(Arata)
As much as I wished to stay longer with my family, the ti to return to Marica had arrived. The following day, Baba’s private jet was going to take back. I didn’t object this ti when he offered it, knowing I would be safer.
"Take another week off," Baba suggested, holding close by the shoulder. All of us were sitting outside in the garden after dinner. We were reminiscing about our childhoods.
"I can’t Baba. My boss has been generous enough, I don’t want to take advantage of his generosity. I will visit after our Winter Gala." Sadness clouded his face and my heart ached as he said.
"I understand. We are also going to be busy with the launch of the Winter Collection, so we won’t be able to visit you."
"It’s fine. Sothing will co up, and we will et soon." I reassuringly smiled at him.
"I love your new pendant, sweetie. Blue rose is a symbol of rarity just like you," Mom complinted with a smile. Lifting the teacup, she helped herself to so chamomile tea.
"That our Arata is," Grandma added. She had finished the sweater she had been knitting and held it up so we could see.
The periwinkle blue thread she had used to knit this one, indicated the colour of the upcoming season.
"It’s gorgeous, Grandma," I complinted her as she watched from the rims of her glasses.
"I created it for you, take it along and wear it to work." She extended it towards and I graciously accepted.
"Yes, everyone should know how talented our grandma is." Zaylen wrapped his arms around her from behind and she bead, patting his hands.
Getting up, I hugged her, too, while our parents watched with satisfied smiles.
Our beautiful family, I wish we will always keep this strong bond going.
***
I bid farewell to them. Grandma gave a huge jar filled with delicious cookies.
"Tell your boss these have been made with love," Grandma ena told with a knowing smile and I kissed her cheek.
"You are the best."
"You take care, sweetie. Keep in contact." Mom hugged tightly and I felt her motherly love seeping into my existence.
"You too, Mom."
Zaylen and Baba drove to the airport. Once we arrived, he held against his chest for a long ti before letting go.
"Be safe, Arata. I love you."
"I love you too, Baba." I emotionally whispered back and hoped that whatever was following wouldn’t reach my family.
"Until next ti. I will co to attend the Winter Gala." Zaylen cheerfully said.
"I look forward to having you. Study well little brother." Ruffling his perfect hair, I snickered. He annoyedly groaned at .
Waving at them, I mounted the private jet. Baba remained there, watching with all of his fatherly affections.
I leaned into my comfortable leather seat and waved at him until both of us could no longer see each other.
Heaviness anchored itself into my heart and I wanted to cry.
I shook my head.
’No, Arata. You are stronger than this,’ I reminded myself.
Plugging in earbuds, I turned on the music to relax.
Taking out my phone, I texted Caysir, informing him of my schedule so he could pick up. After that, I texted Karsten.
{I am on my way and will arrive in a few hours.}
I didn’t have to wait much longer as his ssage dropped.
{Safe travels. Did you share your flight plan with Caysir?}
My thumbs rapidly moved as I typed back.
{I did, he will pick up.}
{Good, we have an important private event that needs to be attended tomorrow. The eting with the board of directors. There are quite a few nas you need to be familiar with as you will be attending it as my girlfriend. The dia won’t be there, so don’t worry about anything leaking to the press.}
His next ssage had slightly worried. I wished to remain in the shadows and was hoping that this relationship wouldn’t beco public knowledge. My family couldn’t know of my involvent with him.
{I will get all the information from Miranda and will be ready.} I texted back and put away my phone.
Soon, it pinged again, and I picked it up, guessing Karsten must have replied. But an unknown number flashed on my screen.
Swiping on it, I opened the ssage and almost dropped my phone while reading the text.
{Returning...I thought Baba’s princess had run away after my threat. Didn’t you go hide in the bloody arms of your father? I guess I underestimated you. Did you like the bird I sent? It resembled your hair colour. I do wonder if your blood will be as rich as that bird’s. I will be dropping more gifts for you. Arata Zyair. Welco back to your personal hell.}
An unshakable wave of dread fell over and I couldn’t stop shaking. The feeling of constantly being watched left extrely vulnerable and my eyes wouldn’t waver from the text.
Who was it?
What the hell did he want?
How did he know I was returning?
Did he follow to Angel City?
Was he constantly watching ?
Did he have caras everywhere?
The string of questions bombarded my brain and I wanted to scream.
I needed to decide if I was to share this with Karsten.
Was I ready to reveal my identity to him? Because this was getting out of hand and there was no way he could fully protect if he didn’t know who I was and why I could be targeted.
I had to make a decision and I had to make it fast. I refused to answer the asshole who was trying to scare and put away the phone.
Staring outside through the window, I decided to confide in Karsten about my real identity, knowing he would keep it a secret.
I trusted him.
The plane taxied on the runway and I gathered my stuff and exited it.
The harsh wind t and I was glad to have worn Grandma’s sweater.
Arriving at the private terminal, the staff handled my luggage. I left the terminal hoping to find Caysir waiting for .
I did, but he was not alone, Karsten was standing beside him with his usual stoic face. One hand in his pocket, the other holding a coffee cup.
Clad in his usual dull black suit. He was picture perfect like always.
My broody boss was here to receive and the thought made my heart lurch. I gulped as Caysir rushed to my side and greeted .
"Good evening, Miss Arata. I hope you had a safe flight."
"Good evening, Caysir, I did." He guided forward towards the car and I put on a smile as I neared my bossy boss.
Was there a hint of relief seeing ? Or did I imagine the movent on his hard, expressionless face? His scent hit in abundance, and like a greedy person, I inhaled first and spoke later.
"Good evening, Sir."
His lips just twitched a notch, and his pitch-black eyes ward up.
"Welco back, Arata."
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