Scene: Set Between Freen and Kirk
Freen was about to serve another guest when someone grabbed her."Kirk, what is it?" she asked, startled.
"Hey, how dare you call me that? I am still a nobleman," Kirk said, trying to look stern.
Freen rolled her eyes at his theatrics."What do you want? I'm busy," she hissed.
Kirk cleared
It's a gloomy day, but people are scattered all over the place. Ambulances and police cars are everywhere. A young girl sits quietly, looking blankly at the busy crowd around her.
Her eyes seem to be going blind from the flashes of cameras everywhere, while police block reporters from approaching the house. She sits in an ambulance, the blanket wrapped around her like a shield.
When the two bodies are carried away by the paramedics, she realizes they are her parents—killed in the shooting.
'แม่' (mom), she shouts in her mind, still seeing herself desperately trying to wake her mother.
'พ่อ' (dad), she moves to the other side, shaking her father's body, hoping he will wake.
The red fluid spreading over her parents' bodies begins to pool on the floor.
'ช่วย!!' (Help!), the girl shouts, her voice hoarse from nonstop screaming.
The world around her falls silent as she sits in shock. It feels empty — she is left alone in a big, scary world.
The young girl is frozen in disbelief, watching her parents being carried away by paramedics.
She steps out of the ambulance and stands motionless, watching their lifeless bodies disappear.
And the face of the man in the mask flashes in her mind again.
How his eyes looked — full of emotion, tears held back — staring at her.
The tragedy leaves her feeling lost and alone, unsure how to move forward in a world suddenly so dark and cruel.
She clutches the blanket tighter, seeking comfort in its warmth. As the sky opens up with rain, her tears stream down — as if the heavens weep with her.
She remains like this until a man in a black suit with an umbrella approaches and gives her a tight hug. A running woman comes near as well, crying, and they both comfort her with embraces.
She remembers how she punched the man several times before the murderer held her hand and embraced her.
Then he immediately pulled back and looked her in the eyes.
"I am sorry," the man's voice echoes in her mind.
And still, the images of how the murderer left her alone in that room with her lifeless parents keep running in her mind like a loop.
And in her blurry sight from rain and tears, a familiar old couple with a yellow umbrella ran towards her and hugged her. They both were crying, while the young Freen stayed in shock.
"Mr. On," finally, a word from her mouth came out.
The old man pulled her back from the embrace and looked her in the eyes with sympathy.
End of flashback
"Ma'am, we are here," said the bodyguards, tapping her shoulder to wake her.
She blinked her eyes a few times before realizing they had arrived. She cleared her throat and adjusted her sunglasses.
"Thanks, Mr. Jaa," she replied. She stepped out of the car and looked around to ensure everything was safe before heading toward the building entrance. Grateful for the protection of her bodyguards, she walked forward cautiously.
She decided to attend the interview alone after the station changed its mind about making Rebecca speak on her own about the issue.
She felt confident representing both herself and Rebecca's perspective, wanting to avoid putting additional pressure on Rebecca, who might be uncomfortable speaking publicly.
Still, she blamed herself for dragging Rebecca into the scandal. As she entered the building, she saw her supporters waiting outside.
Despite feeling confident, guilt lingered for involving Rebecca in this mess. As she walked forward, she hoped her supporters would understand her situation.
She waved and smiled at the fans waiting, who cheered and shouted her name, overwhelming her with gratitude.
She then walked inside, surrounded by her guards. In the elevator, she mentally prepared herself for the interview.
The host greeted her warmly and led her to the seat. She took a deep breath, ready for the questions.
He started with a simple question about her latest project, which she answered confidently. As the interview progressed, she relaxed and even cracked a few jokes, showing her witty side.
Suddenly, the host's demeanor changed, and she knew the next question would address her and Blew's recent public breakup.
She tried to compose herself and prepare mentally for the tough questions.
However, to her surprise, the host asked about her future plans and aspirations instead, which she answered with enthusiasm and optimism.
"So, many of us here are waiting for the main question regarding your breakup with Blew," the interviewer started.
"We understand this is sensitive, and hope you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts. We're all ears. The audience is eager to know what led to the breakup and how you're coping. But we respect your privacy if you prefer not to answer," he continued.
Freen nodded and answered, "I don't mind answering your questions. In fact, I'm here to clarify the accusations and stories being spread — especially the fake engagement rumors involving me and Blew."
She took a deep breath and continued, "But I want to make it clear there is no truth to the rumors about me having an affair. Rebecca and I are just friends, and she has nothing to do with Blew and my personal problems."
Freen's honesty and transparency showed as she addressed the rumors head-on, hoping to end baseless speculation and allow everyone involved to move forward.
She explained she called Rebecca's family as soon as she left Rebecca's room at the resort. Rebecca's mother was furious, worried about her daughter's reputation and public judgment.
Freen called to inform Rebecca's family about the situation and seek their understanding.
It was understandable that Rebecca's mother was angry; her daughter's reputation mattered deeply.
"I ask people to stop spreading fake news. Regarding the video in the car, I have already sued the paparazzi who took it and spread rumors. I will not hesitate to take legal action against anyone who continues spreading false information about Rebecca and me," Freen said firmly.
She also urged the public to respect their privacy during this difficult time.
People in the studio, including the host, were shocked at Freen's statement. This was the first time they saw her serious side — she had always been portrayed as sweet and graceful.
Her unexpected statement might change the public's perception of her and impact her career.
Suddenly, a staff member handed a piece of paper to the host, bringing him back to the show's original purpose. But the tension lingered as everyone tried to process Freen's unexpected statement.
It remains to be seen how this incident will affect Freen and public opinion.
"And because you mentioned your video, which is now spreading on social media, I'm curious to know more. What is it about? Why do you think it's gaining traction? Could you please clarify — as you deny it — are you hinting the sex video was true?" the host asked, as Freen expected.
"Yes," Freen answered immediately, without hesitation.
A loud gasp echoed through the studio.
Rebecca's mother almost collapsed as she heard the statement while watching the interview on TV with Richie, who helped her calm down.
"See? This is why I never liked Freen being close to our daughter, but I always tolerated it. Now look, she's ruining her," Rebecca's mother ranted to her husband.
"Honey, please listen to what she has to say first," Rebecca's father said, defending Freen.
"Now that you've said it and it's clear, let's proceed," the host said.
Rebecca's father smirked proudly at how Freen handled the issue. He glanced toward his wife, who was calmer but still proud, realizing the gravity of the situation.
Meanwhile, at the resort, everyone was engrossed in the interview. Becky stared at the screen, tense, as the talk show played a censored clip of the video.
"She really talked about it publicly..." Becky said quietly, her voice a mixture of surprise and pain.
She already knew about the video. Freen had told her days ago, in private — shaky hands, eyes clouded with fear and guilt. Becky had held her, reassured her, told her they'd deal with it legally, together.
But she hadn't known Freen was planning to go on air about it. That part was new — and it stung.
Her phone was still with Kirk, but it didn't matter. She had already seen the video. What bothered her now was that Freen hadn't told her about this interview. About going public.
"So she didn't trust me enough to tell me this part," Becky thought, forcing herself to breathe evenly.
Saint had mentioned the video when she first found out — but when she asked where it came from, he dodged. Said it was from a tabloid leak, then changed his story the next day. She let it slide, thinking he was protecting Freen. But now, she wasn't so sure.
Something's off. Someone wanted this to go viral. But who?
Still, Becky didn't blame Freen. Not completely. She knew Freen was scared — terrified of the fallout, trying to handle things the only way she knew how: by protecting the people she loved, even if it meant pushing them away.
"I'm gonna talk to you when you get back," Becky promised quietly, her fists clenched in her lap.
She wasn't angry — just hurt. Freen should've known that if anyone could stand beside her in a storm like this, it was her. And legally, she could help. She had the training, the strategy — and the heart.
For now, she just had to keep calm. She had to observe, take mental notes. Piece together everything Saint wasn't saying. Follow the trail behind the video.
And in her silent focus, she didn't notice someone in the distance — standing near a palm tree, snapping discreet photos of her with a long lens.
He smiled slightly. Familiar to the staff. But not one of them.
his throat. "I understand your time is valuable, but I must ask for your assistance in a matter concerning the safety of our kingdom."
Freen sighed. "Fine. Speak quickly and be done with it."
"Really, Kirk, what do you want?" Freen asked, cutting through his drama.
"We're short of dancers for the Khon performance at the event."
"And? What does that have to do with me?" she asked, confused.
Kirk smirked, and something about his expression made Freen uneasy."I was thinking maybe you could join us," he said, eyes hopeful."You've always been a great dancer, and it would mean a lot if you joined this cultural celebration."
"What do you mean? I'm not a professional. I just serve drinks and food. If anything, it might insult real dancers who deserve the stage. Don't be biased—I'm just a servant," Freen reminded him.
"Freen, I've seen you dance in the back while the others rehearse," Kirk said."You're better than most of them. I trust you."
Freen looked down, embarrassed. She hadn't realized anyone had noticed her playing around.
"So?" Kirk urged.
"Heh, Kirk, you misunderstood. I was just playing around. I'm not interested in dancing," she said honestly.
Kirk nodded. "That's okay. But you have natural talent. You should give it a shot—you might enjoy it."
"You're crazy," Freen muttered, brushing off the idea.
"Freen, everyone deserves a chance, regardless of status. Don't judge yourself so harshly. You're talented and intelligent," Kirk said, his tone serious.
"Yeah… if only everyone thought like you do." Freen's voice was tinged with realism.
"You will dance. I don't accept 'no' for an answer," Kirk said as he grabbed her tray and set it on a random table, ignoring a nobleman's angry protest.
Before Freen could react, Kirk pulled her away.
"Wait! If Mother sees me, she'll kill me!" she protested.
"Don't worry. We'll sneak in. No one will notice—just wear a mask," Kirk said as they entered the dancers' quarters.
Director's Voice:"And cut!"
The crew rushed in to reset the stage. Freen and Kirk stepped aside, sipping water and reviewing their lines.
Becky's POV
I watched Freen from the side of the set as Mee adjusted my costume for my upcoming scene. Despite the nervous flutter in my stomach, I took a deep breath and reminded myself to stay focused and give it my all.
Ever since the interview, Freen had been keeping her distance, even though she still talked and interacted with me — all for the sake of work.
"I don't know if I was just longing for more of her attention since we just met again," I thought, "but I understand that our work comes first, and I need to respect her space. Perhaps we can catch up after the shoot is over."
"Are you and Freen still not okay? I really thought you two were fine now, especially after everything she did to clear your name. Honestly, that was really brave of her," Mee said quietly as he finished adjusting my dress.
"I appreciate what Freen did for me, and I'm grateful to her," I answered, "but I think she needs some time to process everything between us, and I respect that. Hopefully, we can talk after the shoot is over."
"Okay," Mee responded, though I could tell there was more he wanted to say but chose to keep it to himself.
I wiped sweat from my back and said, "This thing is a little hot." The red Victorian dress I was wearing clung to me; I could feel sweat dripping down and knew I needed to cool off before I passed out. Thankfully, there was air conditioning in the room — a relief from the brutal heat outside.
I glanced toward Freen again as the staff helped her into her dance costume. She looked stunning — the intricate details and vibrant colors dazzled in the light. The staff member twirled happily, clearly enjoying the outfit.
"Ma'am, the set is ready for you to get ready now for shooting," a crew member called.
I turned away from Freen and headed toward the set, excitement bubbling inside me. The upcoming dance scene would be spectacular — colorful costumes, lively music, and the traditional khon masked dance Freen had worked so hard to master.
I'd never seen her dance before, but her dedication to perfecting this role was clear.
Suddenly, the director's voice rang out:
"Okay, scene 83! Props ready! Actors, positions! Check lighting and cameras!"
Everyone rushed into place, including me. I sat down on a chair near the veteran actors playing the parents of the protagonist. My heart pounded — this was my first time on a big-budget film set. I was determined to learn and soak it all in.
"And… ACTION!" the director shouted.
I watched, mesmerized, as the scene unfolded. The actors' performances were captivating — men in traditional khon masks performing a dance drama from the Ayutthaya era of Thailand, with classical piphat music fused with contemporary sounds.
I wasn't a good actress, but I managed to act in my own natural way. It felt strange, almost like déjà vu — like I'd lived parts of this character's life before. Maybe that's why I was able to embody the role despite no formal training.
We were all seated as visitors to a grand mansion, watching the dancers and drama on stage. Everything was so vivid, so alive.
Then, a masked swordsman entered.
Suddenly, everything changed — the studio lights seemed to dim, and I felt like I had stepped into another time, another reality.
"What is happening to me?" I whispered, but no one noticed. It was like I'd slipped into a parallel world.
I looked toward Freen as she danced in front of us, everyone clapping along.
The swordsman's performance was breathtaking — graceful, effortless. It was as if he was born to perform with the sword. Yet, my eyes stayed locked on him.
I know it was Freen, but this person I am in with doesn't.As I see and feel her emotions, her mind, it's like I'm watching her through a veil —There's a shadow over her eyes, a hesitation in her breath that she's not even aware of.
She doesn't know it yet, but I do.
This is not just a scene.This is the moment when everything begins to unravel, inside her, inside me.
And I'm trapped inside her, feeling everything she won't admit.
Past Rebecca's POV that the Present Becky sees now in her timeline
As the masked performer danced and acted the drama, sword in hand, I was mesmerized by his graceful stunts—it was as if he was born to perform. The other actors were skilled too, delivering their parts with precision, but my eyes stayed locked on this swordsman's fluid movements.
When our eyes briefly met, time seemed to stop. The world around me faded, and it was just him—dancing with that mask and sword. Those eyes—where had I seen such expressive eyes before? His movements were effortless and natural, like the sword was an extension of his body. I couldn't help but feel a deep admiration and awe for his skill.
And yet, it wasn't just his talent that held me captive. Every time he faced the audience, it felt like he was performing for me alone, as if the entire theater—with its royals gathered to entertain the Prime Minister's family—had vanished. The grand mansion faded away, and suddenly, it was just the two of us in that space.
Reality returned when the audience rose in applause, the performance was over. I glanced to my side as my fiancé's hand—son of the Prime Minister—reached out to help me stand. When I looked back to the stage, I caught the swordsman's eyes switch cold and distant as he bowed with his fellow performers.
A shiver of unease ran through me at his sudden change in demeanor, but I pushed it aside and joined the applause, grateful for my fiancé's steady presence. Yet, as we left the theater, the nagging feeling lingered—something about that performance wasn't quite right.
A chill ran down my spine.
"CUT!! " The director's voice snapped me back.
Reality flooded in — it was all acting, a brilliant performance.
"Wow!! Good!! Perfect!!" The director exclaimed, thrilled.
I smiled but felt unsettled — I had really felt it all, yet no one else noticed.
I glanced toward Freen, who caught my eye for a moment before quickly looking away and disappearing into the dressing room.
Before I could process any further, the gang approached.
"Oh my god, Becky, did you really stop acting? Why are you acting more naturally than before?" Tee asked with a grin.
"I'm not saying you're a lousy actress, but damn, you were so good in that scene! And that was only one take with veteran actors, and you didn't flinch once," Jim added, eyes wide with amazement.
"Freen has also proven her talent. You two are really good together," Jim said, amazement clear on her face. "That was a tough acting job—especially without any dialogue. Just through acting and eye contact... wow. Our minds were blown watching you from the back of the set."
Before I could respond, Kade jumped in, "By the way, where is Freen? Have you talked to her yet?"
I just shrugged. The question hung heavy in the air, and they all let out a collective sigh.
Freen hadn't been mingling with the group lately, and that only deepened my worry. What was really going on with her?
Was she still grieving over Mr. On's death? She hadn't even attended the funeral. I sighed again, the weight of it pressing down on me.