Unbreakable Duty

The Heart Remembers

After an emotionally exhausting day, Fahlada was walking down the dimly lit street, the evening breeze cooling the lingering Bangkok heat of the day. Just before heading home, she had assigned Bow and Rossami to guard Earn for the night, it was part of the rotational duty they had set up with her team to ensure Earn's safety 24/7 and for them to have a rest.

Her mind was busy with thoughts of the upcoming launch, Earn's safety, and the cryptic behavior of Earn lately. Despite the calm exterior she projected, she was constantly on edge, knowing there was more at play than what met the eye.

As she crossed. the intersection, her phone vibrated in her pocket. She pulled it out, frowning at the unknown number flashing on the screen. Something about it made her pause, a gut feeling warning her this wasn't just a random call. Without hesitation, she answered.

"Hello?"

There was a brief crackle of static, and then a familiar voice broke through, strained and hurried. "Fahlada, it's me."

Fahlada's heart skipped a beat. "Mom?" she asked, her voice filled with a mix of confusion and apprehension. Her mother was supposed to be in prison - this call had to be coming from an illicit source.

"Listen to me carefully," Rasamee's voice was low and urgent, barely above a whisper. "I don't have much time to talk. You need to know that they're planning to kidnap Earn during the launch of her wedding collection."

Fahlada stopped dead in her tracks, her pulse quickening. "What? How do you know this?"

"I've been receiving information from someone inside. Trust me, it's happening," Rasamee said, her tone grave and urgent. "Wisanu is behind this, He's the mastermind."

"Wisanu?" Fahlada nearly growled his name. The mention of him confirmed her worst fears. "What does he want with Earn?"

"Leverage," Rasamee replied, her voice bitter. "He's using her to get to General Phongpipat. He knows how important Earn is to the general, and this is his way of trying to control him. The launch is the perfect opportunity - public, crowded, chaotic. He'll create a distraction and take her during the commotion."

Fahlada clenched her jaw, her mind spinning with the weight of the revelation. Wisanu, a dangerous and calculating figure, had been targeting Earn all along. And now, with the launch just two days away, the threat was imminent.

"Do you have any other details? How are they planning to execute this?" Fahlada asked, her voice hardening with resolve.

"They plan to stage something during the show - cause confusion among the staff and audience, then grab her when no one's paying attention," Rasamee said. "I don't know how, but they've already scouted the venue. It's all carefully planned."

Fahlada's pulse quickened. Earn, with no idea of the danger she was in, was vulnerable. The thought of her being in Wisanu's grasp sent a chill through her.

"I'll stop him," Fahlada said firmly. Determination filled her voice. "I'm not letting him get anywhere near her."

"I know you will," Rasamee responded, her voice softer now. "I've done many things I'm not proud of, but I'm trying to make this right. This... this is my way of protecting you both."

There was a brief pause before Rasamee added, "Be careful, Fahlada. Wisanu has eyes everywhere. He's dangerous. If he suspects you're onto him, he'll adjust his plans. You'll need to stay ahead of him. You don't have much time. Protect Earn, Lada."

Fahlada's heart raced as the call cut off abruptly. Leaving Fahlada standing in the middle of the street, her heart pounding in her chest. She lowered the phone, and quickly scanned her surroundings, half-expecting to see someone watching her.