Chapter 18: Across the Divide

Faye wasted no time after Yoko's acceptance, and the extravagant efforts she put into courting her were as unexpected as they were breathtaking.

The first surprise arrived just two days later, in the serene hours before dawn. Yoko's phone buzzed insistently, rousing her from a deep, peaceful sleep. Groggy, she reached for the device, half-expecting a routine notification. Instead, her heart skipped a beat when she saw that Faye was calling. She answered, and as the screen lit up, she was met with the most beautiful sight—Faye's face, bathed in the soft glow of the early morning light.

"Good morning, beautiful," Faye's voice was a melody of warmth and playful mystery.

"I thought I'd start your day with a touch of magic. Step onto your balcony."

Yoko, curiosity now fully awakened, threw on a robe and made her way to the balcony of her condo. As she slid open the glass door, she gasped in delight. A series of lanterns were strung across the railing, casting a soft, enchanting light that mingled with the first hints of sunrise.

Below, in the courtyard of the condo complex, a cozy breakfast setup awaited her. A small table was laid with freshly baked croissants, soft scrambled eggs, delicate smoked salmon on toast, and a colorful array of fresh fruits—strawberries, grapes, and slices of kiwi. There were bowls of creamy yogurt with honey, granola, and fresh herbs, as well as a selection of artisanal cheeses. A steaming pot of tea sat beside a chilled bottle of freshly squeezed orange juice, and crystal bowls of jam added a sweet touch.

The lush greenery of the courtyard, framed by twinkling fairy lights, gave the space a secret garden feel.  Yoko, heart fluttering, hurried downstairs to the courtyard

Two waiters, impeccably dressed, stood by with warm smiles, their presence calm and composed. One of them gently handed Yoko a small, elegant box, tied with a silver ribbon. Her fingers trembled slightly as she carefully untied the ribbon and opened the box.

Inside, resting delicately atop a soft velvet lining, was a note. It simply read:

"For the brightest star in my universe."

Yoko's breath caught in her throat as she lifted the note, her eyes widening in surprise. Beneath it lay a bracelet—one that was all too familiar.

The Reflection de Cartier bracelet.

She had admired it for as long as she could remember, often gazing at it in jewelry displays, but never daring to buy it, knowing its price would be too extravagant. Yet here it was, before her, in all its splendor.

The diamonds on the bracelet sparkled brilliantly, their light catching the soft morning rays. The logo, unmistakable and elegant, was subtly stamped on the clasp: Cartier. It gleamed in the soft light, its expensive allure undeniable. Yoko's heart raced as she ran her fingers over the delicate, shining links, a mixture of disbelief and wonder filling her chest. This was more than just a gift; it was a dream she had never dared to make a reality.

"Faye, this is... it's too much — this is Cartier." Yoko whispered, her voice a mix of awe and hesitation.

"I know," Faye said, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "I think it suits you."

Yoko shook her head, her fingers running over the cool metal of the bracelet. "I... I can't accept this. It's too much."

Faye tilted her head, her expression soft but resolute. "Yoko, you deserve all of this and more. You make me want to give you everything." Her eyes held Yoko's with such tenderness that Yoko felt her heart flutter.

"Please, let me do this for you. Let me spoil you."

Yoko's breath caught in her throat, her resolve weakening under the weight of Faye's words. She closed her eyes, taking in a slow breath, before finally nodding.

"Okay... for you. I'll accept it. But only because it's from you."

Faye's smile softened, her eyes shining with warmth and affection. "Thank you,"  her tone full of gratitude. "I just want you to know how much you mean to me. It's not about the price, it's about showing you that you're everything to me. You deserve to be treated like the incredible person you are."

Yoko's heart swelled as she gazed into Faye's eyes, her voice soft yet brimming with emotion.

"I don't know what to say," she murmured, the weight of Faye's words settling deeply within her. "You've already done more than I could ever imagine. I'm... not used to being treated like this." Her gaze dropped to the bracelet, then back to Faye. "Thank you, for making me feel so special."

Faye simply smiled, her eyes warm with affection, and gently encouraged her, "Please, wear it."

Yoko's hands trembled as she slid the bracelet onto her wrist, her heart filled with awe and something deeper. Even from afar, Faye's gestures made her feel cherished, loved in a way she had never quite experienced before.

Taking a seat at the beautifully set table, Yoko's voice softened with a quiet suggestion. "Being here with you like this... Let's have breakfast together." She lifted her phone, propping it up so they could see each other clearly.

Faye's face lit up, and she nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely. I've got my breakfast ready, too. Let's eat."

As they shared their meal over their mobile screens, the distance between them seemed to disappear. They laughed, chatted, and enjoyed their breakfast, savoring the connection they shared despite the miles between them. Bathed in the soft glow of lanterns and fairy lights, Yoko realized that Faye's love wasn't just about grand gestures. It was in the little moments, the thoughtful details, and the way she wove enchantment into every part of their relationship.

Faye's courtship grew even more elaborate, each gesture more thoughtful and unique than the last.

Next came a personalized playlist, sent without warning. Each song seemed to carry a hidden message, carefully chosen to convey something between the lines. As Yoko listened late into the night, her heart swelled with quiet wonder. The songs felt like a soundtrack to their growing connection—slow, tender, and filled with longing. Each note seemed to mirror the feelings she and Faye had yet to fully express, an unspoken bond woven into the melodies.

Faye's presence in Yoko's life extended beyond just music. She began to drop into Yoko's TikTok live sessions, though never overtly. Instead of commenting or revealing herself, Faye sent a continuous stream of extravagant gifts—virtual roses, sparkling hearts, and rare stickers—filling the screen in an unspoken declaration of affection. The viewers quickly noticed the trend, their curiosity piqued by the sheer extravagance of Faye's virtual generosity.

At first, Yoko laughed it off, charmed by Faye's quiet, playful way of expressing herself. Each gift that appeared on her screen was a sweet, silent gesture, a small token that made her smile. But as the gifts kept flooding her live feed—one after another, each more extravagant than the last—Yoko couldn't help but call Faye out, her patience finally wearing thin, though she still laughed.

"Okay, stop with the gifts, Faye," Yoko said, her voice filled with playful exasperation, a wide grin spreading across her face as she looked directly at the camera. "You're making it impossible to concentrate on anything!"

The viewers erupted in delighted comments, eagerly awaiting Faye's next move, some of them even urging her to comment or join the live chat. But Faye, ever the tease, remained silent, answering only with more gifts. With each new sticker and animated present that filled the screen.

Yoko could do nothing but laugh, shaking her head in amusement as the stream of gifts continued. Despite her gentle call-out, Faye's silent affection only deepened the mystery and joy of the moment.

But it didn't stop there.

Later that week, after a long day filled with interviews and photo shoots, Yoko sank into the comfort of her couch, exhausted but grateful. During a brief break between her hectic schedule, she sent a message to Faye, letting her know how drained she felt, and how much she was looking forward to some quiet rest.

As she settled in at home, her phone buzzed with an incoming call. It was Faye.

"I was worried about you today," Faye's voice echoed through the phone, soft but sincere. "I know how tired you must be. I hope this makes up for it, even just a little."

Before Yoko could respond, the screen flickered, and suddenly, the image before her shifted to a breathtaking scene of a floral garden, bathed in the warm hues of the sunset. The camera slowly zoomed out, revealing a private concert—just for her. A violinist and pianist played a hauntingly beautiful melody, their music flowing through the screen, creating an intimate atmosphere. The camera then focused on Faye, who smiled warmly, her eyes sparkling with affection.

"I may not be there physically," Faye's voice continued, soft and full of emotion, "but I'm always with you. I hope you can feel that, even from far away."

Yoko was utterly speechless. Her heart raced, and the exhaustion of the day seemed to melt away, replaced by a warmth that spread through her chest. The gesture was so grand, so romantic, and yet deeply intimate—a declaration of care, desire, and something far deeper. It was a feeling that Yoko couldn't quite name, but she knew it was something she couldn't ignore.

Faye had managed to court her in ways Yoko had never imagined possible, making her feel cherished and adored as if distance itself was a mere illusion, easily overcome by Faye's thoughtful and unwavering affection. Every moment, every gesture felt like a promise—of something more, something that neither time nor space could diminish.

As the days passed, the flirtation between Yoko and Faye deepened in ways that felt effortless, casual, and completely enchanting. Faye, determined to court Yoko despite the physical distance and her busy schedule, found subtle and unexpected ways to express her feelings. Even the smallest gestures felt meaningful, and Yoko couldn't help but be drawn to her more with every passing day.

During the final week of school, Yoko's focus was entirely on graduation preparation. Their days were filled with presentations, rehearsals, and endless projects, making it an incredibly stressful time. Yet, Faye made sure Yoko knew she was thinking of her, even in the chaos of academic deadlines.

One morning, while practicing their speeches for the graduation ceremony, Yoko took a break and sat down at her desk. There, she found a small envelope resting on top of her books. It was neatly folded, with "For Yoko" written in Faye's familiar handwriting. Curious, Yoko opened it, her heart fluttering as she read the words that felt like a warm embrace, as if Faye were right there beside her.

"I'm so lucky just to see you on screen, but talking to you feels surreal. An actress and a soon-to-be graduate—I'm so proud of you."

Yoko's heart skipped a beat. Amid the stress of graduation preparations, Faye's words stood out as a reminder of how much she cared. She smiled softly, holding the note close to her chest.

As she sat there, lost in the note, her friends Orm and Charlotte glanced at her knowingly, their teasing grins widening. "I bet that letter's from a CEO," Orm said with a wink.

Yoko rolled her eyes, but couldn't hide her smile. Orm and Charlotte had been close friends since the start of the school year, and they had become involved in Faye's quiet gestures of affection toward Yoko. A while back, Faye had asked them to deliver flowers to Yoko at school, and though Yoko had no idea how Faye had found out about their friendship, she'd eventually confided in them. The teasing had become a constant ever since, and Orm and Charlotte were eager to know every little detail about her growing connection with Faye.

"How does she know you so well?" Charlotte asked, grinning. "She even knows how to get flowers to you at school!"

Yoko blushed, shaking her head. "I honestly have no idea. But yes, it's from her."

Orm smirked. "See? I told you the CEO was involved. You're really getting spoiled."

Yoko couldn't help but laugh, her heart still fluttering from the note. Even from miles away, Faye's presence seemed to linger in everything—through her thoughtful gestures, her sweet words, and the subtle way she made Yoko feel truly seen. It was clear that Faye was determined to make her feel special, no matter the distance.

Soon, their evening calls became an unspoken ritual. Every night, at the same time, Yoko could count on Faye's call. Sometimes it was a FaceTime call, other times a voice message—but each conversation felt like a lifeline, a way to stay connected despite everything else.

"Do you know how much I want to see you walk across that stage?" Faye's voice would come through the phone, full of warmth and longing.

Yoko would laugh softly, hearing the sincerity in Faye's words. "I wish you could be here with me, Faye."

"You know I would be there if I could," Faye replied. "But I'll be cheering for you from here. You're going to look amazing. Don't forget that, okay?"

Yoko wanted to scream, to beg Faye to be there, but Faye had mentioned that she'd be in Paris all week for work, including Yoko's graduation.

Every evening felt like an intimate ritual. They'd talk about their day, share stories about their families. Yoko, with her close-knit family, often found herself sharing antics of her little brother or the teasing banter between her parents. Faye would listen intently, occasionally sharing stories about her own childhood.

But beyond the lightheartedness, they also shared the more serious things—what their work meant to them. Faye spoke about the pressures of being the CEO, and Yoko listened with understanding, offering words of encouragement. Faye asked her about the pressures of being a rising star, about managing the weight of expectations. They discussed their fears about the future—whether they'd be able to balance their careers with their personal lives.

Even during these late-night talks, Faye would find subtle ways to court Yoko, despite the distance. Her words weren't overt, but always intentional—each sentence revealing her feelings more with every conversation.

"Yoko, I swear," Faye once said, a playful tone coloring her voice, "you're going to be so popular that even the stars will be jealous. They won't know how to handle your light."

Yoko laughed, though her heart warmed at the sentiment. "You always know how to make me feel better."

"I just say it like it is," Faye replied, and Yoko could almost hear the smirk in her voice.

Then came the little surprises—extravagant, thoughtful gestures that Faye used to court Yoko from afar, each one more enchanting than the last. Faye seemed to know exactly how to make Yoko feel cherished, despite the miles between them.

One evening, after a long day of rehearsals, Yoko arrived back at her condo to find a carefully wrapped package waiting for her.

Curious, she opened it slowly, revealing a stunning pair of diamond earrings, the delicate blue stones sparkling like tiny sapphires. The design was simple yet exquisite—elegant, understated, and undeniably luxurious. The soft glow of the diamonds seemed to mirror the night sky, their blue hue reflecting Yoko's favorite color. Along with the earrings, there was a note, written in Faye's elegant handwriting. It read:

"For when you graduate, so you can shine like you always do."

Yoko paused, her heart beating faster. She hadn't expected something so thoughtful, so personal. It wasn't just a gift—it was Faye's way of marking a special moment, one she couldn't be there for in person but still wanted to celebrate.

As graduation day drew closer, Yoko found herself eagerly awaiting Faye's messages. Despite the mounting pressure of exams and final preparations, Faye's calls became a comforting routine.

"Did you practice your speech yet?" Faye asked one evening, her voice full of warmth.

Yoko nodded, even though Faye couldn't see her. "I did. But I'm going to be a mess when I'm up there. Too much to say, not enough time."

Faye laughed softly. "That's okay. Just make sure you tell everyone how amazing you are. And don't forget to thank the people who helped you get there."

Yoko's smile was almost shy at the comment. She appreciated how Faye had always been her biggest cheerleader, even when things were at their most chaotic.

As Yoko prepared for the next chapter of her life, she realized that Faye had already begun to change the course of her heart. Faye's courtship wasn't defined by grand gestures; it was the little things—the thoughtfulness, the care, the quiet consistency—that made it something meaningful.

Yoko couldn't help but think that the best part of it all wasn't the diploma she was about to receive. It was the love and connection that had grown, unexpected and unseen, in the quiet moments shared between her and Faye.

But three days before graduation, as Yoko lay in bed waiting for Faye's scheduled call, she was scrolling through her social media when she was pinged by her team and sister. She immediately checked it, only to find breaking news:

"Hollywood Actress Film Rachanun Spotted with Faye Malisorn in L.A."

The photo that flashed across Yoko's screen left her breathless. It showed Faye in an intimate embrace with Film Rachanun, the famous actress Yoko had admired for years. The two were locked in a warm hug, their body language unmistakably familiar and affectionate, a clear sign of their closeness.

Yoko's heart stopped. No... Faye had been in Paris just days ago, hadn't she?

But the photo didn't lie. It was right there in front of her. The following article only made it worse:

"Faye Malisorn, CEO of Faye City, a globally recognized brand from the Philippines, was spotted in a private moment in L.A. with rumored long-time girlfriend, Film Rachanun. The two were seen embracing warmly, their body language suggesting a deep familiarity and affection. This sighting has fueled speculation about the nature of their relationship, with many fans and media outlets questioning the true status of Faye's romantic life. The timing of this revelation provides unexpected insight into Faye's notoriously private life. According to a reliable source, this explains why Faye has not been seen with anyone publicly over the years—she was secretly dating the famous Hollywood actress. However, another source informed us that Faye is currently pursuing a Thai actress. This revelation is particularly intriguing as Faye has maintained an exceptionally private personal life for years, making these recent disclosures all the more surprising."

Tears welled up in Yoko's eyes. She couldn't breathe, couldn't think. How could Faye be in two places at once? She had just told Yoko she was in Paris for business, and now this? The reality of it all crashed down on her like a tidal wave.

Had everything been a lie?

The weight of the news felt like it had knocked the wind out of her. The woman she had been speaking to—who she had felt a deep, intimate connection with, who had sent her gifts and love from afar—was now linked with someone else entirely. How could this be? The confusion gripped Yoko's heart, mixing with a deep sense of betrayal. She wanted to believe that there was a simple explanation, that Faye wasn't hiding something from her, but the doubt was gnawing at her.

Was she Faye's girlfriend or ex-girlfriend? And if she was still in a relationship with Film, what did that mean for Yoko? Was everything they shared just a fleeting fantasy, a moment of temporary affection in Faye's complicated, secretive life? Or was Yoko just a distraction—someone who was never meant to be anything more?

Yoko sank to the bed, the phone still in her hands, her thoughts spinning. Faye had kept so much of her life private, and now it seemed like Yoko had been nothing more than a part of the mystery. She couldn't stop the tears as they fell, the uncertainty clouding every moment they'd shared.

Was she in Paris, or was she in L.A.? Was she still with Film, or had something changed? Yoko didn't know which truth to hold on to anymore, and that realization hurt more than anything else.

Author's Note:

This chapter has been a long one because I really wanted to capture the essence of courting someone from afar. I've made countless revisions, and honestly, I still feel like I haven't done it justice in the way I envisioned. I love girls, and I know what we want—but sometimes, we're satisfied with small gestures. Yet, who would say no to extravagant gifts, right? I'm sorry if it doesn't meet your expectations, but I truly put my heart into this.

Please share your thoughts with me. And a huge thank you to everyone who commented, voted, and added this story to their reading lists! Let's also welcome our new readers who've just discovered our story. And to my super loyal babes who've been with me since day one—thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I won't be able to update on Sunday, but if I get 30 votes today, I'll do a double update tomorrow as a little challenge for you all. ☺

Again, I love you, and I hope you stay with me until the very end. ❤️