The next morning, I decided I was ready to go back to work.
I picked up my phone and called Nok. "Hey, Nok. I'll be coming to the office today."
There was a brief pause before she replied, her voice soft with concern."Are you sure you're okay? You still need time to rest? I've been worried about you."
I smiled faintly, touched by her care."I'm feeling better now, Nok. I promise. I just… I think I need to get back into the rhythm."
She sighed gently but didn't argue."Alright. Be at the studio—we've got a photoshoot today. It's with James."
"Okay, I'll be there," I said.
Just then, Phu walked into the room fresh from his shower, towel around his shoulders, his hair still damp.
"You're going to work today, baby?" he asked, drying his hair.
I nodded. "Yeah. I feel like I can. Honestly, I'm starting to get bored staying home."
He smiled at that, walking over to me. "Alright. Want me to drop you off?"
I nodded again, this time with a small grin. "Give me fifteen minutes. I'll be ready."
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We got ready, and Phu drove me to the studio. The ride was quiet but comforting, filled with small looks and soft music playing in the background.
When we pulled up, he shifted in his seat and said, "I need to be at my office today. My manager wants to speak with me."
I nodded, unbothered. "That's fine. Take care, okay?"
He leaned over slightly, brushing a hand along my cheek. "I'll come fetch you after work."
"Okay, baby," I said with a small smile, then leaned in and gave him a quick kiss before opening the door.
As I stepped out of the car and headed into the studio, the familiar space greeted me—quiet and calm. It was still early. Only Phi Tan, Nok, and a few part-time staff were around, setting things up.
I spotted Nok and walked straight to her.
The moment she saw me, her expression softened, and she pulled me into a warm hug."It's so nice to have you back," she said gently.
I smiled and hugged her back, my chest warming at the kindness. "Thank you, Nok. Really."
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The shoot went smoothly—calm, focused, nothing rushed or stressful. Everyone moved with quiet efficiency, and I was grateful for the sense of normalcy.
We wrapped the first session and took a break. I was sipping water near the corner of the studio when James walked over.
He gave me a small smile, hands in his pockets.
"How are you?" he asked. "I heard… a lot of things. Just wanted to check on you. I hope you're okay."
I glanced up at him. He sounded genuine. There was no hint of gossip or judgment in his voice—just concern.
I offered him a faint smile. "I'm good. Thank you for asking."
James nodded, then leaned in just slightly, his voice lowering.
"Look… I don't think it was Phu's father who caused everything. It's more likely his brother. And his assistant."
I blinked, caught off guard.
He continued, "They're worse than demons, honestly. So just… be careful when you're around them."
There was something in his tone—something protective.
I gave a small nod. "Thanks, James. I will."
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The second session of the shoot started and wrapped up earlier than expected. I was just starting to pack up when my phone rang.
It was my sister.
I answered with a smile, "Girl, how are you?"
Her voice came through low and tired. "Good…"
I paused. I knew that tone too well. "What happened?"
She let out a small sigh. "Nothing big. Just… drained from work. I'm tired. I just want to relax."
Then, after a brief pause, she asked, "Can we go somewhere this weekend?"
The question came out of nowhere—but I knew her. My sister wasn't the type to ask for company on her little getaways. She liked solo trips—less planning, fewer people to manage.
So when she asked, I knew it meant something.
"Fine, we can," I replied without hesitation. "Where do you wanna go?"
"Anywhere," she said softly. "Somewhere with a nice view… and breakfast."
I smiled. "Okay, girl. You got it. I'll plan and let you know."
"Alright," she said. "Take care… love you."
"Love you too, girl," I replied, warmth blooming in my chest as the call ended.
As soon as I ended the call with my sister, a message popped up on my phone.
Phu: Waiting.
I quickly texted back,
Me: 10 minutes.
His reply came instantly.
Phu: Okay, baby.
I packed up the rest of my things, then walked over to Nok and Phi Tan.
"I'm leaving first—Phu's here to pick me up."
They both nodded.
"Alright, take care," Nok said. "Anything, we'll update you in the group chat."
"Thanks," I said with a smile, then hurried out.
The moment I opened the car door, Phu grinned at me.
"Hey, baby boy. How are you?" he asked, his voice light and full of warmth.
I smiled back. "Good. How about you?"
He leaned over slightly and said, "I'm always better when I see you."
We both laughed, and just like that, the drive home began.
Halfway through, I brought up the conversation with my sister.
"She wants to go somewhere this weekend. Just to relax. I told her I'll go with her."
Phu glanced over at me, then gave a dramatic little pout.
"Fine… I'll be home alone, I guess."
I turned to him with a teasing smile. "Baby… if I'm going, you're coming too."
His whole face lit up.
"Really? Okay, let me book everything!"
I laughed and nodded. "Okay, baby. Go ahead."