A Legacy in Bloom: Casa Montenegro Series 2

Chapter 6

"You don't have to prove anything to anyone, Sy. Just be yourself. That's more than enough."

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The heat hit them as soon as they stepped out of the Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. Aya adjusted her sunglasses, taking in the bustling energy of the city. Sy, standing beside her, seemed just as mesmerized by the lively atmosphere—the chatter, the colorful tuk-tuks, and the smell of street food wafting through the air.

"First time here?" Aya asked, nudging him playfully.

Sy nodded, a wide grin on his face. "First time in years I've traveled for myself. No meetings, no business dinners—just this."

Aya smiled. "Welcome to the real world, Sy Montenegro."

They found their driver waiting with a sign bearing Sy's name, and soon they were on their way to their hotel in the heart of Bangkok. The drive was filled with quiet admiration of the city, but the moment they reached the hotel, Aya's photographer instincts kicked in.

"Look at the light bouncing off the buildings!" she exclaimed, pulling out her camera and snapping a few shots.

Sy watched her with a soft smile. "You really come alive with that thing in your hands, huh?"

Aya glanced at him, her cheeks tinged pink. "It's my happy place."

Sy nodded, making a mental note. He wanted to see her in that happy place more often.

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After freshening up, the duo hit the streets, starting with the iconic Grand Palace. Aya marveled at the intricate gold details of the structures, while Sy tried to soak in the history their guide was explaining.

"I feel like I should've paid more attention in history class," Sy joked, earning a laugh from Aya.

They moved on to Wat Pho, where Aya insisted they see the Reclining Buddha. As they walked barefoot inside the temple, she turned to Sy with a smirk.

"Feeling enlightened yet?" she teased.

Sy chuckled. "Not yet, but this is definitely a step in the right direction."

The day continued with a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River and a visit to a bustling floating market. Aya, always one to try something new, grabbed a skewer of grilled squid from a vendor.

"Try this," she said, holding it out to Sy.

He hesitated, eyeing the squid. "Is this safe?"

"Live a little," she replied, popping a piece into her mouth.

Sy sighed and took a bite. To his surprise, it wasn't bad. "Okay, not terrible."

"Not terrible? That's it?" Aya teased, laughing at his hesitant approval.

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That evening, they found a cozy rooftop restaurant overlooking the city. The view was breathtaking, the skyline dotted with glittering lights. Sy couldn't stop watching Aya as she admired the scenery, her eyes glowing with excitement.

"Thanks for coming with me," he said softly.

Aya turned to him, her expression warm. "Thanks for inviting me. I didn't realize how much I needed this."

They ordered Thai curries and pad Thai, both amazed by the burst of flavors. As they ate, Sy opened up about his struggles back home—how he always felt like he was living in his brother's shadow, how his father's expectations weighed on him.

"It's exhausting, Aya. I feel like I've spent my entire life trying to prove something."

Aya reached across the table, her hand covering his. "You don't have to prove anything to anyone, Sy. Just be yourself. That's more than enough."