Loyalty's Dual Edge

One month later...

Namtan's hands trembled slightly as she sat in her car, parked in front of Faye's family home. The mansion loomed ahead—strong, elaborate, and expensive—but it still felt warm, almost homelike. It was a place she never thought she'd be able to call home, a place brimming with memories she could never erase.

The newlyweds—Faye and Yoko—had just returned from their honeymoon in Europe, and they were staying at Faye's family home for the time being. Although Namtan wasn't a stranger to Faye's family, the weight of the situation made everything feel different. She wasn't sure what she was expecting, but it certainly wasn't this overwhelming feeling of nostalgia and regret.

Namtan knew that after their visit, Faye and Yoko would likely head to the newly bought house by the beach, a retreat designed for them to enjoy the quiet life when they were in the Philippines. A sanctuary, really—somewhere they could escape to. But that wasn't where Faye's plans ended. Sonya had mentioned that Faye had also purchased a house in Thailand for her and Yoko, a place they could call home.

Namtan couldn't help but wonder what that meant for her. She wasn't sure if Faye and Yoko would settle in Thailand permanently, but one thing was certain—Faye had made it clear that she would follow Yoko wherever she wanted to go. After all, Yoko was still an actress, and as much as Faye had her own career, it was clear that the couple's decisions often revolved around Yoko's work, just as much as Faye's. Faye had the freedom to work remotely, and she could even set up a headquarters in Thailand to manage the expansion of Faye City. Sonya and Namtan could manage the business operations in the Philippines, but the future—Faye's future—was in Thailand now, or wherever Yoko's career might take them.

The thought made Namtan's chest tighten. Faye's life was moving forward, with or without her, and Namtan had no idea where she fit into it anymore. She wasn't sure if she even had a place in Faye's world, especially now that what she did still weighs so much But that was the reason she was here. She had to face Faye, apologize, and make things right—if it wasn't too late.

The thought of facing Faye after everything that had happened, especially after what she had done to Film, was more than Namtan had bargained for. But it was something that had to be done. She had called faye before when she was still in europe and apologize for not being there on her wedding but she hadn't explained why she hadn't attended the wedding. She owed Faye the truth. She owed her an explanation.

Taking in a deep breath, Namtan finally gathered the courage to step out of the car. As she walked towards the front door, she could feel her heart pounding in her chest. She wasn't sure what to expect, but the presence of Sonya and Yoko in the house made her even more anxious. They were there to witness whatever conversation would take place—her apology, her confession, and hopefully, her redemption.

When Namtan stepped inside, the living room was eerily quiet, except for the soft rustle of movement from a nearby staff member who approached her with a polite smile. "Ma'am, the family is outside by the pool," the staff informed her.

Inhaling deeply to steady her nerves, Namtan nodded and made her way toward the backyard. As she reached the glass doors, the sound of laughter greeted her, easing her tension slightly. Her eyes immediately landed on Faye, who was in the pool playing with her niece, Tori, while her brother splashed around with them. It was a lively scene, one that radiated warmth and familiarity, and for a moment, Namtan felt like an outsider looking in.

It was Faye's mother, Dr. Malisorn, who noticed her first. With a warm smile, she called out, "Namtan! Come here!"

Namtan smiled shyly, her nerves bubbling up again as she approached. Dr. Malisorn wrapped her in a tight, motherly hug. "Why are you so thin? Are you not eating properly? And why didn't you visit while Faye was away? Didn't I tell you this is your house too? You can come anytime, even without Faye. She'll be gone a lot, so do me a favor and visit more often, okay?"

Namtan chuckled softly and replied, "Sorry, Tita. I've been really busy too, and with your daughter's wedding, work piled up on my end," she joked lightly.

Dr. Malisorn laughed and patted her on the shoulder. Turning toward the pool, she called out, "Faye! Your sister is here!"

Hearing the word "sister" sent a pang of guilt through Namtan's heart. Sister. Faye had always treated her like family, and so had everyone else. How could she have done what she did to Faye, to Film? How could she face them after everything?

When Faye's gaze landed on her, her smile widened instantly. She said something to her brother before handing Tori over and getting out of the pool. Wrapping herself in a towel, she quickly walked over to where Yoko was seated on a recliner beside Sonya and Nicha. After planting a kiss on Yoko's cheek and grabbing a dry towel, she almost jogged toward Namtan, her eyes alight with excitement.

Before Namtan could react, Faye pulled her into a tight hug, soaking her slightly with the water from the pool. "What the hell, Faye!" Namtan exclaimed, laughing as she tried to push her off.

"I missed your dumb face," Faye said with a mischievous smirk, pulling her in for another hug.

This time, Namtan didn't resist. She hugged Faye back tightly, savoring the warmth of her friend's embrace. "Come on, you idiot," Faye said after releasing her, looping an arm around Namtan and leading her toward Yoko, who was already walking over to greet her.

Yoko smiled warmly and gave Namtan a brief hug. "How have you been, Namtan?" she asked kindly.

"I'm fine," Namtan replied shyly. "How about you two? How was the honeymoon? And tell me, is Tori getting a cousin soon? Am I going to be an aunt again?" she teased with a playful grin.

Yoko's cheeks turned bright red, prompting everyone to burst into laughter. "You're still as crazy as ever," Faye said, lightly shoving Namtan's shoulder before turning to hug her blushing wife.

Namtan's heart softened as she observed the couple. The way Faye doted on Yoko, the easy affection between them—it was clear that their love had only deepened after the wedding. Seeing Faye this happy filled Namtan with genuine joy, even if a part of her still felt conflicted about everything that had happened.

Before they could continue teasing Yoko, Dr. Malisorn called out, "Come on, everyone. Lunch is ready!"

They all began making their way toward the table set by the pool, where a feast was waiting for them. As they walked, Faye casually draped an arm around Namtan's shoulders and leaned in, her voice low but teasing, "You owe me an explanation for missing my wedding, you idiot."

Namtan's smile faltered slightly, and she simply nodded. The nervousness she'd been suppressing returned in full force. She knew that the moment of reckoning was near—the moment when she would have to tell Faye everything.

And she could only hope that Faye would understand.

---

After a lunch filled with laughter, playful teasing, and anecdotes from Faye and Yoko's honeymoon—along with Faye's mother delighting in sharing embarrassing stories about her daughter to Yoko, much to Faye's dismay—the mood was light and warm. But now, seated in a quiet, cozy library surrounded by shelves of books, the atmosphere had shifted.

Faye, Namtan, Yoko, and Sonya sat together, the air calm but tense. Namtan fidgeted nervously, her hands clasped tightly in her lap as she struggled to find the right words.

She had asked Faye for a private conversation and requested Sonya's presence as well. Faye had also invited Yoko, reasoning that as her wife, Yoko deserved to know everything too. Namtan hadn't objected—there was no reason to hide anything from Yoko, and deep down, she felt that having them all there would make it easier for her to speak.

Taking a deep breath, Namtan tried to steady herself. She knew she had to face this moment head-on, no matter how difficult it was.

Namtan:

(Clears her throat) "Thanks for agreeing to talk, Faye... and for letting Sonya and Yoko join us." (She glances at Yoko and Sonya, both offering encouraging smiles.)

Faye:

(Leaning back in her chair, her expression unreadable) "You said you wanted to explain something important. I'm listening."

(Namtan takes a deep breath, her hands clasped tightly together to keep them from trembling.)

Namtan:

"I didn't come to your wedding—not because I didn't want to, but... because something happened. Something I need to tell you about. It started before your wedding..." (She hesitates, her voice lowering.) "I... I kidnapped Film."

(Faye's eyes widen slightly, but she remains silent, her expression neutral.)

Yoko:

(Gasps quietly) "You what?"

Sonya:

(Places a hand on Yoko's arm, whispering softly) "Let her finish."

Namtan:

"I know how it sounds—it was impulsive, reckless, and wrong. But I didn't do it to hurt her. I thought... I thought she was going to stop your wedding. She was heading to Thailand at the same time, and I assumed she was coming to cause trouble. I thought it was just about resolving things—taking her away so she wouldn't disturb you. So, I hired people, intercepted her, and took her to my grandma's house in Cebu. We stayed there until your wedding was over."

(She pauses, her throat tight with emotion. Taking another deep breath, she forces herself to continue.)

Namtan:

"At first, she was furious—threatening to sue me. And I was ready for that. I knew I deserved it, especially after she told me the real reason she was going to Thailand—she wasn't trying to ruin your wedding; she had a work commitment. I told her she was free to go, but... she didn't leave, at least not right away."

(Faye's face remains unreadable, while Yoko's eyes begin to glisten with unshed tears. Sonya listens in silence, her expression tense.)

Namtan:

"We spent a few days together. I tried my best to make her feel safe, to show her I wasn't the enemy she thought I was. And somewhere along the way... I started to feel something for her. For a brief moment, I believed maybe something real was happening between us. But then, after everything, she left. All she left behind was a letter—saying it was her way of getting revenge, making me believe she cared." (Her voice cracks slightly.) "...That's when I realized—she didn't feel the same. She was hurt, so she hurt me back. And I... I caused that. I only made things worse."

(The room falls into a heavy silence. Yoko quietly wipes a tear from her cheek, while Sonya looks away, her lips pressed into a thin line. Faye remains still, her expression unreadable.)

Faye:

(Finally speaking, her tone calm but firm) "I won't lie to you, Namtan—I'm disappointed. Deeply disappointed. Not just in how you handled things with Film, but in how you handled yourself. Did you even think about your future? The future you've fought so hard to build, before you kidnapped someone? Did it ever cross your mind what that could cost you? What could happen if things went wrong?"

(Faye sighs, shaking her head, her voice cutting through the heavy air.)

"And with Film—you didn't even give her a chance to explain by talking to her first. Instead, you tried to control the situation in a way that... you, of all people, should know is wrong. You knew better, Namtan. And still, you let everything spiral out of control."

(Namtan lowers her head in shame, unable to meet Faye's gaze. Yoko's tears now fall freely, but she gently soothes Faye's back.)

Faye:

"I want to be mad at you..." (Her voice softens, and Namtan's tears begin to fall.)

"...because you didn't think about your future or the people who could've been hurt. But I'm trying to understand. I know you were trying to protect me. The problem is, if protecting me means destroying your life, your future, and breaking your own heart, then you're not protecting me—you're hurting me." (Tears well in Faye's eyes as she pauses, then continues.) "When I first saw you in Cebu, you were so broken—so thin, barely hanging on. You worked yourself to the bone, shattered and just surviving. I did what I could to help, and I'm lucky to have been in a position to do so. But it was you who did the hard work; you wanted to save yourself. You opened your life and your heart to a specialist, facing the traumas and pain from your past so you could start anew. You fought so hard to get where you are now, pouring so much time into your work and studies. It was all you, Namtan.

So please, don't throw all of that away. Don't ruin everything by trying to protect me in ways that will only destroy you, because that's not how I want you to be."

"I understand that you feel like you owe me, but you don't. You don't have to pay me back for anything—especially not by risking your future. But if you insist on repaying me, then live your life. Succeed. Choose happiness... that's all the repayment I ever needed."

Yoko and Sonya are both wiping their eyes now, while Faye's own eyes glisten with unshed tears.)

Faye:

"And about your feelings for Film... did you think I'd be angry if you fell for her? Did you think I'd interfere? I've already made peace with her, Namtan. We ended things on good terms, and I'm happily married to Yoko now." (She smiles, pulling Yoko closer to her side.) "You have every right to love whoever you want. I just wish you'd told us sooner."

Namtan:

(Voice trembling) "I was scared... scared of how you'd react, scared of ruining what we have. Your family... they've treated me like one of their own. And I..." (Her voice falters) "I didn't want to lose that."

(Faye stands and walks over to Namtan, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.)

Faye:

"You're family, Namtan. That's not going to change because you made a mistake. What matters now is what you do next. Film might have left, but that doesn't mean it's over. Maybe she needed space. Maybe she needed time. You won't know unless you try. And if you really care about her, you will try."

(Yoko, still teary-eyed, nods in agreement.)

Yoko:

"Faye's right. If Film really means something to you, don't give up. Just... do it the right way this time. Give her the choice."

Sonya:

"And don't be so hard on yourself, Namtan. We've all messed up in one way or another. The important thing is that you learn from it."

(Namtan looks up, her eyes brimming with gratitude and lingering guilt.)

Namtan:

"Thank you. All of you. I don't deserve your kindness, but... I promise, I'll make things right. I don't know if Film will ever forgive me, but I'll try."

(Faye pulls her into a brief, reassuring hug, patting her back gently.)

Faye:

"We all make mistakes, Namtan. Just don't let this one define you. Go after what you want, but this time, do it with respect—for her and for yourself."

(The tension in the room begins to ease as understanding settles among them. Namtan feels a little lighter, as though a heavy burden has been lifted. She knows, though, that the hardest part still lies ahead—finding Film and facing her again.)

Sonya:

(With a teasing grin) "And hey, if she slams the door in your face, at least you'll know you tried."

*(Everyone chuckles softly, breaking the somber mood. For the first time in days, Namtan smiles—feeling more hopeful than she has in a long time.)

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Hey, babes!

Honestly, I can't express how grateful I am for all your kindness and support—not just for my stories, but for me personally. Truthfully, I didn't share that story to seek sympathy; I was just trying to explain why I hadn't been able to update and also to get my feelings off my chest but your responses, your recognition of my pain, and your concern have been overwhelming. The DMs and comments mean more to me than you know.

Someone even offered me her extra laptop! (you know who you are! Haha,) I know you're kind, but that's too much, babe! Thank you anyway! I love you all, and I want to make it clear that I'm not after anything that requires your money, gifts or efforts. Just reading my stories and appreciating them is more than enough. For those who offered help, I truly appreciate it, but I have to decline, I'm sorry; it's just a passion for me, and I don't expect anything in return.

Again, thank you for all the love and support, especially to those who commented yesterday and today. Your words mean so much to me:

@MarkinaElena198303: I love you, thank you so much for your concern!@rio115@HartilynEugenio@pluto_aioonmay@JessicaJones20@thirlwallslvr

Thank you also to my new followers! I've noticed many of you joined since December, and I'm grateful for each of you:

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