The sun peeked over the horizon, painting the sky in hues of gold and pink as Yoko stirred awake. A smile touched her lips even before her eyes fully opened. She stretched languidly, the memories of the previous night flooding her mind. Faye's tender touch, the way their breaths had mingled in the quiet of the room, and the love they'd sharedâit all lingered like a warm embrace.
She turned her head and saw Faye still asleep beside her, her face serene, bathed in the soft morning light. Yoko reached out, brushing a strand of hair from Faye's face, her heart swelling with gratitude.
"Happy birthday to me," she whispered, her smile widening.
Later that morning, Yoko stepped onto the deck of the beach resort, the gentle breeze carrying the scent of salt and flowers. The sprawling property was alive with quiet preparations for her special day. Faye had outdone herself, orchestrating a celebration that would bring everyone Yoko loved under one roof, including a few unexpected but deeply meaningful guests.
Among them were Faye's parents, aristocratic yet remarkably kind and down-to-earth. The way they carried themselves spoke of quiet dignity, but their warmth was evident in the way they greeted Yoko.
"Happy birthday, Yoko," Faye's mother, Dr. Malisorn, said, pulling her into an embrace. "Faye has told us so much about you. We're thrilled to finally meet the woman who makes her so happy."
Yoko blushed under the older woman's affectionate gaze. "Thank you so much for being here," she said sincerely.
Faye's father, a tall man with a distinguished demeanor, extended his hand. "It's a pleasure to celebrate this day with you, Yoko. Faye speaks of you with great admiration and love. I can see why."
Yoko felt her eyes prick with emotion. The presence of Faye's parents felt like a blessing, an acceptance that spoke volumes.
As the day unfolded, Yoko found herself surrounded by love, laughter, and surprises. Orm and Charlotte were there, cracking jokes and filling the air with infectious energy. Yoko's own parents mingled with Faye's, their conversation easy and warmâa sign that two worlds were seamlessly blending together.
One moment during the celebration stood out like a jewel in Yoko's heart. Amidst the laughter and the warm glow of lanterns lighting up the evening, Faye's mom gently pulled Yoko aside, her presence calm yet commanding, radiating the grace that defined her aristocratic roots.
"I've been speaking with your parents," Dr. Malisorn began, her tone measured and kind, carrying the wisdom of someone who had spent years helping others. "Faye told me about your brother Luke and the challenges he's been facing. His condition is complex, but I believe we may have resources that could help."
Yoko blinked, her heart skipping a beat. "You... you think you can help him?"
Dr. Malisorn nodded, her eyes soft but resolute. "I will reach out to a few colleagues, some of the best specialists in the world. I'll be arranging consultations and tests to get a clearer understanding of his condition. Consider this my gift to youâand to Luke."
The words hit Yoko with a force she hadn't anticipated. Her lips trembled as her eyes filled with tears, spilling over before she could stop them. "You'd do that for Luke?" she asked, her voice thick with emotion.
Dr. Malisorn smiled, reaching out to place a comforting hand on Yoko's shoulder. "Family supports family, Yoko. And if Faye loves youâand she clearly doesâthen you're family to us. Luke deserves every chance we can give him."
Yoko couldn't speak, overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness of this woman who had no obligation to help but chose to anyway. She nodded wordlessly, her tears a mix of gratitude and relief.
Dr. Malisorn pulled her into a gentle embrace, her voice warm and soothing. "No need to thank me, dear. Just promise me one thingânever stop caring for the people you love."
Yoko held onto her tightly, the gesture speaking volumes where words fell short.
When they returned to the gathering, Yoko's parents' faces were lit with a hopeful glow. They exchanged a look of quiet gratitude with Dr. Malisorn, and her mother's eyes shimmered with unshed tears. Yoko could see the spark of possibility returning to their expressions, a fragile but precious gift.
From across the room, Faye caught Yoko's eye. Her gaze was steady and filled with a love so deep and unwavering that Yoko felt her heart swell. She excused herself and crossed the room to where Faye was standing.
"Your mom is incredible," Yoko said softly, her voice still trembling from emotion.
Faye wrapped her arms around Yoko, pulling her into a comforting hug. "She is," Faye murmured into her hair. "But so are you. You've brought so much light into my lifeâand to everyone here."
As the night carried on, Yoko couldn't help but feel that this wasn't just a birthday celebration. It was a moment of connection, a new chapter of hope for her and her family. And it was all made possible by the love of the woman standing by her side.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the main event of the evening began. The beach was transformed into a magical settingâtwinkling fairy lights strung between palm trees, lanterns swaying gently in the breeze, and a long table adorned with flowers and candles.
Faye led Yoko to the head of the table, her hand never leaving Yoko's. The guests raised their glasses in a toast, and Yoko found herself blinking back tears at the outpouring of love.
But Faye wasn't done. As dessert was served, she stood and addressed the group.
"Yoko," she began, her voice steady but laced with emotion, "I've spent so much time thinking about how to show you what you mean to me. I planned this day, this celebration, but somehow, it still feels like it's not enough. So, I have one more gift for you."
She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. The room fell silent, the weight of the moment pressing gently on everyone. Then, Faye broke the tension with a playful laugh. "Relax, guys! This isn't a proposalâyet."
Everyone in the room burst into laughter, while Yoko blushed, her heart racing wildly. Gasps rippled through the group as she opened it to reveal a delicate necklace. The pendant was a star, intricately crafted and encrusted with tiny, shimmering diamonds that caught the light beautifully.
Faye smiled as she gently fastened the necklace around Yoko's neck. Her voice softened, brimming with warmth and sincerity. "You're my guiding star, Yoko. You've brought light into my life when I needed it most, and I want you to know that I'll always follow where you lead."
Tears streamed down Yoko's cheeks as she touched the pendant. "Faye... this is beautiful. You're beautiful. Thank youâfor everything."
Faye smiled, leaning in to press a tender kiss to Yoko's lips. The guests erupted into applause and cheers, but in that moment, it felt like they were the only two people in the world.
Later that night, as the celebration wound down, Yoko stood by the water's edge, the cool waves lapping at her feet. Faye joined her, slipping an arm around her waist.
"Was it everything you hoped for?" Faye asked softly.
Yoko leaned into her, her heart full. "It was so much more. Thank you, Faye. For loving me, for bringing my family and yours together, and for caring about Luke. You've given me the best birthday of my life."
Faye smiled, her eyes reflecting the light of the stars above. "And this is just the beginning, Yoko. I promise, every day will be better than the last."
As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, Yoko couldn't help but believe her. For the first time in a long time, the future felt bright, filled with love, hope, and endless possibilities.
Faye smiled, brushing a lock of hair from Yoko's face. "This is just the beginning," she said, her voice soft but filled with meaning.
---
The morning after Yoko's birthday, the serene rhythm of the resort was briefly interrupted as Faye and Namtan prepared to accompany Faye's parents to the airport. The couple had pressing commitmentsâFaye's father was set to attend a pivotal business meeting, while her mother, a renowned neurosurgeon, had other professional obligations awaiting her attention.
Before they departed, Faye's mother took a moment to reaffirm her promise to Yoko's parents. She spoke with a calm but resolute tone, ensuring them that she would personally oversee Luke's case. "I'll connect with some of the best specialists globally," she assured them, her voice carrying a quiet confidence that inspired hope.
Yoko's family was profoundly moved by this act of kindness. Her mother, unable to hold back her tears, expressed her heartfelt gratitude. She clung to the fragile but radiant hope that Luke might one day regain his voice. "Thank you," she whispered through her tears, holding Faye's mother in a tight embrace.
Faye's mother reciprocated warmly, her compassion evident. "We'll do everything in our power," she said, her sincerity unwavering.
Before leaving, Faye's mother approached Yoko, gently pulling her aside for a private moment. Her elegant demeanor softened with warmth as she smiled.
"Thank you," she began, her tone heartfelt and sincere. "For bringing so much happiness to my daughter. I've never seen her like this before. I know her work brings her joy, and helping children fulfills her, but with you... it's as if she's truly come alive. You're a very special person," Faye's mother added, giving Yoko's hand a gentle squeeze.
Her words struck a chord deep within Yoko, and she felt an undeniable warmth blossom in her chest.
Yoko's voice was soft, but the sincerity in her words was clear. "I care about her a lot," she replied, a quiet smile tugging at her lips.
The unspoken connection between them lingered as they exchanged a knowing look. It was a moment that underscored not just the bond Yoko shared with Faye but the growing connection between their familiesâa merging of lives grounded in love, kindness, and understanding.
Namtan and Sonya insisted on coming along to assist Faye's parents. It was a flurry of goodbyesâhugs and promises before Faye pulled Yoko aside. With a gentle smile, she promised, "I'll be back by evening. We'll see each other soon."
Yoko watched as Faye, Namtan, and her parents drove off toward the airport. The brief parting felt heavier than usual, as she had grown so accustomed to having Faye by her side. Even though she knew Faye would return, the absence left a quiet ache, and Yoko found herself already looking forward to the evening when Faye would be back.
As Yoko waved them off, a quiet sense of sadness washed over her. She had become so accustomed to Faye's presence that the thought of her being away for even a short time left a hollow feeling in her chest. The peace of the resort felt slightly emptier without her, but Yoko knew Faye would return soon. For now, she turned back to the familiar faces of her family and friends, trying to focus on the moments they still had together.
The day passed slowly, Yoko keeping herself busy with the others, enjoying the last bits of her birthday trip. As night approached, the group gathered in the living room to watch the Oscars. The big-screen television in the living room flickered to life, casting a soft glow across the room as they settled in.
As the show continued, the camera panned across the glamorous stars in attendance, capturing the red carpet moments filled with laughter, cheers, and flashes from photographers. The atmosphere was electric, and the crowd's energy seemed to infuse the screen. Yoko, her eyes half-focused on the television, reclined on the couch, feeling at ease with her family and friends gathered around her. The room was warm, filled with the sounds of contented chatter and the clink of glasses. It was a moment of calm, of comfort.
But that comfort was about to shatter...
"Wait, is that...?" Orm's voice cut through the quiet, and Yoko turned her head just in time to see the camera zoom in on a striking figure on the screen. The woman, dressed in a stunning gown that shimmered under the lights, stood out in a way that was impossible to ignore.
It was Film, Faye's ex-girlfriend, the famous actress known for her beauty, grace, and dominance in the industry. Her poised presence on the red carpet had always turned heads, but seeing her now, on a screen in front of them, sent an uncomfortable ripple through the room.
The reporters in the background swarmed her, their voices a cacophony of questions. Yoko shifted in her seat, a sense of unease creeping in as her curiosity piqued. She had no idea how much the next few moments would change everything.
One reporter, eager for a headline, leaned in and asked, "Film, we saw the headlines last week about you and Faye at a private resort. Can you confirm if you two are dating?"
The words hung in the air like a thunderclap, and Yoko's heart skipped a beat. The room fell into a strange silence as everyone's attention turned to the screen, watching Film with rapt focus. Yoko's eyes widened, her pulse quickening.
Film's expression remained serene as she smiled, the calmness of her demeanor almost unsettling. "Faye and I have known each other since we were kids," she began, her voice smooth and composed. "My sister is her brother's wife, so we've always been family. We were both at the resort to celebrate my sister's birthday, that's all."
Yoko felt an odd pang of discomfort at the mention of Faye's brother, the word "family" feeling suddenly loaded in a way that hadn't before. She wasn't sure why, but a strange tightness gripped her chest, and her stomach twisted. What exactly did "family" mean in this context?
Before Yoko could process the words, another reporter, sharp and persistent, pressed further, "That doesn't really answer the question. Are you and Faye involved? Were you ex-girlfriends? Is there more to this?"
Yoko held her breath, waiting for Film's response. What could she possibly say to clear this up?
Film's reply was completely unexpected, striking Yoko like a bolt of lightning. With a soft, playful laugh, Film shrugged casually. "Ex-girlfriends? Well... we didn't really break up." She paused, her smile growing wider as the weight of her words filled the room. "I guess we just took a breakâlife happens, you know. And with the fact that I'm also dating a woman, we had to keep things discreet about it before. But I'm still very much a part of Faye's life."
The atmosphere in the press room grew tense, thick with anticipation as the reporters processed Film's words. Cameras clicked furiously, microphones leaned in closer, and murmurs rippled through the crowd.
Yoko, sitting with her friends and families, felt as though the floor had dropped out from under her. Her hands clenched around her phone, her pulse hammering in her ears. What did she mean by that? The phrase "we didn't even break up" echoed in her mind, a sharp contrast to the intimate moments she had just shared with Faye.
The reporters erupted into a flurry of questions, their voices overlapping. Some pressed for clarification, others speculated wildly about the nature of Film and Faye's relationship.
But for Yoko, the words blurred together. She felt her chest tighten, a mixture of doubt, hurt, and confusion surging through her. Was this something Faye had kept from her?
As the interview continued, another reporter cut through the noise. "So, to be clear, are you suggesting there's still a romantic connection between you and Faye?"
Film tilted her head thoughtfully, her tone carefully neutral. "I think relationshipsâof any kindâare complicated. There's love, there's history, and sometimes life leads us in different directions. But what I can say is that Faye has always been someone important to me, and I'll always support and love her, no matter what."
Yoko's heart ached at the ambiguity of Film's words. It wasn't an outright claim, but it wasn't a denial either.
The interview ended shortly after, Film walking away with her serene smile still intact, leaving behind a room full of speculation and a storm of emotions in Yoko's chest.
The words hung in the air like a heavy fog. A silence fell over the room, more intense than before. Yoko's heart was pounding in her chest, each beat a reminder of the shock she felt reverberating through her body. "We didn't even break up," the phrase repeated over and over in her mind, its implications sinking deep, like a stone dropped into water, sending ripples across her thoughts.
Her mind raced, trying to make sense of what she had just heard. What did that mean for her and Faye? Was she truly still a part of Faye's life? And if so, what did that look like?
Around her, Yoko could hear murmurs of confusion. Her friends were equally caught off guard, trying to process the revelation. Orm exchanged a bewildered glance with her, and even Dr. Lingling, usually composed, seemed momentarily speechless. The room seemed to hold its breath as they all digested what had just unfolded on the screen.
Yoko felt a cold knot in her stomach, her emotions in turmoil. She had never been the type to shy away from confrontation or tough questions, but thisâthis was different. She didn't know how to react. She didn't know what to think. All she could feel was a wave of uncertainty, rolling over her like a tide.
For the first time since she and Faye had begun their relationship, Yoko questioned everything. What was she to Faye now? How much of Faye's past still lingered, and what role did it play in their present? And more importantly, where did she fit in this picture that Film had just so casually, so confidently, painted?
The room was filled with a quiet tension. It wasn't just the confusion over the news; it was the silence that followed, the quiet space where Yoko had to reckon with her own feelings. What did this mean for her and Faye? The thought hung heavily in the air, unanswered.
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Hello, babes! Thank God it's SaturdayâI hope everyone has an amazing weekend ahead.
I just want to take a moment to thank everyone who voted and commented on the last chapter. As promised, this is a double update since there won't be an update tomorrow.
This chapter is dedicated to all new readers and wonderful voters who have been consistently supporting the story:
@Shifakon
@RitadecassiaSanttos
@Ahrundaty
@knighttaco
@Sam912215
And a special shoutout to @Ahrundaty for your thoughtful comments and unwavering support. Thank you all so much! ð