Running from Him by YH Yohi

Chapter 5 - The New CEO

The morning has a hassle, finding one's way in the large building was no easy task. Pari absolutely loathed it, especially since she had to lie half the time. But the rest of the day went smoothly, Pari was excited and awed by the interiors and the professionalism. 

"Riona?....Riona?"

"Yes, yes. Sorry" Pari jerked in suprise. It will take some time before she gets used to that name.

"Need any help here?" A neatly-dressed pleasant looking man, appeared from behind her. 

"Ah, no Mr. Namer. Thank you"

"That's good" He gave her a small smile and returned back to his seat. Pari followed him with a cup of coffee she was making and quietly placed it on his table.

"Thank you Pari"

"Thank you Mr. Namer" Pari quickly replied 

"For what?"

"Well, for patiently helping me" she bent slightly and whispered "The other interns are having a terrible time already" she slightly laughed as they both looked over at the young interns scurrying about as their supervisors barked commands. Power sure does corrupt.

Mr. Namer laughed as he looked up at Pari "Well, I'm glad you see that" he mockingly dusted invisible dust off his shoulder. Pari giggled. 

She liked Mr. Namer. Each intern was assigned to a full-time employee who was responsible to train them.  Luckily, she got Mr.Namer, he seemed a to be in his late twenties, and to describe in one word, he seemed kind. Unlike with Mr. Arin, looks didn't deceive this time- just like his pleasant demeanor, Mr. Namer was compassionate and considerate. She took an instant liking to him. His kindness made her want to do a good job.

"Mr. Namer is there anything else I can help with?" Pari shyly pushed her glasses up as she looked at him. His eyes was a enticing shade of amber, which suited his face. Mr. Namer looked at her for a moment, but before he opened his mouth

"If you two are done talking, mind joining us?" A loud threatening voice intruded their conversation. Oh god, it was their team leader. Pari did not like her. She always looked like she was plotting a murder. Pari quickly ran around Mr. Namer's desk when she realized everyone had already gathered around her. 

"Everyone here?"

"Yes Ma'am"

"I have an announcement, our new CEO will be here by lunch time. He will be visiting all the floors today, I expect all of you to be at your best behavior. Is that understood?!"

"Yes Ma'am" everyone replied in unison

"Ma'am" a quiet voice drew attention to the back of the crowd, a short curvy woman with beautiful curls, in her 30's.

"Say it Ms. Renny"

"What is our new CEO like?"

"Now, it doesn't concern mere employees like us, does it? Whether the CEO is young or old, kind or strict?" she cocked her eyebrow. Pari seriously didn't like her.

"No Ma'am I meant..."

"Well, he is young but very able. He is respected in the business circle and brought many companies like ours back on track. Does that answer your question Ms. Renny?"

"Yes Ma'am"

"Good, go back to work. Remember, no mistakes" She shooed the employee nonchalantly

"Yes Ma'am" everyone returned to their seats. 

Pari sat on her desk, organizing it. She was excited to start afresh when suddenly her private-use phone rang. Unknown number. Pari looked around to see everyone hurrying and working diligently, so she quietly made way to the corridor. She answered the phone:

"Hello?"

A low-pitched voice triumphantly replied "Long time Pari"

"I'm sorry, but who is this?"

"I'm disappointed love, you already forgot me" the man feigned shock. Love? Only one person spoke to her that way.

"Mr. Arin?"

"Yes, love?" Sarcasm dripped from his voice

"How did you get my private number?"

"Clearly you underestimate me"

"What do you want?!" Pari's patience was pushed to the brink

"Let's meet"

"What? No. I think I had it clear in our last meeting Mr. Arin. We have no business."

"No, we do"

"About?"

"Our marriage of course" Arin scoffed like it was the most obvious thing. 

The nerve of this man. Pari clenched her fists.

"I suspected this before, but I'm sure now, Mr. Arin, you are demented. The only person you need to meet now is the psychiatrist. Goodbye!". Pari slammed the off button. Pari was breathless, anger rose as she held her chest, trying to calm herself.

"Riona? is everything alright?" Mr. Namer seemed worried as he appeared behind her again.

"Oh Mr. Namer, when did you come here?"

"Just now. Is everything alright?"

"Yes, yes all good. Is there something you need?"

"Not really" hearing this Pari scrunched her brows questioningly at Mr. Namer. Explaining, Mr. Namer shyly rubbed the back of his neck.

"Did you get your lunch?"

"No" Pari softly replied

"Good"

"Pardon?"

"Some of us are going to grab lunch at the café across the road. Would you like to join us?"

"Oh, can I?"

"Of course, if you want that is" Pari couldn't help but smile. At least someone understood 'consent'.

"Sure, I'd love that!" 

"Oh, great, great. See you in lunch." Namer excitedly chirped. Cute. 

Both returned to their desks. Another intern, and Pari's first friend at AISC, Karen came running towards Pari.

"Riona, where were you?!" she was breathless

"Calm down Karen, what's the matter?"

"The new CEO is here, he walked around the office, and is in the team leader's office right now. Look!" She pointed to the glass wall, that formed a separate cabinet. All eyes in the office were glued to the man's back. Team leader and a few other seniors stood around him stiff. What a sight to behold haha.

From his physique he looked quite young, as the suit perfectly hugged his figure, highlighting each of his sculpted muscle. 

"Drool worthy right? His face was even better" Karen softly whispered, they quietly giggled as Pari rolled her eye. 

The man suddenly got up and turned, Karen ran back to her seat as everyone quickly averted their eyes to their screens, trying to steal glances. The sun fell gracefully on his face painting it bronze...

Oh god, it was the face of Pari's nightmares.

Shocked she quickly hid behind her monitor. As she pulled up her mask higher, praying that the floor swallows her whole. 

"no, no, no please no. It can't be. Oh god please no" she mumbled as she rubbed her eyes and slowly lifted her head, still keeping her face hidden. Her eyes hadn't betrayed her, he was there. Pari's palms sweated as she nervously bit her lower lip. 

She looked up one last time to glance at the retreating figure, to confirm just one last time. Her heart dropped to her stomach.

Indeed, her new CEO was Arin Kare!