My CEO Boss Is A Masked Internet Sensation-Chapter 39: The Announcement

(Arata)

Did he have to drop the bomb like that?

Couldn’t he give me a heads-up that he was about to make the announcement in front of the whole staff?

My expressions soured as heat rose in my body. Every eye in the office was focused on me, some in bewilderment, others in awe.

A few were astonished, blinking at me and then back at their boss.

His hand pressed my shoulder as his hard fingers dug into my flesh, not to hurt but to bring me out of my stupor.

He murmured under his breath.

"Smile!"

I did–forcefully but I had signed a contract and needed to play the part.

His warmth was reassuring and his hand loosened against my skin, his fingers rubbing it slowly now. The whiffs of his cologne slightly calmed the agitated beatings of my heart.

Did he do it on purpose?

Or was it the spur-of-the-moment decision just because Ranold asked me to bring him coffee?

Whatever the reason, he and I were going to have words on this. He can’t just spring such decisions like that on me.

"What fantastic news," Ranold chuckled, slapping his blonde hair away from his forehead.

Murmurs of congratulations rang out as I kept the façade up.

"I want everyone to show her the respect that comes with her status. Also, no way is this news to be leaked to the press. I will announce it when I feel it necessary," he warned, his voice brisk with authority.

Every head in the room nodded apart from Ranold, the man had an annoying smirk spread on his handsome face. Getting up he headed to the coffee machine to pour himself a cup of coffee.

I had begun to think he had done this on purpose to rile Karsten up and have him announce this.

"Let go," I said quietly and he unwrapped his arm from around me.

I tried to glance in his direction to assess what state his mood was running in, but I couldn’t. A darkness was dragging me down.

The feeling was weird, someone calling me girlfriend again. I was by no means prepared for a relationship, and although this one was just a pretence, it still gnawed at my soul.

It brought back memories, the ones I was trying to suppress but certainly had no control over.

The meeting ended on a high note, with Karsten passing several instructions and innovative ideas about the new winter launch.

Miranda stayed behind while we guided the clean-up crew. She picked up on my mood and sympathetically said.

"You good? I understand if you are feeling overwhelmed. Mr Karsten can have that effect on others."

I shook my head while placing his cookies in the jar and sealing it.

"It’s not that, it was just a bit sudden."

She patted my shoulder in understanding. Her fingers were decorated with rings studded with all kinds of heavy stones.

"I totally understand."

I needed to speak with him so after our work was done, I made my way to his office.

Once his voice boomed through the speaker, I pushed the door open and entered.

He was busy on the phone with his face towards the window and back facing me. I waited for him to finish the call.

He finally turned, his steely gaze finding mine. A single wrinkle on his forehead, demanding why I was there.

"There are a few points I want to discuss," I answered without reluctance.

He took a step towards his desk and placed his palms on it, bending slightly as a predator got ready to pounce on his prey.

With laser-focused precision his dark charcoal eyes found me.

Sadly for him, I was no prey.

"I am listening."

I folded my arms over my breasts and flatly told him.

"Next time you would want to make such an announcement, a warning would be nice. I don’t like being pushed into such situations."

He simply blinked at me as if I was making some unreasonable demand. Silence thickened between us.

My heart pounded, faster and faster until it was the only sound in my ears.

’Speak already,’ I shouted in my head.

"..."

He finally did.

"No one should be ordering you around, except me. I had to make the announcement and I think it was the perfect time. You should be prepared for such scenarios. It’s part of your job."

Of course, what else was I expecting? I frustratedly exhaled but he wasn’t done.

"Maybe, you are more upset because I placed my arm around you without your consent. But it should have been clear to you, this would come with the part..."

He sized me up again, his gaze slowly slithering down my body. Making me feel vulnerable and exposed but not in a way I hated. There was just something about his glances that was unnerving and yet exciting. Like Azul. Both had this dominant energy about them which twisted my womanly organs.

"I understand that, Sir. That’s not what I meant..." I blurted out.

Why did his words suddenly anger me?

"Then there is nothing to complain about or do you have anything else to add?" He questioned.

"Actually there is. There was no need to make personal attacks on your employees. I am referring to Chan."

This time it was Karsten’s turn to snort and shake his head.

"Chan does not have a fragile ego and I always reprimand him like that. He knows and understands me. This was just a warning that you are not to be flirted with because that’s his habit. Although he is harmless I won’t let anyone flirt with my fake girlfriend in the office. We have to keep it real if this is to work, and for that, I have to act as a possessive, overbearing boyfriend. I hope this clears it up," he summed it up for me.

Seeing my lips still forming a hard line of displeasure, he straightened up and thrust his hands into his pockets. Rounding his desk, he leisurely sauntered towards me and halted a few inches away.

"You should give me tome of instructions regarding you," I said frustratedly.

"What am I? A complicated machine?" A hint of amusement could be detected in his words.

’No, Sir! more like a damn freezer with that personality and attitude?’ My mind conjured up images of him looking like a freezer, I had to shake them away.

"No! But you are complicated."

His posture seemed much more relaxed now, that intense energy seemed to have dialled down a notch.

"Trust me, Arata. I know what I am doing and I take care of my employees. I may look like a dictator but it’s for the betterment of everyone. So go home and relax."

Damn, was he being kind to me right now.

Why was his voice so smooth and husky? Like a comforting symphony.

Without knowing I found myself nodding at him.

"Tonight I am taking you for a dress fitting. I will pick you up at sharp 9. Be ready."

These were his final instructions before I left his office, wondering what type of dress he would want me to choose.

Will he choose it himself or it will be my choice?