Thawing the CEO's Heart

Chapter 22: A Promise of Protection

As soon as they got Meena cleaned up, Aoom's gaze lingered on her, a mixture of concern and determination evident in her eyes. Meena, feeling a bit self-conscious under Aoom's intense scrutiny, couldn't help but raise an eyebrow in question.

Noticing Meena's puzzled expression, Aoom spoke up, her voice tinged with regret. "I am one of the most powerful people in Thailand," she began, her words measured, "but I couldn't do a single thing to shield the one I care about from those vile fans."

Meena's heart twinged with guilt at Aoom's words, her own worries mirroring the concern in Aoom's eyes. "Aoom, you can't blame yourself for what happened," she said gently, reaching out to place a comforting hand on Aoom's arm. "You've done everything you could to keep me safe. It's not your fault that those fans crossed the line."

Aoom's expression softened at Meena's words, a hint of gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you, Meena," she said softly, her voice filled with emotion. "But I can't shake off this feeling that I failed you somehow."

Meena squeezed Aoom's arm reassuringly, her gaze unwavering. "You haven't failed me, Aoom," she insisted firmly. "You've been nothing but supportive and protective, and I appreciate it more than you know."

Aoom's lips quirked up in a small smile at Meena's words, a flicker of relief passing through her eyes. "Thank you for understanding," she said sincerely, her voice tinged with gratitude.

With a deep breath, Aoom straightened up, her resolve hardening. "From now on, no one will be able to touch you again," she declared firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument. "And if they dare to try, I will use all my power to destroy them."

Meena's eyes widened at Aoom's fierce determination, a mixture of awe and concern swirling in her chest. "Aoom, you don't have to go to such lengths," she protested, her voice tinged with worry. "I don't want you to put yourself in harm's way because of me."

Aoom's gaze softened at Meena's concern, her expression gentle. "I would do anything to protect you, Meena," she said earnestly, her voice filled with sincerity. "You mean more to me than you'll ever know."

Meena's heart skipped a beat at Aoom's words, a rush of emotion flooding through her. "Thank you, Aoom," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm so grateful to have you in my life."

Aoom found herself lost in a whirlwind of emotions. She couldn't shake the image of Meena, covered in slimy egg yolk, her face etched with shock and disbelief. It was a sight that had seared itself into Aoom's mind, leaving an indelible mark on her soul.

With a heavy heart, Aoom closed her eyes, allowing herself to be consumed by a wave of memories. In her mind's eye, she saw Meena standing before her, her eyes wide with confusion as the crowd jeered and taunted her. Aoom's chest tightened with a pang of guilt, realizing how helpless she had felt in that moment, unable to shield Meena from harm.

A flash of anger surged through Aoom's veins as she recalled the sense of powerlessness that had gripped her, the overwhelming urge to lash out at those who had dared to lay a hand on Meena. It was a feeling she had never experienced before, a primal instinct to protect the one she cared about at all costs.

But beneath the anger, Aoom also felt a profound sense of clarity. It was in that moment of crisis that she had come face to face with the depth of her feelings for Meena, the realization dawning on her with startling clarity. She cared about Meena more than she had ever thought possible, her heart aching with the intensity of her emotions.

As the memories faded, Aoom opened her eyes, her gaze locking with Meena's. At that moment, she knew what she had to do. She couldn't let fear hold her back any longer. It was time to confront her feelings head-on, to embrace the truth of her heart and lay it bare for all to see.