Entwined Destinies

Chapter 3: Wedding Preparation

Love woke up extra early, her nerves fluttering. Today was her first day at RLH—Ratanapong Luxe Holdings—a job she had dreamt about ever since she saw the announcement. She'd spent hours meticulously choosing her outfit: a sleek blouse tucked into a high-waisted skirt. Standing in front of the mirror, she debated whether she looked professional enough or too casual.

Just then, Yoko, her housemate, strolled into her room, towel wrapped around her head. "Hey, Love, can I borrow your hair dryer?" she asked nonchalantly before eyeing her outfit. Without waiting for an answer, she added, "Seriously, you're wearing that?"

Love frowned and glanced back at her reflection. "Why? I think it looks good."

Yoko tilted her head, giving her a once-over. "The skirt is too short, P'Love. You're starting at RLH, not going clubbing."

Love folded her arms defensively. "No, it's not! It's perfectly fine."

"Well, if you say so," Yoko said, shrugging. She began rummaging through Love's dresser for the hair dryer. "Do you need a ride to your new office? P'Faye is picking me up for our date soon. We could drop you off."

Love couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. "You're really dating P'Faye? Isn't she like... 10 years older than you?"

Yoko gave her an indignant look. "8 years, actually." She waved off the concern with a grin. "It's not that big of a deal. Age is just a number."

Love wasn't entirely convinced, but she rolled her eyes. "Alright, fine. So, you're offering me a ride?"

"Yup! Unless you want to be late on your first day," Yoko teased as she blew hot air into her hair.

Love took a deep breath. As much as she tried to hide it, she was nervous, and Yoko's offer to avoid navigating the city on her own on this important day was tempting. "Fine," she said with a sigh. "I'll take you up on the offer."

Ten minutes later, Faye arrived outside the apartment in her sleek, black car. Yoko was practically skipping out the door when she saw her.

"N'Yoko~" Faye called with a playful lilt in her voice as she leaned out of the window, sunglasses perched on her nose. Love couldn't help but notice the way Yoko's face lit up when she heard her girlfriend's voice.

"P'Faye, can you do me a favor and drop my friend off at RLH?" Yoko asked as she slid into the passenger seat.

"RLH? As in Ratanapong Luxe Holdings?" Faye said, her brows lifting in surprise as she looked back at Love.

Love, who had just gotten into the back seat, nodded shyly. "Yes, P'Faye. I just got accepted there a few days ago. Today's my first day."

Faye turned in her seat to face her fully, a soft smile spreading across her lips. "Well, congratulations. That's a big deal! RLH is an amazing place to start a career."

Love's cheeks warmed at the compliment. "Thank you, P'Faye."

Faye glanced at Yoko with a grin, then back at Love. "Sure, I can drop you off. Actually, maybe I'll swing by the office too. I've been meaning to visit anyway."

Yoko and Love exchanged a glance, both caught off-guard by Faye's sudden interest in RLH. "Why would you visit?" Yoko asked, raising an eyebrow.

Faye chuckled softly, adjusting her sunglasses. "Because that company belongs to my cousin."

Love blinked, her eyes widening. "Wait, RLH is owned by your family?"

Faye turned her head slightly, smiling. "Yep, well not my family, my late aunt married into the Ratanapong family. My cousin Lingling runs things over there now."