, Arata. Karsten is my best friend but he is not boyfriend material. So just don’t fall too deep for him, you will only get hurt." He merely shrugged his shoulders while flattening his lips.

But his words were like torpedoes which directly targeted my fragile heart. I knew Karsten didn’t want a relationship nor did he believe in love. Still hearing this from Ranold as if he was trying to put me on edge came as a surprise to me.

"I know what I need to do Mr Whittle. Thank you for your advice but I can handle myself." My words came out more annoyed than I had intended and he sympathetically smiled at me.

"Of course, Arata. You are a smart girl who knows what’s best for her and understands who has the best interest in their hearts for her as well. Just be careful and listen to your heart when it comes to trust. Not everyone can be trusted." He winked at me and moved ahead, reaching Karsten’s office door, he threw it open and entered.

I was left with weird thoughts, contemplating my options and where I stood with Karsten. To say he hadn’t swept me off my feet would be a lie.

He had done so much for me from the moment I began to receive those death threats. Like a pillar he had stood beside me so I could lean on him every time I needed to.

The way he had calmed me down today, not even Andy had been able to pull me out of a panic attack like that.

How could I not trust him? ƒгeewёbnovel.com

But what about love?

If I was to ever reveal I was falling for him towards the deep end.

Will he ever love me back too?

Ranold wasn’t wrong. He must have seen his friend reject many women and discard them away. I knew being his best friend he understood his moods and personality better than anyone else.

I should heed his warning and keep my distance from Karsten, but my insides screamed at this suggestion. My heart brutally ached as if someone was trying to rip it out.

Was I heading toward another heartbreak?

No, we were keeping it casual.

Right?

Right?

"Arata?" Karsten’s deep voice came, mingled with confusion. It had me glancing in his direction. He had emerged from his office followed by Ranold.

How long had I stood here, pondering over my life choices?

Pondering over him and these feelings I have been experiencing.

"What’s wrong?" He strode forward and had his hands on my shoulders. My glance went to Ranold and he was slyly watching me.

I simply shook my head.

"Nothing, I was just coming to you so we could head downstairs for rehearsal."

But the confusion in Karsten’s gaze didn’t dial down at my answer. Somehow this man could see right through me.

"Ranold, head down. Arata and I will join soon," he ordered his best friend without giving him a glance.

"Yes, Sir!" He took a ceremonial bow which both of us ignored before heading towards the elevator.

Once he was gone, Karsten rubbed my shoulders.

"It’s the thought of using the elevator again. Right? We will use stairs, it’s only four floors and if you get tired, I can always carry you."

I flashed him a fake smile and answered.

"Yes, who wouldn’t want to be carried by a hunk of a boss. Such a lucky girl I am."

I winked at Karsten and a genuine smile jotted down to his full lips. The sides of his eyes crinkled so perfectly, giving him such an alluring appeal. The kind which was becoming hard to resist.

"Come." He guided me forward towards the staircase. I noticed that this was also accessible only using hand prints and wondered who else had access except Karsten.

He placed his right hand on the white hand sensor and the glass door clicked open, revealing the black marble staircase with deep silver lines in it.

The stairs seemed lonely, no one used them.

Karsten offered me his arm and I graciously took it as we began to descend. The silence between us felt awkward so I asked.

"Will you be choosing the female model today?"

"Yes, I cannot delay it any further or our program will get affected. We need to practice."

I understood we were going to enter December tomorrow. There wasn’t much time left.

Reaching the intended floor, Karsten opened the door with his free hand and we walked out. Our destination was the practice hall where the temporary ramp had been set up. This was not permanent as the real event would be held in Arsten Studio; reserved only for such events.

The guard outside the door respectfully greeted us as we arrived and threw open the door so we could enter the back side of the spacious hall.

It served as a prep zone for models and had all kinds of large mirrors, bright lights, hangers and seats.

The place had about 15-20 people inside and every eye turned towards us as we approached.

"Good morning, Mr Karsten."

"Good morning, Sir!" The greetings flew from every direction as he led me forward, not letting me go.

"Good morning, everyone. I hope everything is coming along nicely," he asked, eyeing his employees.

The head of the Costume Design department sped towards us. The man was in his late thirties and had a tape measure around his neck. For him to be present and look so dedicated showed how seriously people under Karsten took their jobs.

"Sir, let’s have you fitted in the suit and get you on that ramp. Mr Whittle has already been fitted." He pointed to a corner where a few male models, along with Ranold, were getting the last touches to their costumes.

He waved at us, looking smug and handsome in a royal purple three-piece suit. The perfect poster boy of the surfing society.

Actually, all the male models there were extremely tall with sculpted faces and bodies, which seemed to have been perfected after toiling for hours in the gym.

I couldn’t even imagine, five minutes in the gym and I would be bored to hell. I would rather keep my curves and meat.

Karsten found me staring at the half-naked male models, some of them were having their hair done, others were on final touches of makeup.

"Arata, why don’t you go and wait in the hall. Let the men get ready." He blocked my view with his broad chest and I had to purse my lips, understanding how he didn’t want me to ogle.

"Of course! Can’t wait to see you on the ramp." I gently rubbed his arm and raised myself on my toe before placing a small kiss on his cheek and retreating.

I could only guess that he must have rubbed the area where I had kissed him.