Thawing the CEO's Heart

Chapter 23: Breaking Barriers

As tension crackled in the air, the atmosphere in Aoom's office grew thick with anticipation. Aoom sat at her desk, her expression composed but her mind racing with the weight of the impending press conference. Meena and Ice stood nearby, their presence offering silent support as they waited for the momentous event to begin.

Suddenly, the door burst open, and Mr. Chaiyawat, Aoom's father, strode into the room with an air of authority. His expression was grave, his eyes fixed sternly on Aoom.

"Aoom," he began, his voice tinged with concern, "are you seriously considering letting the public know about..." His words trailed off, but the implication hung heavy in the air.

Just before her father could finish his sentence, Aoom swiftly interjected, her tone resolute. "What exactly am I, Dad?" she challenged, her gaze unwavering. "That I'm attracted to women? Yes, Dad, I am. And I don't believe there's anything shameful about it."

Her father's face contorted with disapproval. "Have you considered the disgrace this will bring to our family name?" he demanded, his voice tinged with anger.

Aoom's jaw clenched in frustration. "I wasn't aware I was associated with someone so narrow-minded," she retorted, her voice tinged with irritation.

Without warning, Mr. Chaiyawat's hand shot out, delivering a stinging slap across Aoom's cheek. She recoiled in shock, her hand flying to her face as pain radiated through her.

Meena rushed to Aoom's side, her eyes wide with concern. "Aoom, are you alright?" she asked, her voice filled with worry.

Ice stepped forward, placing herself between Aoom and her father. "That's enough, Mr. Chaiyawat," she said firmly, her tone brooking no argument. "You've crossed the line."

Aoom's eyes blazed with defiance as she squared off against her father, her words dripping with contempt. "Every success I've achieved," she spat, her voice laced with venom, "has been through my own sweat and toil. I don't owe anything to our family, least of all my decisions. If you can't accept that, then you have no place meddling in my business. Consider yourself on the outside, Dad."

As Aoom's father stormed out, Meena rushed to Aoom's side, concern etched on her features, while Ice inspected Aoom's face for any signs of injury from the slap.

After ensuring Aoom was physically alright, Ice nodded reassuringly and gestured for them to proceed to the press conference.

Minutes later, Aoom, Meena, and Ice made their way to the hall where the conference would take place. The room was abuzz with the chatter of reporters from all the top media networks, ready to provide live coverage to the entire nation. Aoom felt a surge of nerves and excitement as she prepared to share this intimate aspect of her life with the public for the first time.

As Aoom stepped up to the podium, the room fell silent, all eyes fixed on her. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she began her speech.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining me today. As many of you are aware, I am not one to usually share my personal life with the public. However, recent events have led me to reconsider."

Aoom's voice was steady, her gaze unwavering as she continued.

"I stand before you today to address the rumors and speculation surrounding my personal life. Yes, it is true that I am in a relationship with someone very special to me."

Her declaration ignited a flurry of camera clicks and whispers, but she silenced the room with a single, imperious glance.

"Let me be clear," she continued, her voice slicing through the atmosphere with sharp precision.