My CEO Boss Is A Masked Internet Sensation-Chapter 156: The Solo Ramp Walk

(Arata)

Halima gave me a sharp look up and down like a scanner and then her questioning eyes went to Karsten.

"Arata can decide for herself but my vote is yes." Karsten reassuringly placed his hand on the small of my back. freēwēbηovel.c૦m

"Umm...I am not sure. I am not Amanda or have walked the ramp for the past year or two," I answered honestly.

"It doesn’t matter. You have the height and I like the uniqueness you can offer to the ramp. I can guide you if you want," Halima told me while tapping her tablet with the stylus.

"Go for it, Arata. Don’t let anyone hold you back," Ranold spoke with his arms crossed as he leaned against the table.

The important people already knew who I was; even the stalker knew, so what was the point of hiding?

Besides, I would get to be closer to Karsten, my heart wasn’t ready to see any other woman in his proximity.

I shot a quick glance towards Karsten and he offered me an encouraging nod.

The thrill of taking the ramp got the better of me, and I gave in.

"Alright, let’s do this."

My words seemed to have delighted Karsten, for he gently rubbed my back.

Ranold’s smile widened; he was obsessed with putting me on that ramp and it seemed like his wish had been granted.

Halima began. "Perfect, we will need adjustments to the dress..."

She was interrupted by Karsten.

"Arata won’t wear the dress Amanda was going to use. I have a dress for her and it will be ready by tomorrow. Get her on the ramp so she can begin her training and leave the dress to me."

Halima nodded, turning her attention towards me.

"Come now, we should begin. Time is not on our side."

Casting a last glance towards Karsten I let Halima take me away, wondering which dress he was talking about.

Halima led me towards the ramp, a few models were practising their walks.

"Okay, people vacate the runway. I need it empty." Halima clapped her hands together and everyone scurried away without complaints.

A few looks were passed and whispers appeared here and there. I knew Halima was professional, and nothing out of the blue would happen.

Halima held authority—the woman, who seemed to be in her early forties, turned to me and said with all sincerity.

"Arata, I know you are Mr Karsten’s girlfriend but this ramp is a place where you leave every title behind. Here you are only a model showing the garb you have been given, so I need your best. Is that clear?"

"Yes, ma’am. I will try my best." I sucked in a deep breath as one of the helpers brought 3 inches-long heels for me to wear since I didn’t have heels on.

"Alright, then change and let’s start." I took off my low-heeled court shoes and put on the long black heels.

Letting my feet get adjusted to the feeling, I took a few steps and knew they were comfortable. I had worn heels all my life, some even four inches long, this shouldn’t be a problem.

Halima left me backstage, and one of the helpers asked while positioning me right behind the curtains.

"Are you comfortable?"

When I nodded in affirmation she gave me some tips with a smile.

"Remember to take a deep breath and not let your mind wander to what onlookers will be thinking. Just ease into your walk and find a relaxed place in your mind. Focus on that point."

I listened attentively, soaking every word.

"Thank you," I offered, as Halima called me out from the front.

"No problem. You got this." She offered me a thumbs-up and backed away.

With my hands on my hips and strength centred on my shoulders, I took a confident step forward.

My heart hammered, adrenaline blindly rushed in my blood as I glided forward and the long ramp came into view.

The lights had been dimmed and a gold one focused solely on me.

There had always been an iron will inside me, which prompted me to get the projects done. I would practice and practise until I would perfect whatever I had put my mind to.

Ramp walk was no different and I was going to nail it. All eyes were focused on me as the hum in the hall died down once I stepped out on the shiny ramp.

Sitting in the front seat was Karsten, laser-focused onyx eyes met mine. His hand bent resting under his chin, watching me like the panther.

Here we go!

A current ran through me, almost making me lose balance.

But I had to get it right. Injecting grace in my stride, I slightly lifted my chin to show my certainty, not pride.

Forgetting the world around me, I only focused on him—the centre of attraction for me.

He watched me with a sombre expression, not giving anything away—the classy Karsten move where he would watch and judge you like a predatory animal.

Without hesitation, I ambled forward one step at a time. His intense gaze flowed over my body like a shower of warm water, slowly whispering against my skin.

Never wavering, never straying but egging me on.

I replied with the perfect sway of my hips and kept my posture straight.

Confidently I reached the end of the runway and let one hand hang loose, fingers curled just slightly on my waist.

A pause, I gave...A breath, I stole.

His eyes smoulder, I know he was enjoying this.

Then, with a slow, knowing smirk, I turned dramatically and started my walk back.

Not trying to falter, I breathed out and channelled my focus. Just a few more steps.

Once I reached the end of the ramp, I heard claps from behind me and a few whistles, too.

No way, were they for me. Once I had crossed the curtains, I saw the gleeful face of the helper who had given me tips earlier.

"That was amazing, your walk is so unique. A few practices and you will be perfect."

I thanked her when Halima came rushing backstage with a neutral face and my heart took a dive.

Seemed like I was bad.