Thawing the CEO's Heart

Chapter 10: Suite Surprises

As they cruised toward Aoom's alternate residence, Meena's curiosity bubbled over, prompting her to question the change of plans. "I thought we were going to your house?" she inquired, her brow furrowed in confusion.

Aoom, focused on the road ahead, offered a matter-of-fact explanation. "Yes, but we're heading to my other house. I don't want my parents interrupting us while you're resting and recovering."

"Interrupting us?" Meena echoed, her eyes widening with playful skepticism. "So you're planning to stay with me the whole time? What about your company? I can manage myself; you don't have to stay with me the whole time."

Suppressing a smile, Aoom sighed inwardly, bemused by Meena's barrage of questions. "Meena, I'm the owner of Aoom Corp. I can decide when I want to work. My company will run on its own, even if I decide to take a week off. If not, then I should rethink why I hired those people there now."

Meena's laughter filled the car, leaving Aoom slightly perplexed. "What's so funny, Meena?" she inquired, glancing over at her companion.

With a mischievous twinkle in her eye, Meena quipped, "Nothing, you're just really a combination of ice and fire."

"Huh?" Aoom responded, puzzled by the cryptic remark, but Meena simply shrugged and returned her attention to her phone.

Arriving at Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, Meena marveled at the grandeur of the penthouse, her astonishment undiminished by Aoom's family background. Meanwhile, Aoom swiftly arranged for provisions with Ice, leaving Meena to mull over their conversation.

Led to her opulent quarters, Meena was greeted by a spacious room that surpassed her expectations. As Aoom explained the accommodations, Meena couldn't help but feel a sense of awe.

"My bedroom is next to yours, so if you need me, you know where to find me," Aoom declared before heading off to prepare lunch. "You can rest for now, Meena."

Alone in her new surroundings, Meena settled onto the plush bed and turned on her favorite K-drama. Lost in the familiar plotlines, she relished the rare opportunity for relaxation.

Her reverie was interrupted by a call from Charlotte, prompting teasing remarks about her living arrangements with Aoom. Meena quickly ended the conversation, eager to return to her peaceful repose.

As sleep beckoned, Meena drifted into dreamland, grateful for the unexpected turn of events that had brought her to this moment of tranquility.

Meena was roused from her slumber by a gentle knock on her door. Opening it, she found her boss standing there in casual attire, a sight she hadn't expected. Despite the simplicity, Aoom still exuded sophistication, her messy bun adding a touch of charm.

"Let's go have lunch," Aoom said, leading Meena to the kitchen, where a home-cooked meal awaited them. Surprised by the spread, Meena couldn't help but ask, "You know how to cook?"

Aoom simply nodded, diverting the conversation to Meena's rest instead. With a nod of approval, Meena savored her first bite, unable to contain her praise. "This is really delicious, Ms. Chaiyawat. Thank you for preparing this."

Aoom's response was unexpected. "We're not in the office, so just call me Aoom. And you don't have to be too formal if we're not working."

Though Meena found it a bit awkward, she agreed, adjusting to the newfound informality. "Okay, Ms. Chaiyawat, I mean Aoom."

As Aoom served more food onto Meena's plate, Meena couldn't help but notice the change in demeanor. The CEO sitting before her now was a far cry from the intimidating figure she encountered on her first day. She found herself enjoying this version of Aoom, feeling more at ease.

As they enjoyed their meal, Meena couldn't resist the urge to engage Aoom in conversation. "So, Aoom, what made you decide to cook today?" she asked, curious about this rare display of culinary skill.

Aoom shrugged nonchalantly. "I felt like it," she replied simply, though Meena sensed there was more to it than that.

"Well, I'm glad you did. It's nice to see this side of you," Meena remarked with a smile.

Aoom's lips twitched into a faint grin. "You sound surprised," she observed, a hint of amusement in her tone.

Meena chuckled. "I suppose I am. You always seem so... composed."

Aoom's expression softened. "I'm not always the strict CEO, you know. Sometimes, I enjoy just being myself," she admitted, a rare glimpse into her personal life.

Meena nodded in understanding. "I guess we all have different sides to ourselves."

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, punctuated by shared laughter and newfound camaraderie. Meena found herself enjoying Aoom's company more than she had anticipated, grateful for this unexpected moment of connection outside the confines of the office.

Meena's attempt to suggest watching a movie was met with initial reluctance from Aoom, who admitted to disliking films. Seeing Meena's disappointment, Aoom relented, inquiring about her choice.

Meena's face lit up as she mentioned her favorite Korean drama, "Queen of Tears." In Aoom's mind, Korean dramas were not her style, but she agreed nonetheless, surprising Meena with her change of heart.

Though tempted to question Aoom's sudden shift, Meena held her tongue, not wanting to risk ruining the moment.

To be continued...