"This is Atjima's favorite dish!"

"Phanee, save it for Atjima when she gets back. I'll eat something else."

"I'm just warning you, not forbidding you from eating. You really have a hard time understanding things, don't you, Atitaya?"

"Sorry."

Atitaya apologized, noticing Phanee didn't seem very pleased with her. The older woman often complained that Atitaya struggled to understand things, and honestly, Atitaya herself didn't quite understand why Phanee had invited her to dinner that night.

Perhaps it was because Atjima and her father weren't home. Ever since Atjima had recovered—with Atitaya taking close care of her under Phanee's permission—Phanee had asked Atitaya to stay at the Watinwanich house to look after Atjima and keep her happy.

Still, Atitaya couldn't help but wonder... now that Atjima had recovered, would Phanee send her away again?

It had been almost two weeks since she returned, yet Phanee hadn't given any sign of asking her to leave.

"How can you take good care of my niece if you don't know what she likes or dislikes? That's why I'm warning you—so you'll remember."

"Don't worry, Phanee. Even if I have flaws, I'll take care of Atjima the best I can."

"I don't know what Atjima sees in you to be so attached."

"..."

"Even if Atjima loves someone, I can't say I'll love them too. But I'll try to accept her... as long as her behavior doesn't cross my boundaries."

Atitaya felt grateful for that small step. Despite Phanee's lingering prejudice, it meant a lot that she was trying to open her heart—at least a little more than before.

Phanee didn't need to love her the way Akanee did. As long as she allowed Atitaya to love and care for Atjima, that was already enough.

"Thank you... for accepting me and Atjima."

"..."

"I know that if I keep resisting, one day, if Atjima has to choose between us... she'll choose you. Or worse, she'll suffer even more if I continue standing in the way of your relationship."

"That's not true. Atjima wouldn't choose like that."

"Atitaya, you've already won. The winner can say anything to make themselves look good."

"I never thought I won. And you're not a loser."

Atitaya spoke calmly. To her, this was never a competition. Just because she had Atjima's love didn't mean she had defeated anyone. She only wanted the Watinwanich household to be peaceful—filled with understanding, so everyone could be happy together.

"What do you mean by that?"

"I've never thought of competing with you. Atjima's love for me is different from her love for you. I could never replace you... and I don't want to. I'm content with my place."

She paused briefly before continuing more softly.

"If she ever had to choose... I believe Atjima would choose you."

"Do you really believe that, Atitaya?"

"Yes. I'm grateful that the person Atjima loves most—Phanee—allows her to love me and be happy."

"I didn't do much. I only did it for Atjima."

"When you asked if I could make Atjima happy... the truth is, I can. But only a small part of her happiness."

"..."

"The one who truly makes Atjima happy... is you, Phanee."

⋆。𖦹 ̊。⋆

"Atitaya!"

"What happened? You came back in such a hurry."

"Phanee..."

"Why? Are you afraid I'll hurt Atitaya?"

"No, Phanee, I would never think that."

Atjima answered gently, though her heart was filled with worry. After hearing from the office staff that Atitaya had been called home early by Phanee, she couldn't help but fear that something might be wrong—that Phanee might be troubling the person she loved while neither she nor her father was there.

Even though nothing bad had happened over the past two weeks... the uneasiness still lingered.

But when Atjima rushed home, what she found was completely different from what she had imagined.

In the kitchen, Phanee and Atitaya were standing side by side, preparing Atjima's favorite dish—satô pad kung. The rich, mouthwatering aroma filled the entire space, while Phanee carefully guided the "new cook" beside her.

"What are you doing? It smells amazing."

"I'm teaching Atitaya how to cook."

"Phanee is teaching Atitaya how to cook?"

"Yes. Satô pad kung—your favorite dish. Atitaya wanted to learn, so I taught her."

"But will it taste as good as yours, Phanee? I don't think Atitaya can make it as well."

"If Atitaya cooks it with love, it will be delicious. But Phanee's version will always be the best."

"You don't need to flatter me."

Atjima laughed softly as she spoke, first teasing Atitaya before turning to praise Phanee, wrapping her arms around her in a warm hug—as if to make sure she wouldn't get upset.

In the middle of the kitchen, filled with laughter and the comforting scent of home-cooked food, the atmosphere felt gentle and warm.

It was just an ordinary day... yet somehow, it felt like happiness had quietly settled into every corner of their home.

⋆。𖦹 ̊。⋆

"Atitaya, did you know that I'm the happiest person in the world?"

"What's the special occasion, Jam?"

"An ordinary day that feels special."

"I knew it wasn't our anniversary yet."

Atitaya crossed her arms, tilting her head slightly in thought, but before she could say anything else, Jam had already taken her hand and pulled her along for a walk through the palm grove behind the house—land that belonged to the wealthy Akanee family.

It felt like going back in time, to when they used to play hide-and-seek there as children.

"I never thought I would have a day like this."

"That's strange... is it really that rare, Jam?"

"A day when I love you even more."

"That's obvious."

"I mean a day when everything seems to be on our side."

"I'm glad we have a day like this too."

It was a day where they could love each other without obstacles, be together in a place filled with memories, and live in the present while quietly believing that the future would still belong to them.

"I knew that one day Phanee wouldn't be able to resist your charm, just like I couldn't."

"It's not just because of me that Phanee accepted us."

"Who said that? You're patient, devoted, and always willing to sacrifice. You're amazing."

"Jam is amazing too. You did everything for us, and Phanee accepted our relationship because she loves you and wants you to be happy."

"But Atitaya is still better than me."

"That's not true. Jam is the best."

They laughed together, neither willing to give in as they kept praising each other.

In the end, they both agreed on one thing: they were equally amazing, because they had managed to overcome the hardest barrier and gain Phanee's acceptance together.

"I feel like I'll be left aside soon."

"What do you mean?"

"Phanee really likes you now. Everything is about you. How could I not feel left out?"

"Is Jam jealous of me?"

"No. You're adorable, and you deserve all the love."

"What's gotten into you, Jam?"

Atitaya gently placed her hands on Jam's cheeks, studying her expression as if trying to understand what had changed.

Jam was calmer now, less temperamental, and more affectionate than ever.

"Nothing like that."

"But you just said I'm adorable."

"Because you're my girlfriend—beautiful and talented. I want to praise you every day."

"That's enough, I'm getting goosebumps."

"Don't run away, wait for me."

Jam quickly followed Atitaya, who instinctively tried to escape whenever she was praised, but this time, Jam didn't intend to let her get away so easily.

"I'm not running away, I'm just shy, Jam."

"Shy? Then why are your cheeks so red?"

"Because I'm healthy... my skin is glowing—Jam!"

"Very healthy... and very soft."

"Who gave you permission to kiss me?"

"I just wanted to kiss my girlfriend."

So affectionate.

"Let's switch roles. When we were kids, you were the affectionate one, but now that we're adults, it's my turn."

"Who said I'm not affectionate anymore? Take this."

Atitaya laughed as she leaned in to kiss Jam on the cheek, then quickly pulled away and lightly tapped her, pretending to scold her.

Around them, the workers in the orchard glanced over at the familiar romantic scene, but no one was surprised anymore, because rumors about their relationship had been circulating for months.

Ever since Atitaya returned, everything people said about Atjima's once "rosy world" had become true, as the girl who had once been melancholic and withdrawn from missing her beloved now carried happiness everywhere she went.

"Why does everyone always catch me when I return your affection? They all think I'm the clingy one, but you're the one who starts it, Jam."

"I like it. Let them see how much you love me."

"Jam loves me more. Don't make me expose the truth."

"I admit it. When you love someone, you should show it."

Atjima was proud of her first and only love, feeling grateful that she had the chance to understand what love truly meant, and it was Atitaya who had taught her that.

But when it came to love, something still lingered in her heart.

Now that everything between them was going well, the unresolved feelings made her open up, because she believed Atitaya would help her face anything.

"Did I say something wrong? You look worried again, Jam."

"When we talk about love... I think about my father."

She paused for a moment before continuing, her voice softer.

"I didn't accept him when he found someone new. I wouldn't let him bring her home, and I threw tantrums until he gave up."

"Now I realize I was wrong. Love can't be controlled. He has the right to love whoever he wants, and it doesn't mean he betrayed my mother or that his love for her wasn't real."

"If you feel guilty, why don't you apologize to him? It might ease your heart."

"Yes... I've always wanted to apologize to him."

⋆。𖦹 ̊。⋆

"Is this the house?"

"Yes. When my father isn't at home, he stays here."

"Have you ever been here before, Jam?"

"I've only driven past. I've never actually gone inside."

"Then let's go in. Don't worry... I'll hold your hand tightly."

Atjima smiled faintly as she felt Atitaya's soft hand wrap around hers, steady and reassuring. Seeing Akanee's car parked in front of the house, she knew she hadn't come here in vain.

It meant her father was inside... with the woman he had once introduced to her as his wife—the same woman she had never been able to accept back then.

"Who's there? Atjima!"

"Is my father home? I came to see him."

"Akanee is inside."

"Hello."

Atitaya greeted the middle-aged woman politely. The woman looked surprised to see Atjima standing there, but she still opened the door and led them inside to the living room, where Akanee was sitting comfortably, watching TV.

He turned toward them, clearly caught off guard.

"Atjima... Kaprao... what are you doing here?"

"This place is cozy. Now I understand why you like staying here, Dad."

"Atjima, I prepared this place for Wan. If you want to talk, we can go home."

"Let's talk here. I won't take long, and then I'll take Atitaya somewhere else."

"I'll get some drinks and snacks."

"There's no need. Please stay... it's better if we talk together."

Atjima glanced at Wan, her father's wife, who seemed just as uncomfortable as Akanee. After a brief hesitation, the woman nodded and sat down.

Atjima didn't waste time. She went straight to the point.

She had already resolved things with Phanee, just as Phanee had come to accept Atitaya. Phanee had even apologized for letting her prejudice twist the truth about Atjima's father.

The truth was simple: since Pawin passed away, her father had only ever had one partner—Wan, who had stayed by his side for many years.

It was Atjima who had been unfair. Atjima who had judged without understanding.

And now... she wanted to fix that.

"Dad... I'm sorry for all the misunderstandings. I know the truth now. Phanee told me everything, and she also apologized for speaking badly about you because of her prejudice. I want to apologize too—for judging you unfairly and for being so stubborn."

"I never held a grudge against you. In fact... I wasn't a good father either. I worked too much and didn't take proper care of you. I should be the one apologizing."

"Then... can we consider everything resolved, Dad? Can we leave the past behind?"

"Of course. I'll be a better father from now on. I'll take care of you and give you more attention."

"You don't have to change for me, Dad. Just be the way you've always been. Now I have Atitaya taking care of me... and I take care of her. I won't have much time to look after you anyway."

"I understand..."

"Wan can take care of you."

"What?"

"I came here today to apologize for how I behaved before. I'm truly sorry."

For the first apology, the words might feel heavy.

But once someone truly accepts their mistakes, speaking them out loud becomes easier than expected.

Phanee had already shown that. She had opened her heart, admitted what she did wrong, and apologized—to both herself and Atitaya.

And now, Atjima was finally able to do the same.

⋆。𖦹 ̊。⋆

"Don't worry, Atjima. I was the problem. I caused discomfort for you and your family, so I will keep my place and not disturb you anymore."

"My father is getting older every day. In a few years, he'll be even older. I think it would be better if you stayed with him and took care of him, so he doesn't have to keep moving from one place to another."

"Atjima, I'm not that old."

"It doesn't matter. Wan should move into our house. It's big enough, and that way my father won't be left alone. That would be too sad."

"Atitaya, please take care of this girl for me. She's taking advantage of the situation."

In the end, the tense atmosphere slowly dissolved into warmth. By speaking honestly and opening their hearts, they were able to resolve the misunderstandings that had built up over time, and that brought a quiet kind of happiness back to the family.

⋆。𖦹 ̊。⋆

"Ever since we got back from Wan's house, you haven't stopped smiling, Jam."

"I'm just happy that everything with my father and the person he loves has finally been resolved."

"I'm happy to see you like this too—so calm."

"I feel so relieved, like a huge weight has been lifted off my chest."

"So your heart is strong again."

"My heart has always been strong... because it has you in it, helping to heal it."

Atitaya smiled softly at that.

As they walked hand in hand across the Khao Phang Suspension Bridge during the holiday, everything felt different from the last time they had been there. Back then, they were full of misunderstandings and arguments, but now they stood side by side with love and understanding.

The scenery hadn't changed—the green water, the mountains in the distance—but the feeling was completely different. Everything seemed softer, warmer, almost tinted with a gentle shade of pink because of the love they shared.

"Atitaya, did you know that I became a better person because of you?"

"Because of me? You became a better person on your own. Why are you giving me the credit?"

"I'm serious. You made me want to be better, even before I understood what love was... before I realized that I loved you."

Jam spoke softly, revealing something she had never told anyone before. Maybe this was the right moment to open up about the past.

"Fifteen years ago, when you disappeared from my life without saying goodbye, my world fell apart. I was just an eight-year-old child, and everything suddenly felt empty, like something important was missing. I didn't understand what I was feeling back then."

"It was the same for me, Jam. When I had to go to boarding school, I cried every night because I missed you. I was scared of everything. I cried for months... until I finally accepted that I might never see you again, so I forced myself to become strong and independent, just like you always told me to be."

"I'm sorry for leaving you alone."

"It wasn't your fault. You didn't do it on purpose."

"I never wanted you to disappear from my life."

"But maybe it was a good thing, Jam. If we hadn't been separated, I might never have learned how to stand on my own. I might still be that little girl who cried and depended on you for everything."

Atitaya looked at the past from a different perspective now. The pain had shaped them, helped them grow, and led them to this moment where they could stand together again—stronger than before.

"During that time, I focused on my future. I studied hard, improved myself, and became someone my family could be proud of. I got into a good university. From a lost child, I became someone with clear goals... because of you."

"I never knew you were trying so hard because of me."

"I wanted to become someone you could be proud of. I didn't want you to hate me when we met again, so I worked hard at everything while waiting for your return."

"But when I came back, you teased me from the very first day."

Atitaya narrowed her eyes slightly, and Jam could only smile awkwardly because she couldn't deny it.

"I didn't know how to act. You didn't chase after me anymore like you did when we were kids, so I acted that way just to get your attention."

"Like a boy teasing the girl he likes?"

"I know now that it wasn't the right way."

"If I hadn't already liked you, I might have hated you for that."

"Please don't hate me. I couldn't handle it."

"I don't hate you... I love you."

"And I love you more."

"Then promise me you'll never tease me like that again for the rest of your life."

"I promise."

"Promise what, Jam? Say it properly."

Atjima looked at Atitaya, who was pretending to be strict, but her eyes were already soft.

This time, Jam wasn't just making a simple promise.

She chose this place—the Khao Phang Suspension Bridge, filled with memories—to become the witness to something even more important.

"I promise that from now on, I will love you and take care of you every single day."

"Jam... what are you doing?"

"Fixing what I failed to do before. This time... I'm ready."

"..."

Atitaya covered her mouth, her eyes widening in surprise.

She had never expected this.

Right there, in the middle of the bridge, Jam knelt down, holding out a small box. Inside were a pair of rings—simple, but meaningful.

"Are you... proposing to me?"

"I'm clearly not asking you to be my girlfriend."

"Jam! It was so romantic, and you still joke?"

"Atitaya... marry me."

"What if I say no?"

"Then I'll marry someone else—ah!"

Jam suddenly winced as Atitaya pinched her waist, ruining the joke immediately.

"Don't even think about it. I won't allow that."

"You're too strict. I can't win against you."

"You haven't even tried your best yet."

"I may be tough with the world... but I only love you."

"Is that something to be proud of?"

"So... are you going to marry me or not? My leg is starting to cramp."

"Jam, you really have no patience."

Just as Atitaya was about to complain, Jam suddenly became serious again.

"Fifteen years, five months, and twenty-four days."

"What?"

"That's how long I waited for you... until we met again, fell in love, and reached this moment."

Atitaya's expression softened completely.

"Yes... I accept."

"Now you answer so quickly?"

"Because I won't let you belong to anyone else."

From that moment on, they knew...

They would love and take care of each other for the rest of their lives.