Thawing the CEO's Heart

Chapter 26: Morning Rush

Meena found herself battling through the bustling traffic of Bangkok on Monday morning. She quickly dialed Ice's number as the cab driver navigated through the congestion.

"Ice, I'm afraid I'll be late. The traffic is unbearable," Meena lamented, frustration evident in her tone.

Ice's response was reassuringly calm. "No worries, Meena. Aoom hasn't arrived yet either, so it seems like you're both caught in the same traffic snarl."

After speaking with Ice, Meena decided to contact Aoom. Aoom answered promptly, her voice steady despite the chaotic circumstances. "Meena, good morning," she greeted.

Returning the greeting, Meena replied, "Good morning, Aoom. I'm still en-route. It doesn't look like I'll make it on time."

Concerned, Aoom inquired about Meena's current location. Once Meena shared it, Aoom instructed her to disembark from the cab and await her arrival. Within minutes, Aoom's car pulled up in front of Meena.

Aoom's driver promptly stepped out of the vehicle to assist Meena, opening the door with a courteous gesture. "You really didn't need to do that, Ms. Chai," Meena remarked, slightly flustered by the display of chivalry.

The driver simply chuckled, impressed by Meena's down-to-earth demeanor.

As Meena settled into the car, she was met with the sight of her elegant boss-girlfriend, who exuded an aura of sophistication. Aoom's presence seemed to elevate the entire atmosphere of the car, her confidence and grace shining through effortlessly.

When Aoom caught sight of Meena, a bright smile illuminated her face. After being away on a business trip for four days, she immediately pulled Meena into a warm hug, expressing, "I missed you."

The driver couldn't suppress his laughter as he witnessed Aoom's excitement. "You know, Meena," he chimed in, "Ms. Chaiyawat couldn't stop talking about you while we were away. She was constantly curious about what you were up to. I think I've heard the whole story of your relationship by now, as she kept bringing it up whenever we weren't in a meeting."

Aoom interjected playfully, "Uncle Chet, I've asked you to just call me Aoom when it's just us. And please, stop embarrassing me in front of my girlfriend," she chuckled, her cheeks tinged with a blush.

The driver responded with a grin, "Alright, Aoom, I won't mention how many times you tried to convince me to get us a private jet so we could return home and you could be with her. That happened more than three times a day during the entire four-day trip." Aoom's eyes widened in mock horror as she exclaimed, "Uncle!" trying to mask her embarrassment.

Meena couldn't help but join in the laughter at the banter between the two. Turning to the driver, she expressed her gratitude, "Mr. Chai, thank you for taking care of Aoom while she was away." Then, facing Aoom, she playfully remarked, "If people saw you right now, they wouldn't believe you're the cold, strict CEO of Aoom Corp they know." Giving Aoom a tight hug, she added, "I missed you too."

They continued to share laughter as they made their way through the bustling traffic.

As Aoom and Meena arrived at the Aoom Corporation building, they were greeted by a few employees assigned to the top floor where Aoom's office was located. Aoom nodded in acknowledgment as they passed by and made their way to Ice, who was waiting for them in front of her desk with a cup of Aoom's favorite takeout coffee.

"Welcome back, Aoom," Ice greeted with a smile. "I'm glad you're back so Meena will stop bothering me, saying how slow the days were when you're not here." Meena, feeling a tinge of embarrassment, tried to hide her discomfort, mirroring Aoom's earlier attempt to save face.