The Wish You Left Behind

Chapter 33: The Social Butterfly (Part 1)

"She's blinded by love. But isn't that what happens when someone's in love? They know they're being unreasonable, but they can't help it."

— Hong Jooran (Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born)

FAYE

When the telephone rings for the third time, Faye closes the folder she's skimming through and picks it up.

"Hello, good afternoon. Ms. Apasra's office. How can I help you?"

A woman's voice responded on the other end, looking for her boss.

"Ms. Apasra is still in the meeting, but I'll relay your request, miss. Thank you."

Once the call ended, Faye slouches on the chair. She pulls the sticky note at the end of the table and scribbles, 'Follow up request for the Planning department.'

She puts down the pen with a sigh and scratches her head.

Who knows that answering phone calls and updating her boss's schedule can be quite tedious?

No wonder Marissa is sick right now.

Faye is studying the layout of the Four Seasons Hotel they're going to tomorrow when a hard knock rattles the door of the office. Before she can say come in, someone pushes it open.

"Hi there, sexy assistant!" Ice greeted carrying a handful of papers.

"Hey!" The sight of the doctor's familiar face makes her smile, but she can't help but glance at the stack of papers that the woman is carrying. "Uh — you'll work here?"

Ice follows her gaze to the bunch of papers now under the doctor's arm as she closes the door.

"Ah, no! These are for you. Profiles of some attendees for the event you and Yoko are going to tomorrow."

"Uhm."

As far as she knows, it's a social gathering in one of the luxury hotels in Thailand, not an unorganized setup. So there's no need.

Ice puts down the papers in front of her with a heavy thud.

"These are the lists and profiles of Yoko's exes and flings who will attend the event tomorrow."

"Oh," Faye muttered, leaning in, "Are you sure this isn't the draft of your sister's novel?"

"Oh, trust me. The characters in Amy's novel have a deeper relationship than Yoko with any of these women." Ice pauses and looks at the closed bathroom door. "No offense, Yo!"

"Boss is not in here. She's still at the meeting."

Ice pats her chest. "Oh, that's a relief."

Faye flicks through the stack.

She knows her boss has a reputation, but aren't these too much?

The doctor waves a lazy hand. "Most of them are just flings, don't worry. And before you scold me, I acquired this information legally, you know."

Despite her growing curiosity, Faye stops reading through. "But, if they are socialites as I guess, I don't need to check their profiles, doc. I'm certain they aren't a threat to Ms. Yoko's safety."

Not to mention they are at a formal gathering.

Ice leans on the table. "Yes, but — you will need this information for your cover, yes?"

Faye scrunches her forehead. "What cover?"

Ice bites her fingers and stares at her with eyes wide open. "Yoko didn't tell you, yet?"