Running from Him by YH Yohi

Chapter 6 - Did he recognize her?

Pari peeked from between the leaves to get a clear view of the entrance. She stood timidly at the corner of the building behind the pots of plants as she had to wait till the coast was clear. Then she hurriedly sprinted to her floor, avoiding the elevator at all costs and barely left her desk unless it was necessary. 

3 days had passed since, she never saw Arin at office, nor did he contact her again. He must have been busy with work. After all, rebuilding an entire company was no easy feat. But Pari felt unease, this calmness seemed like the peace before the storm. 

"Riona, your food is getting cold" Karen slightly nudged Pari's shoulder as they sat together in the company cafeteria. "What are you thinking about?"

Pari lazily played with her fork, she lied "Nothing, just thinking about our team's proposal" 

"Oh my, I'm so nervous too. But I'm sure Mr. Namer and Mr. Kataria did a good job of it"

"Yes, hopefully"

"Should we get them something to drink? They are literally walking around like racoon zombies"

Pari couldn't help but laugh, wondering where this girl churns out all those vivid images. Things were a bit busy lately, with the new CEO. Our team leader, being the suck-up that she is, fought with the other teams to get more projects without even consulting her team or paying heed to the piles of pending work. Among them was an important project that Arin was personally supervising so Mr. Namer had his work cut out for him. Pari pitied him.

"It's clearly taking a toll of Mr.Namer's handsome face" Karen added as she looked into the distance dreamily.

"Oh so now you find Mr. Namer pretty? Just a few days ago someone was drooling over the CEO" Pari teased her.

"Hey hey, Mr. Namer is good-looking but our new CEO is a whole new league" she squealed drawing attention from other employees. Pari softly elbowed her to shut her up. They quickly cleared their tray and left the cafeteria. Pari had picked up a few sandwiches for the team, since they barely left the office for a break. Poor things, is this what being an office worker was?

"Thanks Riona" Mr. Namer looked at her gratefully

"No problem Mr. Namer, should I get you a drink for something?" Pari was already turning around.

"No wait, this is enough. Besides, I suggest you to go get ready" He smiled brightly

"Go where?"

"Well, our CEO was very impressed with our team's work and wants to meet us!" 

"OMG, I'm so happy for you Mr. Namer, you deserved it, but...but why should I get ready?"

"I just told you, the CEO wants to meet our team. And you are a part of it"

A shadow fell over Pari's face, was this her doomsday, is this it? Namer just looked at her expecting her to jump up excitedly, but instead she just stood their with an emo smile. What's left now?

"Riona, you okay?"

"Yes, Mr Namer. All good"

"You sure? You look pale"

"Yes, just a little nervous ha..ha...........ha"

Namer wasn't convinced but decided to let it go as there was still a lot to finish. Pari slowly dragged herself to the restroom. She straightened the wrinkles on her collar and combed back her hair. She stared at her reflection, she's not a coward and they have barely met enough times for him to recognize her. Armed with her mask and glasses, she doubted he would see through her new identity. But she didn't want to leave without trying.