Twilight of Shadows | LingOrm (GxG)

FOUR

Fahlada stepped into her penthouse, her security team ensuring her safety with their usual efficiency. The moment she entered, the sound of her daughter's laughter greeted her warmly. Narin was in the living room, her giggles and playful chatter filling the space with a comforting lightness.

"Mommy's home!" Fahlada called out, her voice softer than it had been at the office.

Narin looked up, her face lighting up with pure joy. She dashed towards Fahlada, arms wide open. "Mommy!"

Fahlada knelt down, enveloping her daughter in a tight embrace. The connection between them was palpable, offering a precious respite from the chaos of her professional life.

As they settled onto the plush rug, Fahlada watched Narin with her building blocks. The innocence and wonder in her daughter's eyes were a stark reminder of what truly mattered.

"Can we build a castle, Mommy?" Narin asked eagerly, her little fingers stacking blocks.

Fahlada's heart melted. "Of course, baby. Let's make the biggest castle ever!"

They spent the next hour building, laughing, and sharing moments of pure joy. For a while, the outside world's threats and intrigues faded into the background. This was her sanctuary, her moment of peace.

Her thoughts drifted back to the previous night's gala.

•••

Flashback: The Gala

Fahlada's gaze wandered to a quieter corner of the room. There, she saw Earn sitting on a plush sofa, Narin peacefully nestled in her lap. The sight was unexpectedly tender, and it made Fahlada's heart skip a beat.

Approaching quietly, she saw Earn adjusting the sleeping child with gentle movements, a serene expression on her face that contrasted sharply with the poised demeanor she'd shown earlier.

"Khun Earn," Fahlada said softly, trying not to wake Narin. "I'm so sorry if Narin has been a trouble. She has quite a bit of energy."

Earn looked up, her eyes meeting Fahlada's with warmth. "Not at all, Khun Fahlada. She's been wonderful. I actually quite enjoyed spending time with her."

Fahlada raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Really? I thought she might have been a bit of a handful."

Earn shook her head, a soft smile on her lips. "No, she's been delightful. It's refreshing to see such innocence and joy."

Fahlada felt a pang of something-admiration or perhaps something deeper. The genuine affection Earn showed towards Narin stirred something within her. She found herself wanting to know more about this woman who seemed so effortlessly connected with her daughter.

"I should apologize," Fahlada continued hesitantly. "I was about to have a word with Aunty Sum. She should be babysitting Narin instead of you. But Narin seems to have taken a liking to you."

Earn's smile widened. "Please don't worry about it. I don't mind at all. In fact, I'm honored to be trusted with your daughter's company."

The sincerity in Earn's tone made Fahlada's heart flutter. There was something in Earn's natural ease and warmth that made her question her own feelings.

As Fahlada gently lifted Narin from Earn's lap, their hands brushed briefly. The touch was fleeting but electrifying. It sent a jolt through Fahlada, leaving a lingering impression.

"Thank you for being so kind to her," Fahlada said quietly, her voice tinged with emotion. "She's usually very shy with new people. I'm glad she felt comfortable with you."