(Arata)
Did he have to drop the bomb like that?
Couldn't he give me a heads-up that he was about to make the announcement in front of the whole staff?
My expressions soured as heat rose in my body. Every eye in the office was focused on me, some in bewilderment, others in awe.
A few were astonished, blinking at me and then back at their boss.
His hand pressed my shoulder as his hard fingers dug into my flesh, not to hurt but to bring me out of my stupor.
He murmured under his breath.
"Smile!"
I did–forcefully but I had signed a contract and needed to play the part.
His warmth was reassuring and his hand loosened against my skin, his fingers rubbing it slowly now. The whiffs of his cologne slightly calmed the agitated beatings of my heart.
Did he do it on purpose?
Or was it the spur-of-the-moment decision just because Ranold asked me to bring him coffee?
