Somewhere I've never been

1

As far as her days went, they could be described as monotonous at best.

Lingling Sirilak Kwong had been stuck in a relentless cycle of signings, meetings, and returning to an empty home for years. On some days, she didn't mind the routine. But today wasn't one of those days. She didn't want to go back to the silence of her house.

I really need a breather, she thought.

At 29, Lingling's life felt more suited to someone older than her years. She had become CEO of her family's conglomerate at just 26, though she had started her journey as an intern. Back then, she was far less recognizable. Her father had supported her desire to learn the ropes from the ground up, while her mother had protested, insisting that Lingling should have taken on a VP role right away.

Lingling's steady climb within the company allowed her to earn respect without the burden of her family name. After a few years, her father announced his decision to step down as CEO but remain Chairman of the Board.

The office buzzed with speculation about Lingling's return from London to take over. Many had heard rumors but hadn't connected "Annie Anthika," their sales division manager, with the elusive Kwong heir.

At the announcement party, Lingling was initially anxious. When her name was called, she took a deep breath and stepped onto the stage in front of the podium. She paused for a moment, scanning the audience. Some were stunned; others were apprehensive.

With a reassuring nod from her father and a smile from her mother, Lingling began.

"Good evening, I am Lingling Sirilak Kwong. Some of you know me as Annie Anthika, started as an intern to currently sales division manager. As I continue my father's work, I ask for your support, just as you've given him over the years. Please enjoy the night. Thank you."

And from that point, Lingling's life became busier—and lonelier.

Her mother regularly tried to set her up with eligible sons of other wealthy families, but Lingling always made the same excuse: she didn't have time for relationships. She was focused on solidifying her role in the company. Her father understood her drive and never pushed.

Still, Lingling had her moments of reprieve—dinners with friends visiting from London, or nights out with cousins. She frequented her cousin Ying's bar, which offered her the comfort of familiarity and privacy.

But even in these moments, she often found herself subtly looking for something—or someone—she hadn't yet found.

Tonight was one of those nights. Lingling walked into Ying's bar and headed straight for the VIP area. The staff knew her well enough, and even without her cousin there, they ushered her to her usual table with a view of the city.

After a long day, she leaned back, closed her eyes, and let the tension slowly melt away. The soft music of the bar lulled her into a drowsy state.

Comfort.

That was her first thought when she stirred. Her head rested on something soft, and there was a scent that calmed her. She burrowed further into the warmth until a soft laugh broke the moment. Mortified, Lingling sat up, straightening her clothes.

"I'm so sorry," she blurted out, keeping her gaze lowered. "I didn't mean to invade your space."

"It's no problem, really. You looked like you needed that nap." A gentle hand touched hers.