My CEO Boss Is A Masked Internet Sensation-Chapter 48: Going To Arata’s Aid

(Karsten)

My family threw all kinds of difficult questions towards Arata but she handled it with grace and ease, carrying herself with finesse. Roshra did ease out Ma’s behaviour, and as much as I loved my sister, she was too loud, while Raysir was least interested.

God, she looked stunning even without her real hair set, and I had difficulty keeping my eyes off her.

Ma was being vindictive and ticked me off again and again, but I tried to avoid confrontation, knowing she would be more pissed if I interfered too much.

She had been through a lot in life and hence, she wanted to be in control and choose a life partner for me by herself. She didn’t understand that marriage was not for me.

The food was served and we began to eat. Suddenly, I felt Arata stiffening beside me. My eyes wavered towards her, and I found horror flashing on her face as she quickly grabbed a napkin, wiped her face, and excused herself.

Grandma and Ma were deep in conversation about the new property they were acquiring and my siblings were fighting as usual while they ate. Although Roshra and Grandma nodded at Arata, no one saw her walk away, but I did.

"....."

This was bad. She needed immediate help. I should have asked Roshra or a female staff member, but I knew they would later talk about it with others, and that’s exactly what I didn’t want.

Roshra was too close to Ma, and although she was nice, she shared everything with her, and that’s not something Arata would be comfortable with others speaking about the mishap that had just occurred.

Quietly I excused myself too and followed Arata. I knew she had gone to the ladies’ restroom. We had the place to ourselves, so I knew there wouldn’t be anyone inside except Arata, and she must be freaking out.

Slowly I pushed open the door and entered the ladies’ room. One of the stalls was occupied. I stood quietly for a while when I heard her cursing from inside followed by an agonising groan.

"Fuck! Arghh!"

Was she in pain?

That tortured cry seemed to have pierced my heart like a needle, and my feet moved on their own, and I gently knocked on the door.

"Arata?" My desperation rang out before I could control it.

"S...Sir....Karsten..." she painfully answered.

"Is everything well?" I placed my hand on the door and listened.

Silence followed as if she was trying to string words together before replying.

"Umm...actually, no..." She was hesitant now, and I knew she was embarrassed as well. It was personal for women, and at the end of the day, I was her boss.

"Talk to me. I will help without judgment." I had to reassure her that I wouldn’t let anyone embarrass her or make fun of something which was a natural occurrence.

"...."

More silence. I waited patiently.

"I promise it will remain between us," I spoke again, breaking the heavy silence.

"My dress is ruined....can you pass me some paper towels and get me something to wear," she finally responded.

Without thinking I instantly unbuttoned my shirt, taking it off before grabbing as many tissues as I could. Knocking on the wooden door, I waited for her to open.

"Here, wear this. I will get you everything else."

She partially opened the door and peeked outside. Her beautiful face was grimacing in pain as she extended her shaking hand and took the shirt and paper towels from me.

A grateful nod she offered, her eyes holding reverence while she closed the cubicle door.

I spoke again. "I will take you to your room, let me know what else you need?"

After a moment she answered.

"What about your family?" I heard the rustling of clothes, she was putting on my shirt.

"I will handle them, don’t worry."

Soon, the door opened, and Arata emerged, trying to keep her posture straight, but her shoulders had stooped. The pained expression told me all was not well. She refused to meet my eyes as if embarrassed.

She had pulled on my shirt over her dress since it was longer, it covered her back. Her shapely breasts had stretched it over her chest and I would be lying if I didn’t think I wished to see her only in my shirt.

Pausing in front of me she quietly whimpered, still unable to gaze at me, she bore her eyes into the ground. Her hands twitched with each other.

"I might need a few more things."

Without waiting for a breath, I quickly said.

"I will get them, tell me."

The colour on her cheeks deepened to bright red and for the first time, it seemed she was lost on what to say. Her eyes tried their damndest not to stare at my bare chest or me.

Extending my hand I placed it under her chin and slowly tilted her head so she would look at me instead of staring at the ground. My thumb gently rubbed on her smooth cheek.

"Don’t hesitate. I might be a fake boyfriend, but this week, you are under my care, and I will provide everything you might need. Speak freely."

She didn’t pull away from my touch as I had expected; her heavy lashes fluttered as something passed into her soft blue eyes, and she willed herself to speak.

"I would need some sanitary pads and a warming bottle." She blushed so hard but didn’t tear her gaze from mine. Her eyes were watery and features of her face revealed she was in pain, most probably cramps.

"Come!" I placed a gentle arm around her waist and guided her forward. My priority was to take her to her designated room. We would stay the night here and accompany to Ma’s place the next day, considering how the events had folded.

Arata was quiet as she let me guide her forward. Taking out my cell phone, I quickly typed a message to Olphi and told him to fetch some pads and a warming bottle.

We reached the room and I threw open the door so she could enter while I paused at the door.

"They will be here, change and rest, I will handle everything else." She appreciatively nodded but said in a pained voice.

"Sorry, I ruined the dress and the evening." She held her stomach and I couldn’t just ignore it any longer.

"It’s not your fault, that’s a natural process and I’ll buy you a new dress. Don’t worry about it." Pausing, I let her take in what I said before asking. "Are you in pain?"

Reluctantly, she gave me a small nod, and I felt the pricking pain in my chest.

"I will get you something for it. Go rest, we will spend the night here and leave for Ma’s tomorrow." I informed her of the changed plan. Knowing my mother, I didn’t want her to make Arata uncomfortable with more questions.

"Thank you!" She whispered in appreciation and closed the door. I headed to my room and put on a shirt before heading downstairs. An explanation to my family was needed without raising suspicions. They were expectantly waiting for me, all eyes remained focused on my face.

"What happened? Where did both of you disappear to?" Ma asked as soon as I settled down and pulled my chair in.

Placing my hands on the table, I began.

"Arata is not feeling well; I think she got some allergic reaction from one of the foods, so she is resting. We will stay the night here and join you tomorrow," I explained, keeping my face straight.

"Oh! Poor girl. Bring her home, we will care for her," Nana quickly spoke but I reassuringly smiled.

"It’s fine, Nana. Let your grandson score some points." I purposely winked at her and her smile deepened.

Roshra gushed at my words while Raysir snorted.

"Such a charmer." I glared at Raysir, we didn’t share the best of relationships and barely tolerated each other. Ma had spoiled him too much.

"Are you sure she is not faking it so she won’t have to tolerate us more?" Ma asked, sarcastically twisting her lips and I turned my face towards her.

"I am certain, Ma. Just give her a chance and I am sure you will like her," I tried to put some sense into her.

"Not in a thousand years. Urisa is the only woman for you in my eyes." She delicately dabbed her lips and stood up, her face hardening.

Nana sighed in frustration. "Camilla, you are being stubborn as always. We have hardly met for an hour with Arata. Give it time."

But my mother was a truly stubborn woman and it wasn’t easy to change her mind once she formed an opinion.

The discussion with my family lasted a few more minutes but I was able to send them away with the promise of meeting the next day.

My next destination was the kitchen, as Olphi had texted me that he had brought everything I had asked for.