"Father, why did you call me?"

"Sit down first. I want to talk to you."

Atjima glanced sideways at Atitaya, who was already in her father's office, before choosing the furthest sofa to sit on. She had no desire to be near Atitaya, who always brought her trouble and was probably here to complain or stir up more of it.

"Tomorrow you're going to Hua Hin, right?"

"Yes. I'm attending the opening of my cousin's new resort."

"I want you to take Kaprao with you."

Akanee revealed his intention, fully aware that it wouldn't be easy to gain Atjima's agreement. But as a father, he wanted to create a chance for his daughter and Atitaya, whom he regarded as a second daughter, to grow closer and get along better.

He also wished for Atjima to have someone by her side, even if not romantically. While her cousins had already built their own families, Atjima had never shown interest in relationships. He didn't want to force her, but he feared she would be alone one day when he was no longer there.

His only concern was Atjima's immaturity and temper, things he hoped Atitaya could soften with her calm and exemplary nature. Even if it took time, Akanee believed that Atitaya's kindness could gradually change her for the better.

"Wait a minute! Why would I take Atitaya? She has nothing to do with this."

"So she can experience something new. She just graduated and hasn't had the chance to go anywhere yet."

"No. There's no way I'm taking that troublemaker."

"Akanee, do I need to go?"

"I didn't say I'm taking you!"

"Kaprao, don't you want to go to Hua Hin with your sister?"

"No, I'd rather stay here and help you with work. I don't want to cause any trouble."

Atitaya glanced at Atjima, fully aware of how she was seen, a nuisance, a troublemaker. And honestly, the idea of enjoying a few peaceful days in Hua Hin without her sounded perfect to Atjima as well.

"Then, Kaprao, you can stay. While Atjima is away, I'll teach you."

"Thank you, Akanee."

...

Relief spread across Atitaya's face at the thought of staying behind, and she quickly asked Akanee to guide her personally.

Atjima, however, narrowed her eyes. She was certain Atitaya had some hidden motive. Even after watching her closely over the past few days, she hadn't found anything suspicious, but she still didn't trust her.

"Dad, I've changed my mind. I'll take Atitaya with me to Hua Hin."

"But if you're not comfortable, you don't have to."

"I'm completely at ease."

Atjima's sudden change of heart brought no comfort to Atitaya. The faint smile on Atjima's lips felt more like mockery than any genuine attempt to get closer.

"Great. Then tomorrow, you'll go to Hua Hin together."

The trip to Hua Hin promised to be just as turbulent as Atjima herself!

⋆。𖦹 ̊。⋆

"Make a better face."

"This is the best I can do."

"I'm taking you to congratulate my cousin, not to kill someone."

"You know I didn't want to go, and you didn't want to take me. Why didn't you refuse Akanee's order?"

"Because watching your sulky face is entertaining."

"Are you a sadist? Do you enjoy seeing other people suffer?"

Atitaya looked at Atjima, who didn't respond and simply kept laughing, looking unusually cheerful. In contrast, Atitaya had been in a bad mood ever since they left home.

It wasn't just her. Even Phanee had been displeased upon hearing that Akanee wanted Atitaya to accompany his beloved niece. But since it was Akanee's decision, no one dared to oppose him.

Ever since Phanee returned home, Atjima had stopped bothering Atitaya. For the past few days, she hadn't shown up near Atitaya's house or at dinner, which used to feel more like battlefields than meals.

Atitaya had thought her life would return to normal. Clearly, she had been wrong.

"I have three cousins."

"And why should that matter to me?"

"Because you're going to meet all of them, idiot. And I don't want you embarrassing me."

"I already know that. Akanee told me."

"Oh really? And what else did he tell you? Or did you keep asking just to get his attention?"

"You should use your brain for better thoughts, not just terrible ones."

Tired of explaining herself to someone who never listened and always assumed the worst, Atitaya decided not to argue further. Whether Atjima believed her or not didn't matter.

"You're trying to win my father over. That's why I'm taking you to Hua Hin. I won't let you take advantage of my absence to score points with him."

"To me, Akanee is like a father. He's my benefactor."

"He's my father, not yours. Don't be shameless and try to steal him."

"Are you jealous of your own father again? When are you going to grow up?"

"Watch your mouth. I'm older than you, Atitaya."

Atjima's irritation began to show, the earlier calm of the trip completely shattered by Atitaya's boldness.

"If you didn't say it, no one would know. You act like an eight-year-old, Atjima."

"That's enough! I'll drop you off right here!"

"I'm just telling the truth. You just refuse to admit you're behaving like a child."

"..."

Atjima tightened her grip on the steering wheel.

How badly she wanted to crush Atitaya.

⋆。𖦹 ̊。⋆

"P'Nam."

"Atjima, you've arrived."

"Your business is growing fast. Don't forget about me."

"I'm no match for you, Atjima. Akanee's business is on another level."

"That's because my father has a lot of assets. Naturally, there are plenty of women who want to get their hands on them."

One of those "women" was undoubtedly Atitaya. Atjima cast her a brief glance as she stood quietly beside her, waiting to be introduced.

"And who is this with you, Atjima?"

"P'Nam, this is Atitaya. She's someone my father took in. She just graduated and came back to help with the business."

"Welcome, Atitaya."

"This is my cousin, P'Nam."

"Hello, P'Nam."

Atitaya greeted her politely. P'Nam carried herself with natural elegance, clearly someone of status.

Before they could continue, another woman approached, graceful and striking.

"Hello, Atjima."

"Khun Lada, it's been a while. How have you been?"

"I'm well. Who did you bring? I'll arrange the accommodation."

"This is Atitaya. And this is Khun Lada, my cousin's wife."

"Hello, Khun Lada."

Atitaya greeted her. Khun Lada smiled warmly, her already striking features made even more captivating by that gentle expression.

Atitaya paused for a moment at the phrase "my cousin's wife," but as she observed the interaction between P'Nam and Khun Lada, she quickly understood the family dynamic.

"This time, don't leave so soon. Stay at the resort for a while."

"I'll have to head back early, P'Nam. I still have work waiting, and I can't stay long."

"Then you should rest at the guest house first."

"You know me well, P'Nam. After traveling for so many hours, I just want to sleep."

"I'll have the staff take you there. Lom and Blue arrived a few days ago, and Din and Rose came this morning."

"Perfect. Looks like everyone's here."

She was referring to the Watinwanich family.

Notably, she didn't include Atitaya.

Because to her, Atitaya had no connection to that family, nor to herself, nor to her father.

Atitaya was nothing more than an outsider.

⋆。𖦹 ̊。⋆

"Atitaya!"

"What do you want?"

"My cousins invited us to dinner. Go change your clothes."

"I'm not going."

"That's an order, not a request."

Atitaya turned to look at the person who had a talent for ruining every peaceful moment she had. She didn't know how Atjima always managed to find her, even here, when she had only wanted to walk along the beach and enjoy the view.

The sound of the waves had barely calmed her before Atjima showed up and shattered it completely.

"Go by yourself. I'm not relevant."

"That would be rude."

"No one here knows me."

"P'Nam and Khun Lada do. And they've probably already told everyone that my father asked me to bring you."

Atjima spoke impatiently, as if explaining something obvious to someone incapable of understanding.

When Atitaya was younger, she had been far more obedient. Now, she was stubborn, sharp-tongued, and difficult to control. There was nothing left of the sweet little girl Atjima once remembered.

"But..."

"If you don't go, I'll tell my father you disrespected my cousins."

"If I go, will that be the end of it?"

"No."

"Fine. I'll go. Let's just get this over with."

Atitaya turned and headed back toward the guest house, her mood completely ruined.

Just before stepping inside, she stopped and looked back at Atjima, who was still following close behind.

"How far are you planning to follow me?"

"Until I'm sure you won't run away."

"I keep my promises."

"Then I'll wait here. Once you're changed, we're leaving immediately."

Atitaya clicked her tongue under her breath.

"Hurry up. And wear something decent. You always dress like that... pants, overalls..."

"..."

"Put on a dress for once. You look like a mess. If I take you like this, people might think I brought a maid."

Atjima let out a small laugh as she watched Atitaya cover her ears and walk off in irritation, clearly unwilling to listen any longer.

Yet, in her own way, everything Atjima said carried a trace of truth.

As a child, Atitaya used to love pretty dresses, always playing dress-up like a little princess.

But as she grew older, she had changed completely.

⋆。𖦹 ̊。⋆

"Is this the girl Lada said you brought to Hua Hin?"

"Yes, P'Rose. This is Atitaya. P'Nam said she's under Akanee's guardianship."

"Make yourself comfortable. I'm Rose, and this is Blue."

"Hello, Rose. Hello, Blue."

Atitaya greeted them politely. Earlier, Lada had already introduced her to Din, Ná, and Lom when she arrived at the restaurant. Now, she found herself sitting among a group of strangers for the first time.

"What a lovely face. Blue, she looks like a doll."

"You can call me Kaprao."

"Kaprao? That's a unique name. Not very common."

"Yes, Blue. Or just Kaprao, if you prefer."

Atitaya replied as Rose and Blue continued chatting with her in a friendly manner. Compared to Atjima, her cousins were all warm and welcoming. None of them carried that constant irritation Atjima seemed to have.

"Kaprao must be very close to Atjima. I've never seen her bring anyone along before."

"It's not like that, Lada. Akanee asked her to bring me, so she didn't really have a choice."

"That's surprising. Atjima is so stubborn. Din said she doesn't listen to anyone."

"P'Nam said the same thing. Atjima and Akanee argue all the time. They never seem to get along."

"Really? I didn't know that. I'll have to ask Lom later."

The youngest at the table quietly observed the conversation as Rose suddenly turned to Atitaya with a thoughtful look.

"Kaprao... are you Atjima's girlfriend?"

"No—"

"Of course not, Rose. Atjima would never be interested in her."

Atjima cut in immediately, her voice sharp with irritation. The mere suggestion seemed to offend her. She had no idea what Atitaya had done to give that impression, but she was determined to shut it down completely.

"She's not pretty, not attractive at all, and she's rude. No one would like someone like that."

"I'd rather stay single than have people misunderstand and think she's my girlfriend."

"..."

Atitaya fell silent.

She already knew Atjima didn't like her.

But did she really have to humiliate her like this, in front of everyone?

What a terrible person!

⋆。𖦹 ̊。⋆

"Why is everyone looking at me like that?"

"You really don't get it?"

"Get what, Lom? I don't like her, and I'm not going to pretend that I do."

"You have the right to dislike someone. No one is blaming you for that."

"Then I didn't do anything wrong."

"Then why did you say it like that? Don't you think you might have hurt her?"

When Lom failed to get through to her, Din finally stepped in after staying silent for a while.

After Atjima abruptly cut off the conversation and shut down the misunderstanding Rose had created, Atitaya had quietly excused herself to the restroom with Lada.

Meanwhile, the remaining five at the table turned to look at Atjima as if she had committed a serious mistake.

And yet, she didn't think she had done anything wrong.

Not liking someone was simply not liking them. Was telling the truth a crime?

"Din, you too? You should be on my side."

"Atjima, the way you speak is like an axe."

"You don't think before you talk, and you don't measure your words. If you don't change, it's going to cause you problems in the future."

Even P'Nam seemed to agree.

Were they all here just to criticize her?

Atjima shifted her gaze to Rose and Blue, hoping at least one of them would understand. After all, she had only brought Atitaya because of Akanee's request. That alone should have counted as an effort. And yet, she was the one being scolded.

"I agree with Lom," Blue said calmly. "Words can't be taken back. And neither can the feelings of the person who heard them. Once something is broken, it can't be undone so easily."

"Rose... you understand me, right?"

"Can I be honest?"

"Of course."

"Atjima, what you said was awful."

Rose didn't soften her tone at all.

"It doesn't even have to be Atitaya. No woman would like being talked about that way."

"Now I understand why you don't have a girlfriend. With that kind of temperament, it's impossible."

"Even just hearing it, without being the target, made me uncomfortable."

She paused briefly, then added,

"And that idea that people tease because they secretly like someone? That doesn't apply anymore."

"If someone hates you, it's because they hate you. There's nothing else behind it."

"..."

"Don't stop her, Din," Blue added. "The reason Atjima keeps acting like this is because no one ever truly corrects her."

"If Din spoke to me like that, I would've learned my lesson a long time ago."

This time, no one disagreed.

Rose was right.

Atjima needed to change.

⋆。𖦹 ̊。⋆

"Lada, where is Atitaya?"

"I was just about to ask if Kaprao had gone back to the table."

"No. That's why I came looking for her."

"But there's no one in the restroom."

Atjima checked inside once more, just to be sure, before stepping out again. She looked at Lada, her brows slightly furrowed.

If Atitaya had come to the restroom... then why had she disappeared without saying anything?

"I'll go look for her. You should head back to the table."

At this point, searching for Atitaya seemed like the better option than returning to face Rose's anger.

Her older cousin was usually gentle, but when she got angry, even Din had to tread carefully around her.

"Where did she go...?"

Atjima muttered under her breath as she walked away.

"She always does this."

Atitaya had always been like that, causing trouble and drawing Atjima's attention without even trying.

It had worked fifteen years ago.

And somehow, it was still working now.

⋆。𖦹 ̊。⋆

"Hey, where are you going so fast, babe?"

"Alone at this hour? Come have a drink with us."

Atitaya quickened her pace when she came across three drunk men drinking on the beach. She had walked quite a distance from the restaurant, and the area she was in was now poorly lit and deserted. She needed to get back to the restaurant area as quickly as possible.

"You don't have to act so proud, babe. We don't even know you, and you're already leaving?"

Atitaya realized she was at a disadvantage. Even with her self-defense skills, it would be difficult against three men. Furthermore, the area was too deserted for anyone to hear her cries for help. She regretted venturing so far alone.

"Don't follow me."

"Don't be afraid. We won't hurt you. We just want to have some fun together."

"She said no. Don't you understand?"

"Who are you to interfere? But if you want to have fun with us, that's fine too."

"Atjima!"

Atitaya called out when Atjima appeared just in time. There was no time to ask how she had found her; they needed to find a way out. Atitaya realized that Atjima was alone, with no sign of the others or Lom, who was a former police officer. The situation was still dangerous.

"Come have fun with my foot, you bastards!"

"Hey, she's got attitude. We like women like that. What's your name, babe?"

"Go ask your mother!"

Atjima glared at the three drunk men, who looked ready to fight. Instead, she signaled to Atitaya, grabbed her wrist, and started to run, choosing to flee rather than fight.

"I'm going to count to three. One, two... go!"

⋆。𖦹 ̊。⋆

"I'll count one, two. When I say three, run."

"I can't run."

"Then let the dog bite you."

"No, I'm scared."

"If you don't want to get bitten, run before more dogs show up. And stop crying, or I'll leave you here alone, Atitaya."

Atitaya wiped her tears and tried to hold back her sobs, like the crying child she resembled.

When she heard the count, one, two, Atjima said "go" instead of "three," signaling Atitaya to run with all her strength as they escaped the angry dog chasing them.

⋆。𖦹 ̊。⋆

"We're safe here. They couldn't reach us."

Atjima spoke while catching her breath after running a long distance and helping Atitaya escape from the drunk men. Only then did she realize she was still holding Atitaya's wrist. She let go quickly, without much thought.

"I didn't think you would help me."

"I didn't help because of you. Anyone would have done the same. I was just being a good person."

"I thought you were actually going to face them when you challenged them."

Atitaya said in surprise, but the situation reminded her of something from the past. Once, Atjima had saved her life when a rabid dog attacked her.

"You fool. Three against one, I would've been beaten."

"Is that why you ran so fast?"

"I just backed off to regroup. Don't use the word 'run away' with me."

"Oh, I see."

"What were you thinking, walking that far? If I hadn't shown up, even with your strength, you wouldn't have stood a chance against them. There were too many. You're all grown up now, start thinking before you act."

"Thanks."

"Forget it. I don't want your thanks. If you want to repay me, stop causing trouble."

"Thank you... really."

"..."