Bad Memory Made A New One

"Ah... There you are, Reis!" Tan greets his daughter with a cold demeanor. She nods politely at him before relaying her greeting to the rest of the people at the table. They nod in return, slowly leaving the two to talk.

"I saw you and Jupe had a talk. Good. You two should become familiar quickly," Tan says, his tone lacking warmth, more like a dictate rather than care. Reis flashes a vague smile, her heart however feels tight with the heavy weight of their conversation. She pauses a bit, mustering her courage to speak.

"Por, can we talk about this engagement plan?" she asks, her voice steady but laced with uncertainty.

"What do you mean?" Tan's brows furrow, a hint of irritation creeps into his expression.

Reis grits her teeth, feeling the tension rise. "I think, it's too sudden. I don't know Jupe, and I believe this won't work—"

"Believe me, I chose the best for your future. He's a gold mine, you know?"

"What I have now is enough to secure my future, Por..."

"That clothing brand? Do you think it will survive for the next ten years? Just think about it, if you marry Jupe, you'll become a wife of a billionaire! Maybe he can help your business as well!" Tan insists, his voice rising with conviction. "Besides, business is best with two people in it."

Reis claws her hand under the table, her nails dig into her skin. She is itching to reject the proposal, but imagining Tan's reaction, she shuts herself. The last thing that she wants is a shout from her father, which is obviously embarrassing and dramatic.

"Tan Ratchana!" A man greets them, putting a hold on their heated conversation. Reis turns around, her eyes darting to the middle-aged man— still in a hot figure—who leans closer to her.

"Reis... " he smiles, before softly placing his hand on her shoulder. "It must be snowing in Bangkok, now that you're here!"

Reis forces a smile, but her body scoots away, rejecting the overly friendly advance from the man. She subtly creates a safe space between them, leaving the man devastated.

"Yeah, definitely a snowstorm, now that she joins the party, Tony. She's so busy building her fashion empire that she forgot about her old Por!" Tan complains, his voice drips with sarcasm.

Tony shifts his sneaky gaze to Reis. "Lhuk, you should visit your Por more often. Business is business, but family should come first," he gives out an advice, acting kind, yet keeps brushing his hand against Reis's arm.

"Excuse me, I need to make a phone call..." Reis quickly leaves the table, her heart races as she escapes the crowd. She strolls along a narrow corridor in a hurry, until she almost stumbles. Reis grabs her tight chest, she almost hyperventilates.

"Hey..." A hand grabs her shoulder, as she turns around in horror.

"Gu Tony!"

"Are you leaving? It's still early!" his voice is smooth yet insistent.

"I... I have an early appointment tomorrow..." Reis stammers, trying to maintain her composure.

Tony tilts his head, a smirk appears across his face. "But, it's been a while since we talked. You reject my calls, you moved out of your old apartment—"

"I.. I have to go..." Reis tries to escape, but Tony blocks her way, caging her between his arms.

"I miss you, Reis.." he says, biting his lower lip. He scans Reis up and down. "You're getting mature, more curvier. I like it—"

"Gu... let me go!" Reis begs him. Her face flushes in red and there's a slight uncomfortable reaction in her eyes.

"What's there to be embarrassed about, huh? Like I never touched this body before! Come on, Reis... Don't be shy—"

"There you are, Miss Ratchana..."

Both of them turn to see Felix standing tall, holding Reis's clutch bag. The moment her eyes land on him, her expression shifts, relief flooding her features all over it.

"We need to go. Appointment starts at eight in the morning," Felix politely reminds Reis, showcasing his professionalism in front of Tony. The man steps away from Reis as she quickly scoots closer to Felix, seeking his protection.

"Anything else, Mr. Sawati?" Felix asks Tony with a stern vouce, giving a sharp glare. Tony huffs and leaves them alone.

Reis's body slowly gives out after Tony is out of her sight. She leans against the wall, inhales the oxygen deeply. Felix carefully places his palm on her shoulder, hesitating at first, but sensing her need of comfort, he finally gives in.

"You're doing good, Miss Ratchana. It's okay... " his voice soothes Reis. She straightens herself, facing him in ease. Felix's warm presence calms her racing heart. As he smiles at her, she immediately pulls him into a big hug, burying her face into his chest. Felix sighs, instinctively strokes her hair, sharing the weight of her burden.

Suddenly, his vision dims. Everything turns fuzzy and blurred.

And the last thing he hears is Reis's muffle

d voice, calling his name, as his body slides onto the floor.

***

Felix throws out into the toilet bowl, emptied his guts. Reis pats his back softly, as another wave of sickness comes out of him.

"There you go. Let it all out, " Reis murmurs softly, continues to pat his back. It's a normal reaction after taking a hangover pill.

But, something doesn't click.

Reis can't remember seeing Felix drink at the party. His condition is a lot worse than being drunk. It's as if he consumed a whole bottle of Scotch mixed with some pills. She has seen this state before during her high school days; one of her friends used to mix cocktails like that.

Felix struggles to breathe, the heat rising within him. His eyes dart at Reis, before he grunts, as the burning sensation eats him alive, forcing him to strip.

"Felix! No!" Reis crinkles her nose as she fails to stop Felix. The man now stands wobbly in the middle of the bathroom, clad only in his boxers.

"Who stripped my pants?" Felix asks, half-conscious, confusion clouding his mind. Reis stands there, wincing in guilt. She's the one who took off Felix's pants because he kept tripping over it while on his way into her apartment.

She finally decides to usher Felix to the bed when things get out of hand.

"I feel hot..." Felix gasps between heavy breaths.

"I'll lower the temperature..." Reis is about to stand up but Felix grabs her hand and yanks her to sit on bed, in front of him.

"No! Don't go anywhere! It's dangerous!"

"Hey... This is my house... "

"Don't go! I have to protect you from those men! They're looking at you like you're a piece of meat! I can't let that happen!" Felix throws a fit, his voice rises in desperation. He cups Reis's face, staring deep into her eyes.

"How come they treat such a beauty like that?" Felix asks, eyes opens wide, but minds wander aimlessly. "I can't let them do that to you.. This face is crying enough... " his eyes dims as he rubs Reis's cheek softly. That thumb slowly travels all over her face before lands onto Reis's lips.

"Although... I can't blame them... This lips is insatiable... " Felix's gaze changes. "No. They should be landing on the right man; a gentleman who dares asking for a permission to touch you!"

Reis stunts in disbelief. Her breath hitches as she locks her gaze with Felix. She can see his Adam's apple bobs up and down. She should run by now, or slaps his face for the suggestive look, but somehow, her body stunts in shock.

Felix suddenly tilts his head and whispers,"Reis... Can I land my lips against yours?"