My CEO Boss Is A Masked Internet Sensation-Chapter 198: A Night Out

(Karsten)

To my astonishment, on the way home, Arata struck up a conversation with me. Mostly, she ignored my existence and stared out.

"Don’t you get tired of making other people’s lives difficult?" She asked, staring at me as one does towards a clown.

Where was she coming from?

"Whatever do you mean?" I tilted my body so I could face her more properly. From the moment I made her sit in my lap, she had been fastening her seatbelt without me telling her.

"First me, now Nasia. Do you have a kink where you get off by making others suffer?" She deadpanned, staring me straight in the eyes, disappointment so visible on her face.

It grated at my heart, but I had to keep up the façade of not caring.

"Maybe, people should quit if they can’t handle criticism." I shrugged my shoulders at her.

"Constructive criticism is always welcome; humiliation, on the other hand, is not. Do better if you don’t want to end up and die alone," she retorted, giving me one last seething look and turning away.

Now that was harsh.

"Alone is better..." I mumbled, not knowing what to say that wouldn’t make her flare up, but maybe I needed to dial down on Nasia.

The girl was really trying and wasn’t the kind to cross boundaries. Still, I didn’t like anyone’s presence, especially in Arata’s place, and I wondered how I was going to survive once she was gone.

We arrived home, wrapped in such thoughts. Ma was waiting for us, wearing a tweed coat and flannel trousers.

"I am excited to see the city." She rubbed her hands together, and I smiled at her enthusiasm.

Stepping down, I held the door open for her so she could sit with Arata. Once she was settled, I climbed into the passenger seat with Olphi.

"Let’s head out. We will later stop at the restaurant," I told him as we set off.

"I want to do some shopping, so stop at a mall too," Ma called out from behind, and Olphi nodded.

We set off, the city had transformed into one giant Christmas-themed attraction. Christmas trees had sprung up in places while flashy decorations adorned the buildings, routes, shops and houses–so much colour against the white of the winter.

We arrived at a shopping mall and helped the ladies to alight from the car. Instantly, Ma took my arm, so Arata remained a step behind us. I nodded at Olphi to keep an eye on Arata.

Ma took us from shop to shop and was completely engrossed in buying gifts and getting them wrapped.

Occasionally, my eyes wavered to Arata. She was quiet but took an interest in shopping. When I tried to pay on her behalf, she sent me a death stare without speaking a word. I refused to make eye contact with her and calmly paid, knowing she wouldn’t say a word in front of Ma.

The decision didn’t sit well with her, as she didn’t buy anything else after that and just kept a feigned interest in what Ma was doing.

"We should put up the tree," Ma said while she tried on some pieces from one of the finest jewellery brands.

"I will have Olphi arrange for it," I assured her, and my eyes wandered to Arata. She was checking out some rings. The bright light brought out the rich colour of her beautiful hair, and I wished to touch it.

"Any you like?" I asked, drawing closer to her, knowing she wouldn’t give a snarky remark in front of my mother.

"No." She simply shook her head, but I could see her eyes shining with interest. Women loved jewellery, and I wished she would buy whatever she liked. But then I remembered how she had returned the necklace I had given her. That memory must have been haunting, so I didn’t push her.

"Arata, will you be a darling and help me in choosing some gifts for Roshra and my mother?" Ma called for Arata, and she instantly moved away to help her.

Taking that as an opportunity, I asked for some ruby earrings with long loops. The attendee was kind enough to show me their finest collection, and one particular set with large studded rubies in a loop caught my attention.

I envisioned Arata in those and knew they would be perfect for her. With Ma here, I knew she would have no choice but to accept my gift.

"Can I have these packed?" I asked, and the attendee offered a warm smile.

"Right away, Sir."

By the time I was done acquiring Christmas gifts for Arata and Ma, the ladies were done too.

"Get something for Asbela. She will go on leave for Christmas, and I want her to have a gift before she does."

Arata silently nodded at me, and we continued our shopping. I chose gifts for Ma, Grandma, my siblings, Ranold and Olphi, had them wrapped and was done for the day. Ladies seemed tired too, while Olphi’s arms were full.

"I am tired and hungry. Let’s call it a day and head over to eat something," Ma suggested, and everyone unanimously agreed.

We arrived at my favourite restaurant and I guided the ladies inside. The attendant took our coats while the steward greeted us with a kind smile and flowers for Arata and Ma.

"Welcome, Mr Karsten. We have your usual table ready." He guided us to the secluded table near the window. It offered the best view.

The lights were kept low, and soft jazz music played, invigorating the senses. I loved the ambience of this place with its dull colours and neat environment. Plus, the food here was exactly the way I loved it.

"I love this place, Karsten," Ma enthusiastically said. Whenever she visited, I always brought her here.

We settled down, and Arata brought the small bouquet closer to her nose, smelling it with her eyes shut. Her long lashes brushed against her soft skin. frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓

The time halted as I watched her pretty face, her petal-like lips which had parted just slightly. I could still remember their taste and wondered if she would ever let me kiss her again.

She was so soft; every part of her was like cotton candy, and I could never get enough of her. But whatever we had begun had ended before I could fully grasp its meaning.

My fantasies continued and I didn’t realise when someone sneaked up to us and began throwing nonsense.

"Mr Karsten, Miss Arata. Are you guys dating in real? Are the rumours about your secret engagement true?"

Arata’s eyes snapped open, and so much pain radiated on her soft features, morphing them into marble. Her disturbed gaze travelled towards me.

My anger surged and I wanted to get up and punch the fucker who had tried to destroy the night out with my family.

"Don’t you have anything better to do than sneak up on people in their private time?" I said between gritted teeth, my hands fisting as they rested on the table. I held myself back from getting up and punching him.

The rage completely blinded me because I hated the breach of privacy.