Then he pressed the intercom button.
"Security, please escort Niran out of the building."
My heart dropped to the floor.
I know this is just a game. I know it's part of the plan. But still... it hurt. Somehow, it sounded too real.
Moments later, Samchai entered the office.
"Let's go, sir," he said and gave me a barely noticeable wink.
I turned to Chak. His expression was cold, as always. Distant. Professional. But then… he gave me the slightest nod and winked as well.
I held my breath. I was part of this game, yet it felt like they were truly kicking me out. And why did it sting so much? Why did I wish—so desperately—that Chak would run after me, pull me into his arms, and tell me he was sorry?
As we entered the elevator and the doors closed, Samchai looked at me and smiled gently.
"Nice acting."
Relief washed over me like a wave.
"Thank you for being here," I whispered. I meant it. With all of me. Having even one person on my side meant the world.
When we reached his car, I slipped into the seat and let him take me home.
The ride was quiet. The city passed by in a blur, but my mind was stuck on Chak. On that cold mask he always wore. On how used I'd grown to his presence. His scent. His silence. His strange way of showing he cared—even if he pretended not to.
When we pulled up in front of Chak's home , I nodded a quiet thank you and stepped out. As soon as I opened the door, Leo ran to greet me. My ever-loyal companion.
I picked him up and kissed his soft fur.
"At least you always understand me, huh?" I whispered into his ear.
I dropped onto the couch and unlocked my phone. Notifications blinked on the screen. But one caught my eye—and gripped my heart like a cold, sharp hand.
Message from Raeng.
"Now that your beloved boss doesn't protect you anymore, I'll find you. And you'll be mine."
My hands trembled.
No. No, no, no.
I stared at the words. Again and again. They cut deeper each time.
Why am I this scared? I'm safe… right? Chak still…
Should I message him? No, I shouldn't bother him. But… I need him.
I typed: "When are you coming?"
A few seconds later, my phone lit up.
"Soon."
Relief. Sweet, undeniable relief.
But the anxiety didn't leave. Every creak of the floorboards, every sound from the hallway made my skin crawl.
I got up and walked to the kitchen. Cooking was a kind of therapy—something to do with my hands while my mind spun in circles. The smell of fried garlic filled the air, calming me just a bit. I poured some soup into a bowl, placed it on the table, but barely touched it. My stomach was too tight.
Hours later...
I heard the front door.
I stood, heart racing.
Slowly, I walked toward the entrance. Then I saw him—Chak.
Without thinking, I rushed forward and wrapped my arms around him, holding him tightly.
"Thank god you came… I was scared."
"Scared of what?" he asked, voice low.
I swallowed hard and showed him the message from Raeng.
His expression darkened instantly. His jaw clenched. His eyes turned to steel.
He pulled out his phone and dialed. I watched as the call connected.
"Raeng," Chak said coldly, "how dare you threaten a former employee? Let me make one thing clear—don't go looking for him. He's not your puppet."
Raeng laughed. "So you still care about him…"
"I care because you're dangerous. He's afraid of you. And you have no right to look for him."
"I'm not going to hurt him. I just want him near me. That's all."
Chak let out a dry, bitter laugh. "I saw him, Raeng. I saw how terrified he was when you left."
"I still want your shares, Chak. One way or another, I'll get the boy too."
"You can have the shares if you leave him alone."
"And if I want both?"
"Make a choice," Chak snapped. "If you want him, forget the shares."
Then he ended the call.
I stared at him, still shaken.
"Thank you for standing up for me," I whispered.
"Always," he said. And for the first time… I believed him completely.
"Let's eat," I said softly, trying to lighten the mood.
"What did you cook?" he asked.
"You'll see."
We sat down and ate. He complimented me: "It's good. You're improving."
"Thanks."
When we ate the lunch he suddenly, stood up.
"I have to go back to the office… but first, I need to buy Noon a box of chocolates. Even if she annoys me, it's part of the plan. If she thinks that I fall in love with her she'll thinks that she win but she doesn't win we win."
I rolled my eyes. "If you're buying for her, you have to get me something too."
He stepped closer, eyes dancing.
"And what should I get you, Mr. Spoiled?"
"Whatever you want. Just… come back soon, please."
He reached out, ruffled my hair.
"What are you doing?" I laughed.
"I have to go… but I don't want to, I want to be with you" he whispered.
He turned toward the door. I followed. He glanced back and said:
"I'll be back soon."
Then, without warning, he stepped closer again, kissed my cheek, and wrapped his arms around me.
I stood frozen.
What… was that?
We hugged. Tight. Like we needed it.
And before I could say a word, he was gone.