Gia POV

Two weeks have passed since the ceremony, and the memories of that magical day still linger in my mind. It was a truly beautiful and aesthetic moment, filled with fireworks, delicious food, stunning decorations, and heartfelt vows. It was meant to be the happiest day ever, a celebration of the union between two hearts.

But now, as I sit in my office and gaze out the window, a heavy sigh escapes my lips. The events that unfolded the day after the wedding still weigh heavily on my heart. The joy and bliss of that special day were quickly overshadowed by what transpired next..

***

Flashback.

"I would like to thank everyone for coming to my eldest son's wedding. Your presence here tonight means a lot to us, and we appreciate the love and support you have shown to Khun and Holly. I also want to express my gratitude for the thoughtful gifts, although I must clarify that those were intended for the newlyweds and not for me. Nonetheless, it's a small consolation that it helps us save on the budget, sparing me the need to sponsor appliances for the couple," Mr. Patthita delivers his speech with a touch of humor, a rare occurrence for a man not known for his jokes. But tonight, he makes an effort to entertain the guests, and it pays off as I catch myself chuckling along with the crowd.

"As we celebrate Khun and Holly's union, I would also like to make an announcement about my youngest son, Way. I am pleased to share that Way will be getting married this October to his longtime fiancée, Andra Tongsan. Let us all extend our blessings and well wishes to the couple as they embark on this new chapter of their lives."

I observe Way's reaction as his father delivers the news. He appears lifeless, sitting in his chair, while Andra leans her head on his shoulder, brimming with happiness at the realization that she will soon marry the love of her life.

Although my heart stings a little, harboring feelings for Way, I gather my courage and accept the reality that sometimes, no matter how deep the love, destiny has its own plans. I remind myself that love alone cannot guarantee a future together.

Mr. Patthita continues with his speech, shifting the focus to his other son. "I also hope that my other son finds happiness in marriage. He has mentioned that he has met the right person, but wishes to take some time before popping the question. Son, I hope you will soon gather the courage to propose to Gia. Let's raise a toast to their future together!" Aunt Phim, filled with joy, wraps me in a warm hug, and the room fills with cheerful applause.

"I'll be so happy if you can be my daughter!" Aunt Phim exclaims, her eyes shimmering with affection. I feel a mix of emotions bubbling within me as her words sink in.

"B-but, I am your daughter, right?" I manage to utter, my voice trembling slightly. Aunt Phim's smile widens, and she gently pinches my cheek, a gesture that feels both endearing and bittersweet.

"Yes, my dear. You are like a daughter to me. But it would bring me even greater joy if you were to marry Sorn," Aunt Phim replies, her tone filled with hope and longing.

I am momentarily lost for words, unable to find the right response. My heart is caught between conflicting emotions, torn between the desire to make Aunt Phim happy and the reality of my own feelings.

In that moment, all I can do is muster a smile, masking the whirlwind of thoughts and emotions swirling inside me.

***

I walk back to the cabin after the event, feeling tired and confused. I just spoke with Sorn about the matter, and he admitted that he had informed Mr. Patthita about his plan to propose to me after the wedding. I close my eyes, suppressing my disappointment since Sorn never discussed this with me.

"I guess we can... you know, start thinking about it. I know we're friends. But after all this time, I believe we can take the next step," Sorn says.

"Sorn, you know I can't love anyone-"

"I understand your fear. But I promise you, nothing will go wrong between us. This will all be over soon. Just say yes when you're ready, and we can have the ceremony right away," I let out a sigh.

"I-"

"Don't feel pressured. Say yes when you're ready," those were Sorn's parting words before he left.

Now, the pressure is suffocating me! I try to open my heart slowly and learn to love him so I can accept him. But I can't stop thinking about Way! And now Sorn has made it even more difficult for me.

What should I do?

***

The next morning, I enter the Patthita Residence as usual. Today, my task is to assist Aunt Phim in preparing breakfast for everyone. As I walk along the corridor towards the kitchen, I pass by the reading room and inadvertently catch a glimpse of a girl kneeling in front of Mr. Patthita.

Curiosity gets the better of me, and I lean closer to the door when I hear loud sobs coming from inside. Peering in, I recognize the figure—it's Andra.

"Please, Uncle, I'm begging you... Please convince him to marry me. I can't bear the thought of losing Way!" Andra pleads, her voice trembling with tears. Mr. Patthita looks at her with anger in his eyes.

"I know. He came to me last night and begged me to end this engagement. I can't believe he could make such a foolish decision!" he tells Andra. I gasp, quickly hiding behind the wall, trying to remain as quiet as a mouse.

So, he meant it!

"I knew this day would come eventually! But I love him so much that I never stopped believing that one day he would open his heart to me. But now, my future is shattered just like that. Who would want to marry me after this?" Andra responds through her sobs.

"I understand the difficult position you're in right now. I mean, everyone knew about this engagement, and no matter how much we denied it, people still speculated," Mr. Patthita says.

"This relationship has gone far beyond what it appeared to be," what does he mean by that? I inch closer, trying to eavesdrop. My heart is racing, but I must remain composed and discreet.

"I know. Your father informed me about the abortion,"

Wait, what?

"He told me that Way pressured you into getting an abortion because he felt he was too young. I understand his perspective, but for me, it's unfair to you," I bite my lip, holding back the urge to cry. Discovering the truth is always a painful reality.

Now, a wave of guilt washes over me as I think about Andra.

"I've stayed because I love him. I've never stopped believing that one day he'll love me just as deeply. But now, who will ever want to marry me, Uncle?" Her voice trembles with sadness, and I can't help but shed a few tears myself. How could Way be so heartless?

Mr. Patthita lowers himself, his hand resting on Andra's shoulder, his gaze determined.

"Don't worry, my dear. I will speak to him later, and he will face the consequences of his actions. He will marry you, I promise. No one can escape their responsibilities, and as a father, I will make sure he learns that. Now, go home and rest. I will bring you only good news," he assures her, providing a glimmer of hope. I quietly slip away, tears streaming down my face as I leave the room.

In that moment, I feel as though I've found the answer to my prayers. I've been torn, unsure if I should accept Sorn's proposal or not. But now, everything becomes clear. My heart shatters as I learn the painful truth.

Now, it's time for me to make my decision.

***

"Hello?" I answer the call immediately after only a single ring.

"Hey, how are you today?"

"I'm good. Why do you call? Something happened?"

"Is it wrong to call you? I miss my wife..."

"We're not married yet. You can't call me that," I chuckle a bit, dropping the creative report file into the cart so my assistant can bring it to the meeting room.

"I'm practicing right now, don't stop me!"

"You have forever to practice, Sorn..."

"I know, but why don't we start now?" I shake my head, drawing a smile on my face.

"Cut it out. How is it?"

"We got the contract and we'll start as soon as possible. This means, I need to go back and forth from there to DC before we appoint someone to be the new GM for our new DC branch," Sorn sounds merry when he delivers the good news.

Looks like YoLo will have a new branch in DC. Hard work pays off!

"We'll discuss it as soon as you're back. I'm sure Cruise might have names that he wants to throw away," we both are laughing. Both of us know Cruise the best. He will put the least favorite person, according to his pass meter, in the new branch and let the favorite run the office.

"I'll arrive in two more hours. Can't wait to see my beautiful wifey!"

"Stop talking and start driving now!"

"Ah, what a drag! I should just book a Grab. I can take a rest in the passenger seat and enjoy some ice cream..."

"Not fair!" I hear a sinister laugh from the other line.

"See ya..."

"Can't wait," the call ends. I slump myself in my leather chair, caressing my fourth finger.

I empower myself, fight against all threats, and make my decision. I'm ready to face anything.

Even him.

***

5 pm.

It's time to go home. But Gia is still inside her office. Working on something while waiting for Sorn.

"Gia..." Tamara enters the office. Her face looks dull.

"Hmm? What now, Mara? Did Cruise steal your magazine again?" Gia asks her with a casual tone.

"We need to leave now..."

"Sorn is on the way. Lemme wait-"

"Gia, his car got crashed..."