Finding a way back to her!

Heng was sprawled across the chair in Freen’s office, chewing on a protein bar and looking way too relaxed for someone surrounded by medical journals and surgical charts. Freen, meanwhile, was meticulously packing her tablet into her leather bag, her expression betraying none of the chaos brewing inside her.

Heng watched her for a moment, narrowing his eyes. “You’re unusually fidgety today. Are you stressed about the press interview I scheduled for you next month?”

Freen paused, giving him a sharp glance. “Cancel it.”

“Not happening.” Heng grinned and took another bite of his protein bar. “So what’s up? You’re acting even colder than usual.”

Freen adjusted the strap of her bag, her voice clipped. “I have to go to Thailand.”

There was a long pause before Heng let out a low whistle. “Whoa. Back to the motherland, huh? Didn’t think I’d ever see that day.”

“It’s not a decision I wanted to make,” Freen replied, carefully avoiding his gaze. “There’s a child who needs surgery. No one else is capable of operating.”

“And Nam called you for help,” Heng said, nodding knowingly. “Of course she did. Did she have to bribe you, or was the guilt trip enough?”

Freen ignored his smirk and walked over to her desk. “There’s no one else.”

“Sure, sure. Very professional,” Heng said, leaning forward with a mischievous grin. “But I don’t believe for a second that Nam didn’t sprinkle in some emotional manipulation. Did she drop the ‘you’re our only hope’ speech?”

“She was direct,” Freen said curtly, flipping through a file.

“Oh, Nam is many things, but she’s never just direct,” Heng quipped, sitting up straighter. “Speaking of Nam, do you think I should surprise her with a visit? Long-distance relationships, you know… gotta keep it spicy.”

Freen shot him a look. “Focus, Heng.”

“I am focusing,” Heng said innocently. “On Nam, mostly, but also on you. Because let’s be honest, Freen. You’re not going to Thailand just because of some random patient. There’s more to this.”

Freen’s hand froze for a fraction of a second before she resumed flipping through the file. “The child’s case is critical. That’s all there is to it.”

“Uh-huh,” Heng said, his tone disbelieving. “And Becky has nothing to do with this, right?”

At that, Freen’s fingers tightened slightly on the folder. She didn’t respond.

“Thought so,” Heng said, leaning back with a satisfied grin. “You know, for someone who’s built an entire empire on saving hearts, you’re terrible at dealing with your own.”

“This has nothing to do with her,” Freen said firmly, closing the file with a snap.

“Oh, Freen.” Heng sighed, shaking his head dramatically. “You can lie to yourself all you want, but you can’t lie to me. Nam told me everything about why you left Thailand. And let me tell you, Becky is like the final boss of your emotional baggage. Are you sure you’re ready to face her?”

Freen grabbed her bag and headed for the door without answering. Heng jumped up and blocked her path, his arms crossed.

“Listen,” Heng said, his voice softer now. “I get it. Love is messy and awkward, and you’re… well, you. But holding onto something—or someone—that’s been haunting you for ten years? That’s not healthy, Freen.”

“I’m going to do my job,” Freen said, her tone ice-cold. “That’s all.”

“And then what?” Heng pressed. “You’ll see her, and what? Pretend none of it matters? Pretend it doesn’t still hurt?”

Freen’s jaw tightened, and for a moment, Heng thought she might actually crack. But then she brushed past him, her voice as steady as ever. “I don’t have time for this conversation.”

“Freen,” Heng called after her, exasperated. “Let her go. Becky’s a ghost. You can’t build a life with someone who isn’t even in it.”

Freen paused at the door, her hand on the handle. She glanced over her shoulder, her expression unreadable. “Goodnight, Heng.”

And with that, she was gone, leaving Heng standing alone in her office, shaking his head. “Stubborn as ever,” he muttered. “I hope Bangkok doesn’t eat you alive.”