The Silver Lining of a Dark Past

"I'm not searching for that again, Sonya—not even if you fire me," Namtan's voice crackled through the car's speaker, laced with exasperation as she drove. She was in another city, handling a meeting with the textile manager and juggling tasks that would normally fall under Claire's purview. But with Claire already in New York preparing for her new role, it was up to Namtan to pick up the slack—at least until she left for her own three-month assignment there next week.

In addition to her professional duties, Namtan was also responsible for training Faye's new executive assistant, Grace—a former law school classmate who had also passed the bar. However, Grace admitted that she had only taken the exam to appease her parents, both of whom were renowned lawyers and owners of the country's largest law firm.

Her true passion, however, lay in fashion design. Recognizing her talent, Faye offered her a position as a fashion design manager at Faye City. However, Grace declined. During her candid interview with Faye and Sonya, she openly shared her desire to first gain experience on the business side of things, as she aspired to build her own company—just as Faye had built hers. Impressed by her honesty, Faye promised to support her in any way she could, even joking that Faye City might have a formidable competitor in the future.

Grace assured them she would provide designs whenever needed, and after seeing her work, Faye was thoroughly impressed. In the end, they reached an agreement: Grace would join as an executive assistant while also contributing her designs to the company.

As Namtan navigated through the city streets, she couldn't help but feel the weight of all the tasks on her shoulders, but she knew she was close to completing everything before the next big chapter in her life began.

It was all part of the carefully coordinated plan she, Faye, and Sonya had devised. She would return after three months to prepare for both her oath-taking and the establishment of a law firm. By then, Claire would be fully ready to lead the New York team independently.

Meanwhile, Faye was already working on establishing new headquarters in Thailand, as well as across much of Asia and Europe, in collaboration with Rebecca Armstrong, the young entrepreneur they had partnered with. Everything was falling into place seamlessly—well, except for Sonya's newfound obsession with coffee and cookies.

"Come on, it's around there somewhere. I don't remember the name, but it's near the textile building," Sonya insisted cheerfully. "The coffee and those cookies were to die for. Plus, the owner's pretty," she added with a laugh.

Namtan rolled her eyes. "I thought you already had a girlfriend?"

Sonya chuckled. "We're in an open relationship," she said, though it sounded more like a joke than a serious answer.

Namtan frowned. "What does that even mean?"

"You don't need to know," Sonya replied, still laughing. "You can't even figure out your relationship with Film—don't add more things to confuse yourself."

Even though Sonya had only been teasing, hearing Film's name stung. An awkward silence settled between them.

Sensing the shift in mood, Sonya quickly sobered. "Sorry, bad joke."

"It's fine," Namtan said, forcing a chuckle. Then, seizing the opportunity to turn the conversation around, she smirked. "By the way, do you really have a girlfriend? Why haven't you introduced her to us? Is it Lookmhee?"

Sonya's playful demeanor faltered. "I don't have a girlfriend. I was just joking. And why would you think it's Lookmhee?" she asked, her voice tinged with irritation.

Namtan grinned. "Why are you mad, though?" she teased. "I only guessed her because she's been flirting with you since the day she met you. Remember Yoko's birthday? She wouldn't leave you alone."

"Yeah, well, that's all she is—a flirt," Sonya snapped, her irritation flaring. "And why are we even talking about her? Focus on the task at hand."

Namtan rolled her eyes. "I am not driving around again, hunting for some mystery coffee shop. Why don't you just order from one of those fancy places you like? Besides, it's an hour's drive back—any coffee I buy will be cold by the time I get there."

"I'm not asking you to bring me coffee, dumbass—just the cookies," Sonya retorted. "The owner bakes them herself, so you can only get them there. You can drink the coffee if you want; it's really good. The place looks like a small bookstore."

At that, Namtan perked up. She remembered spotting a bookstore near the textile building earlier. Maybe that's the place Sonya's talking about.

"Why didn't you say that first? I think I saw it earlier—I'll check it out," she said.

"Yay! That must be it," Sonya said excitedly. "Sorry, I forgot to mention it's technically a coffee shop, just with lots of books."

Namtan sighed. "Fine, I'll call you if I find it. What's the name of the cookie?"

There was a pause before Sonya sheepishly admitted, "I don't remember."

"Seriously?" Namtan said, frustrated.

"Just tell the owner it's her specialty chocolate cookies. She'll know what you mean."

Shaking her head, Namtan ended the call. If she didn't like Sonya, she wouldn't bother going through this. She had a mountain of tasks waiting back at the office and was still training Grace. Although Sonya promised to supervise, Namtan didn't want to leave anything unfinished.

As she drove closer, she spotted the bookstore she had noticed earlier. It looked small from the outside, with two stories and a quaint exterior. She parked out front and walked in. The warm scent of coffee and freshly baked cookies greeted her as soon as she stepped inside. Despite its modest exterior, the shop was surprisingly spacious. The interior had a cozy charm, with shelves of books lining the walls and soft lighting casting a welcoming glow. The tables were scattered thoughtfully throughout the space, ensuring privacy and comfort for customers. Today, however, the place was packed with people, many of whom were engrossed in books or quietly chatting.

Namtan made her way to the counter, where a teenage girl was assisting customers alongside two others at the cashier station. She noticed a barista in the kitchen area and another woman busy making drinks. Despite the bustling crowd, the place remained impeccably clean, and the atmosphere was peaceful.

When it was her turn, she asked the teenage girl about the chocolate cookies Sonya had described. The girl smiled apologetically and said, "Oh, you just missed the last batch, ma'am. I'm sorry—those cookies are our bestseller. That's my boss's specialty, but she just went upstairs to her house."

Namtan was about to thank the girl and leave when a familiar voice called from the kitchen, "For you, I'll make a special batch."

Startled, Namtan turned toward the voice and broke into a wide smile when she saw a familiar face peeking through the window in the kitchen.

Oaey smiled back, motioning for Namtan to wait. A few moments later, she came out to greet her. The teenage girl, now visibly curious and looking at Namtan with starry eyes, whispered, "Wow, you know my boss?"

Namtan chuckled awkwardly and nodded. "Yeah, we go way back."

"She's the best boss ever," the girl added enthusiastically, clearly fishing for more details.

Thankfully, Oaey approached just in time, scanning the packed room. Noticing there were no available seats, she asked, "Would you mind coming upstairs? It's quieter there."

"Sure," Namtan said, following Oaey through the kitchen and into a small hallway that led to a staircase. They climbed up to the second floor, which felt more like a home than part of the coffee shop. Oaey opened a door, revealing a cozy living room with soft couches, bookshelves, and the comforting smell of cinnamon and chocolate wafting through the air.

As they settled in, Namtan smiled warmly, glancing around the cozy café. "Wow, I can't believe I finally found your place. Sorry for not coming in sooner. You have a gorgeous coffee shop here, Oaey," she said, her voice filled with admiration and a hint of apology.

Oaey returned the smile, her eyes softening as she shook her head. "Thanks, Namtan. Honestly, I thought I misheard you at first, but when I saw you, I realized it really was you. It's good to see you here," she added, her tone light and welcoming. She felt a sense of calm wash over her, happy to share this little part of her world with Namtan.

"It's great to see you too," Namtan said, offering an awkward smile.

A brief silence followed, but Oaey quickly broke it with a warm smile. "Congratulations on topping the bar exam, by the way. I really wanted to reach out, but I wasn't sure if you were too busy."

Namtan was surprised but touched. "You knew?"

"Of course," Oaey said with a smile. "It's all over the news. And honestly, how could we not be proud of you? Imagine—our neighbor and, technically, my grandma's boss—topping the bar exam. You're all my grandma talks about. I was in Cebu when the results came out, and when she saw your name at the top, she was over the moon."

Namtan laughed softly, a warmth spreading through her chest. "Thanks, Oaey . That really means a lot. Your grandma was actually one of the first to call and congratulate me. I didn't know you were in Cebu at the time. And I'm sorry if I haven't found you sooner here; I've just been swamped with work."

"It's okay, I understand," Oaey said with a smile. "And honestly, after the incident in Cebu, I didn't think you'd see me again. I mean, your girlfriend really looked like she was mad at me."

Namtan, who had been taking a sip of her coffee, suddenly choked, spilling it. Oaey immediately jumped up to grab a napkin.

Namtan blushed, thanking her as she wiped her mouth. "She's not my girlfriend," she said softly, her voice tinged with a hint of discomfort.

Oaey looked puzzled. "She's not? But I swear, she seemed so jealous of me! Yet, instead of getting upset because we didn't even do anything wrong—I was actually thrilled to meet her. I mean, it's Film Rachanun, THE Hollywood star! I've been a fan of hers for years and was thinking of asking for a picture or an autograph, but she really looked mad. She added with a playful gleam in her eye.

Namtan smiled faintly, but the mention of Film still stung in her heart. Oaey , sensing the shift in the mood, decided not to press the topic further. She shifted the conversation to lighter topics, catching up on life and reminiscing about old memories. For a brief moment, in the quiet comfort of Oaey's living room, Namtan felt the weight of her responsibilities lift, replaced by the warmth of friendship and familiarity.

Namtan glanced around the room, soaking in the inviting warmth of the space. The soft scent of cinnamon blended with the comfortable couches and neatly organized bookshelves, creating an atmosphere that felt more like a home than a business. The peacefulness of the room was a welcome contrast to the bustling energy of the coffee shop downstairs. "You really have a great place here, Oaey," she said, her voice filled with admiration.

"Thanks," Oaey replied with a smile. "It's always been my dream to have a coffee shop with books." She poured them both a cup of tea before sitting across from Namtan. Her eyes sparkled with genuine admiration as she spoke again. "I've been meaning to congratulate you on your achievement, Namtan. I've been following your progress since law school, and it's honestly incredible to see how far you've come."

Namtan smiled, feeling a little bashful under Oaey's praise. "Thanks, Oaey. It still doesn't feel real sometimes. I guess I never imagined I'd actually top the exam."

Oaey laughed softly, shaking her head. "I always knew you would, though. You've always had that determination, even when things were tough."

"I don't know about that," Namtan replied, her voice quieter now. "It wasn't easy, and there were so many times I doubted myself, even up until the very last minute." She paused, her thoughts drifting to the sleepless nights, the sacrifices, and all the times she felt overwhelmed. "But I couldn't have done it without the support of my friends—your grandma too. She was like a second mom to me. She really looked after me when I decided to get my grandma's house back in Cebu," she added, offering a small, fond smile.

Oaey's face softened as she leaned in slightly. "I'm really glad to hear that. When we found out from Grandma that you bought the house, we all cried. She was really sad when you lost it—you know how close she was with your grandma. Losing the house hurt her too." Her voice was earnest, filled with emotion. "So, if anything, we understand how hard you worked for this, and it's incredible to see everything finally paying off. Honestly, I was a bit nervous about reaching out at first. With everything going on... I didn't want to seem too forward."

Namtan looked at Oaey, surprised. "Why would you think that?" she asked, genuinely puzzled. "You're one of the few who knows just how much this means to me. You know my story back in Cebu, and I'm so grateful for your support."

Oaey's cheeks flushed a little, and she looked down at her tea, as if gathering her thoughts. "I guess, with how much you've accomplished, I didn't want to seem like I was intruding on your moment," she confessed. "It's not every day that someone tops the bar exam, right? It's a huge deal, and I didn't want to come off like I was just expecting something from you."

Namtan reached out, placing a hand over Oaey's in a gesture of comfort. "Oaey, you're not intruding. If anything, I appreciate you reaching out. I've been so busy, and sometimes, I just... I feel like I'm losing touch with everyone. It's nice to have a moment like this where I can just breathe and catch up with someone who's been part of my journey."

Oaey's eyes softened, and she gave a small, grateful smile. "Well, you definitely deserve to breathe. You've earned it," she said with a wink.

Namtan smiled back, feeling the weight of the past few weeks lift just a little. She had been running on autopilot, consumed by work and responsibilities, and she hadn't realized how much she needed this. A break from everything, a quiet moment of connection, and a reminder that she wasn't alone in all of this.

There was a brief silence between them, comfortable and unhurried. Then Namtan spoke again, her voice a little more vulnerable. "I still can't shake the feeling that I wish I could share this with my mom and grandma. I miss them so much."

Oaey nodded sympathetically, understanding the weight of that longing. "I can't imagine how hard it must be for you," she said quietly. "But I think they're with you in spirit. You've done something incredible, Namtan. And I'm sure wherever they are, they're cheering you on just as much as I am."

Namtan blinked back tears, grateful for Oaey's words. She wasn't sure what she had expected to feel after reaching such a milestone, but a sense of emptiness lingered. It was as if the achievement, while monumental, couldn't quite fill the void left by her family's absence. But Oaey's presence and comforting words gave her a bit of solace.

"Thanks, Oaey," she whispered, squeezing her hand gently. "It really helps to hear that."

"Anytime," Oaey replied, her voice warm and reassuring. "You know, if you ever need to talk or just want some company, I'm always here. And don't forget, you've got me as your unofficial number-one fan."

Namtan let out a laugh, grateful for the lightheartedness that Oaey brought into the room. "You're too kind. But I might just take you up on that offer. It's been so hectic lately that I don't even know how to slow down anymore."

"You'll find your rhythm," Oaey said with a gentle smile. "You always do."

They sat there for a while longer, the quiet conversation flowing easily between them. Namtan found herself relaxed for the first time in weeks, allowing herself to enjoy the moment without worrying about the endless tasks ahead.

Oaey's eyes sparkled with mischief after a while. "So, now that you've conquered the bar exam... what's next? A vacation, maybe? Or are you just going to dive straight into building your law firm?"

Namtan chuckled. "Honestly? I think I might take a little break before I dive into anything else. A vacation sounds good, but first, I need to focus on getting things in order with Faye and the team in New York. I promised them I'd be there for three months to help with the transition."

Oaey nodded thoughtfully. "That sounds like a big step. I'm sure you'll be great at it, though. You're a natural leader."

Namtan felt a warmth spread through her at Oaey's praise. "Thanks. I hope so. It's just hard to balance everything, you know? Sometimes I feel like I'm always juggling so many roles, and I'm afraid I'm going to drop something important."

"You won't," Oaey reassured her. "You've got this. And hey, if you ever need a little getaway, you've got a place here. Consider it your personal retreat."

Namtan smiled, touched by the offer. "I might just take you up on that one day."

Oaey smiled back. "Anytime."

As they finished their tea, chatting about life, work, and everything in between, they snapped a few photos and followed each other on social media. Namtan hadn't realized how much she missed moments like this—genuine, effortless conversations with people from her past, people who truly cared. In a world that often felt overwhelming, these connections anchored her. And in Oaey's company, she found a quiet sense of peace she hadn't even known she was searching for.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Hello, Babes!

How's everyone? I've missed you all!

Short story—I was supposed to be back last week, but I had to extend my trip, so I just arrived yesterday. The first thing I did after settling in was open Wattpad, and wow! I was overwhelmed by all the notifications and your incredible support. Thank you so much! I'm back with this story's continuation.

I managed to proofread three chapters—I originally planned to drop five today, but I still have a lot on my plate. I hope that's okay with you!

Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I wish I could mention everyone who read and supported my stories while I was away, but with hundreds of notifications, it's impossible to name you all. I'll do my best to give shoutouts in the upcoming updates!

Also, I'm working on publishing an adaptation of a story by a Thai writer. I'm currently editing and translating it into English. Although a translation exists, it's quite literal, so I'll need to tweak it to make it more natural.

I miss you all, and thank you so much for your patience, love and support! 💖