My CEO Boss Is A Masked Internet Sensation-Chapter 174: A Face From The Past

(Arata)

I was fully dressed and lined up at the end of the models. The stage was set and we could hear Karsten’s touching speech from the speakers as he inaugurated the event.

"I heard the hall is so filled that there is not even space to stand up." One of the models murmured to the other.

Someone else whispered. "It’s snowing outside, what a perfect day for the Winter Gala."

It was snowing...why did the fact suddenly make me feel sad?

Shoving down this impending feeling of something bad happening and the threat I had received I concentrated on the task at hand.

Once Karsten’s speech ended the announcement sounded for the ramp walk to begin.

Halima stood like an active lioness behind the stage curtains, holding her tablet and screaming orders in a low voice, ensuring everything went smoothly. She had eyes on everyone; no wonder she was the event manager.

The music hit and the first model confidently walked out.

~The show began~

At that moment, Karsten walked inside from the backdoor and my heart lurched as he was led towards the room to change.

For a split second, his dark and cold eyes wavered towards me; the warmth he had begun to carry in them for me was missing.

Averting his gaze, he disappeared into the room with two stylists.

What was wrong with me? Was I thinking too deeply? This was the middle of an important event and his mind must have been in a thousand places.

The models in front of me began to disappear one by one and return from the other side. My turn was near.

Halima rushed towards me, her flat shoes easing her pace.

"Arata, remember to smile as we had practised. Keep eye contact and your head high, and take a full twirl so they can observe the dress from all sides," she offered me last-minute advice.

I nodded, too nervous to speak. The cold sweat was breaking out on my temples as the time slipped near for my walk.

I stepped forward, halting just behind the curtain as the model in front of me exited through it, walked the side ramp and disappeared on the main one.

Closing my eyes, I filled my lungs with as much oxygen as possible and readied myself. Waiting for my cue. The thought of Zaylen and Stella being in the crowd gave me much-needed confidence.

’It’s just a walk!’

’It’s just a walk!’

I repeated to myself.

"Arata! Go." Halima urged from beside me as the music shifted.

Boldly I walked out, taking the side ramp. The music grew louder and so did the chatter of the crowd. The gold and blue lights danced, and the diamond one focused on me as I stepped out on the main runway.

The slow murmur of the crowd turned into a collective inhale as all eyes drilled and observed my walk and ensemble.

My heels clicked, and the base of my dress swayed while my movements synced with the blasting music. And then the sea of people in front of me hummed. Cameras flashed as my confident gaze sliced through the crowd.

With my spine erect and confidence oozing out of me, I smiled slowly while reaching the edge of the ramp. My eyes searched for two familiar faces as I paused with my shoulders back and chin tilted, the hand perfectly rested on my hip.

But the smile evaporated from my lips as my eyes locked with a familiar face, not belonging to my brother or best friend but a shadow from the past I never wanted to lay my eyes on ever again.

A cold shock went through me, slicing my heart as our eyes connected. He seemed as shocked as I was, even more so.

The crowd erupted at my elegant pause and I was hurtled back to reality. Snatching my gaze away from him, I immaculately took a swirl and began my walk back, forcing myself to smile. But my heart was thudding so loudly in my chest now, the blood roaring from rage in my veins.

How dare he? Most importantly why?

I arrived back and Halima and others congratulated me with big smiles. The hall was still thundering but my insides were in shambles.

All my instincts wished to find Karsten, but the men’s ramp walk was next, and I didn’t want to distract him.

Seething inside, I took my designated seat waiting for men to complete their walks so I could speak to Karsten. freewebnσvel.cѳm

He appeared, like thunder in the cold. Neat and effortless, the air seemed to move with him. The suit sat snugly against his tall and wide frame, whispering of his elegance and I couldn’t tear my eyes from him. He fumbled slightly with his cuff button and then his sultry eyes found me.

Instantly, a crease appeared on his perfect forehead; he knew something was wrong with me.

But Halima and the makeup artist wanting to give last-minute touches and instructions diverted his attention.

Needing air, I got up and slipped out through the backdoor. There were still 20 minutes before Karsten, and I were required to walk the ramp together, concluding the modelling event.

Caysir, as instructed by Karsten, tried to follow me, but I shook my head at him, wanting to be alone.

"Just give me two minutes, Caysir. I am going to be just outside."

I aimlessly wandered out, trying to breathe, away from this mayhem. When a familiar voice called me.

The voice which used to make me melt, what seemed like a lifetime away, but now it just turned my insides to stone.

I sharply turned, focusing my raging eyes on him.

"Why the hell are you here?" I almost shouted.

Raising his hands, he calmly answered but confusion was evident in his eyes. "I was invited."

"By whom? You shouldn’t be here," I blasted, my hands curling into hard fists. If only I could punch his stupid face, which, once in a lifetime, I used to find so handsome.

"Nor should you. Especially modelling for the man who broke us up," he replied in equal rage.

"What the fuck are you talking about? Andy Lawson."