My CEO Boss Is A Masked Internet Sensation-Chapter 59: Returning To Marica

(Arata)

We said goodbye to Karsten’s family. Raysir had already left, so I didn’t get to see him, but Roshra hugged me like she was my best friend instead of Stella. She exchanged numbers with me and excitedly said.

"I will call you when I visit Marica, we can have a girl’s night out." She was a makeup artist and it showed in the way she always had tons of it on.

"You are on." I placed my phone back in my handbag.

"Here, this is for you. I made this." Grandma Martina presented me with what seemed like a crocheted sea-green poncho.

I accepted it with gratitude. The wool was soft, and the stitching was in a wave-like pattern, complimenting the colour. My grandma had made me plenty of crocheted sweaters and shirts and I loved them.

"This is very beautiful and thoughtful of you. Thank you, Grandma Martina." My words seemed to have delighted her, for she stepped forward and hugged me.

"Visit us again and continue being who you are, chica bonita." The smile on her wisdom-ridden face was genuine, and she reminded me of my grandma.

Camilla remained indifferent but she did hug me when Grandma Martina sent her a seething glare. She enthusiastically hugged her son though.

"Brother, don’t forget to send me an invitation with a plus one for the winter gala." Roshra enthusiastically hugged Karsten, and a tiny smile sprang upon his lips.

"I will."

Our journey on the plane was quiet, with me constantly worrying about reaching home before the arrival of my parents.

Karsten had put on "Death Note" and was watching it in a relaxed manner. The slate grey he had chosen to wear today reflected his grey mood.

He hadn’t addressed our night shenanigans any further and mostly ignored me, and I had no desire to bring that up.

I stared out of the window at the vast blue sea below where ships were sprinkled like crumbs over it. The vastness of the oceans always fascinated me.

Soon, we landed, and Karsten’s car was already there. I texted Stella to inquire about my parents and she gave me the good news that they hadn’t arrived.

I sat stiffly, hoping that I would make it before them and they wouldn’t discover that I wasn’t home. My hands nervously clutched in my lap. Karsten must have sensed my tenseness.

"I will get you home before your parents arrive," his voice came all calm and I would be lying if I said it didn’t release a bit of tension from my muscles.

I just hoped that Baba wouldn’t come face to face with Karsten or my cover would be blown. The very thought raised my anxiety even more.

"Yeah, I am counting on it."

Karsten turned his head and watched me closely before grumpily speaking.

"Whatever happened between us during the weekend should be erased when you return to work on Monday. We will not speak about it nor does it mean anything. Are we clear on this?"

Of course! He would return to his steely self.

"Understood, Sir! I know how to remain professional." I pushed my glasses back.

"That’s what I trust you to do." As soon as he said these words, the car came to a halt in front of my apartment.

Picking up my handbag, I got ready to exit the car when Karsten hesitated before saying.

"Wait!"

I halted and turned to watch him and our eyes found each other.

I didn’t imagine the hints of gratitude there? And then he spoke leaving me speechless.

"Thank you! Arata. You did well." I froze at his words.

Did my colder-than-iceberg boss just appreciate me?

Blinked....I stupidly blinked at him again, lost on what to say.

"Okay, you don’t have to act so stunned. It’s not like the first time..." I cut him out with the wave of my hand in front of my widened eyes to ensure I wasn’t dreaming.

"I am awake, right? You just thanked me? And yes it is the first time." I flatly told him and he just shrugged his broad shoulders.

"I guess there is a first time for everything."

I couldn’t help but finally smile triumphantly. Eliciting a thanks from him was by no means a small feat.

"I had a good time too. Good evening, Sir. I will see you tomorrow."

Olphi opened the door for me and I stepped out into the crisp air, wrapping my coat around me. As usual, the car stayed until I had swiped my card and entered the building. Olphi placed my suitcase inside even though I insisted I could carry it. Only then did the car move away.

I waved hello to Swera on the desk and she waved back. Taking long strides I headed for the elevator to reach my apartment so I would be in comfy clothes before they arrived.

Stella was impatiently waiting. Throwing her arms around me she crushed me to her chest.

"Right on time, they have just landed. Let’s get you out of this hideous wig and all cleaned up."

She rushed me to the bathroom and handed me comfy purple trousers and a shirt.

"It’s good to see you too, Stel," I teased before shutting the door.

By the time I had emerged from the bathroom, Stella had stored away my suitcase and placed my handbag inside the closet.

"They are here, I just allowed them in. Remember to act surprised." She filled me in while tying my hair with a hairband.

Excitement ran through me. It had been about three weeks since I saw them last. I missed them immensely and there was no other soul in the world who could love me like they did.

Parents’ love was unmatched—eternal.

With shaking hands, I clicked on the flatscreen and put on a random movie.

A subtle knock on the door had my heart racing faster and Stella rushed to the door to open it.

Their calming voices came through as she opened the door and greeted them; with my hammering heart, I turned my head to find them beaming at me from the doorstep.