Our Love Begins Somewhere in Bangkok

Company Beach Outing

"Paula please accept this little gift of appreciation for all the help you've extended to us especially to Ethan." Stephanie said as she handed Paula a box wrapped with fancy papers.

"Gush, what's this. Why do you have to bother. That's really nothing. But thank you very much for this"

Both of them had a long chat after dinner.

A while ago...

As Ethan was in bed and about to sleep, he held Paula's hand and thanked him for everything. He asked her to stay until he's going to fall asleep. Ethan became too dependent to Paula as he got too used to her nightly routine. He liked how she's taking care of everything especially him.

.....
"Oh by the way Steph, I'll be out of town over the weekend for a company outing. I'm worried about Ethan but I'm sure you'll be here right? I didn't tell him coz I don't want him to be sad."

"Yep, I'll be here the whole time so don't you worry. We'll take care of Lyka too."

"Thank you very much. I'll be checking my phone from time to time so just let me know if something comes up."

"Sure. Paula when you are there, just enjoy yourself and don't think about us here. It's good to have time alone too. So you're leaving tomorrow morning?"

"Yes, I'm driving so I'll have to leave earlier."

"Be safe na?" "Kha, kawp khun kah"

The two of them bade each other goodnight.

Early the next morning, Paula drove to Rayong for the company beach outing. She arrived there safe and a bit earlier than the others. John was already there too. John was the company IT who was still single and was eyeing on Paula. He's a kind gentleman who's very generous and helpful.

"Hey, John, you arrived earlier than I've expected."

"Hey morning Paula. Yeah it was also unexpected that I came this early. I thought the travel time was 5 hours so I left Bangkok super early. Hahaha. I miscalculated it. But I think this is the purpose. So that we can have breakfast together?"

"Sure, why not. Let's go?"

Paula was a good CEO. She's always prioritized the well-being of her employees. John was only an employee but Paula's treating him as a colleague and not just a mere subordinate. Reason why Paula was loved by everyone in the company.

John asked Paula what she wanted for breakfast and served her with those. Paula was a spoiled brat when John was around.

"Really John, you don't have to do this. Don't spoil me. Hahaha. I'm already spoiled when I'm with you."

"Paula. I know I'm only your employee and I can't be your boyfriend. Please just let me do this. Let me take care of you."

"John. Don't waste you life on me. I'm old. Widowed with a child. I'm a mother. Look at you. You're single, handsome and kind. Please look for someone who's single and at your age too. A lot of our company ladies like and admire you. Why not try to look at them."

"No. It's you that I like and want to protect."

"Is it because you pity me? Because I lost my husband and I'm alone now?

"No it's not like that. Paula. Please."

"Okay. I know it's not like that. Sorry."

"Why are you so kind Paula. Why are you like this to me and to all your employees? Can you be at least mean to me and push me away? I'm having a hard time working in the office especially if you pay a visit in the IT room."

"John, let's be serious. I really can't accept you. I don't want to ruin your life. I'm sure your family won't agree of me. You're too young for my age John. Don't waste your youth. I'm not looking down at you. I want only a better future for you. Time will come you'll realize I'm not the best person to spend your lifetime with. My life is complicated."

"Enough Paula. You're not looking down at me but at yourself. You admire me, you praise me because I'm young and handsome and talented but tell me why can't you accept me. Have you found someone already? Tell me then I'll stop right here. I don't want to meddle with your life anymore. Have you?"

Paula's eyes were filled with tears as she nodded yes to his question.

John held her hands on the table and told her he's going to stop pursuing her already.

"Sorry if I was a nuisance Paula."

"No you're not.

"Why can't you just yell at me and tell me to stop and leave you alone."

"I can't do that. To anyone."

After breakfast, they went for a walk along the beach while waiting for the others to arrive. John held her hand while walking.

"I'm so sorry na kap? I wasn't aware of it. Okay, i'll stop here. I wont disturb you anymore"

"It's totally fine. Don't you worry. But can you don't stop being nice to everyone?"

"Yes, I'll never stop protecting you."
He told Paula as he held her close to him. "You'll always be my first love." He said as he moved forward to wipe her tears from her cheeks. John couldn't stop himself as his hand touched her soft face. He slowly bent towards her to kissed her forehead. And held her tight for the first time and the last time. He held her in his arms as she rested her head on his chest, for a while. For a long while.

John has been working in the company for over 2 years. He's been so kind and respectful to everyone. A lot of lady employees liked him. He's also been so caring to Paula as the CEO even when her husband was still alive. Paula was on her late 30's but she's slim, pretty and young looking. She's also a wonderful boss to everyone, the reason why they couldn't blame John for pursuing her.

.....

"Hey Ethan, how'd the day went?"

"Hey why didn't you tell me you're away? I've been waiting for you. Steph told me you'll be there the whole weekend?"

"Yeah, sorry about that. I kept on forgetting. I was planning to tell you yesterday."

"How sad. You owe me a present na kap?"

"Hahaha. Sure. What do you want?"

"Anything as long as it's from the place and it's given wholeheartedly. Hahahaha."

"How cringey. Hahaha. Ok see tomorrow na ka? Take care."

"You drive safe coming back okay?"

"Yes sir."

Both had happy faces after hanging up.

Just before Paula went to bed, she checked her email and social media and was shocked by what she saw.