Earn arrived at a network building in central Bangkok. Its glass façade mirrored the restless city. Inside, the lobby pulsed with the energy of casting day, with assistants holding clipboards, cameras rolling, and actors rehearsing their lines.
Amid the crowd, Susi spotted Earn and waved her over, her smile bright against the surrounding noise.
"Well, well, look who finally said yes to a comeback!" Susi remarked with a smile as Earn approached. She handed her a cold water bottle like it were a prize.
"Even if we just get a celebrity cameo, we'll take it."
A soft laugh escaped Earn as she adjusted her oversized sunglasses and pulled down the cap that nearly swallowed her face.
"You make it sound like I'm a relic from a museum exhibit," Earn said, her voice light as her eyes scanned the room. "Though, judging by how many people didn't recognize me at the door, maybe I am."
"You're not. You're a legend on pause. There's a difference," Susi declared, looping her arm through Earn's. "And don't worry about these people, you won't be waiting in this chaos anyway. The director asked to see you now."
"Great… now I'm nervous." Earn exhaled softly, unsure whether to laugh or sigh.
"Don't be. I already talked to him for you," Susi said with a grin as she guided Earn away from the bustling registration desk.
"The director's not that scary… A bit intense, sure, but definitely fair. And he respects all actors, especially women…"
"Intense and fair?" Earn murmured, "That already sounds exhausting."
"You'll be fine. Just don't try to act cool, you suck at it," Susi quipped without missing a beat.
Earn gave her the tiniest glare.
"Appreciate the pep talk, manager."
"Anytime," Susi smirked, clearly pleased. She kept talking as they walked, running through small details about the meeting and what to expect once they got inside. Earn listened with half an ear as her gaze wandered ahead.
They passed rows of hopeful talents, the hum of rehearsed lines and hurried footsteps fading as they turned down a quieter hallway that branched off from the main lobby. Posters of hit dramas lined the walls, a constant reminder of the stakes they were stepping into.
Then Earn saw it.
Her steps faltered, stopping her in place.
One of the posters featured her, with her name printed in bold, her face lit by stage lights, frozen in a moment that had once made headlines.
It was from her breakout role, the one she landed right after graduation, when things had finally started to make sense again after her breakup with Fahlada.
Susi had helped her get there, just as new to the industry but twice as fearless. She had always believed they were destined for something bigger, and Earn remembered the whirlwind that followed: the first fitting, the first script read, the first time someone asked for her autograph.
Back then, everything had felt uncertain yet full of possibility. That role had changed the course of her life, showing her what she was capable of and ultimately leading her back to Fahlada.
Now, staring at that younger version of herself, all poise and promise, she couldn't help but wonder, 'Can I still be her?'
That girl had been audacious.Hungry.
She hadn't learned how heavy the spotlight could get. She hadn't faced the pressure between projects or how the industry could forget you the moment you stepped away.
'It's only been a few years… but it feels like another lifetime…'
'What if that was the best I'll ever be?'
The thought stung more than she expected.
Her breath caught as the hallway seemed to stretch before her, the posters along the walls looming like silent judges, their glossy eyes fixed on her.
Earn gripped her shoulder bag tighter, grounding herself against the rush of doubt that threatened to pull her under.
"Earn? Did you hear what I said?" Susi called out, stopping a few steps ahead.
Earn blinked, the haze of her thoughts slowly clearing as she looked at her manager.
"Sorry," she murmured, forcing a small smile. "What were you saying?"
Susi shook her head, "Never mind. Come on, we're almost there."
Earn gave the poster one last glance before managing a slight nod and moving on, but the brief pause was enough for Susi to notice the hesitation she tried to hide.
"Relax," Susi whispered as they stopped before a door marked Closed Session.
"This isn't an audition, it's just a conversation. We've done this a thousand times before…"
"A thousand's a bit over the top, Susi," Earn said, a half-smile tugging at her lips. She pulled off her sunglasses and cap, letting her eyes meet her manager's directly.
Susi caught it immediately, the familiar spark of determination behind Earn's nervous demeanor.
"Fine, nine hundred," Susi said. "But you've done this enough to know you'll be fine." She stepped closer and gave Earn's arm a quick, reassuring squeeze. A silent you've got this from someone who'd seen her talent rise before.
Earn composed her expression, drew in a deep breath, and quietly coached herself.
'I can do this. I've done it before.' She repeated the words like a mantra.
'And besides, if Susi thinks I'm worth a thousand, I might as well prove I'm worth ten.'
With a firm push, Susi opened the door to the studio.
Earn stepped inside, then paused, nerves flickering as her eyes adjusted to the bright lights.
The room was spacious, lit by bright directional softboxes. The light cast a clinical glow over the taped-off performance area. A camera stood ready on its tripod, aimed as if waiting to judge. To one side, a long table held scripts, bottled water, and a monitor. Three empty chairs sat behind it, reserved for the creative team.
But no one was there.
Earn blinked, her brows pulling together.
'Okay… this is weirdly quiet.'
She glanced at Susi, who gave her a puzzled look, clearly surprised too.
"Looks like we're early," Susi said, letting the door close gently behind her.
'Well, at least I don't have to pretend I'm not nervous in front of anyone yet.'
Earn thought and walked over to a nearby chair and sank into it, setting her bag and water bottle gently on the table. Her fingers traced the rim absentmindedly as her thoughts began to spiral again with an unspoken fear that she'd already peaked, that all she could do now was pretend she hadn't lost it.
Shaking her head, she pressed her palms lightly to her cheeks and let out a sharp, uneven breath.
'I'm here to prove I can still do this,' she reminded herself. 'That I belong.'
She inhaled slowly, letting the thought settle deep in her chest, and her gaze caught on a script left open on the table, as if someone had forgotten it in a hurry. The printed lines and scribbled notes pulled her back to the days when she used to live for moments like this.
'Truth is… I miss this… The weight of a script in my hands, imagining the character, feeling the story come alive. It reminds me what it's like to have a purpose…'
Just then, Susi approached, a hint of amusement playing on her lips, phone in hand, and slid into the chair beside her.
Earn gave her a curious look. "What's with the secret smile? Good news?"
Susi shrugged, the amusement refusing to fade. "We've got money, fans waiting to see you, and a photoshoot scheduled. And then…"
Earn caught the glint in Susi's eyes, that teasing look she knew too well. It could only mean one person.
"Fahlada…?"
Susi nodded. "She texted me… told me to make sure you don't skip lunch and not to let you overdo anything today."
'Of course she did…'
There was something oddly comforting about it, like Fahlada's presence was still with her, fussing from a distance.
Fahlada had helped her get ready today. She prepared her favorite breakfast despite claiming she didn't have time. She fixed Earn's collar with those precise, doctorly hands that turned tender when they touched her. She even checked Earn's outfit twice, saying she wanted her "to look like the role already belonged to her."
Earn smiled faintly at the sound of her wife's calm, meticulous voice, which echoed somewhere in her head.
"Seriously? She sent you that?" Earn said, her voice lifted by a light laugh of disbelief. She already knew the answer, but wanted to hear it again, just to feel her wife's care stay a little longer.
Susi nodded again, her expression shifting to a knowing smirk.
"She even sent a checklist. I'm under strict instructions. Hydrate, eat, don't stress. I might as well be your babysitter."
"She really doesn't know how to take a break from worrying about me," Earn said, trying to sound casual.
"Nuff, stop bragging!" Susi shot back with a mock-annoyed face, rolling her eyes dramatically.
"You must have forgotten how crazy she is about you. Remember that time you were shooting that commercial that went on forever? She kept sending me messages, asking if you'd eaten, if you'd rested, even if the AC was too cold for you."
"Yeah… I guess that's her way of saying she misses me…" Earn's lips curved as the memory surfaced, and a soft rush of happiness filled her.
Susi tilted her head, watching her friend closely.
The curve of her lips, the softened eyes, the way Earn's fingers traced the water bottle as if she'd forgotten it was even there.
Susi had seen Earn in every mood. But this? This was the look she wore when pleasant memories drifted through her mind. Seeing it now, Susi felt a swell of quiet happiness herself. She was relieved to watch Earn finally return to the version of herself she'd missed so much.
"You're glowing, you know that?" Susi teased, narrowing her eyes.
"I'm really glad that things really are good between you two again…"
Earn pretended to roll her eyes, but the shy curve of her lips gave her away.
"We're… okay. More than okay, actually… And let's just say, I've never felt this good in a while."
Susi tried to stifle a squeal behind her hand, but the excitement was too much to contain.
"Ahhh! Knew it! I can always see right through you… And that little grin? You've clearly been very busy the past few nights… or maybe even in the mornings…" Susi said with a satisfied grin.
Earn's cheeks warmed as she hid behind her hand. "Susi! You're unbelievable…"
"And you're in love," Susi sang, eyes sparkling in delight.
Earn dropped her hand and shook her head, but the faint smile that still played on her lips was proof enough. Before Susi could press her teasing further, the door opened with a soft click.
Both women turned instinctively as the door opened.
A man in a sharp, tailored black suit stepped in, the white of his shirt stark against the dark fabric, his tie perfectly knotted, and the subtle scent of cologne trailing behind him. The gleam of his cufflinks caught the light as he crossed the threshold, his presence filling the space before he even spoke.
Susi and Earn exchanged a quick glance before rising to their feet.
"Director Buathong, we spoke briefly on the phone," Susi said with professional ease, offering a polite bow. "It's an honor to meet you."
Earn mirrored the gesture with a respectful wai, her hands pressed together, fingertips touching her forehead as she bowed low. "Thank you for having us."
Mr. Buathong returned the greeting with a polite bow, his gaze settling on Earn, sharp and focused, as a faint smile curved his lips.
"Finally, the Sanithada Phongphiphat—the golden muse of Thai movie and television. Or do you prefer I address you as Mrs. Phongphiphat-Thananusak?" he said, extending a hand.
Earn felt the familiar rhythm of the name — Mrs. Thananusak.
The corners of her lips lifted slightly as she reached out and shook his hand, letting the novelty of it sink in.
"Please, just call me Earn, Director Buathong," she said, her voice warm and graceful.
"Earn it is. And no need for formality, you can simply call me Klaharn," he replied, inclining his head, sealing the request with respect.
"And you can call me… Susi!" she chimed, thrusting her hand out with a dramatic flourish that made the gesture almost theatrical.
Klaharn raised an amused brow, the corner of his mouth lifting as he took her hand.
"You're just as lively in person as you are over the phone," he said lightly.
"I take that as a compliment," Susi replied brightly, her eyes sparkling with playful triumph, as if she'd just won him over with sheer charm. Earn buried her face in her hands, trying not to laugh at Susi's exaggerated energy.
"Please, sit," Klaharn said, still smiling while gesturing toward the chairs. "We're still waiting for the rest of the casting team."
They all took their seats, the silence between them threaded with a sense of expectation.
"I've seen your past work, Earn. That's why I've been looking forward to this screen test," Klaharn said, breaking the comfortable atmosphere.
"Your reputation precedes you. You bring depth naturally."
Earn offered a modest nod. "Thank you. I might be a little rusty, though."
"Sometimes rust has the richest texture," Klaharn told her gently, his expression calm.
Earn met his gaze, surprised by the weight behind such simple words. There was no performance in his tone, only conviction. And the way he said it sent a bolt of confidence through her.
Earn let out a small, self-conscious laugh, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
"I… I don't know what to say… except thank you. I'll try not to completely crumble, then."
Susi leaned in to Earn and whispered, "See? I told you - not scary."
Klaharn's lips twitched as though he'd heard, but he didn't comment. Instead, he leaned forward, elbows resting lightly on his knees, fingers interlaced. His gaze locked on Earn.
"Before the rest of the team arrives," he said evenly, "I wanted to tell you this directly."
Earn shifted slightly in her seat, a flicker of unease passing through her. "Okay," she said quietly.
Klaharn continued, "We're close to finalizing the lead cast, but there's a supporting role I've envisioned for you…"
"She's someone who's carried more than most people could imagine. The choices she makes, the way she handles impossible situations, the way she tries to protect what matters to her—it shapes everything around her. You feel her story in every decision, every action, without her having to explain herself."
There was something in the description that Earn immediately recognized in the character. She could see the fear, the courage, and the weight of impossible decisions.
"She sounds… layered," Earn said thoughtfully. "Someone who doesn't need to speak loudly to be heard."
"Exactly," Klaharn agreed. "That's why I thought of you. You don't need words to make people feel something, and that's rare."
Earn's breath caught, the compliment sinking deeper than she expected.
'He understands. He actually sees me.'
It had been a long time since someone spoke to her like this, not just as a performer, but as an artist capable of nuance and subtlety.
Earn glanced at Susi, who instantly gave her a thumbs-up and mouthed, 'Take it.'
"I'd love to read for her," Earn said, her voice bright with enthusiasm.
He nodded slightly, an acknowledgment that sent another spark through her. The moment broke when the door creaked open, followed by the soft rustle of papers and the shuffle of footsteps as more people entered.
Klaharn rose to greet the team, and both Susi and Earn followed his lead.
As they stood together, Klaharn leaned in slightly toward Earn.
"Up close, you're even more disarming than on screen," he murmured, his voice low enough for only her to hear, the tone carrying something quietly personal.
"Let's make something unforgettable together, shall we?" he added, straightening with a subtle tilt of his head, just before anyone could catch the moment.
Earn was startled by the way Klaharn asked him. Her lips parted slightly, unsure whether to respond or simply smile. For a heartbeat, she felt the air thicken with a slight tension that made her want to step back.
'Is he testing me?' Earn wondered; she scanned Klaharn's expression, searching for any sign of pressure or hidden meaning.
Susi's eyes darted between them, catching only the last shift in Klaharn's stance.
"You two already sound like you're plotting something," Susi said lightly, though her tone carried a trace of suspicion.
"Guilty," Klaharn admitted with a soft chuckle. Then his gaze settled back on Earn and whispered, "If you're comfortable, I'd like us to continue this conversation somewhere quieter so we can really focus. Let's meet at my studio to explore the emotional layers of the script."
Earn hesitated, the word studio lingering in her mind longer than it should. The charm in his voice wasn't overt, but there was something in his phrasing that made her pulse quicken for all the wrong reasons.
"Will Susi come too?" she asked quickly, forcing her tone to stay light, even as the edge of caution slipped through.
"Of course," Klaharn said smoothly, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"Though sometimes the best work happens when it's just between the actor and the director."
Earn didn't think too hard about what he meant; the words barely registered as anything more than professional enthusiasm. She responded with the same polite ease she used with everyone.
"Then it's a good thing my manager understands me better than anyone," Earn said, glancing at Susi with subtle warmth.
Susi caught her cue instantly. "And I plan to keep it that way," she added, "We'll both be there, Director. Earn gives her best when she feels supported, that's how you'll get the performance you're after."
Klaharn smirked, his eyes narrowing slightly before he inclined his head.
"Fair enough," with a subtle nod, he excused himself to check on the team.
Earn watched him go, still unsure what to make of that brief exchange. The moment hung in the air until Susi's teasing voice broke through her thoughts.
"Well," Susi murmured with a smirk, leaning closer, "that was definitely something. I think he likes you."
"What?!" Earn's voice came out louder than she intended, drawing a few curious glances from nearby crew members. She quickly lowered it, panic flashing across her face as her gaze darted toward Klaharn's retreating figure and then back to Susi.
"Susi… he knows I'm married! He can't possibly—"
"Relax! I meant as an actress. He has a good eye for talent; this could be a huge break for you." Susi remarked as she laughed.
"Oh—haha! My bad," Earn grinned, cheeks flushing. "You scared me for a second."
"Again… he's harmless," Susi said, wiggling her brows mischievously. She leaned closer to Earn and whispered, "Trust me, the word is… he's gay."
Earn gasped and lightly swatted Susi's arm. "Susi! You can't just say things like that!" Her cheeks warmed, and she tried to look scandalized, but the corner of her mouth twitched into a grin anyway.
Susi smirked, "Oh, come on, you love this kind of gossip. Admit it."
"I do not!" Earn protested, though her laughter betrayed her. "Well… maybe a little."
"See? Besides, I'm just helping you survive the scary—uh, harmless men of the world, oh, and there's another—"
"Susi! Stop gossiping." Earn cut her off, glancing around as she noticed a few crew members giving them curious looks. "You know, you sound just like Rati's manager sometimes."
Susi's eyes widened in mock offense. "Excuse me? That bitc- wishes she had my charm." She flicked her hair dramatically. "I gossip with style. She just spreads boring rumors."
Earn snorted, shaking her head. "Sure, you're the original gossip guru. Somebody alert the tabloids!"
"Earn, please, stop…" Susi gave an exaggerated sigh. "I have fans to maintain."
Earn stared at her friend-slash-manager for a beat, and then both of them burst into laughter; the kind that bubbled up easily and felt freeing.
Their amusement lingered just long enough for a crew member's voice to cut through. A short distance away, a man called Susi over, leaving Earn standing by herself.
Earn's gaze drifted across the studio, settling on Klaharn. She watched him automatically, noting how the crew responded to his presence with efficiency. There was something about him that struck her differently now, something she hadn't fully noticed during their conversation.
Everyone knew about him. Mr. Buathong had once been a renowned actor and model, and he had since built a reputation as a respected filmmaker, both director and producer. Despite being in his forties, he looked as though he hadn't aged a day. His tall, broad-shouldered frame carried an authority that was impossible to ignore.
With calm, observant eyes and a poised demeanor, he exuded effortless, natural leadership, entirely free of arrogance. The spotlight hadn't spoiled him; it had refined him into someone admired not just locally, but globally.
Earn couldn't help but admire this remarkable man, the very one giving her a chance to act again. Susi's earlier remark about him being gay crossed her mind, and she almost laughed at how little it seemed to matter now.
A soft vibration pulled her back to the present. Her phone buzzed, and her gaze softened at Fahlada's message: a string of reminders and sweet words, ending with a tiny heart emoji. Somehow, it was exactly what she needed.
She instantly wanted to call Fahlada, but she hesitated, thumb hovering over the screen.
'She might be busy…'
But for some reason, Earn needed to hear Fahlada's voice.
'Even if only for a second.'
Maybe it was for courage. Or maybe to calm herself against the magnetic pull of Klaharn's presence that still pressed faintly against her senses.
'If she's busy, she won't answer anyway.'
Earn decided to press the call button.
The line barely rang before Fahlada answered with a soft, "Hello."
Earn's voice softened, carrying a trace of affection as she replied,
"I hope I'm not bothering you, my love?"
____
"Of course not… I'm glad you actually called, because I missed your voice… and I had a bad morning…" Fahlada said as she leaned back in her chair, cradling the phone against her ear while her other hand held the coffee mug.
Earn asked if she wanted to talk about her 'bad morning', but Fahlada shook her head; hearing her wife speak about anything felt better than dwelling on her own day.
"Please, just tell me more about your day. Is everything okay there?" Fahlada asked, wanting to keep listening.
Earn's voice crackled softly through the speaker. She reassured Fahlada that she was fine, mentioned the casting, and admitted she missed her voice too; that was why she had called.
Warmth spread through Fahlada's chest, lifting her spirits with each word.
Their conversation drifted into gentle exchanges, with simple words wrapping around them before finally coming to a close, and they said goodbye.
When the call ended, Fahlada let the phone drop lightly onto her desk, her fingers lingering for a moment as if reluctant to let go. A faint smile played on her lip, almost wistful.
She straightened her posture with an audible sigh, smoothing her hands over the stiff fabric of her white doctor's coat.
From the doorway, Ros leaned against the frame, arms crossed. She noticed the flicker of softness on Fahlada's face and couldn't resist a sly, mischievous brow raise.
"How long have you been standing there?" Fahlada asked, her voice calm but touched with a hint of embarrassment, as she turned to face her nurse friend.
"Awhile… I knocked, but you didn't notice," Ros said, her tone playful. The corners of her mouth twitched, threatening to give away her amusement. She'd heard enough to know who could turn her boss from stormy to serene in under a minute, but she chose to stay quiet.
"Anyway, she's here… you know, the one you called for," Ros added.
Fahlada's face hardened, all warmth replaced by practiced calm.
'Ah, right. I almost forgot,' Fahlada thought, trying to recall what had made her morning so unbearable in the first place.
On top of everything else, now she had to deal with thatintern.
"Okay," Fahlada said. "You can send her in."
Ros stepped outside and closed the door. After a minute, it cracked open again. A shadow slipped in first then a small, hesitant shape that lingered in the doorway. Dark brown hair fell over her face, her round big glasses hiding her expression as she paused, as if sizing up the room.
Only after a long moment did she step fully inside, head bowed, hands pressed together, her petite figure careful in every movement.
"Dr… Fahlada, I hope you're… having a good day?" the intern said politely.
'Is she hoping or asking?' Fahlada thought, arching a brow at the phrasing.
"I was, Dr. Yongchaiyut," Fahlada replied, her expression shifting back to professional restraint. "But I'm not happy with the complaints I received this morning… Again…"
The intern's gaze fell instantly to the floor, her silence betraying guilt.
Fahlada exhaled slowly, a tight, controlled sound, as she suppressed the irritation that threatened to sharpen her voice.
'Don't lose it.' She reminded herself.
"Jira," Fahlada called out sharply.
The intern flinched, snapping her attention up before immediately dropping her gaze back to the floor.
"How many times have I told you to be careful with VIP patients? They will always use any small error to escalate a complaint."
Jira stood rigid. Her fingers were pressed together, twisting nervously as she tried to form a response.
Fahlada gave the desk a crisp, impatient double-tap with her finger, the sound sharp in the silence, before calling out the name again, now laced with a dangerous edge of disappointment.
"Jira…"
Jira swallowed hard, finally risked a quick glance up at Fahlada, then instantly avoided her gaze again.
"It's just…"
"Whenever I'm… in front of people who are aggressive or threatening, I just shut down… My nerves freeze me. And I… I can't speak properly, and then… I make mistakes…"
Jira's words trembled in the air, barely holding together as she continued.
"I know I should be stronger, but in those moments, it's like my mind goes blank." Jira looked down again, ashamed.
Fahlada studied her for a long time and thought,
'How did this girl ever make it through medical school with confidence this fragile?'
The question pulsed with frustration, but underneath, a swell of concern grew; she genuinely wanted to help Jira find her footing.
Fahlada rose from her chair and moved around the desk. When she stopped in front of Jira, her measured gaze was enough to make the young woman shrink where she stood.
"Part of this job is communication," Fahlada said with conviction.
"Even if they insult you, you must respond with professionalism and confidence."
Fahlada's tone sharpened as she continued, "You've been here longer than most interns, yet you still don't have a residency because of repeated mistakes in communication. I've warned you about this before, haven't I?"
Jira's shoulders tensed, her eyes darted briefly to Fahlada before she found the courage to speak.
"Yes, Doctor. I'll… I'll do better," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Fahlada stepped closer, her shadow falling over the smaller woman. When she lifted her hand, Jira instinctively flinched, bracing for reprimand, but instead, Fahlada's touch was gentle, her palm resting briefly atop Jira's head.
The gesture was an offering of reassurance rather than punishment.
Jira's eyes lifted, meeting Fahlada's gaze.
"You know the standards here," Fahlada blurted out as she looked at the intern, noticing the innocence flickering behind Jira's eyes, tangled with the nervous fear of someone still untested, still unsure of her own place.
"We still expect great results from you. My father put his name on that recommendation because he believed in your potential, and so do I. That's why you're still here: we believe you'll make something of yourself. But you have to start believing that, too."
Jira's glasses caught the soft light, her eyes shimmering behind the lenses as if she were holding back tears. She pressed her hands tightly in front of Fahlada and bowed, shoulders drawn in, trying to make herself smaller.
Fahlada studied her quietly, noting the precision in Jira's posture, the careful way she controlled her hands, a reflection of someone used to handling delicate, high-stakes tasks. She knew of Jira's expertise in Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, and the exacting skill she brought to administering treatments for VIP patients. And yet… there was something in the way Jira avoided meeting her gaze, the slight tremor in her fingers, that spoke of self-doubt, of someone who had mastered her craft but still questioned her own worth.
"I have news," Fahlada said finally, her tone controlled. Jira looked up at her, eyes wide and hesitant, as if afraid she might not hear the words correctly.
"My father wants you to work directly under him, with my mother Renessme supervising your progress. It's an opportunity to help you improve faster with direct guidance."
"I… I don't deserve this kindness…" she murmured, a small, shy smile brushing her lips. "But I'll prove I'm worthy of it. I promise you won't regret keeping me here." She pressed her hands to her chest, a quiet thrill of relief and determination pulsing through her.
Fahlada's expression softened at the sight of the young intern's sincerity. She gave a small nod.
"That's all I ask. Work hard, stay true, and you'll find your way here. Don't let fear make you forget what you're capable of."
Jira bowed her head even lower again. "Thank you, Doctor."
A brief silence followed until the sharp ring of Fahlada's phone sliced through it. Both women startled slightly.
Fahlada reached for the device, glancing at the screen before answering, "It's just my wife calling," she said, the brief call ending almost as quickly as it began, leaving a soft smile on her lips.
Jira's expression softened, a polite smile at the corners of her mouth.
"It's been a while since I last saw Earn—sorry, I mean… your wife hasn't been around here—," Jira stammered, her voice tightening as color crept up her neck.
"No…I just…uh—please tell her I said hello. And thank you again, Dr. Fahlada."
Fahlada's brows lifted slightly, the corner of her mouth twitching as she tried not to smile.
'Earn, huh?…'
She leaned back in her chair, choosing grace over reaction. "She's doing better," Fahlada replied, her tone gentle but laced with quiet amusement. "I'll let her know you said hello."
Jira let out a soft, nervous laugh and nodded, clearly eager to retreat.
"Of course. Thank you…"
As the door clicked shut behind her, Fahlada exhaled slowly, a trace of contentment lingering in her expression.
'I almost forgot that she was Earn's fan, I should send Earn a message later…' she thought, shaking her head lightly before turning back to her work.
Sitting at her desk, she glanced at the clock. The hands moved relentlessly, ticking down a countdown she could no longer ignore.
Somewhere in the hospital, a presence waited for her, complicated and heavy with everything unsaid. Her eyes drifted to the corner of the room, the very spot where she had almost crossed a line she could never take back.
Without thinking, her fingers brushed against her lips, and guilt surged hot and sharp, not only for the temptation itself but for the secret she still carried from Earn.
How had she let herself come so close to another woman?
She still could not believe it.
And no matter how many times she replayed it in her mind over the past few days, nothing made sense.
She had been avoiding her ever since, skirting hallways, burying herself in work, afraid of what might happen if they were left alone again.
But time was running out, and sooner or later, she would have to face the one person she most wished she had not let get that close.