"Dad, tell me. Who are you going to choose, Fai or that girl?"

"What's going on here?"

Akanee asked, clearly confused, when his troublesome daughter suddenly showed up in his office with Atitaya. It was already surprising to see the two of them together, but judging from the tension in the air, it was obvious their relationship was anything but friendly.

"Dad, you don't need to know why. Just choose."

"Kaprao, what happened? Can you explain it to Uncle?"

"It's just that..."

Atitaya was about to explain everything to Chief Akanee, from beginning to end, so he could judge the situation fairly. If she was wrong for retaliating and hurting Atjima, then the other party was just as guilty for provoking her and trying to intimidate her first.

"She doesn't need to say anything. If Father wants to know, Fai will tell him."

"Then speak."

"Your precious daughter, Kaprao, attacked Fai."

"Kaprao, is what Fai said true?"

"Yes, Boss."

Atjima smiled with clear superiority as she stood up, brushing off the employees who tried to help her. She snapped at anyone who came near, sending them scattering, before dragging the troublemaker back to the office to let the boss decide. That way, no one could accuse her of overreacting by kicking someone out on their first day.

"Dad heard that, right? So can you kick that girl out of here? If Fai is here, that troublesome person can't stay. Fai doesn't want to live with her."

"Is there anything else you want to explain? I don't believe Kaprao would attack her without a reason."

"Kaprao admits that she hurt Fai, but it was only in self-defense."

"You're lying! Since when did you become some Cinderella?"

"Stop. Don't interrupt her. Father listened to Fai. Now he needs to listen to Kaprao too."

"What else is there to hear? Have you ever seen someone bring a person home just to hurt their own daughter? What kind of father would do that?"

Chief Akanee had never been the type to blindly favor his own daughter, always seeming to see others as better. If he liked Atitaya that much, then why didn't he just adopt her or leave his entire inheritance to her? Why was he always comparing and praising this girl who had nothing special, driving Atjima to the brink of anger?

"Kaprao, if you have anything else to say, please go ahead. I will judge fairly."

"Besides pushing Fai in self-defense, I also want to say that Fai deliberately cut in front of my bike. I was lucky not to get into an accident."

"You liar! Do you think my father will believe you without any proof?"

"Boss, you can check the cameras in Fai's car before deciding whether to believe me."

"..."

Atitaya kept her gaze fixed on Atjima, who was staring at her as if she wanted to devour her whole. She refused to look away, even though she felt intimidated. Whoever caused this trouble would have to face the consequences. It might already be too late to make amends, but she would not let Atjima get away with provoking her like this.

"So, Fai? Do you have anything to say to explain yourself?"

"Father has always been biased. If you're going to take her side, then there's no need to waste your time listening to Fai."

"Apologize, and don't cause any more trouble."

"Do you want me to apologize to that girl?"

Atjima pointed at Atitaya, who stood there as if she held the upper hand. It was a good thing she hadn't jabbed her finger into that annoying doll's eyes yet, because she was already at her limit.

"Yes. Fai started everything."

"No way. If Father feels so guilty, then you should apologize yourself."

"Fai! Stop it. Have you no shame?"

"Boss, it's alright. You don't need to go after Fai."

The gentle boss was stopped by Atitaya before he could follow his stubborn daughter, who had already stormed off and left the mess behind. She didn't want the situation to escalate, nor did she want the employees to start spreading rumors about her causing trouble on her very first day. More than that, she didn't want her benefactor to worry over something so trivial.

"Kaprao, I apologize on Fai's behalf. I failed to raise her properly, and that's why she turned out so stubborn and selfish."

"Kaprao also apologizes, Boss. I was at fault too. It wasn't just Fai."

"I won't favor her anymore. Ever since she was little, she kept teasing you, and you never once complained. Even when I found out, I never let her be punished."

"But now Kaprao thinks she can handle it. I will try to avoid conflicts with Fai so you won't have to be the one to judge."

"I don't know what to do. Fai doesn't listen to me, and her aunt keeps spoiling her. The only person she listens to is Phanee."

"Kaprao understands. I'm just a guest here. If I can avoid trouble, I will. I came back to help because I want to repay your kindness, not to cause problems or make anyone uncomfortable."

"I know Kaprao is a good girl. Your father would be proud to see how well you've grown."

"It's all because of your kindness, Boss. I will do my best here."

"As for Fai, I ask for your patience."

"Yes, Boss."

"She'll grow up soon."

"..."

In fact, Atjima has grown up. She is now taller than the troublesome eight-year-old Fai who used to tease her. Her face no longer carries that ogre-like anger, though her skin remains dark, like someone who spends a lot of time under the sun, fitting her fiery temper and unfriendly personality. Even so, she is still a troublesome adult who loves to stir up trouble.

Whether it's Fai as a child or Fai as an adult, she has never seemed like someone worth getting involved with!

⋆。𖦹 ̊。⋆

"Atitaya."

"Hello, Khun Phanee."

"What kind of person keeps an elder waiting this long?"

"I truly didn't know you were coming. I just got off work..."

The sweet-faced young woman was cut off mid-sentence as the older woman interrupted her sharply. Yesterday, Atitaya had the chance to meet Phanee when Akanee brought her over for an introduction. Even before Atjima returned home, the woman had already made her presence known. Today, Atitaya never expected Phanee to come looking for her directly at her place, especially since Akanee and Atjima's main residence, as well as Phanee's, were quite far from where she was staying.

"Enough. I didn't come here to hear excuses or explanations. I came to take care of my own business."

"Would you like to come inside first? I can get you something to drink."

"No need. I won't be long, Atitaya."

Atitaya remained respectful, clasping her hands together humbly. Aside from the recent incident involving Atjima, memories of Phanee, her aunt, were still vivid. She remembered how strict and meticulous Phanee had been, to the point of frightening her as a child. Phanee had always been fiercely protective of her niece, while treating Atitaya as nothing more than a nuisance. Even after all these years, her authority had not diminished in the slightest, making her stern gaze all the more intimidating.

"I don't know what your intentions are in coming back, but let me warn you, Atitaya. Don't cause trouble for my niece. Stay away from Fai. No matter how much Akanee sympathizes with you, I do not. Know your place. Everything that belongs to Fai is not, and never will be, yours."

"I know exactly what my place is."

"I'm glad you're aware of that. That way, I won't have to waste my time saying more than necessary."

"Yes. I will do my best to keep my distance and not get involved with Khun Fai."

The sweet-faced young woman bowed respectfully, yet received no response from the older woman, neither upon arrival nor departure. Once she was done, Phanee simply left, leaving Atitaya alone with the weight of returning to the Watinwanich household.

Trouble seemed to come from every direction. Atjima clearly disliked her and was always looking for reasons to pick on her, while Phanee despised her out of fear that she might threaten her beloved niece's place. As for Akanee, although he showed her some kindness, Phanee's concerns were unnecessary. None of what she feared would ever come true.

"Dad... why does everyone here reject me so much? All I want is a place to stay and a job to support myself..."

She was just a woman on her own, with no family to rely on and no one to stand by her side.

Most of her friends were in Bangkok or nearby provinces. In the Watinwanich household, only Akanee seemed to treat her well. Even so, he had to be careful, as every move he made was being watched. Anything he did could easily be misunderstood, just as Atjima had already implied when she spread rumors that Atitaya was trying to win over her benefactor.

"I just want to work and save money. How did I end up in the middle of all this?"

Atitaya sank onto the couch, exhausted and deep in thought. Beyond the emotional strain, she still had to face the challenge of learning a job she had no experience in, like any recent graduate. And there was no point in expecting help from Atjima, whom Akanee had assigned to guide her. Ever since the incident that morning, Atjima had not shown up even once. In fact, she seemed to have ordered that no one under her authority was allowed to help Atitaya in any way.

It was childish, really. She acted like a spoiled child, drawing lines and turning people against each other. But if she thought that would make Atitaya give up, then she was completely wrong. Atitaya had always been the kind of person who would fight until the very end.

"Dad, can you give me a lucky number in my dreams? If I win the lottery, I can leave this place for good."

⋆。𖦹 ̊。⋆

"Why? Are you surprised to see me?"

"You... Atjima."

"Yes, it's me. Or who did you think it was? Have you already started arranging meetings with the workers on your very first day?"

"No. I just didn't expect it to be you."

The young woman with delicate features replied with a hint of surprise. She had never imagined that Atjima would show up at her door. It had barely been fifteen minutes since Phanee left, and for a moment, she even thought the older woman had come back to add something she had not said before.

"And why did you come here?"

"This is my family's property. I don't need your permission to be here."

"I didn't say you couldn't come. I just asked why."

"I came to stop your little scheme, Kaprao."

"What scheme? Don't talk nonsense."

"The plan to seduce my father and get rich overnight. You said it yourself. Don't think I can't see through you."

"That's enough. Stop this already. I'm not doing anything you're accusing me of. Leave. Now."

Even though this house was on the Watinwanich estate, Atjima had no right to drive her out. Akanee had given her this place so she could live in peace while working here. Still, it seemed she had underestimated Atjima's arrogance. The other woman did whatever she pleased without the slightest restraint.

"I've already decided. I'm going to watch your every move so you won't have a chance to seduce my father."

"Do as you wish."

"From now on, you're not allowed to have dinner with my father at the main house. I don't trust you alone with him."

"That's easy to solve. If you're so worried, then just join us for dinner. Problem solved."

"How is that a solution, you idiot? Even if I'm there, someone like you would still find a way to flirt with him. So I'll remove you from him completely and make sure you never get the chance."

There was no point in explaining anything further to Atjima. It would be like talking to a wall. Ever since they were children, Atjima had already decided she disliked her, and whether fifteen or a thousand years passed, that would never change.

"So what do you want me to do? This isn't allowed, that isn't allowed..."

"From now on, you'll have dinner at Phanee's house. That way, my aunt can keep an eye on you too."

"No. I have my own place. If I can't have dinner at Mr. Akanee's house, then I'll eat at home."

"But I'm giving you an order, Kaprao!"

"Your orders may work on others, but not on me. If it's not work-related, they mean nothing."

Orders that had nothing to do with work, driven purely by whim? She would never obey them. Just as Akanee once told her, she should never bow to those who believed themselves superior, like Atjima, who had always seen her as a defenseless little mouse, an easy target for her cruelty.

But times had changed, and so had people. Sooner or later, Atjima would realize who truly held the upper hand, and who was actually the prey without even knowing it.

"Very well. If I can give you orders at work, then be ready for tomorrow."

⋆。𖦹 ̊。⋆

[Try to make that face a little more cheerful. If you keep frowning like that, you'll end up with wrinkles before your time.]

"I'm irritated, P'Lom. I'm not like you, always in a good mood."

[Who dared to put you in a bad mood?]

The people working under her supervision would never dare challenge her. Everyone respected Mr. Akanee, and Atitaya had already proven her competence, earning the same level of trust. Unlike someone who had just returned after more than ten years, arrogant, brash, provocative, and even violent. To Atitaya, that woman was the last person she wanted around.

"My father brought that little brat back home. She just graduated."

[A little pest?]

"Kaprao. The daughter of one of the employees my father raised here. The one I always told you I couldn't stand."

[It's been so long I can barely remember. But I do recall you were always fighting with this Kaprao, weren't you?]

"It wasn't just fighting. I hate even looking at her face. If she had left, she should have disappeared for good. I don't know why she had to come back just to make my life miserable."

[This can't be fate, can it? What if Kaprao is your soulmate...]

"Stop it. Don't get carried away, P'Lom."

[I'm just worried about you. Everyone else already has someone, but you're still single. Doesn't your heart ever feel lonely?]

"Not at all. I'm perfectly fine this way."

Atitaya shrugged, calm and unconcerned by the idea of loneliness. Perhaps it was because she had never truly lacked love. Although her father's affection could not replace the void left by her mother, who passed away too soon, she had always been cared for by Phanee and her cousins. She had never felt the need to seek someone else to fill that space.

[P'Lom, can you help me open this bottle? I've tried several times, but I can't.]

[Leave it. You don't have to open it yourself. Your pretty hands might get hurt. I'll do it for you.]

"..."

She didn't even need to see it with her own eyes to know another couple was sharing a sweet moment. Just from the tone of their voices, soft and affectionate between the "princess" and her "knight," Atitaya decided to end the call before she intruded any further into their private time. After all, P'Lom hadn't even realized they were still on a video call before running off to answer Blue.

In truth, things at P'Lom's house weren't much different from P'Din and P'Nam's. Chiang Rai was painted in shades of pink, while Hua Hin felt like it was drenched in honey. Seeing her sisters so happy made her happy too.

But what about her?

The only warmth she felt now was the fire burning inside her. It was as if a flame that had long gone out had suddenly been reignited, with someone relentlessly pouring fuel over it without a hint of remorse.

"If I could, I'd crush that little pest with my bare hands!"

⋆。𖦹 ̊。⋆

"Are you going to take Kaprao in the same car?"

"Got a problem with that, Uncle Yod?"

"If you want, I can take you instead. I'm heading to the mine anyway."

"No need. You can go ahead."

Not daring to go against Atitaya's decision, Uncle Yod drove off first, leaving Kaprao alone with her. Today, Atitaya seemed unusually suspicious, even offering to take her to the mine and personally show her the ropes.

Besides Mr. Akanee, Kaprao realized that her father also knew Uncle Yod. They had started working around the same time and were close friends. That was why the man recognized her immediately and even seemed willing to help her deal with Atitaya's bossy nature.

"How long are you going to stand there? Get in the car."

"I could go with Uncle Yod."

"Keep being stubborn, and you'll end up walking."

Kaprao held back a tired sigh, not wanting to show her irritation. She had already promised Mr. Akanee to behave, and Phanee had also warned her not to upset her beloved niece. That meant she had to endure everything. If anything went wrong, she would be the one blamed, no questions asked.

"Mr. Akanee never said I would have to work at the mine."

"My father wants you to take care of the palm plantation, but you need to understand all of his businesses."

"But I don't know anything about mining."

"I'm not asking you to dig the mine yourself."

"But..."

"Speak only when I ask you. Don't try to start a conversation just to get close to me."

With that kind of attitude, who would even want to be her friend? On top of that, Atitaya was arrogant. Someone like that wasn't fit to be a sister, let alone a friend. If given a choice, Kaprao would rather keep her distance.

"Which university did you go to?"

"..."

"Little pest. I'm asking you."

"Oh, were you talking to me?"

Kaprao acted as if she didn't understand, which Atitaya took as deliberate provocation. She was the one who told Kaprao to stay quiet, yet only minutes later, she was the one starting a conversation. How was Kaprao supposed to guess what she wanted? So she stayed silent, which only made Atitaya even more impatient.

"There are only the two of us in the car. If I'm not talking to you, then who would I be talking to?"

"I thought you liked talking to yourself. You seem to enjoy muttering all the time."

"When I ask something, you answer."

"I studied accounting."

"Hard to believe someone like you has any real knowledge."

"And you? Did you threaten your teachers to get your degree?"

"What?! Are you trying to provoke me?"

"I won't say anything else. I'd rather save my energy for work."

You just wait, little pest!
Soon enough, you'll be the one crying your eyes out when I get my revenge...

⋆。𖦹 ̊。⋆

"Why did you stop the car?"

"Where did I stop? Can't you see the engine just died on its own?"

Kaprao listened to Atjima's explanation, but her tone remained completely indifferent, showing no real concern for the situation. The car had stalled halfway back, after an exhausting day at Mr. Akanee's mine. To make matters worse, Atjima had insisted she stay out under the sun the entire time, as if testing her endurance.

If she thought that would make Kaprao give up and look like a spoiled brat who couldn't handle hardship, then she was very wrong. If Atjima could endure it, so could Kaprao. Her life had never been easy. She had grown up without family support and had always had to fight on her own. When it came to endurance, she could probably withstand far more than a so-called "heiress" used to comfort and luxury.

"Pest, get out of the car."

"I don't know how to fix this. Call a mechanic."

"It's already late. Where am I supposed to find one now?"

"And what am I supposed to do once I get out?"

"Just get out. I'll try starting it again. Hurry up."

Kaprao shot Atjima a suspicious look as she kept insisting. In the end, she stepped out, more out of impatience than belief that it would actually help. But the moment she walked around the car, before she could do anything, the engine roared back to life as if nothing had ever happened.

Before she could react, Atjima drove forward, stopped a short distance away, rolled down the window, and laughed at her, amusement shining clearly in her eyes.

"Silly little pest. You're still just as easy to fool as when you were a child."

"What a childish game, Atjima. I've been working all day. I'm not running after your car."

"And who said I want you to run after it?"

"What do you mean?"

"Let's play hide and seek. You're the one who has to find me. If you want to catch me, then come after me."

"..."

Without waiting for a reply, Atjima hit the gas and quickly disappeared down the road, not even giving Kaprao a chance to react.

Still cheating. Still childish. Just like always!

⋆。𖦹 ̊。⋆

"Why didn't you run after me?"

Atjima glanced at the rearview mirror as Kaprao's figure grew smaller and smaller. She had already sped up quite a bit, putting a good distance between them, yet there was no sign of Kaprao trying to follow. No hurried steps, no panic, no desperation.

Why had she given up so easily? Shouldn't she be whining, begging her to come back like before? Why did she look so indifferent, even when she was clearly stuck in a difficult situation?

"Silly little pest."

Atjima muttered under her breath, frustration creeping in. Nothing was going the way she expected. Ever since Kaprao came back, everything had changed. She no longer reacted the way she used to. The plan to teach her a lesson, to make her understand who she was dealing with, was falling apart.

She wanted to throw her out, leave her behind, make her realize she had no place here.

But in the end... she couldn't do it.

Instead of continuing toward the Watinwanich residence, Atjima tightened her grip on the wheel and made a sharp turn, heading back the way she came.

When she reached the spot where she had left Kaprao, she found her still standing there, exactly as before, without the slightest sign of discomfort.

And somehow, she was the one getting angrier.

"Get in the car. Or do you not want to go home?"

"Since when did you forget how to play hide and seek?"

"What are you talking about?"

"The one who's supposed to be found doesn't go back to look for the one who's searching."

"..."

"Which means... you lost."