The Wrong Groom | 2gether X Tale of a Thousand Stars AU

Chapter 08

Tine's POV

"I am Tine Teepakorn Aekaranwong. Today's date is <> and today's headlines in the Daily Times are "Robbery or Kidnapping? Priceless diamond may have been real target" on Page 1 and "Alpha Group heir's fan following crosses 3 Million; Insta flooded with thousands of proposals" on Page 3.

I would like to assure everyone that I am healthy and safe.

I want to thank all my supporters and well-wishers. Your love keeps me strong."

I signed off with a mini heart and a wink.

Wat glared at me.

"Is that last bit really necessary? What kind of an abductee would be this cheerful?"

"Hey, don't diss my work. This is one of my more serious efforts. You should see some from my younger days. A few of them were like music videos. I think I even rapped in one."

"Didn't you say kidnappers send ransom demands out in the first 24 hours? Today is the third day."

"I know, Shiloh. I can count. I'm purposely not saying anything which might indicate that I've been kidnapped or held against my will. That way, when I go back, there's nothing to prove that a crime was ever committed."

Wat looked at me with big, round eyes and an expression of admiration on his face.

"I know. I often leave people stunned" I said, dusting off my shoulders.

Wat rolled his eyes. "Let's go. Pear is alone back there."

We walked carefully down the steep mountainside back to the road where we'd parked the car.

"Remind me again why we couldn't do this comfortably at home?" huffed Wat.

"Two reasons. A - I needed today's headlines and there's no network back at the house. And B - Chief told me to include bamboo trees in the background. They don't grow near his village. This spot was perfect for both."

Pear looked relieved when she saw us.

"I was beginning to worry about you" she said.

"Sorry, Princess. We're here now."

"And so is Chief" said Wat, peering at the Jeep that was winding its way to us around a bend.

Chief had barely stopped when Tian jumped out of the front seat and ran to hug me.

"Tine, are you okay?"

I patted him on the back. "Never been better."

"You must be Pear and Sarawat. I've heard a lot about you both" said Tian, smiling radiantly at them both.

I could see how being with Chief for just one day had improved him beyond recognition.

"Likewise. It's great to finally meet you" said Pear.

"Hi Tian. Now that I'm seeing you up close, I know what Chief meant when he said you could light up a room just with your smile.

I thought it sounded corny and beyond cheesy, but clearly he was just being honest.

I can't believe I mistook Tine for you" said Wat, grinning.

"Hello, I'm standing right here" I said, crossing my arms in mock-offense.

"We've brought you a gift, Sarawat" said Tian, smiling mysteriously.

Wat looked puzzled, then shocked.

"Oh my God"

"Hi Wat" said the boy who'd got out of the backseat of the Jeep. He smiled shyly and ran his fingers through his hair.