(Arata)
He grabbed my wrist with such urgency, his voice coming out desperate as he called my na.
"Arata..."
An hour ago, I would have lted at this action, but right now, I wanted to punch his face.
Turning to face him with my head high and my eyes piercing into his, letting him know I wasn’t intimidated but I also didn’t trust myself in that mont.
I could seriously hurt him and that’s not what I wanted. But I paused for a second, giving him ti to say sothing along the lines of ’I love you too.’
But what was I thinking? And from whom was I holding out hope.
He only stared at with pity and a certain detachnt I could sense from his body language.
Fuck that! His pity was the last thing I needed as if I was starved for attention from the mighty Karsten Chevalier.
Jerking my arm from his hold I lashed out at him.
"Don’t Arata . Stay the fuck away."
The pain that radiated on his face at my words was imasurable but was it anywhere near to what my heart was experiencing?
"I know you are hurt. Don’t make any rash decisions in the heat of the mont. Talk to and I will explain everything," he pleaded but didn’t try to reach out for again, keeping his hands to himself.
If he felt any shard of love for , I would be wrapped in his arms, being comforted by his solid body and calming presence.
But, no. He was just being careful.
"Talk to you about what? That you are a fucking liar? Soone incapable of loving another soul." Karsten flinched at those words, his darkened eyes held regrets.
Regret that I had fallen in love with him?
I didn’t want to bring up the video Andy had shown .
That I would investigate on my own. To , that felt like soone was implicating Karsten. But it could be true.
The reality was, I didn’t know Karsten like I thought I did.
Right then, I couldn’t trust anyone but myself, and the thought that he didn’t even address the issue of my feelings made wish to lash out at him more.
Suffocating, his presence was suffocating . The necklace I used to adore felt like a collar around my neck. A few seconds more and I would fully explode. Turning away I threw the door open and escaped his hurting presence.
That man was only going to give more misery and heartbreaks.
I only had myself to bla; I should never have opened my heart to him when he repeatedly said he wouldn’t love .
Wiping away my tears because I didn’t want any speculations or gossip to erupt, I plastered a fake smile on my face and headed to find my brother and best friend.
"Good job, Arata."
"You were a stunner."
Praise flew from around as models and backstage staff changed and cleared the place.
I nodded in gratitude at everyone and extracted my phone from the inner folds of my dress.
I was about to text Zaylen when I saw his ssage already sitting in my inbox.
I clicked open and read.
"Arata, there is an ergency back ho. Stella and I need to return tonight. Find us whenever you see this."
My heart sank, thinking what must have happened. I dialled Zaylen’s number and he told they were in the parking lot waiting for .
As I left backstage Caysir quietly followed .
I rushed towards the stairs while Caysir remained on my heels.
Arriving in the guest parking lot, I threw the door open and Caysir picked up his pace and levelled his steps with mine.
"Miss Arata, whom are you looking for? Please, calm down." Karsten must have texted him or there wouldn’t be such urgency in his voice.
"I am looking for my brother," I told him, trying to ignore the pain, slashing at my heart and keeping the tears on hold.
"Follow , Miss Arata." Caysir took calm steps and led towards where he had parked the car. He stayed back.
Stella was pacing in front of the car wearing a fur-thed pink dress while Zaylen was leaning against the car.
Their grim faces revealed sothing was terribly wrong.
"What happened?" I demanded, rushing forward while trying not to trip in long heels and this dress, which I should have changed.
Zaylen’s eyes slithered towards and he calmly straightened up to advance forward. His arms wrapped around my shoulders, pulling into his brotherly embrace.
"It’s alright; Aunt Huria fell down the stairs and hurt her knee. But don’t worry, she is out of danger."
"What?" This couldn’t be happening.
My eyes went to Stella and she was just ending the call and had tears rolling down her cheeks. I rushed to comfort my best friend, forgetting all the ache in my heart and what had transpired.
"Stella, how is Aunt Huria?" I held her shoulder and wiped the tears from her face.
"No broken bones, but she is pretty shaken up, and her knee is pretty hurt. We will need to get back," she explained and I felt a small relief. A broken bone would have been a disaster.
"I understand. Let’s get ho, and Caysir will take you guys to the airport."
"Sorry, we ruined your evening. You were phenonal on the stage," Stella sadly said as I walked her towards the car.
"It’s not even that important, Stel. Family always cos first." The event had already left such a bad taste in my mouth. There was so much I needed to tell both of them but this was not even the appropriate ti.
We headed towards my apartnt and Zaylen spoke from the front.
"You were dazzling on the stage, Ara. Especially with Karsten. Everyone was really buying into the story of both of you being a thing."
My heart painfully jolted in my chest but I pushed the tears away. They couldn’t see vulnerable at that mont. Not until I had all the answers.
"It was just for the event. dia is going to gobble up the gossip," I tried to reassure him while Stella passed a look but stayed quiet.
My phone buzzed a few tis but I ignored knowing it was either Karsten or the smug stalker.
We arrived back at my apartnt and Caysir stayed in the car. Stella and Zaylen packed hurriedly.
"Give my love to Aunt Huria. I will try to visit as soon as possible and will call her once she is in less pain." I hugged Stella and she nodded at .
"Take care, sister. Sorry, I couldn’t et your boss. But hopefully next ti." Zaylen offered a hug, and I gave him a wounded smile.
"Give love to Mom and Baba for . I will co soon." I wasn’t even sure what was left for in Marica City but I couldn’t leave until I got the truth.
My family left, taking their warmth with them. They were supposed to stay at least for three more days, but now here I was, slumped over my lounger in that fucking dress with my phone constantly ringing.
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