We picked up some boba and snacks.
Of course, I was the one who had to go and get them—Phu couldn't step out that easily without a mask, a cap, and sometimes even his manager trailing behind.
Fame definitely came with its own set of complications.
As I got back into the car with our order, I handed him his drink.
"One brown sugar boba for the mysterious celebrity," I teased, offering a playful smile.
He chuckled, eyes crinkling. "Thank you, undercover assistant."
We reached home around 8 p.m.
"I'll leave around 11," Phu said as he stepped inside.
"Okay," I replied, already familiar with our little routine.
After a quick shower, we settled in for our usual date night at my place—just the two of us, some food, and a movie.
Phu sprawled across the entire sofa, claiming it like it was his personal throne. I laughed softly and settled in between his legs, leaning back against him. My head rested near his collarbone, the rhythm of his breathing calm and steady.
The movie played in the background, but honestly, it was the comfort of being close to him that I was enjoying the most.
Phu asked, "You okay with me working with Ariya?"
I turned and looked at him. "I know you have your reasons, so I've decided to trust you. This is work—and as an adult, I know how to differentiate between work and personal life."
He smiled and pulled me into a hug. "I'm lucky to have such an understanding boyfriend."
I don't know what happened, but in that moment, he looked so handsome when he said that… so I leaned in and kissed him on the lips.
Phu let me kiss him, his eyes wide open, just watching my face.
Then suddenly, he looked shy.
I asked, "What happened?"
He mumbled, *"Nahhh… I just realized I love you too much—that I'm jealous of myself."
I smiled and glanced at the clock—it was almost 11 p.m.
"Time's up," I said softly.
Phu sighed dramatically. "Okay, baby."
I laughed and walked him to the door. He left right on time, and I watched him go before settling back onto the sofa, my thoughts already drifting to tomorrow's shoot. I wasn't nervous—just curious. About Ariya. About how things might unfold.
Meanwhile, on Phu's side, as he was driving, his phone buzzed.
It was a call from his father.
"Come see me when you can. I have something important to talk about," his father said.
Phu could sense the seriousness in his tone, but he didn't want to worry me—especially not tonight.
He decided to keep it to himself… at least for now.
PHU.
Phu's family background was far from simple.
His father had three wives, each with their own children. And then… there was Phu.
Phu's mother had never been officially part of the family. She was his father's mistress—used for lust more than love. That's how she became pregnant with Phu. And because of that, the rest of the family never truly accepted him.
The wives and their children resented Phu. To them, he was a stain. A reminder of their father's betrayal. But ironically, it was Phu who resembled his father the most—his features, his aura, even his voice. That resemblance made him both hated… and valuable.
His father saw Phu as a potential profit.
A tool.
Someone he could use to strengthen family ties and business influence.
Phu's fate, in his father's eyes, was simple: marry into the Ariya family. Their pharmaceutical empire had long-standing international connections and powerful control over the drug import industry in Thailand.
Ariya's family wanted influence in entertainment and public image. Phu's father wanted money, reputation, and legacy.
To him, it was a perfect deal.
But Ariya was a wild card.
She had studied abroad and, during those years, found something different—something real. A man who loved her for who she was, not for what her last name could buy. She couldn't let go of that, which made the entire marriage arrangement… fragile.
Phu knew parts of this. But how much Ariya was holding back, and how far his father would go, was something he had yet to fully understand.
Still, one thing was clear: he wasn't going to drag Ian into this storm.
Not yet.
Phu arrived at his father's villa—an extravagant estate boasting twelve bedrooms and thirteen bathrooms, all designed by a professional architect to reflect power and prestige. Cold, massive, and pristine. Just like the man who lived in it.
He walked inside and found his father already seated in the main hall, surrounded by several of his other children. Sons and daughters from his three wives. Phu didn't bother to sit. He never did in this house.
His father looked up casually."How's everything?"
"Good," Phu replied shortly.
His father leaned back, folding his arms. "I've heard some rumors."
Phu's heart clenched. Please… not about Ian, he prayed silently.
"I heard you're working with Ariya." There was a pause.
"Why don't you just marry her already?"
Phu let out a quiet sigh. "Yes, Father. We're still getting to know each other. We need time."
His father narrowed his eyes slightly.
Phu gave a small nod, keeping his tone neutral. "I'll let you know when it's time. Hopefully soon. Father."
Without another word, his father stood and walked off, not bothering to respond.
As Phu stood still, trying to keep his composure, one of his half-brothers sauntered up with a smug expression.
"Hello, brother. How are you? By the way, I heard you have a new toy…"
Phu met his eyes immediately, sharp and unflinching. He knew exactly what his brother meant—Ian.
His voice dropped, cold and razor-sharp."I'm not one of Father's yes-men who nod along to everything he says. So why don't you go take care of your own toys, instead of worrying about mine?"
Everyone knew the secrets in this family.
Phu did too. He had learned to keep them stored like weapons—ready, but hidden. For moments exactly like this.
His brother's smirk faltered. The moment he saw the fire in Phu's eyes, he backed down quietly and returned to his seat. There was something lion-like in the way Phu stood—fierce, protective, a quiet storm that could erupt without warning. Even the others, watching from across the room, said nothing.
Phu smiled tightly, as if dismissing the scene."Goodbye." And with that, he turned and walked out.
Phu felt suffocated. The air in that house was heavy with judgment and silent wars. He needed to breathe—he needed Ian.
He stepped outside, away from the cold marble and forced smiles, and called him.
Ian answered halfway through the first ring."What happened?" he asked immediately, his voice sharp with concern.
Phu's voice trembled. "I… I want to see you."
That was all it took. Ian heard the crack in his tone.
"I'll wait for you at the lobby," Ian said gently.
"No," Phu cut in. "Just… be there. I'll be with you in twenty minutes."
I waited at home, pacing a little, pretending to tidy up—but the truth was, I needed to see Phu just as much as he needed me. Maybe more.
Then I heard footsteps. I didn't even need to look through the peephole. I knew it was him.
I rushed to the door and opened it—Phu didn't even give me time to speak. He stepped in and pulled me into a tight hug, burying his face against my neck. His grip was so tight, so desperate, I couldn't even move. My heart raced, worry rising with every second.
"What happened, Phu?" I asked, my voice soft but trembling.
He didn't answer immediately. Then came a low murmur."Nothing… I just want to sleep."
I didn't believe it. But I didn't push—not yet."Okay," I said quietly.
I closed the door and locked it behind us.
"You should shower first," I added gently, reaching for his hand.
He looked at me, tired eyes full of emotion, but he wasn't saying out loud.
"Come on," I said, lacing my fingers through his. "Let's go."
I gave a small smile. "Let's shower together."