You Belong with Me

44

The morning sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow on the breakfast table where Freen and Becky sat with Becky's family. As they enjoyed their meal, Mr. Armstrong, Becky's father, directed a question toward Freen.

"So, Freen, are you planning to head to your office today?" he inquired, a hint of curiosity in his voice.

Freen, taking a sip of her coffee, replied, "Yes, I'll be heading to the office, probably in the evening after freshening up at home."

Richie, Becky's brother, chimed in, mentioning the upcoming meeting with a supplier from China. "I heard this company is hard to invest in. They are very particular about new industry ventures," he remarked.

Freen, displaying enthusiasm, explained, "That's why I'm attending this meeting. I've conducted extensive research on their background, and I believe the negotiation will be a success."

Impressed, Richie commended her, "Wow, it looks like our company is in good hands venturing into her company. As expected from the former youngest COO in Thailand."

Modestly, Freen deflected the praise, saying, "You don't have to do that. I'm just doing my best for my company and the industries."

During this exchange, Freen sneakily intertwined her hand with Becky's under the table, catching Becky off guard. A subtle blush spread across Becky's face at Freen's unexpected move.

Observing Becky's reddening complexion, Mrs. Armstrong commented, "Becky, why is your face turning red? Are you eating something spicy in the food?" she inquired, concern etched on her face.

Becky, shaking her head, quickly responded, "No, Mom, it's just the weather. It's so hot." She fanned herself with her free hand, attempting to divert attention from the real reason behind her blush.

Richie, who happened to be picking up a dropped spoon from the floor, coincidentally glanced at Freen and Becky's intertwined hands. He couldn't help but be surprised, a teasing and sarcastic tone entering his voice. "I guess the weather is so hot, filled with love," he teased, earning a chuckle from Freen, who exchanged a knowing wink with Becky.

In the midst of a morning rush, tension brewed between Becky and Richie as they found themselves in a bartering situation, each vying for Freen's company. The air crackled with their contrasting desires.

"No, I don't care about your business plan with Freen, but I know she would be volunteering to send me to college today. Just let me spend time together with her, please," Becky pleaded, her eyes reflecting a sincere wish.

Richie, focused on his own agenda, retorted, "You've been clingy with her. You were with her all night. Isn't that enough for you? You've always been okay going alone to college. I want to go with Freen because we need to discuss our project."

As Richie headed towards Freen's car, determined to get his way, Becky swiftly intervened, blocking his path. "No, you can just go to her office if you want to discuss it," Becky said, a hint of annoyance in her voice.

"I'm her business partner; I have the right to have her time," Richie argued, attempting to assert his claim.

"I'm her real-life partner. I have every right to have her time," Becky countered, asserting her position. In a bold move, she stepped on Richie's foot, causing him to wince in pain. Meanwhile, seizing the opportunity, Becky successfully made her way to Freen's car, executing her plan to spend time together while asking Freen to drop her off at college.

With a mixture of disbelief and amusement, Richie watched as Becky got into Freen's car. "Looks like I'm competing with my own sister for my friend. Hey, I've known her longer than you," Richie joked, attempting to lighten the mood as he acknowledged the playful rivalry between them.