Chapter Text
It was a busy day for the events team. Typing, typing, typing. Click, click, click. The atmosphere was intense and serious, filled with the constant buzz of work.
Suddenly, the door swung open, GONG! A loud thud echoed through the room as every head turned toward the entrance. A small girl stood there, radiating the space with her bright smile, wincing slightly as she rubbed her shin... she had clearly just hit the table. She clutched two large bags of snacks from her business trip and grinned.
"Hello, everyone! I'm back!!!"
In an instant, the entire team perked up. A chorus of excited voices filled the air as they rushed toward her.
"LOVE!!!!"
Everyone spoke at once, overwhelming her with questions and excitement. Love, slightly bewildered by the enthusiasm, held up her hands. "Alright, alright! First, let's all calm down and have some snacks!"
Sensing their anxious energy, she knew something was up. She glanced around at her exhausted team, who had clearly been under pressure. Making a quick decision, she ushered everyone into the meeting room.
As they munched on the delicious treats, they caught her up on everything that had happened in the past two weeks. A new CEO had arrived and, in that short time, had turned the entire company upside down. She pushed for larger-scale events, demanding exponential growth despite the already gruelling workload.
Internally, Love understood that expansion was a smart business move, especially when competition within the market was growing fierce. Her recent business trip had exposed her to fresh opportunities, opening new avenues for the company's future. She skimmed through the meeting notes and the plans her team had compiled while she was away.
Once everyone had settled down, she spoke up, her voice steady and reassuring. "I know it's been tough, but you've done an amazing job holding the fort. Let's push through, and once we wrap up the event at the end of the month, I'll treat everyone to something special!"
The energy in the room shifted. Her words reignited their motivation, and she swiftly restructured the team, optimising their workflow.
Love had only been with the company for two years, but her leadership, sharp instincts, and unwavering dedication had earned her a stellar reputation. She had spearheaded countless successful projects and built strong connections across departments, which had propelled her rapid rise through the ranks.
As the workday ended, she looked around at her team and made a firm decision. "Alright, everyone. Go home. You need rest."
Some hesitated, reluctant to leave unfinished tasks.
"This work is important, but so is work-life balance," she reminded them.
" Rest fuels inspiration."
With that, they finally packed up and left.
----------
Love made her way to a boat noodle restaurant owned by her friends, Piploy and Pim. As she arrived, she noticed a stray cat lounging outside. Naturally, she couldn't resist disturbing it with gentle pets.
Just as she was lost in the moment, someone tapped her shoulder. Startled, she nearly lost her balance, teetering on the curb. A firm hand caught her before she could fall.
"So beautiful... Are you available for a dinner date tonight? I might be catching feelings for you."
It was her best friend, View.
Love chuckled, regaining her footing. "Thanks for saving me," she teased, playing along. "I guess I did literally fall for you."
They shared a playful bow and a laugh before heading inside.
Piploy and Pim greeted them warmly, but before Love and View could even ask how things were going, the couple was already engaged in playful bickering.
Feeling like third wheels, View sighed dramatically. "Alright, we get it, you two are in love. Can we at least get some food before we die of hunger?"
As they settled in, Love's signature clumsiness took centre stage as she spilled her water, dropped her chopsticks, and then hid in embarrassment.
View, having long grown accustomed to Love's antics, just shook her head with an amused smile. "You're supposed to be the most perfect person in the world, yet you're the clumsiest person I know."
They ate, laughed, and ranted about work until View's phone rang. Her expression darkened as she glanced at the caller ID - her father.
After a brief, tense conversation, she hung up and immediately asked for a full bottle of beer. She was about to chug it when Love snatched it away, pouring it into a glass instead.
L: What's wrong?
View exhaled, rubbing her temples.
V: Another blind date.
Love's eyes widened.
L: Wait... then what about Mim?
V: Exactly!
View groaned.
V: My father won't stop arranging these ridiculous dates because he refuses to accept that I'm dating someone 'beneath' our social status.
Love frowned.
L: Well... he accepted your sexuality. Maybe, in time, he'll accept Mim too?
View let out a dry laugh.
V: That's the thing! Now that I can legally marry her, I don't want to wait! And it's not just that... he still sets me up with men, hoping I'll magically 'reconsider' my sexuality. It's exhausting. But Mim... Mim makes me happy. She is so cute! Hehe
Love smiled, her tone softer.
L: As your best friend and sister, I fully approve of Mim. She's so much better than the girls you used to date.
View smirked.
V: You're only saying that because most of them ended up flirting with you instead. But hey, June didn't flirt with you, you need to omit her
Love rolled her eyes.
L: It's not my fault for attracting all your partners and... they did end up cheating on you right? Also, do you still miss June? After all, you did take a long time before you got over her
View hesitated before sighing.
V: I am over her but she's a love I'll never forget. Too bad that the Long-distance relationship just didn't work out, but I'm happy she's found someone new.
View then leaned forward, mischief twinkling in her eyes.
V: Enough about me. When are you getting a partner? I'm still waiting for you to get married. My Love, the love of my life-
Love cut her off with a laugh.
L: Nope. Not happening. Love is the furthest thing from my mind.
View gasped dramatically.
V: Says the one literally named Love!
They both burst into laughter.
View's expression turned serious as she faced her best friend. She took a deep breath and said,
V: I've known you for so long, and I know how much you've been trapped in that horrible environment because of your family. I just want you to have more love in your life now.
As Love opened her mouth to respond, View's serious expression suddenly shifted into a sly grin.
V: I have an idea...
View said, mischief twinkling in her eyes. Love narrowed her eyes.
L: I know that look. The last time you had that look, I ended up in trouble with both the principal and the police. I don't want to know what's in your head. I'm leaving.
She stood up... and promptly knocked over someone's food. Luckily, the person had quick reflexes and saved their meal. Love bowed in apology, cheeks burning, while View cackled.
V: I swear, bad luck is drawn to you. You need someone who can bring good luck into your life.
L: I don't need anyone!
Love huffed.
V: Well, since you're still here... You're fated to help me.
Love tried to escape again, this time carefully checking her surroundings.
V: I'LL GIVE YOU THAT ALL-NEW CONTINUATION.
Love stopped mid-step, turning back.
L: That... and pay me.
View grinned.
V: Deal. Help me ruin my blind date.
Love smirked.
L: Okay.
----------
In a dimly lit office, only two sources of light illuminated the space. The warm glow of a desk lamp and the soft shimmer of a terrarium.
Click. Click. Click.
The sound of typing filled the space, breaking the stillness of the late-night hours.
Sitting at the large mahogany desk was a striking woman, her presence commanding even in solitude. Her posture was composed, her expression unreadable, but her intense focus gave away the weight on her shoulders.
She was buried in work, completely detached from the passing of time.
Then... Knock. Knock. A familiar voice followed.
GP: Milk, what are you doing here at this hour again? Didn't I tell you... You must come home today! You haven't rested since you took this position.
The woman, Milk Pansa, didn't lift her gaze from the screen.
She finally looked up, her expression sharp yet exhausted.
M: I want to protect your company. It's bad enough that our competitors, especially LLL Holdings, have surged ahead.
Her grandfather let out a long sigh, stepping into the room with a disapproving frown.
GP: You need to remember something, child... I care more about you being healthy and happy than about any company. At the end of the day, it's just a business. Yes, I built it like it was my own baby, and I still treasure it, especially after your father passed away...
He paused, his voice softening.
GP: But you, Milk... you are my real treasure. My happiness.
Milk's fingers hesitated over the keyboard. For a brief moment, her carefully composed mask wavered.
M: I know how much this company means to you... and to Dad. I'm not just doing this for the company, Grandpapi.
She exhaled, closing her eyes for a second before continuing.
M: I'm doing this for me. I want to feel closer to him.
Her grandfather studied her silently, his expression filled with both understanding and concern. Finally, he spoke.
GP: I understand... but health comes first, Milk. If you run yourself into the ground, who will fix the company then?
Milk didn't respond.
GP: Problems can't be solved if you're sick. And I've waited long enough... you're coming home today. That's final.
She let out a resigned sigh, knowing he wouldn't let this one go.
M: Alright... but can I stop by the events department first? I need to drop off something.
Her grandfather gave her a long look before nodding.
GP: Fine. But after that... no more excuses. Pack up your things.
Milk closed her laptop, pushing her chair back with a quiet sigh.
Even though she wouldn't say it out loud, she knew he was right.
And yet, deep inside her, the weight of responsibility never lifted.
----------
Milk walked into the events department, expecting to see her employees at work. However, to her surprise, the room was empty. She glanced at the clock and realized she had arrived earlier than usual.
She noticed an office that was usually empty is now filled with stacks of documents, scattered notes, and an unmistakable sense of ongoing work.
Her eyes landed on a nameplate outside the office, the familiar letters catching her attention.
"Love Pattranite Limpatiyakorn."
Milk felt her lips curve slightly.
"Oh, she's back. This should be interesting. I hope I get to meet her soon."
She had known Love's name long before she even took over the company.
The brilliant strategist behind countless innovative ideas. The fearless employee who had fought the previous CEO to protect the company's financial stability. The one who had somehow brought in high revenue while ensuring salaries and project funds weren't embezzled.
She was a fighter... a rarity in the corporate world.
Milk had wanted to meet her on day one of her takeover, but Love had been sent overseas on a business trip. She had been disappointed, unable to personally thank the woman who had unknowingly made her transition smoother.
Now, she was here. And Milk was eager to see her in action.
Over the past two weeks, Milk had observed Love's influence within the company. Employees respected her and trusted her systems and decisions because they had protected their livelihoods during uncertain times.
But while they trusted Love, they didn't trust Milk yet. She understood why. The previous CEO's reckless decisions had left a lasting scar on the team. Rebuilding trust would take time and effort.
Still, Milk was determined.
She had slowly gained their trust over the past two weeks, but it had been Love's assurance that made things easier.
"If the new CEO is up to no good, I'll come back and handle it."
Milk smirked.
"Bold of you, Love."
She had figured out that Love had sent the employees home early today. That small act of care made Milk smile.
Without another thought, she walked into Love's office, setting down a neatly compiled report and an envelope of money for the team, her own contribution to their hard work.
Grabbing a sticky note, she quickly scribbled:
"Hi Love,
I'm Milk. Apologies for entering your office without permission. We haven't officially met yet, but I hope
to in
a future meeting.
I'm leaving a report and research to assist the team. Also, I left some money from my pocket,
use it
to treat them to a meal. They've been working late nights for two weeks to help me.
- Pansa :)"
As she was about to leave, something caught her eye.
A postcard-sized illustration sat on Love's desk... a beautifully drawn Samoyed dog cuddling with an orange cat.
Milk's smile softened.
M: Cute.
She left, feeling strangely amused by this woman she had never met.
----------
Milk sat in the car, skimming through reports on her tablet, her mind still half-focused on work.
Her grandfather, seated beside her, cleared his throat.
GP: Milk. How was the blind date today?
Milk sighed, switching off her screen. She took a deep breath before turning toward him, her expression blank but tired.
M: Grandpapi... ever since I came back, you've arranged countless blind dates for me.
She paused for a moment before continuing.
M: To be exact.... 234 dates.
Her grandfather narrowed his eyes.
GP: And?
M: And I rejected all 234 men.
Her grandfather let out an exasperated sigh, shaking his head.
GP: Milk... You and I both know we're not getting any younger. I want to see you with someone before I leave this world. Just date anyone! I don't care who it is anymore!
Milk groaned, rubbing her temples.
M: It's a waste of time. I have work to do.
Her grandfather gave her a pointed look.
GP: Work, work, work. That's all you ever say!
He suddenly pulled out a thick binder from his bag and placed it on her lap with a loud THUD. Milk stared at it in horror.
GP: I have an entire binder of suitors for you... over 1,500 pages, to be exact.
Milk snapped her head toward him.
M: But... Grandpapi!!
GP: No Buts!
Milk let out a long, exhausted sigh.
M: Grandpapi, I'm not interested.
GP: No excuses! Tomorrow, I've arranged another blind date for you. And trust me when I say... this one will be different from the other 234 dates.
Milk let out a long sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose. At this point, she was too exhausted to argue.
M: Fine.
She exhaled sharply, leaning back against the seat, thinking, "Whoever shows up tomorrow... I'll marry them."
Little... did she know...