Rebecca's POV (Continuing after the garden scene)
The last few days had been a blur of escalating tension and strange new emotions. I was still reeling from that kiss and my furious reaction, a desperate attempt to regain control. I'd spent the morning concocting ways to make Freen "pay," only to find myself drawn into her orbit, my irritation warring with an undeniable, infuriating pull.
Dinner was a prime example. Nop was still here, having refused my demand to leave. He'd spun some vague story about "suspicious activity" and "protecting" me, a thinly veiled excuse from my parents, I was sure, to keep me from my freedom and arrange some unwanted marriage. He'd even had the audacity to praise Freen's cooking, making my blood boil.
"Why are you still here? Didn't I tell you to get out of this mansion with your people?" I said, calmly but firmly.
"Rebecca, I can't do that," Nop replied, his eyes pleading.
"Why not?" I pressed.
Nop hesitated. "Because I care about you, Rebecca. I want to protect you, even if it means staying in this mansion."
"Protect me from what?" I asked, confused.
He took a deep breath. "There have been reports of suspicious activity in the area. I fear for your safety, Rebecca."
"Are you inventing things now? Just to cover my parents' intention to not let me have my freedom, just once, even if it's the only thing I ever ask before I let them ruin my life by pairing me with random men that would benefit their own agendas," I countered.
"Rebecca, I understand your frustration, but I assure you that my concerns are genuine. Your parents may have their reasons, but my priority is your safety. Please trust me on this."
"There you said it. So is it true that my parents have something to do with your appearance? I thought you were by my side. Why are you doing this to me?"
"Rebecca, I understand that this revelation may be difficult for you to process. I want you to know that my intentions have always been to protect you and ensure your well-being. While your parents may have played a role in our arrangement, my commitment to you remains unwavering. Please believe me when I say that I am here for you, no matter the circumstances."
"Could you just tell what is really happening here?" I said, looking into his eyes. I knew there was something more.
He looked away, then down, gripping his fork tightly. He was about to speak when someone arrived with dinner. Tom Yum Goong and Pad Thai – my favorites. Miss Nam must have requested them. The fragrant aroma made my mouth water, but I remained composed. I wouldn't let her think I'd forgotten what she did in the grass field.
Nop smiled at Freen and thanked her. "Hmm...This is delicious. You really are a good cook like your mother, Freen," he commented, already tasting the food. Freen smiled, scratching her neck.
I slammed my spoon down. It clattered loudly on the floor. The two flirts at the table stared at me, startled.
"Rebecca, are you okay? What happened to you?" Nop asked, coming to check my hand, where some hot soup broth had spilled. "I'm fine," I snapped, crossing my arms and glaring at Freen, who only offered a fake worried face.
What a waste! The food looks delicious, but I am pissed.
"I don't like the food; It tastes bad," I lied.
"What, but it tastes good?" Nop defended.
It tasted wonderful, honestly. I just wanted to express my frustration. Why was she flirting with everyone? Was this her job? Were we paying her to flirt?
"Rebecca, this tastes good. What are you saying that this tastes bad?" I snatched the soup bowl from him.
"Now what? You spilled it?" I groaned.
"But you are the one who snatched it; I thought you didn't want it?" He rebutted.
"What's mine is mine!" I exclaimed, frustrated. "Just because I didn't want it doesn't mean you can take it without asking. It's about respect and common courtesy!"
I heard a giggle from the annoying girl. "What are you laughing at, huh?"
She looked at me innocently. Oh, please, that trick won't work on me. "Clean this!"
"Not you," I said when she attempted to clean the mess. "Nop, clean that." I said firmly.
"What?" Nop retorted, annoyed, but I just glared, and he obliged. I grinned.
"Irin," I called, leaning close as she stood nearby.
"Yes, Lady Rebecca?"
"Tell that flirty girl to stop flirting, cook some food for her, and bring it to my room," I commanded.
"Yes, Lady Rebecca." Irin obliged and spoke to Freen.
I got up and started walking to my room. Irin had just finished assisting with cleanup when we heard a knock. I heard her talking a little at the door.
As she closed the door and returned to me carrying a tray of food, I caught a whiff of something very alluring. She placed the tray on my bed. I admired the presentation, and the aroma made my mouth water. My eyes widened. It was Gaeng Keow Wan, a fragrant green curry with chicken, and Pla Rad Prik, a crispy fish topped with spicy chili sauce. These dishes were meticulously prepared, vibrant in color, perfect in texture—a true culinary delight.
I didn't waste time, immediately digging into the fragrant chicken, savoring the rich blend of spices. The fish was equally impressive, a delicate balance of heat and flakiness. Each bite was royal indulgence.
I burped, having finished all the food in a moment. I never thought I'd eat that much.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, as Freen was looking at me with a smile. Where is Irin now, that woman who left me with this witch? I can't believe her. That woman will pay.
The next day came, and I was still thinking about how to make Freen pay for the kiss and her incessant charm. Though I was again speechless at her cooking skill, I saw her cleaning the floor and purposely spilled some water to make her slip and fall.
"Oops," I said with a sly grin as Freen's feet slid out from under her. "Be careful next time," I added, suppressing a triumphant smile. As Freen struggled to regain her balance, I felt a surge of satisfaction. This wasn't enough.
But before I could pass, Freen purposely tripped me. I almost fell directly to the floor, but her fast reflexes wouldn't let that happen.
"Lady Rebecca!" Irin screamed in horror. She gasped as Freen quickly and safely caught me in her arms. Freen's left leg supported my back, her arms held me, and her other knee was on the floor.
I was cutely closing my eyes from fright.
"ฉันจะไม่ปล่อยให้ตัวเองล้มลง แน่นอนว่าเราควรร่วมกันเพื่อความยุติธรรม ไม่ต้องกังวล ฉันจะกอดคุณไว้เสมอ ผู้หญิงที่รัก" Freen said with a smirk when I opened my eyes, realizing I was safe. (Translation: "I won't let myself fall. Of course, we should be together for justice. Don't worry; I'll always hold you, my dear lady.")
Of course, I didn't understand what she'd said, but I still turned red like a potato from the closeness of our faces again, plus our awkward position for two women. It reminded me of our interaction at the grass field.
Pissed again, I pushed the beautiful woman away from me. Freen ended up laughing on the ground, which made me grumble in frustration, clenching my fists.
I purposely called Freen to come to my room, and I made Irin help me get some flour and eggs in a bucket. Irin looked suspicious about what I would use them for.
A sly grin appeared on my lips when I heard a knock. I immediately hid myself in the bathroom and pretended to be taking a bath. Freen heard a faint answer from inside and comfortably opened the door. Little did she know, as she stepped into the room, I had planned a devious prank. My heart raced with anticipation, eager to see the look of shock on her face.
But Freen didn't continue. She saw a glimpse of the bucket tied above her. Instead, she stayed outside and waited beside the door. A few minutes passed, and then raging footsteps and the door was abruptly opened.
And there, I was, bathing in a bucket of flour with eggs in it.
Boinkz!
The bucket fell on Freen's head as she purposely pushed me to save me from the bucket.
"You tricked me!!" I roared, enraged.
I was about to slap Freen but she quickly caught my wrist. I used my other hand, but Freen again caught it, holding both my wrists. She was cutely glaring at me while looking at my face. Freen was taller than me, which again pissed me off for being born short.
My knees weakened when Freen gave that smirk again.
"Let go of me!" I tried to free myself, but Freen was way stronger. Instead, she led me to the wall and pinned my hands above my head.
My heartbeat went fast as Freen's face got closer to mine. In Freen's mind, she was going crazy as she still didn't understand what the kiss was for. It hadn't let her sleep for almost a week now; the taste of my lips stayed with her. It doesn't go away.
"AAAh-MMhhhhmp!" My scream was quickly covered by Freen's other hand, which gave me a chance to push her and drag her out of the room. I then closed the door.
Both of us unconsciously leaned our backs against the door, holding our breath.
"ทำไม" Freen whispered before she completely left the room. (Translation: "Why?") I was still wondering what was wrong with me, being weak to that girl.
"I can't believe I wanted that to happen," I said to myself before I decided to clean myself.
The next day, Freen was cleaning the stairs, and I was just watching, waiting for my chance to see the result of another prank. Freen was finally on the final five steps when she slipped and slid funnily to the floor. I burst into laughter again, unable to contain my amusement at Freen's comedic fall. Irin rushed over to help Freen up, concern etched on her face once more.
Miss Nam shook her head at my continual pranks. She couldn't help but secretly find them amusing as well, but she knew that Freen's safety should be the top priority. She decided to have a serious talk with me about the consequences.
"What?" I asked as I saw how the old lady looked at me with concern.
"I know what you are doing, Rebecca, and while it may be entertaining for you, it's important to consider the potential harm it can cause. Freen could have been seriously injured in that fall, and we need to think about the consequences of our actions before we act," Miss Nam said sternly, her voice filled with genuine worry for Freen's well-being. I looked taken aback by Miss Nam's serious tone, realizing the gravity of my pranks for the first time.
"But she's not. I know what I am doing, Miss Nam. I've been doing these pranks for a while now, and Freen has always been fine," I replied defensively. "However, I understand your concern, and I will be more mindful of the potential risks in the future."
Miss Nam couldn't believe what she just heard from me. "In that case, I am going to withdraw her from her duty," Miss Nam firmly said.
"No." I quickly disregarded Miss Nam's statement.
"Why?" Miss Nam's question made me speechless.
"Just because I want to," was the only word that came out of my mouth.
Miss Nam shook her head and helped Freen, clearly disappointed in my decision. She had always believed that I was a responsible and thoughtful person, but now she questioned my judgment. As she walked in Freen's direction, Miss Nam couldn't help but wonder how this incident would affect their working relationship in the future.
Freen looked in my direction and saw me grinning at her, but this time she had enough and grinned back at me. That made me feel something shift in my confidence and demeanor, giving me a look that looks like it has something not good to do, but I continued to walk away with fake confidence, thinking did she really go overboard now?
The next few days passed. I was now ready to go take a bath on my own with the warm water I had commanded to be prepared.
And I did go to the bathroom, and
"AAAAAAAAAh!"
"Waaaahh!"
"Get away from me, waaaaah!"
"Waaa help help help!!!"