Entwined Destinies

Chapter 12: The Plot Twist

Flashback to 13 years ago

13 years ago, in the Ratanapong household, Lingling was diligently focused on her homework, while a playful and whiny Milk tried to get out of studying.

"Ling!" their father called out from another room.

"Yes, Papa?" Lingling responded, not lifting her eyes from her work.

"We're heading out to dinner with our friends. You'll be okay watching N'Milk? If you need anything, just ask the maid."

Lingling, at 16, was responsible and mature, already accustomed to being the dependable older sister. "I'll be fine, Papa."

Milk, 15, was less thrilled. "Why can't I go with you both?" she pouted, dragging her feet dramatically.

Their father's voice carried with firm patience. "N'Milk, you've got an exam tomorrow, and based on your school record, you really need to focus on your studies."

"But Mama~~~" Milk whined, trying to wiggle her way out of it.

"You can always ask your Phi to teach you," her mother suggested, the hint of a smile playing on her lips.

"I don't want to! Phi is always strict with me," Milk grumbled, casting a sideways glance at Lingling, who barely reacted.

Mrs. Ratanapong chuckled at her youngest daughter's antics and came up with a solution. "How about this, if you can score better on your exam, I'll talk to your Papa about getting you that skateboard you've been eyeing."

"Really?!" Milk's face brightened immediately.

"Of course." Their mother gently patted Milk's head, her smile warm.

"Okay!" Milk exclaimed, suddenly filled with determination. With the promise of her beloved skateboard on the line, she rushed to grab her books, ready to dive into studying — even if it meant asking her strict older sister for help.

Lingling smirked slightly but said nothing, knowing that beneath Milk's antics, her younger sister always did what was expected when it mattered most.

---

"Phi."

"Hm?" Lingling responded, still focused on her homework.

"Have you ever thought about taking over the company when you're older?"

Lingling paused for a moment, raising an eyebrow. "Why are you asking me that? I think it's pretty much written for us, don't you think? We're the Ratanapongs, so it's our responsibility to take over the company."

Milk, who had been lying lazily on Lingling's bed, suddenly sat up and shot her sister a glare. "You sound just like Grandmother."

"Do I?" Lingling raised an eyebrow, amused.

"Yes! 'Ratanapong this, Ratanapong that,'" Milk mocked, her tone exaggerated.

"Well, they did start the company from a humble beginning, and—"

"Stop it, Phi! If you're going to repeat our family's history, I'm going to purposely fail my exam tomorrow," Milk interrupted with a groan, flopping back down dramatically.

"Then you won't get the skateboard you want," Lingling teased, barely containing her smirk.

Milk let out an exaggerated sigh, staring up at the ceiling. "How funny... the heiress of one of the richest families in Thailand has to beg for a skateboard."