Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Chapter 1 – Strangers

In the heart of New York City, amidst the bustling streets pulsating with life on a radiant Monday morning, Freen strides purposefully, her senses alive with the eclectic symphony of the metropolis. Two years have passed since she made the bold leap from the shores of Thailand to pursue her dreams in the Big Apple's unforgiving embrace. 

As a young journalist with a penchant for adventure, Freen had seized the opportunity to carve her path in a city teeming with stories waiting to be told. Yet, beneath her façade of confidence lies a lingering doubt, a question that nags at her core: was this daring move the right one?

Her journey from the exotic familiarity of Thailand to the relentless pace of New York had been rife with culture shock. The city, with its towering skyscrapers and bustling crowds, had initially overwhelmed her, leaving her grappling to find her footing in its unforgiving streets. Yet, through the chaos and cacophony, Freen discovered a resilience within herself, a determination to thrive in the face of adversity.

Now, as she navigates the intricate pathways of the city, Freen reflects on the friendships forged amidst the chaos, the bonds that have anchored her in this whirlwind of ambition and opportunity. Today, she sets forth to meet one of her closest confidants, a fellow dreamer who, like her, had braved the trials of New York's concrete jungle to pursue their shared vision of success.

Approaching the grand entrance of the New York Times building, Freen's attention is suddenly diverted by the sound of her name echoing through the bustling crowd. Amidst the throng of people, she scans for the familiar voice, knowing it belongs to her friend.

"What took you so long?" Freen finally reaches her friend Nam, who stands waiting with two steaming cups in hand.

Accepting one of the cups, Freen takes a grateful sip of the warm tea, feeling the comforting embrace of its heat against the brisk morning air. "I couldn't decide what to wear. You could have waited for me though, considering we're roommates," she counters with a playful smirk.
"I went to breakfast with Heng," Nam replied casually as they strolled together into the bustling building, navigating through the sea of people who hurried past them.

Presenting their badges to the security guard, they seamlessly merged into the flow of individuals heading towards the nearest elevator. "Are you two dating yet?" Freen teased, a playful glint in her eye, as they ascended to their designated floor.

"It's not like that..." Nam responded, her tone indicating a hint of reservation as they stepped off the elevator onto their floor. "We're friends," she clarified.

Interlocking arms with her friend, Freen chuckled softly. "Yeah, friends," she echoed, sharing a knowing look as they paused, awaiting the routine check-in process that would lead them to their respective desks.

“You must be the newbies.” A voice came rushing in from their side. “I’m Lily and I’ll help get you both settled in and assigned on your first story.” The average height, short hair brunette greeted them with little to no enthusiasm. “Come.”

Freen and Nam hastened their steps, struggling to keep up with the girl who led them through the office with an air of urgency, as if pulled by unseen forces toward some distant destination she preferred over this bustling workplace. 

Their eyes swept across the expansive floor, taking in the whirlwind of activity that surrounded them. The office hummed with the incessant chatter of phone calls and the rhythmic clatter of keyboards, creating a harshness of sound that enveloped the space. Despite their presence, the other employees remained wholly absorbed in their tasks, their attention consumed by the demands of the workday. 

"Here you are," they heard, coming to an abrupt halt. "These desks are yours. Staff meeting is in an hour – that's where you'll get your assignment. Don't be late." With that, Lily vanished, leaving the two girls to their own devices.

Freen and Nam exchanged bewildered glances, bursting into laughter as soon as Lily was out of earshot. "Did you catch any of that?" Nam asked, still chuckling in confusion.

"I'm not even sure if she was actually speaking," Freen replied, equally amused.

After sharing a good laugh, the two girls shook their heads and began to settle into their new workspace. Before long, their concentration was interrupted by a voice rolling over from a nearby desk. "Lily isn't really human," a man joked. "Hi, I'm Billy – photographer."

Startled, the two girls turned to face a fairly handsome guy who appeared too tall and bulky for his tiny chair. "Hey!" Nam exclaimed excitedly, while Freen merely smirked, amused by her friend's easily distracted nature when it came to good-looking men. As for Freen, she didn't pay much attention to men.

“Welcome to the pit and if you both need any help with anything, Sandy and I can help you out.” Billy mentioned and Freen can see a hand pop up into the air to signify that was Sandy. “She’s on a deadline.” Billy simply explained before rolling back to his desk.

"Don't you just love it here?" Nam asked Freen with enthusiasm, her eyes sparkling as she began adorning her desk with personal items. Freen shook her head in amusement, mirroring Nam's excitement as she unpacked her bag, arranging the essentials on her own desk. She was eager to dive into the work ahead, anticipating the opportunity to delve into mysteries and uncover stories. The thrill of exploration and discovery was what she had been waiting for, and she knew The New York Times was the perfect place to pursue it.

--

"Come on, people! I need ideas here…" A tall blonde with an A-line haircut shouted in a room bustling with journalists. As new writers, Freen and Nam could only observe from the sidelines, listening to the seasoned reporters pitch their captivating stories while eagerly awaiting their own assignments. After all the major stories had been claimed by the veterans, a list was distributed to the column writers, detailing their respective assignments. Freen and Nam wasted no time in retrieving a copy of the list before heading back to their desks.

"I snagged an interview with the new chef at Block Alley on 4th," Nam exclaimed excitedly. "Word is, it's the next big thing in dining. Hopefully, I can sample some dishes while I interview him." She eagerly shared her assignment with Freen before turning the question back to her.

Freen glanced at her assignment on the list and furrowed her brow in confusion. "Who's Becky Armstrong?" she blurted out, her perplexity evident in her tone.

"No way! Are you serious?" Nam exclaimed, scanning her own list to confirm Freen's assignment. "How do you not know who Rebecca Patricia Armstrong is?" Nam asked, genuinely curious. "She's practically the most talked-about socialite in the country." Despite Nam's attempt to jog her memory, Freen still appeared clueless.

"Oh, come on! She's really hot too..." Nam teased, winking at Freen in an attempt to spark recognition.

"I came here to be a serious journalist, not to cover celebrities and their fashion choices, no matter how 'hot' they may be," Freen retorted, her annoyance evident at the prospect of pursuing famous personalities.

Nam chuckled as she retrieved her laptop, ready to dive into her research for the upcoming chef interview. While she empathized with her friend's sentiments, she believed that everyone had to start somewhere. "I understand this isn't exactly what you envisioned, but if you deliver an exceptional piece, they'll recognize your talent and start assigning you more substantial stories," Nam reasoned, trying to reassure her friend.

Freen acknowledged the validity of Nam's argument, but she couldn't shake off her reluctance. She would much rather conduct an interview with a chef than chase after some wealthy, entitled individual.

Before Freen could dwell any further on her assignment, her attention was abruptly diverted by Billy, who called out to her to get ready. "You've got the Becky assignment, don't you? What are you waiting for – get going!" Billy exclaimed.

"Go where?" Freen asked, feeling thoroughly bewildered.

"Word has it, Becky just touched down in New York after nearly a year abroad. It's time to snag that interview!" Billy explained. 

“How do you even know this?” Freen asked curiously.

“Instagram!” Both Nam and Billy said aloud, startling Freen. 

"Give me your phone," Nam said, reaching over to grab Freen's device. "Here, I followed her account for you. Looks like she's heading back to her penthouse. Not sure which building, but I know it's west of 57th," Nam mentioned, returning Freen's phone.

Freen didn't bother checking it as she swiftly grabbed her phone and picked up her bag. "You're such a stalker, you know that?" she teased her friend.

"You love me!" Nam exclaimed loudly as Freen walked away.

Descending back onto the New York City streets, Freen took in the familiar, musty air. Despite still feeling a bit annoyed about her assignment, Freen couldn't deny that Nam had a point. If she could craft a compelling piece about a random celebrity, perhaps her writing skills would speak for themselves, eventually leading her to more substantial stories. 

Freen stood at the curb, weighing her options between calling a cab or opting for the subway. After a brief moment of consideration, she settled on a cab. It was only about fifteen blocks away, and besides, it should be on the company's dime, right? She made a mental note to confirm that detail later.

In less than 10 minutes, Freen found herself standing on 57th Street. It was the first time since leaving work that she realized she had no clear plan in mind. She didn't know what she was doing, where she was going, or even who she was looking for. Freen had never been one to wander around the affluent neighborhoods of Manhattan, yet here she was, holding her phone and gazing around like a lost duck. She didn't know where to begin. This assignment was proving to be more challenging than she had anticipated, or perhaps she was so annoyed with being given it that she rushed into action without a plan. 

Recalling that Nam had followed Becky on Instagram for her, Freen decided to check the account to at least get a glimpse of what this person looked like. As she pulled out her phone, a force from beside her knocked her over slightly, causing her to drop her phone. She winced as she heard the screen crack upon hitting the concrete floor.

"I'm sorry, but you shouldn't be standing in the entrance like that," a male voice echoed. Freen bent down to pick up her phone, feeling even more annoyed now that she was being met with such attitude.

“Or you should watch where you’re going next time.” Freen shot back. 

"Oh, she's feisty," Freen heard another voice say, emerging from the tinted black luxury SUV parked nearby. Turning to look, she was met by a slender figure gracefully stepping out. The woman wore tight high-waisted black jeans that hugged her curves, paired with a white cropped top that accentuated her slender waist. An oversized washed denim jacket was casually draped over her shoulders, adding a touch of effortless chic to her ensemble.

As she approached, Freen noticed the woman's large black sunglasses sitting neatly on her lightly made-up face, her hair was tied up in a messy bun, giving her a carefree yet stylish appearance. "I'm sorry for his clumsiness," the woman spoke again, her voice carrying a hint of warmth and sincerity that instantly drew Freen's attention. She found herself mesmerized by the stranger's presence, unable to tear her gaze away. 

"It's not my fault she's lost. She doesn't look like she's from this neighborhood," the male voice spoke again, his tone dismissive. Freen felt a surge of frustration, her irritation growing at his words.

"Pop, how many times do I have to tell you that we don't talk about people like that," the other girl snapped at her friend, her voice firm and reprimanding. Freen felt a glimmer of gratitude towards the girl for standing up against the casual prejudice.

"You do look a little lost. Can we help you find what you're looking for?" the girl turned to ask Freen, her tone kind and genuine.

"Unless you know where to find this Becky Armstrong everyone is fascinated with – I'm assigned to write a story on her for my first piece at the New York Times," Freen blurted out, surprised at her own candor.

The two exchanged a glance, sharing a smirk of confusion, but decided to play along. "Wow, The Times, huh? Impressive. Good luck with your story. I've heard she's a tough one to track down," the girl replied, offering a supportive nod.

"I heard she likes her milk tea. There's a place around the corner from here that's pretty popular. Maybe you can stake out there and catch her that way," she suggested further.

“Thank you – that’s helpful. Maybe I should go do more research on her before I go stalk her.” Freen replied, laughing at herself causing the two strangers to laugh as well. 

“That’s probably smart. Knowing what she looks like would be helpful.” The fashionable girl suggested with a smile. “Anyways, I have to get going but good luck on your story.” The girl finally said as she walked inside the upscale condominium with her friend behind her, leaving Freen to go on her way.

--
Once inside the building, Pop finally voiced his question, "Why didn't you tell the girl who you were?"

"It's refreshing when someone doesn't know who I am," his friend replied with a hint of amusement in her voice. “Plus, she was cute.” She added.

"Welcome home, Ms. Armstrong!" greeted the doorman.

"Paul, how many times have I said to call me Becky?" she responded with a smile.

"Of course. Welcome home, Becky," the doorman adjusted his greeting accordingly. Becky gave the long-time doorman a hug before heading into the elevator with Pop.

"Pop, I need you to deliver something for me," Becky requested joyfully.

Pulling his eyes away from his phone for a moment, he replied, "Where?"

"To the New York Times," Becky answered with a smirk.

--
Freen eventually made her way back to the office, feeling frustrated that her phone had decided to stop working after its fumble with the strangers. Hours had been wasted in unproductivity. She scolded herself for storming out without doing proper research first.

Upon reaching her floor, Freen walked back to her desk, hoping to find Nam there, but she wasn't. Nam was probably out doing research for her own story. Before Freen could sit down, she noticed a big black box on her desk, adorned with a beautiful RPA monogram in the middle. Confused, Freen opened the box and found a small note inside.

"I heard you were looking for me.

Midnight tonight. 111 W 57th. 
Wear this. - RPA."

Freen was shocked by the note and glanced at the contents of the box. Inside, she found a gorgeous black dress accompanied by a black lace masquerade mask. "Things just got interesting," Freen thought to herself, a hint of excitement creeping into her frustration.

Chapter Text

Previously, on her first day at the New York Times, Freen was tasked with writing a story about the return of Becky Armstrong, a renowned socialite. However, Freen had never been one to keep up with celebrity news, so she was clueless about who Becky was or what she looked like. A chance encounter with a stranger inadvertently spread the word that she was searching for Becky. Later, a mysterious package arrived on her desk, containing an invitation to a midnight masquerade party.

Upon receiving the mysterious box, which Freen suspected was sent by Becky Armstrong, she felt a surge of curiosity. Instead of immediately delving into research about the renowned socialite, Freen decided to embrace the intrigue and keep Becky a mystery to herself. 

She made a bold choice for her story – to depict Becky Armstrong through the eyes of a nobody, someone who knew nothing about her lavish lifestyle or societal influence. This approach allowed Freen to explore Becky's world with fresh eyes, unclouded by preconceived notions or celebrity gossip. 

As she sat at her desk, contemplating her unconventional angle, Freen couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in her decision. She was determined to craft a story that would not only captivate readers but also challenge their perceptions of fame and identity.

"What's that?" Freen heard Nam inquire as her friend returned from her own escapades.

Handing the note to Nam, Freen replied, "An invitation," her tone tinged with a hint of smugness as she observed Nam's reaction to the note.

"Is this from…" Nam trailed off, her eyes widening in awe. "Oh my god, THE Becky Armstrong sent you a gift and an invitation to a party?" Nam exclaimed, a mixture of shock and jealousy evident in her tone. "That's not fair, you don't even know who she is!"
"But it looks like she wants to know who I am," Freen replied, wiggling her eyebrows playfully, eliciting laughter from Nam at her friend's antics.

"Are you going? You have to go," Nam urged, her curiosity piqued.

"I'm still considering it. It could be a way to get my story, but I'm not entirely comfortable with the idea of her dictating things to me so mysteriously," Freen replied, her uncertainty evident in her tone as she mulled over her options.

“Oh, come on, Freen - this is exciting!” Nam interjected, holding up the mask to her own face. “This is the type of adventure you were looking for, and it delivered itself to you… literally,” Nam added with a grin, her eyes sparkling with excitement. 

Throughout the rest of their workday, Freen remained undecided, listening as Nam listed out reasons why she should attend the mysterious event. Nam even resorted to playful bribery, attempting to persuade Freen by offering to take her place, eagerly eyeing the dress and mask in anticipation.

--

As the hour approached, Freen and Nam found themselves back at their cozy apartment in Hell's Kitchen. Nam, preparing for bed, turned to her friend with a curious expression. "You're really not going?" she inquired, a hint of disappointment in her voice.

"I should, shouldn't I?" Freen pondered aloud, already anticipating Nam's response. "Right..." With a determined nod, she rose from her seat and made her way to her room to prepare for the event.

Thirty minutes later, Freen emerged wearing the dress that had been gifted to her. It hugged her figure in all the right places, a stunning knee-length piece made of black velvet with a delicate lace top and an alluring open back. "Damn!" Nam exclaimed as she caught sight of Freen. "Becky knows how to pick them," she complimented, clearly impressed by the choice.

"Okay, I guess I'll get going. I'll text you the location later in case anything bad happens," Freen explained as she slipped on her heels.

"I can't wait to hear all about it!" Nam exclaimed, ushering her friend out the door with a smile.

Freen decided to take a cab to the designated location since she was dressed so nicely. After no more than 20 minutes, she arrived at 111 W 57th Street. Stepping out of the cab, she hesitated, unsure of what to do next. As she glanced around, the location seemed eerily familiar, and then it dawned on her - this was where she had been earlier today when she was searching for Becky. 

With a sense of déjà vu, she began to walk towards the lobby when a black SUV pulled up in front of the building. A tall, bulky man stepped out and approached her. "Ms. Chankimha?" he asked, and Freen turned to look at him, feeling a mixture of surprise and trepidation. "I'm here to take you to the gathering at Ms. Armstrong's request," he explained, gesturing towards the open back door of the SUV.

Taking a deep breath, Freen walked towards the waiting car and entered, feeling a mixture of nervousness and curiosity. Part of her couldn't shake the feeling that she might be getting kidnapped, but she brushed it off with a nervous laugh as she settled into the seat. With a sense of unease, she patiently waited to be driven to the mysterious location.

As the car pulled away, Freen gazed out of the window, trying to discern their route. However, before long, they entered a tunnel, and the familiar cityscape disappeared from view. Feeling her anxiety rise, Freen began to fidget nervously.

"Ms. Chankimha, please put on your mask now," the man's voice broke the silence, and Freen complied, sliding the masquerade mask over her face as requested. "We're here," the driver announced, bringing the car to a halt. Moments later, he opened the door and assisted Freen as she stepped out of the SUV.

Once outside, Freen was greeted by a woman dressed in black, her face concealed behind a solid white mask. "Ms. Armstrong welcomes you to the party. This elevator will take you to the penthouse to join the other guests and Ms. Armstrong herself," the woman announced, gesturing towards the elevator.

Freen nodded her appreciation and stepped into the elevator, feeling a surge of nervous energy coursing through her. As the elevator ascended, she couldn't help but fidget, her mind racing with anticipation. Finally, the elevator came to a halt, and the doors smoothly slid open.

Stepping out into the penthouse, Freen was enveloped in a whirlwind of chatter and music. Despite the dim lighting and the masks obscuring their faces, she could sense the opulence and sophistication exuding from the gathered guests. Their poise and elegance spoke volumes, revealing their status as the city's elite.

Navigating through the crowd, Freen couldn't shake the feeling of being out of place. She noticed a few curious glances and heard hushed whispers as she passed by, reinforcing her sense of alienation in this glamorous setting. With each step, she found herself increasingly skeptical about the sincerity of Becky's invitation. Was this all just a jest orchestrated by the renowned socialite?

Feeling adrift amidst the sea of masked faces, Freen decided to escape the suffocating atmosphere of the crowded room. She grabbed a glass from a passing server, not bothering to inquire about its contents, and made her way to the balcony. Stepping out into the cool night air, she was greeted by a breathtaking view of the city skyline, the twinkling lights casting an enchanting glow over the bustling streets below. For a moment, Freen allowed herself to be captivated by the beauty of the scene, finding solace in the tranquility of the moment amidst the chaos of the party.

Surprised by a sudden voice, Freen turned to meet the gaze of the masked figure standing beside her. "Breathtaking," the person remarked, their eyes flickering towards the cityscape and then back at her. "The view," they clarified with a teasing smile. "I couldn't help but notice you're not mingling inside. Is the party not to your liking?" they inquired.

Freen regarded the masked figure with a hint of suspicion. "Have you been watching me?" she questioned, her tone guarded as she scrutinized the stranger before her.

"You can call it watching…" they replied, their tone tinged with amusement, as they continued to look over the beautiful figure before them.

Freen's annoyance grew at the cryptic response. "And why would you be doing that?" she questioned, her frustration evident in her voice. She couldn't help but feel out of place and longed for the comfort of her own home.

The person chuckled, further igniting Freen's irritation. "I wanted to see how well the dress fit," they replied casually, taking a sip of their own drink before casting a mischievous smile at Freen.

Suddenly, it dawned on Freen. The pieces of the puzzle fell into place, and she finally realize the identity of the person before her. The woman was dressed in tight crop-length pants, paired with a beautifully designed corset-like top that accentuated her figure, stirring something inside Freen.

"Rebecca Armstrong?" Freen questioned, her surprise evident in her tone.

“Becky.” The shorter girl added, “But if you can call me whatever you like.” She said playfully.

Freen felt a rush of relief that the dim lighting concealed her now flushed cheeks, grateful for the cover it provided against Becky's flirtatious tone. "Thank you for the dress... and for inviting me tonight," Freen replied, her voice coming out slightly formal and tinged with nervousness.

"Of course, but I can't help but feel like my party isn't quite up to your standards if you're out here instead," Becky remarked, her tone playful yet probing.

Taking a sip of her drink to steady her nerves, Freen replied, "Not at all! I'm just not accustomed to these kinds of events. Plus, I don't really know anyone here."

"Well, I would introduce you to more people, but I quite enjoy having you all to myself," Becky said, closing the distance between them with a step forward.

Feeling Becky's proximity, Freen stood up a little straighter, attempting to summon some confidence. "Do you always flirt with your guests?" Freen asked, trying to match Becky's playful tone.

Becky turned to lean against the glass railing of the balcony, her gaze fixed on Freen. "Only the gorgeous ones," she replied, taking another sip of her drink with a playful smile.

Freen turned her gaze away from Becky, attempting to conceal the smile that threatened to betray her. She couldn't deny the allure of Becky's charm, despite barely knowing her. "So, why did you invite me here tonight?" Freen shifted the conversation.

"I thought I mentioned that in the note?" Becky teased, a humorous glint in her eyes. "Heard you were looking for me aimlessly," she added with a laugh.

"I wouldn't say aimlessly." Freen retorted, trailing off uncertainly. “I just…” 

"Didn’t know who I was?" Becky finished Freen’s sentence, her tone light and teasing.

"Does that surprise you? That someone doesn't know who you are?" Freen asked, genuinely curious.

Becky paused for a moment, contemplating the question. "A little bit, especially for someone who's from Thailand and now living in New York. I'm surprised you haven't at least heard about me," Becky explained, feigning a slight hurt in her tone.

"How did you know I'm from Thailand, and why would that matter?" Freen replied, surprised by Becky's knowledge about her.

"At least one of us does research," Becky teased, her playful demeanor endearing. Despite her surprise, Freen found herself feeling oddly comfortable, even though Becky seemed to know more about her than she did about the socialite. Freen watched as Becky reached up to remove her own mask, smiling when she saw Freen’s reaction as she realized who she had been conversing with.

"You!" Freen nearly shouted, a realization dawning on her. "You're the girl from this morning. Your friend ran into me!"

"Sorry about that, by the way. Pop can be a bit extra at times," Becky apologized, her tone sincere.

Freen's annoyance resurfaced. "Why didn't you tell me when I said I was looking for you? What's with all this mystery?" Freen asked, her frustration evident.

Becky felt a pang of guilt but couldn't help but find the situation amusing. "It was refreshing, you not knowing who I was," she admitted. "But I'm sorry for misleading you this morning. I can make it up to you. What do you want to know?" she offered, a genuine willingness to make amends shining through her words.

Freen took a moment to gather her thoughts, trying to focus on the task at hand rather than getting distracted by Becky's captivating presence. "Um..." she began, her voice slightly shaky as she cleared her throat. "I want an exclusive interview. I want to know things people don't know about you," she stated, her request firm despite her nerves.

Becky smiled knowingly, anticipating Freen's request. "That's a big ask, Ms. Chankimha," she replied with a playful glint in her eyes. "How about we make a deal?" she proposed, her tone suggesting she had something specific in mind.

Narrowing her eyes, Freen felt a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. "What kind of deal?" she inquired cautiously, unsure of what Becky might request in return.

Ignoring Freen's question for a moment, Becky posed one of her own. "When do you need to finish this story of yours?" she asked, redirecting the conversation.

"I have two weeks to finish this story," Freen responded, wondering where Becky was going with this.

"For the next two weeks, meet me every day at midnight, and you get one question a night. You can ask me anything, and I will answer you honestly," Becky proposed with a cheerful demeanor, her eyes sparkling with excitement at the prospect.

Freen considered Becky's offer carefully, weighing the potential benefits against the unknowns. "Where will these meetings take place, and what will we be doing?" she inquired, feeling the need to clarify the terms before agreeing to anything.

"That's for me to know," Becky replied with a hint of mystery, maintaining her enigmatic aura as she smiled confidently, clearly pleased with her plan.

"How do I know you won't just kidnap me and dump my body somewhere?" Freen voiced her concerns, pointing out the obvious risks. She didn't know Becky, and the fact that the girl was wealthy meant she could potentially get away with a lot.

"You don't – but you were curious enough to come tonight, which means there's some sort of trust there. Am I wrong?" Becky countered smoothly, her words carrying a persuasive charm that made Freen pause to consider.

"I can ask anything?" Freen sought confirmation, ensuring she wasn't overlooking any terms of the deal.

"Anything," Becky confirmed with a nod, her gaze fixed on Freen as she watched the other girl mull over her decision. “Do we have a deal?” Becky asked, holding out her hand.

After a few more moments of contemplation, Freen extended her hand to shake Becky's, solidifying their agreement. "Deal," she declared with determination. Becky's smile widened at the gesture, and she seized the opportunity to bring Freen's hand to her lips, planting a gentle kiss on it. Freen felt her cheeks flush as the soft touch sent a tingling sensation coursing through her body, settling deep within her core.

"Lovely," Becky remarked, her tone tinged with excitement as she intertwined her arm with Freen's. With a gentle tug, she led Freen inside the opulent penthouse, navigating through the lively crowd of guests. The room was adorned with elegant décor, bathed in soft, ambient lighting that accentuated the sophistication of the gathering.

“Come, a journalist in this city need to be well connected,” Becky said as they moved gracefully through the crowd, Becky introduced Freen to various individuals, each conversation revealing a different facet of New York's social scene. Freen found herself immersed in a whirlwind of introductions and exchanges, her initial apprehension gradually giving way to a sense of belonging among these influential figures.

Becky's effortless charm and infectious energy drew people towards them, and soon enough, Freen found herself engaged in lively discussions with esteemed guests, her curiosity piqued by the diverse array of personalities she encountered. It was a night filled with laughter, intrigue, and unexpected connections, each interaction adding a new layer to Freen's understanding of the city's vibrant social landscape.

From across the room, a man wearing a phantom of the opera-style mask approached Pop, curiosity gleaming in his eyes as he gestured towards Becky and Freen engaged in conversation amidst the crowd.

"Who's that?" he inquired; his gaze fixed on the intriguing pair.

Pop adjusted his mask before responding, "That's Freen Chankimha, a journalist from the New York Times. She's task to write a story on Becky but when we bumped into her this morning, she had no idea who Becky was. Your sister got curious, and here we are," he explained casually, helping himself to some of the delicacies offered on the nearby table.

Richie, Becky's older brother, listened intently before offering a brief but thoughtful response. "Interesting," he remarked before turning away, disappearing into the throng of partygoers.

As people gradually bid their farewells, Becky guided Freen back to the elevator Freen had arrived in earlier, the space now exclusive to them. Sensing Freen's unspoken question, Becky casually revealed, "This is my private elevator," with a charming smile.

Freen couldn't resist a quip, "Is this how you whisk away all the kidnapped journalists?"

Becky chuckled, enjoying the banter as they descended. "You're the first," she replied with a playful glint in her eye, holding the door open for Freen as they approached the waiting SUV. "This is Rust," she introduced their driver, emphasizing his role for their future rendezvous.

Before stepping into the car, Freen seized the opportunity to kick off their nightly exchange. "Can I ask my first question tonight?" she inquired, eager to delve deeper into the socialite's motives.

Becky laughed, her amusement evident. "I guess," she replied, inviting Freen to satisfy her curiosity. 

"Why did we make our deal?" asked immediately.

Becky couldn’t help but smile as she leaned in, her face now mere inches away from Freen’s. Becky's voice, so close, sent shivers down Freen's spine as she whispered tantalizingly into her ear, "So I can see you..." With a mischievous smirk, Becky retreated, leaving Freen slightly flushed and breathless. "Have a good night, Freen," she bid before returning to the elevator, disappearing.

Shaking her head in disbelief, Freen couldn't help but smile at Becky's enigmatic reply. Climbing into the awaiting car, Rust drove her back to her apartment in silence. 

Once home, Freen undressed and prepared for bed, feeling the weight of exhaustion settle over her. Glancing at the clock, she realized it was nearing 3 in the morning, and she needed to rest for her second day at the New York Times. 

Lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, Freen found herself unable to shake the excitement of the night's events. Despite her exhaustion, sleep eluded her as she replayed each moment in her mind. Eventually, exhaustion caught up with her, and as she drifted off, a smile played on her lips. She couldn't wait for the next midnight.

Chapter Text

Previously, instead of diving into research, Freen chooses to embrace the intrigue, deciding to attend Becky's lavish party. Amidst the opulence and glamour of the event, Freen feels both out of place and captivated. Little does she know; Becky has been watching her every move. As they engage in a flirtatious exchange, Freen learns that their earlier encounter wasn't happenstance; it was orchestrated by Becky herself. In a bold move, they strike a deal: Freen will be meeting Becky at midnight and allowed one question every night for two weeks to write her story. With excitement coursing through her veins and sleep eluding her, Freen eagerly anticipates the unraveling of Becky's mysteries, setting the stage for a captivating journey into the unknown.

Freen woke from a delightful dream, sensing a presence as she stirred. Opening her eyes slowly, she was startled by Nam's mischievous grin and inquisitive gaze. Sitting up abruptly, reality crashed in. Last night had been thrilling, and the mystery would continue, but for now, Nam demanded attention.

"So, spill it!" Nam's hands clapped eagerly.

"What's there to spill?" Freen attempted to evade Nam's probing.

"Oh, come on! You didn't get home until the crack of dawn, and that grin of yours while you were asleep said it all." Nam pointed out, "Was it a fulfilling night?" She teased, waggling her eyebrows.

"That's for me to know," Freen retorted, slipping past Nam and darting to the bathroom to start her day.

About an hour later, Freen emerged from her room, clad in rolled-up jeans and a crisp white button-up, ready to face Nam in the kitchen where she found her roommate enjoying breakfast at the center island. Freen avoided direct conversation, knowing an interrogation was imminent, so she busied herself with fetching a mug from the cabinet for her morning tea.

"You can't avoid me forever, you know. We share this space," Nam chimed in, taking a spoonful of cereal, and offering Freen a playful smile.

"Alright, let's head to the office – I'll catch you up on the way," Freen relented with a soft chuckle, noticing Nam hastily finishing her cereal before grabbing her coat from the hook by the door.

"Relax, I'll give you the full scoop," Freen reassured, sharing a knowing grin with her friend.

"I want every single juicy tidbit," Nam insisted eagerly, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"Just the highlights for now," Freen replied, teasingly raising an eyebrow.

"Why hold back? Did you experience all of Rebecca Armstrong?" Nam teased, a mischievous twinkle in her eye, causing Freen to shake her head with a fond smile as they made their way out into the crisp morning air.

As they stepped out onto the bustling sidewalk, Freen couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement bubbling within her. She recounted the details of her meeting with Becky, the socialite with a magnetic presence and an irresistible offer. With each word, Freen found herself transported back to the elegant surroundings, the clink of glasses, and the thrill of not knowing.

Nam listened intently, her eyes lighting up with every new piece of information. Freen couldn't help but smile as she relived the night, her excitement infectious. There was something undeniably captivating about Becky, from her confidence to her charming smile, and Freen found herself drawn to her in a way she couldn't quite explain. It was a feeling she would never admit aloud, but as they continued their way to work, Freen couldn't shake the lingering thoughts of the enigmatic socialite.

Stepping out of the elevator onto their floor at the New York Times, Nam wasted no time in pressing for more information. "So, where's she taking you tonight?"

"I honestly don't know. We didn't delve into the specifics of the deal, which now, I'm starting to regret," Freen mused aloud.

"Too busy...?" Nam began, but her sentence was cut short by a playful smack to the shoulder from Freen.

"Nam! I've told you, nothing happened!" Freen scolded, though Nam couldn't help but laugh.

"What's so amusing?" a stern voice interjected. The laughter ceased abruptly as Lily approached them.

"Nothing at all," both girls replied in unison, attempting to conceal their amusement. Lily scrutinized them with narrowed eyes before walking away without another word.

"She's a bit scary, right?" Nam giggled nervously as they continued toward their desks. Upon reaching their workstation, they couldn't help but notice a sleek black box resting on Freen's desk. It was smaller than the one from the previous day but still commanded attention.

"Well, I guess now we know how she's going to reveal it to you. It's kind of cute... in a slightly creepy way," Nam remarked, her tone tinged with a hint of amusement.

Approaching the neatly positioned box on her desk, Freen felt a surge of anticipation for her upcoming rendezvous with Becky, coupled with the lingering mystery. Setting down her bag, she reached out and gently traced her fingers across the monogram "RPA," a small smile playing on her lips as she was reminded of the box's owner.

With a sense of curiosity tugging at her, Freen carefully slid off the top lid, revealing a familiar note resting atop a tissue-wrapped object. Flipping over the note, Freen's eyes quickly scanned its contents.

Excited to get you wet tonight. ;)

Same time. Same place. Rust will be waiting.
XO.

As Freen finished reading the note, her cheeks flushed crimson as a whirlwind of scenarios raced through her mind.

"What does the note say?" Nam inquired curiously, a playful grin dancing on her lips. "You're blushing like a tomato," she teased.

Freen stayed silent, her curiosity heightened as she delved into the box to uncover the contents of the flirtatious note. As she unwrapped the item, she pulled out what appeared to be a two-piece Dior bikini set accompanied by a sheer black cover-up. Instantly recognizing what it was, Freen hastily shoved it back into the box, feeling a flush of embarrassment at the thought of wearing it tonight with Becky. Her mind raced from contemplating wearing the gift to imagining if Becky might be wearing something similar, sending her thoughts spiraling into a whirlwind of anticipation and uncertainty.

"Oh... it might be a pool party!" Freen heard Nam's voice carry with a hint of excitement as her friend couldn't resist peeking into the box and catching sight of its contents. "Or maybe she's already getting you to undress without even trying," Nam added with a mischievous chuckle.

"Oh, stop it," Freen replied, feeling a mix of embarrassment and amusement at Nam's playful banter. She wasn't quite sure how to react to the suggestive nature of the gift. The anticipation for tonight's meeting stirred a whirlwind of emotions within her. Becky had a knack for being flirty, and Freen found herself slightly taken aback by it. But amidst the flutter of nerves, she reminded herself to stay focused.

Shaking off the playful teasing, Freen redirected her thoughts to the list of questions she’s preparing for Becky to answer during their meetings for the next two weeks. She realized the need to assert herself and not let Becky solely dictate the dynamics of their interaction. If Becky wanted to continue to play this game, then Freen was ready. 

--

Once more, Freen found herself traversing the familiar route to the designated location, where Rust, Becky's trusted driver, awaited her in the sleek SUV that had become somewhat emblematic of their encounters. Throughout the day, she endured a relentless barrage of teasing from Nam, the implications of undressing for Becky and getting wet lingering in her mind. Both she and Nam had speculated that the gift and note hinted at a pool or beach excursion, but considering the late hour of their meeting, the pool seems more likely.

As Freen approached the waiting vehicle, Rust greeted her with his customary warmth. "Hello, Ms. Chankimha," he said respectfully, holding the door open for her.

"Hi, Rust. Thank you," Freen replied with gratitude, pausing momentarily before she stepped into the car. "Oh, and please, call me Freen. No need for formality," she added, offering a gentle smile, hoping to alleviate any sense of stiffness in their interaction.

It seems like the used the same route from the night before to get to the location. Once stepping out, Freen was greeted by a similar woman but without a mask this time. “Hi Ms. Chankimha, please take this elevator to the rooftop and someone will be waiting to assist you.” She told Freen who did as she was told.

It took a little longer this time to ride up to the rooftop in Becky’s private elevator. Freen smiled as she remembered what the socialite had revealed to her the previous night. The door slid open smoothly and she was ready to be greeted with a cacophony of music and chatter but what awaited her was a low humming of background music and light breeze of the night air hitting the steaming pool. 

"Ms. Chankimha? This way to get changed," a voice beside Freen startled her, causing her to jump. Another woman, presumably a staff member, addressed her and led the way into a private changing room that was spacious enough to rival a bedroom. 

"Once you're ready, please feel free to help yourself to a drink at the bar, and Ms. Armstrong will join you shortly," the woman announced before departing, leaving Freen to change out of her clothes and into the bikini that had been gifted to her.

Staring at her reflection in the mirror after slipping into the revealing attire, Freen couldn't help but feel a twinge of self-consciousness, an unusual sensation for her. She typically didn't spend much time admiring her own figure, but lately, she found herself more aware of her appearance.

Stepping out into the open air, Freen felt the cool breeze caress her skin now that she was dressed in less clothing. As she glanced around, she couldn't help but wonder where everyone else was, her nerves beginning to fray as she anxiously awaited their arrival.

"Can I get you a drink?" Freen heard the familiar voice inquire from behind her. Startled, she turned quickly to face its owner. There stood Becky, radiating confidence in a navy pinstriped suit and elegant white heels. Freen's eyes met hers, and she felt a rush of anticipation at the sight of those captivating eyes once more. Hastily tearing her gaze away, she attempted to cover herself instinctively.

"Oh, I suddenly feel underdressed," Freen joked, trying to mask her unease.

Becky's dilated eyes held a soft smile as she regarded Freen. "I apologize for keeping you waiting. I was held up in a meeting. How about you grab a drink and wait for me by the pool? I'll join you shortly," she suggested. Freen simply nodded in response as Becky walked past her. However, before she could move away completely, Becky leaned in close, her breath warm against Freen's ear as she whispered, "You look absolutely stunning." Freen couldn't help but feel a flush of warmth spread across her cheeks at the unexpected compliment.

Following Becky's suggestion, Freen poured herself a glass of white wine and settled by the pool's edge, savoring the crisp liquid as she awaited the hostess's arrival. It wasn't long before she heard the sound of footsteps approaching from behind. Freen turned, feeling a surge of anticipation as she watched Becky's approach, her demeanor poised and confident.

"You seem like you could use some help cooling off," Becky remarked with a knowing smile, her figure clad in a striking red tube top and matching bikini bottom. Freen couldn't tear her eyes away as Becky walked past her and gracefully entered the pool. With a quick dip, Becky swam over to where Freen sat, her every movement captivating Freen's attention.

As Becky emerged from the water, Freen found herself momentarily breathless, her gaze fixed on the glistening droplets cascading down Becky's slender neck. But before Freen can indulge more in the way Becky looks, she yelped in surprise when splashes of water came at her. 

"Come join me," Becky invited, her voice carrying a hint of allure as she moved closer to where Freen was seated.

The request set Freen's thoughts racing, and she knew what she wanted to do. She carefully set her glass of wine aside before pushing herself to her feet. Standing before Becky, Freen slowly shed her cover-up, revealing the bikini beneath, and began to walk towards the pool's edge. With deliberate grace, she made her way to the steps, ensuring to sway her hips enticingly with each step, acutely aware of Becky's gaze following her every movement.

"Where's everyone else?" Freen inquired curiously as she drew nearer to Becky.

"They weren't invited," Becky replied simply, her tone betraying no hint of apology.

"So, it's just you and me?" Freen pressed on, her curiosity piqued.

"Does that bother you?" Becky countered, allowing the gentle sway of the pool's waves to bring them closer together.

Freen tried to resist the pull of Becky's proximity but found herself succumbing to its allure. There was something undeniably captivating about Becky's confidence and the desire she saw flickering in her eyes. Clearing her throat, Freen attempted to steer the conversation away from its increasingly intimate trajectory. "Just making sure you didn't lure me here to drown me without any witnesses," she joked, hoping to inject some levity into the moment.

"Last time I checked, you came here willingly. Something about wanting to get to know me better," Becky countered with a playful wink.

"No, I just need to write a story on you, and I actually prefer to be clothed when interviewing someone, by the way. I don't even dress like this on dates," Freen replied, trying to create some distance by floating away from Becky.

"But this isn't a date, Ms. Chankimha," Becky responded playfully, her tone laced with mischief as she floated towards the steps of the pool. "If it were a date, you wouldn't be clothed at all," she added seductively, pausing halfway up the steps to cast a lingering glance back at Freen, the water cascading down her body in a tantalizing display. "Join me in the hot tub, and you can ask your questions," Becky suggested before gracefully exiting the pool.

Freen visibly gulped at Becky's words, her eyes lingering on the slender yet surprisingly toned figure before her. She knew she needed to set some boundaries, to amend their arrangement, because she wasn't sure how much more she could handle if their meetings continued in this manner. It was only their second encounter, yet Becky seemed to hold complete control over the situation, and Freen wasn't about to let that continue unchallenged.

Emerging from the pool, Freen followed Becky to the smaller hot tub, where Becky stood with her arm extended, offering to help Freen into the bubbling water. Freen hesitated for a moment, considering Becky's offer, but ultimately decided to decline. However, as she took a step forward, she missed the step slightly and ended up slipping into the tub, landing directly into Becky's arm. Their bodies pressed together, Freen instinctively grabbed onto Becky's neck for support.

"Now, I'm not so offended you rejected my help," Becky whispered into Freen's ear, her breath warm against Freen's skin. Freen felt her body temperature rising, the heat from the hot tub matching the heat radiating between them.

Freen didn't immediately pull away, still calming herself down from the shock of falling. "Thank you," she added shyly, finally taking a seat opposite Becky.

Becky remained silent for a moment, not wanting Freen to feel too embarrassed. She leaned back in her spot, breaking the tension. "How was your day?" she asked genuinely.

Taking a moment to assess Becky, Freen decided to engage in some small talk. "My day was alright. I was busy helping with some research for another writer," Freen started. "And my best friend, who I work with, teased me all day about your gift," she added, not entirely sure why she felt compelled to share.

"Oh? Why did she tease you?" Becky asked, intrigued. "Was the gift not good enough? Too much coverage..." she teased with a smirk and a playful wiggle of her eyebrows, eliciting an eyeroll from Freen.

"You two would get along," Freen replied dryly.

"I would love to meet her sometime," Becky added honestly. "I want to know how she can just be your friend..." she flirted outright this time.

Freen turned away shyly, once again attempting to redirect the conversation. "How about you – how was your day?" she asked lamely.

"Rather uninteresting until now," Becky replied casually, her fingers tracing imaginary circles in the water.

"You're quite the smooth talker, you know. Are you trying to flirt with me?" Freen asked directly, unable to resist probing further.

"Is that your question for today?" Becky countered with a teasing smile, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

"No," Freen replied, her curiosity piqued by Becky's playful demeanor.

Becky smiled and gracefully rose from her seat, moving to sit next to Freen. "Then I'll just let you think whatever you want regarding that question," she said softly, her gaze lingering on Freen's lips before returning to meet her eyes, biting her own lips in the process.

"Right," Freen replied, feeling overwhelmed by Becky's proximity and cryptic response. "Then I want to add an adjustment to our deal," she continued, trying to regain control of the conversation.

"Okay, what's your proposal? I'll consider it," Becky replied sweetly, her tone open to negotiation.

"I want up to three follow-up questions as long as they're related to the original question," Freen stated, hoping to extract more information from Becky.

Becky turned away briefly, considering the adjustment. "I'll allow that," she finally added, turning back to face Freen, who was smiling excitedly at Becky's agreement. "You just want to talk to me more, don't you?" Becky asked, a hint of amusement in her voice.

"Oh, don't flatter yourself," Freen replied with a light laugh, trying to mask the flutter of excitement in her chest.

"How can I get you to flatter me instead?" Becky inquired playfully, her eyes bright with genuine interest as she listened to Freen's laughter, finding it enchanting.

"Maybe one day you'll get lucky," Freen teased, shrugging casually, their shoulders brushing against each other. Despite trying to hide her reaction to the skin-to-skin contact, Freen couldn't escape Becky's notice. Becky looked down at their shoulders and smirked.

"I look forward to that day," Becky replied, reaching up to trace her finger around the curve of Freen's shoulder. "Now, what would you like to know?" she redirected the conversation back to their arrangement.

"What would you like to become but find hard to achieve by being who you are?" Freen asked directly, getting straight to her question.

"A lawyer," Becky answered without hesitation.

"Do you want to elaborate?" Freen probed, hoping to gain further insight into Becky's aspirations.

"Do I get anything if I do?" Becky flirted, subtly rubbing her arm against Freen's.

"You get my undivided attention," Freen replied, turning to face Becky, attempting to lessen the skin-to-skin contact between them.

"I thought I already have that with this bikini," Becky flirted with a raised eyebrow, observing Freen's face flush a deep shade of red even in the dim light of the night. Sensing Freen's discomfort, Becky decided to ease off the teasing and provide an earnest response to the question. She didn't want to risk scaring Freen away.

"I've always wanted to be a lawyer and fight for those who don't have the ability to do it for themselves. With my social status, I see a lot of things—corruption, cover-ups, double standards," Becky explained. "However, people don't take 'socialites' seriously; they just assume I use my influence or money to get what I want."

"And do you? Use your influence or money to get what you want?" Freen added another question, probing further.

"Possibly, if it's something I really desire," Becky replied with a smirk, her tone playful.

"What is it that you really desire?" Freen pressed on.

"I think you've used up all your questions," Becky reminded her, standing up and moving towards Freen. "But you should save that question for another time," she added, her body inching closer to Freen's.

Feeling Becky's advances, Freen couldn't let her continue to control the tension between them. With a determined look, Freen leaned forward towards Becky, widening her leg as if to challenge her to come closer. Becky met Freen's gaze with a knowing smile before gracefully backing away from Freen and exiting the hot tub.

Wrapping a towel around her waist, Becky signaled for Freen to join her. Freen made her way over to the steps with a satisfied smile, anticipating Becky's next move. But instead of handing her the towel, Becky wrapped it around Freen herself, using it as an opportunity to pull her closer until they were face to face, just a breath away.

"Next time, I'll take that as an invitation," Becky commented confidently, biting her own lip seductively. With one last look, Becky released the towel and made her way to the bar to pour herself a glass of red wine.

For the next hour or so, the two sat on the couch by the pool, engaging in conversation. With the flirting kept to a minimum, Freen found it incredibly easy to talk to Becky. The conversation flowed smoothly, and Freen enjoyed getting to know Becky's intelligence and charm. Lost in their discussions, they didn't realize how late it had become until Becky finally spoke up.

"We might want to get you home," Becky suggested, breaking the spell of their conversation.

Freen changed back into her clothes before Becky, still in her bikini, accompanied her back down the familiar elevator. Walking Freen to the car where Rust was waiting and opened the back door for her.

"Thank you," Freen said gratefully as she settled into the backseat.

"Until our next adventure," Becky replied with a smile, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"Should I be expecting another delivery tomorrow?" Freen asked curiously as she started the engine.

"Of course," Becky confirmed with a wink. "Goodnight, Freen," she added before closing the car door, ending their night with a sense of excitement for what was to come.

Chapter Text

Previously, Becky had exclusively invited Freen to her penthouse for a midnight swim under the city sky during their third rendezvous. As they were alone, Becky heightened her charm, and things became a bit intense between them. Freen discovered that Becky had attended law school and was only a bar exam away from becoming a lawyer, a path she might have pursued if not for her social status. Despite only scratching the surface of Becky's identity, Freen found herself increasingly drawn to the ease of their interaction with the socialite, eagerly anticipating their next encounter.

As dawn broke, another morning unfolded after a night filled with excitement, albeit less draining than the previous one crowded with social obligations. Stirring to the persistent chime of her morning alarm, Freen's eyes fluttered open, greeted by the absence of Nam eagerly awaiting a debrief of her nocturnal escapades. With a relieved sigh, she silenced the insistent buzz of her phone, lingering beneath the covers for a few precious moments, indulging in reflections of her recent rendezvous with Becky.

Each memory of Becky, clad in a bikini that tantalizingly left little to the imagination, ignited a subtle but palpable warmth coursing through Freen's body. She couldn't help but replay their intimate moments in the hot tub, where Becky had embraced a flirtatious candor. In response, Freen had found herself unexpectedly emboldened, daring to breach the boundaries of casual conversation and delve into more personal realms—an audacious act that even caught her off guard. A rosy flush painted her cheeks as she recalled Becky's bold proclamation.

"Next time, I'll take that as an invitation..."

The memory of Becky's confident retort sparked a radiant heat that radiated from Freen's core, suffusing her entire being with a heady mix of anticipation and desire. With a sudden urgency, Freen cast aside the comforter and leapt out of bed, feeling an overwhelming need for a cold shower to dispel the vivid images of her tracing her fingers over every curve of the socialite's form.

After what felt like an eternity under the refreshing cascade of cold water, Freen finally emerged from the shower, her skin tingling with the contrast of temperatures. She wrapped herself snugly in a soft pink towel, its warmth a stark contrast to the coolness of the bathroom tiles.

As she made her way down the hallway towards her room, her thoughts still lingering on the memories of the night before, Freen was abruptly pulled from her reverie by the unexpected sound of Nam's voice. Startled, she jumped slightly, the towel tightening around her as she turned to see Nam casually leaning against the wall, a serene expression on her face as she spooned oatmeal into her mouth.

Freen's heart raced as she realized she hadn't noticed Nam's presence until now. She couldn't help but feel a rush of embarrassment at being caught off guard. Clutching her towel tightly, she managed a sheepish smile. “You took a while in there…” Nam stated with a cheeky smile. “Good night?” Nam added with a playful wink. Rolling her eyes, Freen rushed into her room and quickly shut the door behind her. “I WANT ALL THE DETAILS!” Freen can hear Nam’s voice echo through the door. 

As Freen and Nam made their way to work in the crisp morning air, their conversation naturally veered towards Freen's latest encounter with the glamorous and affluent. However, Freen made a conscious effort to gloss over certain intimate details, opting to keep some moments to herself—like the tantalizing near-miss of straddling the socialite—especially since Nam didn't necessarily need to know all the juicy particulars.

Yet, even the mere recollection of those clandestine moments with the socialite was enough to elicit a faint blush from Freen, heightened by the cool breeze as they stepped into the office building.

"I swear, Freen, I don't know how you manage to resist and not just sleep with her," Nam remarked as they ascended to their floor, drawing a few curious glances from their colleagues. "It's obvious she's into you," she added with a mischievous wiggle of her eyebrows.

Freen's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of pink as she lightly swatted Nam's arm. "Oh, stop it," she chided, feeling slightly flustered. "I'm not like that," she whispered as they made their way to their respective desks, though secretly feeling a flutter of excitement at the anticipation of whatever surprise Becky had in store for her that day.

As they approached their desks, Freen couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment when she found her workspace bare, devoid of any expected surprises. However, her mood shifted as they reached Nam's desk, where a sleek black envelope awaited her. Exchanging a quick glance, they both shared a silent curiosity as Nam eagerly tore open the envelope to reveal its contents.

Inside lay a card, accompanied by two tickets to an event. Nam flipped the card over, revealing a note addressed to her.

Ms. Nam Poonsak – thank you for being such a good friend.

Enjoy 2 tickets to the Met Gala afterparty. – RPA
Ps. Please tell Freen her daily package is waiting downstairs.

It took a moment for the gravity of the message to sink in for both girls. Freen couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy that Nam had received such a thoughtful gesture from Becky, but her attention was soon drawn to the mention of a package awaiting her elsewhere.

"I'm going to a Met Gala party! Oh my god!" Nam exclaimed, excitement radiating from her. "You're coming with me. She gave me two tickets," Nam insisted, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

"Well, why don't you take Heng with you?" Freen suggested, a smile playing on her lips.

"What? I want to go with my best friend," Nam countered, attempting to deflect the suggestion. "Oh—Becky is probably going to take you herself," she teased, a mischievous grin forming.

"Stop teasing me! She's just a subject of my story," Freen protested, feeling a blush creeping onto her cheeks at the mention of Becky.

"Yeah, and you're the subject of her affections," Nam remarked with a chuckle. "Go on, get your gift. I know you're dying to," she added, nudging Freen playfully.

Impatient to receive her package, Freen swiftly descended the elevators, her anticipation growing with each step. Unsure of where exactly she was supposed to collect it, she decided to start with the front desk in the lobby. As she made her way across the lobby, her eyes caught sight of someone familiar standing by the street—it was Rust. Curiosity piqued, she ventured outside to greet him, and without a word, he opened the door to a sleek black Mercedes. With a brief exchange of glances, Freen slipped into the car, and Rust closed the door behind her.

As Freen settled into the luxurious interior of the car, she noticed a medium-sized black box resting beside her. With a knowing smile, she marveled at the unexpected turn of events before gingerly picking up the box and placing it on her lap. With eager fingers, she untied the ribbon and lifted the lid, revealing a neatly arranged pair of stunning black heels in her perfect size. Despite her excitement, Freen couldn't help but feel a twinge of surprise when she found the accompanying note card to be completely blank.

"Hi," a voice chimed from the front seat, causing Freen to immediately look up, locking eyes with Becky, who was sporting a charming little driver's hat.

"Becky?" Freen responded, her surprise evident. "What a pleasant surprise. Is it midnight already?" she quipped, a hint of humor in her voice.

"I couldn't wait," Becky replied with a gentle smile.

"For what?" Freen inquired, failing to catch the subtle hint in Becky's eyes.

"To see you again," Becky replied, flashing Freen her sweetest smile. "Did you miss me?" she teased.

Freen fought to maintain her composure, resisting the urge to crack a smile at Becky's confession, though deep down, she couldn't deny that she had missed the smaller girl, albeit only slightly.

"Not even a little," Freen lied, though a tiny smile betrayed her true feelings.

"You're hurting my feelings," Becky teased, feigning a dramatic clutch of her heart.

"I'm sure you have others who can help you feel better," Freen replied, attempting to maintain a facade of nonchalance.

"Oh, I do," Becky responded, noting the flicker of annoyance in Freen's eyes. "But I want you to be the one to help me feel better," she added, causing Freen to blush at the directness of her statement.

"I'm busy—perhaps you should call upon one of your other girls," Freen countered, playing hard to get.

"Oh? Are you saying you’re one of my girls." Becky teased with a sly grin.

"What? No, no! Who said that?" Freen stammered, flustered by Becky's charm.

"Relax, Freen—I'm just teasing," Becky chuckled. "But I did want to invite you to brunch," she added sweetly.

"I have work, Becky. I can't just drop everything to gallivant around the city with you," Freen countered, her tone firm.

"It's just brunch. I'll have you back here in no time," Becky reassured her. "And I've already cleared it with your editor. Told him you're getting an exclusive," she explained, surprising Freen.

"You like to wield your influence," Freen huffed. She was never one to appreciate being told what to do or feeling pressured into anything. "I think I'll pass on brunch and that 'exclusive.' We can stick to our usual arrangement and meet tonight," she declared sternly, picking up the box.

"Fair enough," Becky replied, her smile slightly less confident. "And I wouldn't say I wield my power recklessly—I can't control how people react to my name, but I never force anyone into anything. Everyone has a choice," she explained earnestly, her demeanor shifting subtly. "But yes, same time tonight.” Becky confirmed before Freen left. 

Freen rode the elevator back up to her desk, feeling a twinge of guilt about her interaction with Becky. It was the first time she'd seen Becky falter from her usual confident self, though it was short-lived. This newfound insight into Becky's character intrigued Freen, leaving her with much to ponder.

As the hours passed, Freen found herself struggling to focus on her work. Her thoughts were consumed by the conversation she had with Becky earlier in the day, each word replaying in her mind like a broken record. She couldn't shake the memory of how Becky's demeanor had subtly shifted towards the end of their interaction, leaving Freen with a lingering sense of unease.

Despite her efforts to refocus on her tasks, Freen felt her productivity slipping through her fingers. Her mind was preoccupied with thoughts of Becky, her expression, and the tone of their conversation. With each passing minute, Freen grew more certain that she needed to address the situation.

Making a mental note to apologize for any unintentional offense, Freen resolved to clear the air with Becky as soon as possible. However, she couldn't deny the apprehension that gnawed at her stomach, unsure of how Becky would react to her apology.

"Damn, those are nice!" Nam exclaimed as Freen emerged wearing the heels gifted by Becky earlier that morning. Since the note card was blank, Freen had no clue about their plans for the evening.

"I mean..." Freen began, lifting her leg to showcase the signature red soles, prompting an audible gasp from Nam.

"You're so spoiled!" Nam teased, to which Freen responded with laughter before heading out the door.

Upon reaching her apartment building, Freen noticed a sleek black SUV parked outside, with Rust standing nearby. "Rust, you're here," she greeted him as she approached.

Rust simply smiled and opened the door for her. Freen returned the smile as she climbed into the car, only to be surprised once again by Becky's presence.

"You look lovely," Becky's voice greeted her, causing Freen to startle slightly.

"You're here!" Freen exclaimed, taken aback, which earned a chuckle from Becky.

"Would you prefer I surprise you at the event instead?" Becky teased, her amusement evident.

"Uh, no, I'm just surprised to see you here in front of my apartment," Freen replied honestly.

"I thought it would be more convenient for you if I picked you up directly from your apartment, so you wouldn't have to travel just to be driven elsewhere," Becky explained. "And since we won't be meeting at my penthouse today, I decided to join the car ride. I hope you don't mind," she added.

"I mean, it's your car, so I don't have the right to say I mind," Freen replied, feeling a bit uneasy as the situation began to feel somewhat formal.

"But as I've mentioned, I don't like forcing people to do what they don't want, so I can take another car if you prefer," Becky said calmly, preparing to exit the vehicle. However, she paused when she felt Freen's hand on her arm.

"Stay, please," Freen requested with a smile. "I could use the company to wherever we're going," she added, giving Becky's arm a slight squeeze.

"Just for you," Becky replied, turning back to Freen with her charming demeanor. “Here, this is for you.” Becky said as she reached behind them to pull out a single pink tulip. 

Freen looked up, meeting Becky's gaze for a moment. "How did you know I like tulips?" she asked as she accepted the flower.

"I didn't. I just find them to be simple yet beautiful," Becky explained. "Just like you," she added sincerely, causing Freen to blush a deep shade of red at the unexpected compliment.

Speechless, Freen simply smiled widely and turned to gaze out the window. She was becoming accustomed to Becky's playful flirting, but this genuine display of sweetness caught her completely off guard. Becky sensed Freen's shyness and decided to respect her silence for the rest of the car ride. Nevertheless, she maintained a gentle smile, mirroring Freen's own, as they continued their journey in quiet companionship.

Moments later, the car glided through a private entrance of a building and came to a stop in a reserved spot. "Where are we?" Freen spoke up once she felt the car halt.

Without a word, Becky stepped out and circled around the car to open Freen's door. She extended her hand to assist Freen out, her demeanor unusually attentive. Though Freen felt a twinge of shyness at Becky's gesture, she accepted her hand and exited the car, clutching the tulip tightly.

"Freen, welcome to Juilliard," Becky announced, still holding onto Freen's hand. "Tonight, we'll be learning the waltz," she added with an excited smile.

Freen was stunned. She had heard of the famous school of the arts, but never imagined she would come here with someone just to learn how to dance. "Rich people do the craziest things," she thought to herself.

As they made their way inside, Freen noticed they weren't alone this time. Several couples were already waiting for the lesson, some of whom she recognized from the masquerade party on the night she met Becky. They exchanged greetings with familiar faces before a loud woman caught their attention, announcing the start of the lesson.

"Shall we?" Becky extended her hand, inviting Freen to dance with her.

Taking Becky's hand tentatively, Freen felt a warmth spread between them. The smile slowly forming on Becky's face mirrored her own feelings. They stepped onto the floor and awaited instruction.

"Dancing is an intimate form of art. You need to trust your partner and become one when you move to the sound of music. It's a connection on a whole different level," the instructor explained loudly. "But the waltz only works if you have a leader you can trust..." The sound of the instructor fading away as the two girls was only pay attention to each other. 

Freen, uncertain of what to do as she had never danced before, hesitantly asked, "So, who's going to lead?"

"Do you trust me?" Becky inquired curiously.

"I'm not sure yet," Freen replied honestly, earning a nod of appreciation from Becky.

"How about this, then," Becky suggested, her hand gliding from Freen's waist to her lower back, drawing her in closer. "You lead," she whispered softly into Freen's ear, "I'll follow." 

After hearing Becky's words, Freen leaned back to look at her, feeling warmed by the indirect display of trust from someone she had barely met. With a smile, Freen placed her hand on Becky's waist, and they began to waltz in a square format as the teacher had shown them.

"Ow!" Becky yelped as Freen accidentally stepped on her foot. "I'm okay!" she reassured Freen, who felt embarrassed by their lack of coordination. Despite their mishaps, they both laughed at the chaos of their lesson, moving awkwardly and stumbling over each other, occasionally bumping into other couples. Despite the disaster of their dancing, the two girls seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Meanwhile, from one of the door entrances of the ballroom, Becky's brother Richie stood with Pop, scanning the room. "Is that the same girl from the party the other night?" Richie asked.

"Sure is. Becky seems rather intrigued by her. She's been sending gifts and meeting her every day since, to help with the story Freen is writing on Becky," Pop informed Richie.

"Set a time for me to meet her," Richie requested, his gaze still fixed on the girls dancing.

"Seriously?" Pop questioned, but the determined expression on Richie's face left no room for doubt. "Yup, will do."

"Good. Don't tell Becky," Richie added before taking a final glance at the dance floor and departing. Pop stood there, feeling uneasy about Richie's secrecy, and resolved to tell Becky. He knew where his loyalty lay.

A little over an hour later, the dance lesson concluded, and people began to filter out of the room. Becky settled into one of the folded chairs, patiently waiting for Freen, who had stepped away to use the restroom. Spotting Becky resting, Pop made his way over to chat with her.

"You both looked like confused chickens out there," Pop remarked, prompting laughter from both friends at the humorous imagery.

"We were pretty bad, weren't we?" Becky replied, still chuckling.

"Yeah, but why pretend to be bad? You're an amazing dancer," Pop questioned.

Becky looked up at her friend with a smile. "She didn't need the added pressure of having to be good at it. It was a lesson, and we had fun," she explained.

"Well, it was fun for me to watch as well. I'm going to head out, but before I go—your brother is asking questions about her. He wanted me to arrange a meeting for him and her," Pop informed her. Becky regarded him curiously.

"He's too protective for his own good. Keep me in the loop about it," Becky requested. Pop nodded and gave her a cheek kiss before departing.

Moments later, Freen emerged from the restroom to find the room empty except for Becky, who sat alone on the side of the dance floor.

"Shall we leave now?" Freen asked as she approached the seated girl.

"Not yet. We still have your one question for the night," Becky replied with a smile. "But to answer it, you'll have to dance with me." She stood up and extended her hand.

"We just danced for like an hour, aren't you tired?" Freen teased, amused.

"Not if it's with you," Becky flirted, her smile playful.

"You're flirting again," Freen remarked, struggling to suppress a smile. It was the confident and flirty Becky she had grown accustomed to.

"I can't help it—you're beautiful," Becky complimented, causing Freen's heart to flutter. Unable to dwell on it, Freen took hold of Becky's hand, and the smaller girl led her back onto the dance floor.

"There's no music, though," Freen pointed out, but Becky simply smiled and made a signaling motion. Suddenly, the sound of music filled the room.

As the music began to play, Becky pulled Freen closer, guiding her into a gentle sway. She placed Freen's hand around the back of her neck and wrapped her own arm around Freen's slender waist. Freen visibly gulped as Becky leaned in and whispered, "Trust me." And with that, the two began to move to the rhythm of the song.

The ghosts that live in the walls
They watch us dance our living room waltz
Skin protects, and it binds
I feel yours on mine
And I know I'm home
Spinning, spinning 'round
Trust me to catch you and I'll
I'll dip you down

"So, you do know how to dance. I should have known," Freen commented as Becky led them in the dance smoothly. "I'm sorry for stepping on you so many times," she apologized, feeling remorseful.

Becky slowed down their dancing, and they ended up just swaying in place before she responded, "If it allows me to be closer to you, I don't mind," she replied sweetly, gazing into Freen's eyes.

Freen had to look away because just looking at Becky made her feel all tingly inside. Tonight felt different from the other nights. Clearing her throat, Freen changed the subject. "Can I ask you my question now?"

"I'm all yours," Becky said teasingly.

"What's something about your life or status that you don't like but can't really change?" Freen asked, and Becky looked away to ponder the question for a moment.

"Going deep, aren't we?" Becky replied with a chuckle.

"You don't have to answer if—" Freen began, but Becky placed a finger on her lips, silencing her.

Becky didn't answer right away but slowly traced her fingers on the tall girl's lips. "I did say you can ask me anything," she said without looking away from Freen's lips. Becky smirked when she saw Freen's lips part slightly and watched her inhale sharply. Looking up, Becky was met with Freen's glistening eyes and rosy cheeks, and she was pleased to have caused them. "To answer you—the lack of true freedom. You would think that with this status and wealth, life can be very freeing. In most cases, it is, but only if you live by certain rules and expectations. The sense of being 'free' to be yourself isn't really there," Becky answered honestly.

"Follow-up—what would make you give up this life?" Freen pressed, not expecting Becky's answer but now intrigued to know more. This was a side she hadn't expected to see yet.

"Love," Becky said without hesitation. "I would give it all up in a heartbeat to be loved by someone who wants me, not my name," she added with a smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. It was more of a sad smile, conveying more than words could express. Knowing this made Freen feel for the socialite, living with the uncertainty of people's intentions.

"Must be lonely," Freen let out, unintentionally expressing her thoughts.

"It could be," Becky replied. "But some days, it feels a little less lonely," she added, looking at Freen with an honest smile.

With the song coming to an end, signaling the end of their dance, it was time for them to head out. With goofy smiles on their faces, they made their way to the awaiting car, riding in comfortable silence as the night felt almost picture-perfect, like a scene from a movie. Eventually, the car pulled to a halt in front of Freen's apartment building, and both sat unsure of how to end the night.

"Oh! Before I forget," Freen spoke up, remembering something. "I want to apologize for walking out on you this morning when you invited me to brunch," she said shyly.

"You don't have to apologize. I understand your reasons. I was presumptuous to think you'd just go with me. I'll make sure to run any future invites by you beforehand," Becky replied.

"That sounds good," Freen said, feeling hopeful that Becky might want to see her again outside of their midnight sessions. "Thank you for tonight. I had a lot of fun," she added.

"The pleasure is all mine," Becky replied, feeling a pair of soft lips connect with her cheek. Before she could register what happened and say anything, Freen had already exited the car and headed inside her building. "You tease," Becky mumbled to herself, smiling as she glanced up to see Rust smiling at her in the rearview mirror. "Just drive, Rust," she commanded as the car started rolling again, touching her cheek with a smile the entire way home.

Back at Freen's apartment, she spun and twirled her way to her room, not expecting to kiss Becky tonight or ever. But with the openness Becky had shown and the night they had shared, Freen couldn't stop herself. Placing the single tulip in a tiny vase on her nightstand, she felt a tiny shift between them tonight, unable to wipe the smile from her face. Getting ready for bed, Freen played the song they danced to over and over in her head until she fell asleep, feeling happy.

Spinning, spinning 'round
We'll never sleep, 'cause we are royalty now…

…It's just you and I, the two of us starring in this show
We'll never be alone

Chapter Text

Previously, their dynamic took a sweeter turn when Becky whisked Freen onto the dance floor, where they waltzed the night away. During their dance, Freen got to know more about Becky's desires—to find genuine love and trust, separate from her name's influence. Their connection deepened that evening, prompting Freen to make a bold move: a goodnight kiss on Becky's cheek. The gesture surprised and delighted Becky. For Freen, this intimate moment and their time together unearthed emotions she wasn't sure how to handle. 

The expansive glass window of her penthouse flooded Becky's face with the warm morning sun. As she stirred awake, a broad grin adorned her features, thoughts drifting back to her evening rendezvous with Freen. With a gentle sweep of her hand, Becky traced her fingertips across her soft cheek, relishing the lingering sensation of Freen's kiss. It had been ages since anyone made her feel this giddy, like a teenager again. Chuckling at her own reverie, she blushed at the audacious desire for more of Freen's affection.

"Looks like someone's got the sunshine treatment today," Pop chimed in, stepping into Becky's room with an iPad in hand, ready to tackle the day.

"Good morning to you too," Becky replied, snapping out of her reverie. "You really should knock, you know. What if I were changing, or worse, with someone?" she teased, sliding out of her spacious king-sized bed, adorned in pristine white linens.

"Oh, please, nothing I haven't seen before. Not only am I your amazing friend, I'm also your personal assistant. There are things I'm forced to see," Pop joked, rifling through Becky's closet to select an outfit for the day. "You have a photoshoot today with Vogue and lunch with your mom. What are we feeling like wearing?" he asked, already pulling out some black leather skinny pants and an oversized white button-up.

"Why do you even ask?" Becky retorted, grabbing the items he'd chosen and heading towards the bathroom.

"I like to let you believe you have a choice in deciding what looks good on you," Pop replied confidently. "Anyway, I got your note this morning and sent out your mystery item of the day," he added.

"You're the best!" Becky exclaimed, poking her head out of the bathroom to convey her gratitude.

"Do I want to know your plans for tonight?" Pop asked, feigning disgust.

"Nothing too crazy," Becky replied, preferring to keep her plans to herself unless she needed help planning, like with the masquerade party.

"Why are you doing so much for this girl?" Pop inquired curiously.

"She's cute," Becky replied matter-of-factly, not wanting to elaborate further.

"If you say so," Pop replied. "Your brother wants to set up a meeting with her tomorrow. Are you okay with that?" he informed her.

"I'm intrigued as to what he wants to know. Let him," Becky answered.

"Alright then, I'll set that up. Now go shower, you're running late!" Pop urged, ushering her to get ready.

--
In another corner of town, Freen stirred from sleep, her feet aching from the hours of dancing with Becky the previous night. With a groan, she reached to silence her blaring alarm, squinting against the early morning light. As her hand found her phone, her gaze fell upon the single tulip resting on her nightstand. Instantly, a smile graced Freen’s lips as the memories of last night flooded back. She lightly brushed her fingers over her lips, recalling the courage it took to steal a goodnight kiss on Becky's cheek before darting away. In that fleeting moment, she felt the softness of Becky's skin, igniting a cascade of thoughts about trailing her lips down Becky’s neck.

Before her mind could wander any further into forbidden territory, her nosy best friend barged into her room, eager for details about her escapade. "So, how was last night? It must have been amazing since you came home humming and twirling. You completely missed the fact that I was sitting in the living room, watching you waltz by," Nam exclaimed, plopping down uninvited on Freen’s bed.

"It was good," Freen replied, attempting to sound nonchalant, though her smile betrayed her true feelings.

"I don’t believe you. Your smile is brighter than the sun this morning," Nam commented, taking a sip of her coffee.

"Last night was nice. We went dancing, and I felt like I was able to peel back a layer and get to know her a bit more. The flirting was still there, but she was sweeter and more attentive, as opposed to being forward and dominant," Freen explained, glancing again at the tulip on her nightstand.

"You like her…" Nam pointed out the obvious. "I mean, like-like her," she clarified.

"What? No!" Freen denied. "I’m just getting to know her for my job."

"Sure…" Nam said, not entirely convinced. "Be careful, girl. As much as I fangirl over her, she’s also known for breaking hearts," Nam added, a statement that caught Freen off guard. While it wasn't unheard of given Becky's flirtatious and confident nature, hearing it out loud made Freen feel a bit queasy.

"It’s not like that. I admit, she’s charming, but I’m not falling for it," Freen insisted, trying to convince both Nam and herself.

Nam rose to leave but paused to glance at the tulip Freen kept eyeing. "Too late," she told Freen. "Also, make sure you cover up those dark circles under your eyes. These late nights are starting to show," Nam teased, leaving Freen to fret over her appearance.

Hours later, the two friends arrived at the New York Times, ready for another day. Freen wasn’t sure what to expect regarding her daily gift and clue, especially since Becky had delivered it herself the day before. Part of Freen wished she could have seen the socialite earlier, but she didn't want to get her hopes up too much.

"Freen!" Both Freen and Nam jumped at the loud sound behind them as they made their way to their workspace. Turning around, they saw Lily holding a small black box, and Freen instantly smiled, knowing who it was from. "This came for you," Lily said flatly as she handed Freen the box. "This is not your house. Tell whoever it is to stop sending personal things here," she ordered before walking away.

"She needs to get laid," Nam commented once Lily was out of earshot. They both laughed at the situation as they finally made their way to their desks. "The box is smaller than usual," Nam pointed out, to which Freen rolled her eyes. "But I guess size doesn’t really apply to you…" Nam teased, causing Freen to blush.

"Are you sure you’re not the one who needs a little love in that department?" Freen shot back with a teasing smile.

"What makes you think I don’t already?" Nam played coy.

"Because you’re in denial about Heng," Freen replied plainly as she started opening the small box from Becky.

"Rude," Nam blushed at Freen’s comment. "Just open your box already," she urged.

"Nosey," Freen chuckled, but followed her friend's advice.

Freen opened the box and couldn’t help but smile when she saw a single pink tulip lying on top. Taking the flower, she brought it to her nose to inhale its wonderful scent. Picking up the note card, Freen read its contents:

"It’s going to be a popping good time.
Midnight.

PS. I owe you for that kiss. ;)"

Freen blushed hard reading the last part and felt a presence behind her. “You kissed her!? You didn’t tell me that!” Nam reacted in a hushed tone.

“It was just on the cheek… to say thank you,” Freen corrected.

“You still left that part out… don’t like her my ass,” Nam replied, shaking her head at her friend. “You say I’m in denial? You’re the whole damn river in Egypt!” Nam laughed as she took a seat.

Freen's face turned as red as a tomato, and she too sat down to avoid drawing any more attention to herself. She continued to sift through the box, and as she pulled back the tissue paper, she found what looked like a microwave popcorn pack.

“Guess you’re going to the movies. Knowing her – she probably rented out the whole theater just for you,” Nam guessed when she saw what Freen had pulled out of the box. Freen looked at it thoughtfully and started to wonder what they would be watching tonight. She tried not to become too excited because the idea of going to the movies together felt a lot like going on a date.

Freen attempted to immerse herself in her work, diligently outlining her first story about Becky. However, like the past few days, she found it exceedingly challenging to maintain focus. Her thoughts incessantly drifted back to the enigmatic socialite and their nightly encounters. 

Admittedly, Freen couldn't deny the stirrings of emotion that Becky evoked within her. Yet, a lingering sense of hesitation persisted. After all, a woman as captivating as Becky likely had countless admirers, and Freen couldn't shake the feeling that she was just another face in the crowd. It seemed plausible that their interactions were merely a diversion for someone accustomed to luxury and extravagance.

As insecurities began to gnaw at her, Freen threw herself into other research tasks, hoping to distract herself from thoughts of Becky. But despite her best efforts, evading the allure of the socialite proved to be easier said than done. 

The workday came to a close, and Freen welcomed its end with a sense of relief. Frankly, her body was feeling the strain of the late nights, her feet still throbbing from the previous evening's escapades. Upon arriving home, Freen made a conscious decision to unwind and indulge in some much-needed rest. Meanwhile, Nam had been invited to a tasting event by the chef she was covering and was already on her way out. "I’ll see you in the morning. Try not to do anything I wouldn’t," Nam teased with a wink before departing.

With several hours stretching ahead of her, Freen set out to pass the time. She drew a warm bath to ease her tired muscles, allowing herself to fully relax in its soothing embrace. Afterwards, she grabbed a book from her shelf and settled onto the couch, intending to lose herself in its pages. However, despite her best intentions, exhaustion soon caught up with her, lulling her into a peaceful slumber.

Freen was jolted awake by the sound of loud knocking at her door. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, she stumbled to her feet and made her way to answer it. "Hi," Freen's eyes widened in surprise as she realized who stood on the other side. Uncertain how to react, she found herself momentarily frozen before instinctively slamming the door shut, her heart pounding with the realization that there, at her doorstep, stood Becky.

Stumbling, Freen hastily fixed her hair and opened the door again to find a casually dressed Becky smiling back at her, clearly amused by the situation. “Hi!” Freen replied, slightly flustered. “Sorry about that. I wasn’t expecting to see you here. Why are you here?” she questioned.

“Well, I mean, we had a deal, right? Midnight, remember?” Becky answered, her tone laced with amusement.

Freen shot a confused look and frantically searched for her phone. “What time is it?” she asked nervously, checking the time and gasping. “Oh my god!” Freen exclaimed as she saw that it was already 12:02. “I’m so sorry—I fell asleep and didn’t realize the time. Let me get ready really quick, and we can get going. Are we going to be late for the movie?” she explained in a rush.

“Late for the movie?” Becky echoed, her curiosity piqued.

“You sent popcorn? I assumed we were going to the movies?” Freen replied.

Becky chuckled at Freen’s assumption and smiled before replying, “You’re cute when you’re panicking. No rush—we’re not going to the movies,” she reassured her.

“Then where are we going?” Freen questioned, still puzzled.

“We’re not going anywhere,” Becky announced with a wide smile, leaving Freen even more confused. “I was thinking we could watch a movie here, if that’s okay?” she suggested.

“What? Here—as in my apartment? Like, you want to come in and have our date here?” Freen blurted out.

“Date, huh?” Becky confirmed with a playful smirk, causing Freen to blush deeply.

“I meant meeting or whatever you want to call it,” Freen tried to correct herself.

“Can I come in?” Becky requested, bringing Freen out of her thoughts. Freen nodded and stepped aside to let Becky enter. “And we can call it a date if you like…” Becky said with a wink.

“I misspoke!” Freen countered, feeling flustered.

Becky chuckled and took a step towards Freen, causing her to gulp at the sudden closeness. “I don’t mind if you want this to be a date,” Becky whispered, her tone teasing.

“I’m going to go freshen up!” Freen exclaimed, hastily shutting the door and rushing into her room. “Make yourself at home!” she shouted before closing her bedroom door behind her. In her room, Freen tried to steady her racing heart. She hadn't expected Becky to show up at her apartment like this. Not wanting to keep Becky waiting any longer, Freen quickly freshened up and hurried back out to the living room.

"Hey, good-looking," Becky greeted as she saw Freen emerge from the hallway. Freen rolled her eyes playfully as she walked over to where Becky was seated on the couch. "Surprise?" Becky teased.

"Very much so!" Freen replied with a smile. "What made you want to just stay here today?" she asked.

“I figured that going out so late each night to places you don’t know must be exhausting, so I wanted tonight to be comfortable for you,” Becky replied sweetly. “We can just watch a movie, eat some popcorn, drink some wine, and talk…” she added, her words inviting.

Freen couldn’t help but smile at Becky’s thoughtfulness. “I’ll go make the popcorn – you got the movie?” she asked, rising from her seat.

“And the wine,” Becky added, pulling out a bottle from her bag. Freen shook her head at Becky’s enthusiasm as she made her way to the open kitchen to prepare some popcorn. As she waited for it to finish, she grabbed two glasses of wine and a blanket for them to cozy up with. Returning to the living room once the popcorn was done, Freen settled onto the couch.

“What movie are we watching?” she asked, adjusting her position.

“Two Weeks Notice,” Becky said proudly with a smile.

“Seriously?” Freen laughed at Becky’s selection. “Why?”

“It strangely reminds me of our little arrangement,” Becky replied honestly, her smile widening.

"Have you actually watched the movie?" teased Freen as she flicked on Netflix to hunt for it.

"No?" Becky replied, a playful glint in her eyes. She sat up, pouring them both a glass of wine before passing one to Freen.

"So, what's the connection to our situation?" Freen inquired, taking a sip of her wine.

"Well, you know—wealthy protagonist, captivating love interest, and two weeks," Becky quipped, settling back with her glass, a sheepish smile on her lips.

Freen's laughter rang out, a melody that Becky cherished. She made a mental note to hear that sound more often. Her reverie was interrupted when Freen announced she'd found the movie. Seeing the blanket on Freen's lap, Becky seized the chance to draw her closer. "Mind sharing that blanket?" she asked, a smile playing on her lips.

"Huh?" Freen looked confused but caught on when she followed Becky's gaze. "Oh, sure, of course." Freen set down her glass and unfurled the throw blanket, bridging the gap between them.

"You could move a bit closer," Becky suggested, eyeing Freen. "I promise I don’t bite," she added with a smirk. “Unless you ask me to.” She teased, causing Freen to blush slightly.

Becky noticed Freen visibly gulp before inching closer. Despite the blanket covering them both, Freen maintained a small space between them as she retrieved her glass of wine. As they settled in to watch the movie, Becky found her attention drifting away from the screen, her gaze fixed on Freen.

"The movie's over here," Freen remarked, sensing Becky's stare. 

"I know," Becky said, her gaze unwavering. Freen finally turned to meet Becky's eyes but had to look away almost immediately. "You're more interesting to watch," Becky flirted.

"You're such a flirt," Freen replied, trying to avoid Becky's captivating eyes.

Becky adjusted herself on the couch, facing Freen directly. "Does it bother you?" she asked sincerely.

Freen finally met Becky's gaze, sensing the sincerity in her question. "It doesn't. It's not like it means anything. I'm sure you flirt with all the girls," Freen replied with a nervous laugh, unsure why she was saying it. She'd blame it on the wine later.

"What if I told you, it's only with you?" Becky responded, stretching her arm out along the back of the couch. Freen looked at her but didn't react to Becky's confession. She couldn't shake off Nam's words; she wanted to know if Becky was out there breaking hearts.

"Can I ask my question?" Freen, feeling brave, turned to face Becky.

Taking another sip of her wine, Becky smiled, "Of course."

"Are the rumors about you being a serial heartbreaker true?" Freen couldn't believe she asked that. She wasn't sure how she'd fit this into her story, but she'd figure it out later.

Becky chuckled at the question, raising an eyebrow. "Serial heartbreaker? Where on earth did you hear that?"

"A reporter never reveals her source!" Freen joked, and they both laughed, the wine definitely taking effect.

"To answer you—no, I've never broken anyone's heart. Not intentionally. I've only ever had one serious relationship, and their heart wasn't the one broken," Becky admitted.

"Oh, you don't have to talk about it if it's hard," Freen said, feeling a pang of guilt for potentially digging into painful memories for Becky.

Becky smiled, reaching out to place a reassuring hand on Freen's arm. "Don't worry, I've moved on. What I am worried about is this rumor flying around about me," she laughed at the ridiculousness of it.

"I'll make sure to set people straight on that," Freen joked, joining in the laughter. "Alright, follow-up—what are you looking for now in someone?" Freen continued her questioning, emboldened by the wine.

Becky took a moment to study Freen's face, from her beautiful brown eyes to her inviting lips. She reached out to brush a stray strand of hair away from Freen's face and whispered, "This..." It sent shivers down Freen's spine, and without warning, Becky leaned in, capturing Freen's lips in a kiss, her hand gently holding Freen's cheek. Becky pulled back slightly, searching for any sign that she should stop, but seeing none, she ran her hand to the back of Freen's neck, pulling her in for another kiss.

This next kiss delved deeper, charged with longing. Becky had yearned to taste Freen since the night of the masquerade party. Both pulled away, gasping for air, their gazes ablaze with desire. Becky reached over, taking Freen's wine glass and placing it on the coffee table. As she turned back to Freen, before she could process it, Freen pulled her in for another kiss. Their lips collided with urgency, brimming with lust. Becky tentatively slid her tongue out, seeking entrance, and Freen eagerly granted it. The moment their tongues intertwined; fireworks exploded in Freen's mind at the exquisite taste of Becky. Despite a whirlwind of thoughts, nothing could deter her from delving deeper into Becky's mouth, exploring every inch with fervor.

Becky gently guided Freen, encouraging her to recline on the couch as she climbed on top, settling herself between Freen's legs. Freen tilted her head back, feeling the warmth of Becky's body pressing against her own through their clothing. Sensing an opportunity, Becky traced delicate kisses along Freen's neck, leaving a trail of moisture in her wake, gently sucking at the nape of her neck. Freen couldn't help but release a soft moan, overwhelmed by the sensation.

"Oh my god..." Freen let out loudly.

"OH MY GOD!" Freen's eyes flew open at the sound of her roommate's voice. Becky quickly scrambled off Freen, and they both stood up to face Nam, their lips swollen, and hair tousled from their passionate battle of the lips.

To be continued…

Chapter Text

Previously…

Becky traced delicate kisses along Freen's neck, leaving a trail of moisture in her wake, gently sucking at the nape of her neck. Freen couldn't help but release a soft moan, overwhelmed by the sensation.
 
"Oh my god..." Freen let out loudly.
 
"OH MY GOD!" Freen's eyes flew open at the sound of her roommate's voice. Becky quickly scrambled off Freen, and they both stood up to face Nam, their lips swollen, and hair tousled from their passionate battle of the lips.

"Nam! What are you doing here?" Freen frantically asked, trying to compose herself after being caught.

"I live here... remember?" Nam responded with a raised eyebrow.

"Hi there! I'm Becky..." Becky walked over to Freen's roommate and held out her hand to shake the other girl's.

"Oh, I know who you are!" Nam said excitedly. "I'm a big fan!" She added and was about to reach out her hand to shake Becky's but remembered, "Wait, did you two just..." She asked curiously, not sure if those hands had been anywhere inside Freen.

Becky smirked at Nam's implication and replied, "Not yet," adding a wink.

"Becky!" The two girls heard Freen shout in embarrassment. She couldn’t believe what’s happening.

Becky chuckled and made her way back over to where Freen was standing, blushing a deep shade of red. She leaned into the taller girl and gave her a sweet kiss, shocking Freen, before pulling back a bit to say, "Goodnight." Becky smiled and walked away like nothing happened. 

"Nice meeting you, Nam - let's hang out sometime," she added, heading to the front door. Freen can’t believe Becky just left her there to explain things on her own.

"LOVE TO!" Nam almost shouted as she helped let Becky out. Turning around to face her roommate, she wore the most mischievous smile. "You little whore!" Nam jokes. "You two were about to get it on. I knew it!" Nam exclaimed as she grilled her roommate.

“It wasn’t planned! It just sort of happened,” Freen tried to explain.

“Right. She just sort of fell tongue first into your mouth,” Nam continued to tease Freen, who wanted to hide under a rock at this point. “No judgment, friend, I would let her top me too, and I’m not even into the lady parts,” Nam added, earning a playful slap on the arm from Freen.

“Stop! Nothing happened. It was just a kiss!” Freen pleaded, covering her face.

“If that was just a kiss then I don’t want to know what sex is like to you.” Nam replied with a chuckle, “But alright, I’ll stop,” Nam relented a bit. “One question though - would you have let her go all the way if I didn’t interrupt?” Nam asked curiously.

“Nothing like that…” Freen lied.

“Sure,” Nam countered. “As your friend, I would like to remind you to use protection…” Nam teased, dodging a couch pillow that came flying at her. “I’m kidding! But really, just be careful. I might like her, but I’m ready to fight her if she hurts you,” Nam warned with a hint of sincerity.

“Nothing’s going to happen between us. We were just drinking and watching a romantic movie, and we got swept into the moment,” Freen explained, trying to convince even herself. She could still feel the warmth of Becky’s breath on her skin, the electricity of their shared gaze, but she pushed those sensations aside.

“Right... tell that to the hickey on your neck,” Nam pointed out as Freen’s hand flew to her neck. “Other side,” Nam corrected with a laugh, her teasing tone adding to Freen’s embarrassment. She left a blushing Freen in the living room to ponder what had happened, the evidence of their intimacy lingering on her skin.

Freen slumped down onto the couch, feeling a mixture of exhilaration and frustration. Finally letting out a breath she had been holding since Nam interrupted them, she closed her eyes and replayed the moments with Becky in her mind. Her lips tingled with the memory of their kiss, and she couldn’t help but let out a frustrated groan at the interruption.

Reaching up to touch her lips, she could still vividly feel Becky’s soft tongue tasting her own. She remembered the way Becky’s fingers had trailed lightly on her skin, igniting a fire within her. “Ugh!” Freen groaned, her frustration growing as she realized just how much she wanted to explore those sensations further with the enigmatic socialite.

Freen heard a loud buzz emanating from the coffee table, the sound cutting through the quiet of her apartment. Curious, she leaned over to grab her phone, noting the unfamiliar number displayed on the screen. With a mixture of anticipation and nerves, she unlocked her phone and opened the message.

Unknown number:
To be continued. - B

A rush of warmth flooded Freen's cheeks as she realized the sender's identity. It was Becky, no doubt. She couldn't help but smile at the playful yet tantalizing message. Despite her instinct to save Becky's number in her contacts, she hesitated, considering the implications of taking that step. Ultimately, she decided to save it but opted to keep the name as 'unknown', a small act of resistance against the whirlwind that was Becky's presence in her life.

With a quick glance around the room, Freen announced her intention to take a shower, ensuring her roommate, Nam, was aware of the bathroom's impending unavailability. 

“Make sure it’s a cold one!” Nam's playful response elicited an eye-roll from Freen, a silent acknowledgment of their banter. As she made her way to the bathroom, Freen's mind was abuzz with thoughts of the mysterious socialite who had managed to captivate her in such a short time.

Under the stream of the cold shower, Freen let out a deep sigh, the chill of the water helping to soothe her racing thoughts and cool her heated body. Yet, even as the icy droplets cascaded over her skin, she found herself unable to shake the lingering warmth of Becky's touch.

–
The next morning, Freen found herself spared from Nam's teasing as her roommate had left early to grab breakfast with Heng. Enjoying a slightly more rested state than the rest of the week, Freen made her way into the office, tea in hand, only to be greeted by Lily's displeased expression.

"You're late," Lily stated bluntly, devoid of any emotion.

"Late for what?" Freen inquired, puzzled by Lily's remark.

"Do I look like your calendar?" Lily retorted sharply. "Don't schedule meetings if you're not going to be here for them," she added before striding away.

Confused and slightly taken aback, Freen turned to the front desk for clarification. The receptionist informed her that Richie Armstrong was present for the exclusive interview regarding Freen's story on his sister, Becky, and that he was waiting in the conference room.

"What?" Freen exclaimed incredulously, realizing she had not been informed about Becky's brother's visit. "Um, thank you," she managed to reply before making her way to the conference room.

Peering through the glass wall, Freen spotted a young man, impeccably dressed and engrossed in his phone. Summoning her courage, she entered the room and initiated the conversation.

"Hi," Freen greeted him tentatively.

"Hi, Freen," Richie responded without looking up.

"I was told you're Becky's brother?" Freen ventured further.

"Yes," Richie confirmed, finally tearing his gaze away from his phone. "Take a seat," he instructed.

"I'll stand," Freen countered, feeling irked by his assumption. "I don't recall arranging a meeting with you," she pointed out.

"I know. I asked Pop to set it up with the Times," Richie admitted, his casual demeanor further irritating Freen.

"How can I assist you?" Freen inquired, trying to maintain her composure.

"I heard you're writing a story about my sister," Richie began. "Thought I'd offer my help," he added.

"My story is about Becky. I intend to gather information directly from her," Freen asserted firmly.

Richie rose from his seat and approached Freen, his demeanor more amicable now. "I wonder," he started, "how do you not know who Becky is? Or the Armstrongs, for that matter? Why pretend you don't know?" he questioned, catching Freen off guard.

"If you're here to accuse me of lying or using her, you might as well leave. Her opinion of me is the only one that matters," Freen shot back, undaunted by Richie's probing.

"I like you," Richie remarked, a faint smile appearing on his face. "Just testing you. Plus, I wanted to meet the person who has captured my sister's attention as of late," he admitted.

Despite Richie's attempt to lighten the mood, Freen's mood had soured considerably after their exchange. Resolving to address her frustration with Becky, Freen prepared to exit the room, eager to express her concerns to the socialite. “If there’s nothing else, I’m going to leave. Nice meeting you.” 

"Freen?" Richie's voice halted Freen in her tracks, causing her to turn back towards him. "Becky may have taken a liking to you, but let's face it, you two come from different worlds. I'm sure you've noticed," he remarked, his tone tinged with a hint of caution. "So, just a fair warning—my sister is quite adventurous. Make sure you can keep up," he advised, before nodding curtly and departing the room, leaving Freen to ponder his words.

Freen found herself grappling with the unexpected turn her morning had taken. Meeting another Armstrong was certainly not on her agenda, and now she was left feeling frustrated for an entirely different reason. As she made her way to her desk, she mulled over whether to text Becky about the encounter with Richie but ultimately decided against it. After all, Becky probably wasn't even aware of her brother's visit.

With a heavy sigh, Freen set her phone down on her desk and sank into her chair, replaying Richie's words in her mind. "Maybe I'm just her latest adventure," she mused to herself, feeling a pang of uncertainty. Just then, her phone vibrated loudly, jolting her out of her reverie. It was a message from Becky.

Unknown: Join me for lunch today? ;)

A warm blush spread across Freen's cheeks as she read the message, her mood shifting from sour to shy as she recalled their intimate moments from the night before. Instinctively, her hand rose to her neck, where she had tried to conceal the telltale hickey. Another vibration from her phone brought her back to the present.

Unknown: How can I convince you to say yes this time?
Freen: Be creative. You have until noon.
Unknown: Oh, a challenge? Accepted. ;)

Freen didn't respond further, but she couldn't help the smile that crept onto her face. Despite the unsettling encounter with Richie, Becky's simple texts had managed to brighten her mood once again.

“No gift today?” Nam's voice interrupted Freen's thoughts as she walked over to her desk. Truth be told, with Richie and Becky's texts occupying her mind, Freen hadn't even realized there was no mystery gift waiting for her today.

"Oh, I guess not," Freen replied, scanning her surroundings.

"Maybe it's something she can't put in a box..." Nam teased, her words trailing off suggestively. "Like her fing-" Nam added but was stopped.

Freen quickly covered Nam's mouth with her hand, stifling her friend's laughter. "Can you please stop!" Freen whispered loudly, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "You're impossible," she added with a chuckle as she released her friend.

"It's nice to see you like this," Nam said sincerely, earning a soft smile from Freen.

"Like what?" Freen asked innocently, trying to hide her growing excitement.

"Like a teenage girl who got her crush's attention," Nam replied with a knowing grin.

"Who has a crush?" Freen feigned ignorance, eager to change the subject and focus on her work. Nam, sensing her friend's discomfort, turned to her own tasks without pressing further.

As the hours passed, Freen glanced at the clock and realized it was already 11:45 am. She hadn't heard anything from Becky yet, and a twinge of disappointment washed over her. Perhaps Becky was busy with work, but then again, Freen wasn't even sure if Becky had a job.

“Hey guys! We had a celebrity coming in for a last-minute photoshoot, want to guess who?” Billy's voice cut through the office chatter as he approached the girls. “Becky Armstrong!” he announced before anyone could even hazard a guess. Freen immediately looked up from her laptop at the mention of Becky’s name.

“Why so last minute?” Freen inquired, attempting to mask her keen interest in Becky's presence.

“Months ago she was asked to be a part of NY Times’ Young Power piece and she declined. But for some reason her people called this morning and said she’s available if we still want to include her. And of course we jumped on it! Do you know how hard it is to book Becky Armstrong?” Billy explained excitedly.

“Not for Freen,” Nam teased under her breath, earning a sharp look from Freen.

“What?” Billy asked, not catching Nam's comment.

“Nothing!” Freen replied quickly, trying to steer the conversation away from herself. “Where is the photoshoot?” she asked, attempting to change the subject.

“It’s in our studio on the 8th floor. They’re wrapping up, so if you want to see her, you should head down. I also heard she had lunch catered, so I would at least go grab some delicious free food if I were you,” Billy suggested before heading off to get some food himself.

Minutes passed, and Freen decided to make her way to the 8th floor under the guise of needing to use the bathroom. “I’m going to go to the bathroom,” she announced to Nam, who nodded absentmindedly.

Grabbing her phone, Freen left in a hurry. Moments later, the elevator doors opened to the eighth floor, and Freen hesitantly stepped out. She observed that the photoshoot was coming to a close, with people gathering around the food table. Quietly, Freen walked around, hoping to catch a glimpse of Becky.

Approaching the dressing room, Freen peeked inside, finding the door slightly ajar. “Looking for me?” Freen heard a familiar voice from behind her. Startled, she jumped, moving into the dressing room with Becky following closely behind, locking the door.

“Becky!” Freen gasped, backing up against the makeup table. Becky advanced, closing the distance between them. “What are you doing here?” Freen asked nervously, though she already knew the answer.

“You told me to be creative,” Becky replied, leaning in closer until her lips were just beside Freen’s ear. “Should we continue?” she whispered seductively, referring to their previous night.

Freen visibly gulped as Becky's suggestion sent a shiver down her spine, leaving her stunned by the shorter girl's closeness. Before she could react, Becky pressed a soft kiss to the back of Freen’s ear, causing Freen’s knees to weaken. In a reflex, Becky caught her by the waist, their bodies pressing flush against each other. “What happened to lunch?” Freen managed to let out breathlessly.

“This is lunch,” Becky replied huskily before trailing kisses down Freen’s slender neck. Freen felt herself nearly losing control under the intoxicating sensation. She was so consumed by the feelings Becky was evoking that she didn't know how to resist. As Becky unbuttoned her shirt for better access, Freen felt a surge of heat rush to her cheeks. “Did I do that?” Becky asked proudly, admiring the deep red hickey that had been hidden beneath the fabric.

“You sound so proud,” Freen remarked as Becky continued to lavish attention on her neck while her hand skillfully undid the buttons of Freen’s shirt.

“And you sound like you’re enjoying it,” Becky teased, pulling away to meet Freen’s gaze.

Freen seized the moment to gently push Becky back, creating some distance between them. They were still in her workplace, and continuing their intimate exchange here would be highly inappropriate. “We need to stop. We can’t do this here,” Freen insisted, though her conviction wavered.

“Where do you suggest then? My car is parked in the garage,” Becky suggested playfully, her tone carrying a hint of mischief.

Hearing Becky’s jest, Freen managed to wriggle out of her hold and began buttoning up her shirt again. “That would be a no,” she replied, standing up to assert herself in their playful banter. “Last night was a one-off. We were both under the influence and not thinking clearly. It shouldn’t happen again,” she backtracked, attempting to reinstate some boundaries.

“Really now?” Becky raised an eyebrow, unfazed by Freen’s sudden change of heart. In fact, she seemed almost expectant. “I guess I shouldn’t give you your daily box then,” Becky mused as she leaned on the table, retrieving a small black box from her bag at the side.

"Your choice," Freen responded, attempting to maintain her composure, though her curiosity about the gift was palpable.

Handing over the box, Becky instructed, "Open it." Freen shot her a curious glance before beginning to untie the little bow. Inside, she discovered the customary card and flipped it over to read its contents.

Find the matching piece. ;)
Same time. - B

"Are we embarking on a scavenger hunt or something?" Freen joked as she started to remove the tissue paper to reveal the gift. But as she pulled out the piece of fabric nestled within, her face flushed crimson at the sight. It was a delicate black lace thong. Glancing up, she met Becky's smirking gaze.

"See you tonight," Becky murmured with a wink, clearly amused by Freen's reaction to the gift. With a deliberate sway of her hips as she walked away, Becky left Freen momentarily stunned in the dressing room before continuing on with her day.

Still reeling from the unexpected gift, Freen couldn't shake the image of Becky confidently striding away, knowing she wasn't wearing any underwear beneath her tight skirt. The realization left Freen feeling both shocked and undeniably aroused.

–
It was that time of night again when Freen prepared to meet Becky. All day, she had been grappling with nerves after their encounter earlier. It wasn't nerves about seeing the socialite, but rather about what she might allow Becky to do if she continued to evoke such intense feelings. Truth be told, if Nam hadn't interrupted them last night, Freen might have slept with Becky. Her body craved more, but it was her mind that held her back. She remained skeptical about Becky's intentions. Richie's words lingered in her mind — they were from different worlds. What would happen when the two weeks were up, or when Becky grew bored? Freen needed to protect herself.

Seated in the same SUV that had been picking her up recently, Freen glanced out the window, recognizing the route leading to Becky's penthouse. "Hey, Rust?" she spoke up, breaking her usual silence in the car. She wanted to understand Becky through the eyes of her staff.

"Yes?" Rust replied, meeting her gaze in the rearview mirror.

"How long have you been driving for Becky?" Freen inquired, curious about his perspective.

"I've been with Ms. Armstrong for ten years now," Rust answered politely.

"Wow. How would you describe working for her?" Freen pressed further.

"Let's just say, I would protect her like I would my own daughter," Rust replied, his words surprising Freen. Smiling to herself, she remained silent for the rest of the car ride. "We're here," Rust announced as he stepped out to open the door for Freen. "Becky hides it well, but she's a lonely girl. But recently, she seems less lonely," Rust shared with a warm smile before returning to the driver's seat.

Freen was taken aback by Rust's comment about Becky, further complicating her internal struggle with her feelings. As she entered the familiar elevator, she awaited her arrival at the penthouse with nervous anticipation. 

The elevator doors parted slowly, revealing Becky standing there, her hair cascading elegantly over her shoulders. "Hi," she greeted sweetly as she stepped into the elevator, causing Freen to instinctively retreat, her back meeting the wall. "We're going to the roof tonight," Becky explained, pressing the button for the rooftop.

Once they reached the rooftop, Becky took Freen's hand and guided her to the center, where two large lounge chairs and champagne awaited. "Come, stargaze with me," Becky invited warmly.

Seated facing each other in the lounge chairs, with a table of snacks and champagne between them, Freen commented on the beauty of the night. "This is my favorite place. I come here when I need time alone," Becky shared as she reclined in her chair.

"Why bring me here then? I don’t want to intrude in your safe space," Freen expressed sincerely.

"Because you make me feel the same way this place does," Becky admitted, surprising Freen with her vulnerability.

"What are you doing with me?" Freen asked bluntly, unable to ignore her lingering doubts.

"What do you mean?" Becky responded, a hint of confusion in her eyes.

"I mean, I know I have a story to write about you, so I know why I’m here. But what’s in it for you? I just want to know what we’re doing here," Freen clarified, prompting Becky to understand the underlying question.

"We're getting to know each other," Becky replied, taking a sip of her drink.

"But why go through all this trouble of sending gifts and meeting every day?" Freen pressed, seeking clarity.

"Simple. I like you," Becky confessed, her gaze steady.

"For now," Freen countered, causing Becky's smile to falter.

Placing her drink down, Becky asked, "Where is this coming from?" sensing Freen's uncertainty.

"We're from different worlds, and I feel like I'm just a new toy you're fascinated with and want, for now," Freen explained, laying bare her inner turmoil.

"You make me seem so superficial," Becky responded, her smile fading.

"I don’t mean to, Becky," Freen stated. "You've just been making me feel things I've never felt before, and from what people tell me, I need to protect myself."

"I can't make you believe me, but my intentions are pure, and I truly want to get to know you," Becky replied earnestly, moving to sit on the chair next to Freen. "You make me feel things too," she continued, reaching up to tuck a stray hair from Freen's face. "When I see you, I get this strong sensation in my stomach, like there's a million butterflies flapping their wings, just as excited to see you. After every night's meeting, I become restless until the next one. You make me want to do these ridiculous gestures, like sending gifts and planning nights like tonight. Yes, we're from different worlds, but what's so wrong with me wanting to be a small part of yours?" Becky's sincerity shone through her words, her eyes reflecting warmth and honesty.

Freen was taken aback by Becky's heartfelt confession, her warmth enveloping her like a comforting embrace. Feeling a surge of emotion, Freen reached out and gently grasped Becky's face, drawing her in closer until their lips met in a slow, tender kiss. 

Becky responded eagerly, her hand encircling Freen's waist while the other delicately trailed up her neck, deepening the kiss. As their lips moved in sync, Becky tentatively licked Freen's lips, silently asking for permission. Without hesitation, Freen parted her lips, inviting Becky's tongue to explore the depths of her mouth. 

Their tongues danced in a passionate rhythm, each movement fueled by a desire to discover more about one another. In that moment, nothing else mattered except the intense connection they shared, igniting a flame that burned brightly between them.

As they reluctantly broke apart, both breathing heavily from the intensity of their embrace, Becky leaned in, resting their foreheads together. "I don't want to pressure you into anything," she said softly, her voice filled with sincerity. "But I would really love it if you stayed the night." Her request hung in the air, tinged with a mixture of longing and hope.

The silence between them was pregnant with tension after Becky's request, and Becky couldn't help but feel a little exposed, her nerves bubbling to the surface. "We don't have to do anything!" she clarified quickly, a hint of nervousness in her voice. Freen couldn't help but find Becky's panic endearing, and a giggle escaped her lips.

Reaching out, Freen ran her hand up Becky's neck, her touch gentle and reassuring. "Relax," she whispered softly, feeling Becky's tension melt away under her touch. Drawing Becky closer, Freen leaned in, her voice husky as she whispered in Becky's ear, "I'll be disappointed if we didn't do anything." The seductive tone in her voice sent a shiver down Becky's spine, and she felt a surge of desire ignite within her.

Encouraged by Freen's words, Becky didn't hesitate to act. Moving forward, she captured Freen's lips once again, the kiss deep and passionate as she explored every inch of Freen's mouth with her tongue. With practiced ease, Becky lowered the lounge chair into a flat position, positioning herself on top of Freen, the heat between them intensifying with each passing moment.

Freen couldn't contain the soft moan that escaped her lips as Becky's skilled tongue trailed down her neck once more. As Becky's hands worked to unbutton Freen's blouse, revealing soft skin underneath, Freen's heart raced with anticipation, as her shirt fell open, revealing her white bra and toned abs. 

As Becky's lips trailed closer to Freen's breast, Freen's mind raced with a mix of desire and caution. Sensing the urgency of the situation, she managed to gather her thoughts enough to speak. "Let's take this inside," she breathed out, her voice laced with a hint of urgency, not wanting to risk the chance of someone catching them in their current state.

Becky didn't utter a word in response. Instead, she swiftly got up and helped Freen to her feet, pulling her behind as they rushed into the elevator. As the doors closed, Becky wasted no time in returning her attention to Freen's neck, her mouth trailing kisses and light sucking along Freen's pulse point. One of Becky's hands ventured up to softly squeeze Freen's breast over her bra, eliciting a soft moan from Freen's lips before she pulled Becky's face up to meet hers in a heated kiss.

The elevator doors opened once more, and the two stumbled out, their lips still locked in a feverish battle for dominance. With a brief pause to catch her breath, Becky locked eyes with Freen before pulling her towards her bedroom. Once inside, Becky guided Freen to sit on the edge of her king-sized bed, the atmosphere thick with anticipation.

Stepping over to her nightstand, Becky pressed a button, and soft music filled the room. As the sultry melody washed over them, Becky began to undress, her movements slow and deliberate as Freen watched, her gaze practically devouring the sight before her. Soon, Becky stood before Freen in nothing but her matching lace lingerie set, her hips swaying seductively to the rhythm of the music.

With a teasing grin, Becky turned and pressed her barely covered backside against Freen's lap, eliciting a soft moan from Freen's lips. Reaching back, Becky pulled Freen forward by the neck, their lips meeting in a sloppy yet passionate kiss as she continued to grind against Freen's center.

Freen took the invitation and wrapped her hands around Becky’s body, one moving up to cover the smaller girl’s breast and the other trailed down south to the heat between her legs. Freen slipped her hand underneath the bra to fondle Becky’s soft breast, her palm rubbing against her erect nipple. Becky let out a throaty groan, grinding down harder into Freen. Becky needed more. She took the charge and grabbed Freen’s other hand, guiding it to go under the waistband of her thong. “Touch me.” Becky commanded. 

Freen found herself captivated by every aspect of Becky, from the fragrance she exuded to the silky texture of her skin under her fingertips. Eager to please, Freen ventured lower, gently sliding two fingers between Becky’s warmth. "You're so wet," she murmured into Becky's ear.

"This is the effect you have on me," Becky breathed out gently. "I want you so bad," she added, her desire intensifying. Upon hearing her words, Freen traced her fingers upward to circle around Becky's throbbing clit before descending again, aligning herself perfectly at Bec’s entrance. 

Slowly, Freen eases two fingers into Becky, sensing her body yield to the gentle pressure. Becky widens her legs, leaning back against Freen, absorbing the sensation as Freen's fingers delve deeper. "Just like that..." Becky's voice is a soft moan as Freen begins a steady rhythm, gradually moving in and out. As Becky tilts her head back, Freen explores her exposed neck with kisses and gentle nibbles, igniting a wave of heightened pleasure within her. 

Increasing her pace, Freen slides in another finger, stretching Becky further, thrusting harder and deeper. "Oh, yes! God, yes!" Becky cries out, surrendering to the overwhelming rush of her climax.

With a subtle sway in her step, Becky rises from the bed, her legs still tingling from their shared intensity. She turns toward Freen, a sly smile playing on her lips, eyes glinting with anticipation. Slowly, she reaches out, fingers dancing along Freen's skin as she slides the fabric of Freen's shirt off her shoulder, revealing a hint of the delicate curve beneath. With practiced ease, she deftly unclasps Freen's bra, unveiling her soft, inviting flesh.

A playful glimmer dances in Becky's eyes as she gently guides Freen to recline further onto the bed, her movements graceful yet purposeful. As she stands before Freen, bathed in the soft glow of the room, Becky's own garments slip away, each piece falling to the floor with a whisper.

With a newfound confidence, Becky leans in, her breath warm against Freen's skin, her fingers tracing delicate patterns along Freen's thigh. With a tantalizingly slow pace, she hooks her fingers into the waistband of Freen's pants, applying just enough pressure to tease, yet gentle enough to convey her desire to savor every moment.

"I love midnight snacks," Becky murmured, her voice husky with desire, before delicately lowering herself to Freen's waiting form. With a slow, deliberate motion, she traced the path of her tongue along Freen's center, savoring every nuanced taste and scent that filled the air. As the night unfolded, Becky devoted herself entirely to Freen's pleasure, each flick of her tongue and gentle caress bringing Freen to the brink of ecstasy time and time again.

In the dim light of the room, Becky lost herself in the rhythm of their shared passion, her senses heightened by the sweet taste of Freen's arousal and the intoxicating melody of her moans. With each passing moment, Becky found herself drawn deeper into the euphoria of the night, her hunger for Freen's pleasure growing with each breathless gasp and whispered plea.

As early morning light filtered through the curtains, Freen lay sound asleep beside Becky, both wrapped in the afterglow of their passionate night. However, Becky's tranquility was soon interrupted by the insistent ringing of her phone. With a soft sigh, she slipped out of bed, careful not to disturb Freen, and hurried outside to take the call in private.

"Not a good time," Becky whispered into her phone, a hint of urgency coloring her voice.

"We have a problem. Lin's dead," the voice on the other end relayed, sending a shockwave through Becky's senses.

The news left Becky reeling, but she swiftly gathered her composure. "Gather everyone for a meeting tonight," she instructed with unwavering resolve, before ending the call. As she exhaled a heavy sigh, Becky returned to the room, drawn back to the side of her sleeping partner, the source of her current solace. For now, she pushed aside the weight of the troubling news, choosing instead to focus on the warmth and comfort beside her, knowing she would address the pressing matter in due time.

Chapter Text

Previously, Richie, Becky’s brother, had visited Freen at work, reminding her that she wasn't from Becky's world and emphasizing the need for her to keep up with Becky's demanding life. His words stirred up insecurities within Freen, making her question what Becky was doing with her. Determined to understand, Freen boldly confronted Becky during their midnight rendezvous. In response, Becky opened up, sharing her feelings to ease Freen's worries. This heartfelt conversation blossomed into a night of intimate passion between them. As morning arrived, the tranquility was shattered by a phone call barring grim news for Becky. She now faced the challenge of making tough decisions, the weight of which threatened to overshadow the comfort she had found in Freen's embrace.

Becky woke up with a wide smile, the memories of their night of entangled bodies and whispered secrets filling her with warmth. Glancing at the beauty still sleeping peacefully beside her, Becky couldn't resist the urge to kiss her. Leaning down, she placed a gentle kiss on Freen's soft cheek. The contact sent a thrill through her, and she found herself unable to stop, peppering tender kisses along Freen's jawline, savoring the feel of her warm skin beneath her lips.

As she reached the base of Freen's ear, Becky let her teeth graze the delicate flesh, nibbling lightly. She could feel Freen's breath hitch and her body shift slightly, responding to the affectionate wake-up call. Encouraged, Becky continued, her lips trailing down to Freen's neck, lingering there, leaving a path of soft, lingering kisses. Freen stirred more noticeably, her eyes fluttering open, a sleepy smile forming as she awoke to Becky's loving touch. 

"Hi," Becky greeted, propping herself up on her arm to gaze down at Freen. Suddenly feeling shy, Freen pulled the white sheets up to cover her face. Becky chuckled playfully, delighted by the effect she had on Freen. "You weren't shy last night," she teased.

"Stop!" Freen exclaimed, reaching out to slap Becky playfully.

"I don't want to," Becky replied with a mischievous grin, pulling the sheets down to expose Freen's naked chest. With a sly smirk, she leaned down, taking one of Freen's breasts into her mouth and teasing the erect nipple slowly. Freen let out a low moan, her body responding instinctively to Becky's touch, her hand clutching the sheets tightly. 

"Oh, finally!" a loud voice interrupted. Becky quickly peeled herself off Freen, helping her cover up as Pop waltzed into the room, scrolling through Becky's agenda on his iPad. "Can I stop sending mystery boxes now?" he asked, standing at the foot of the bed.

"Pop, get out," Becky said flatly. Normally, she wouldn't care, but she could sense how uncomfortable Freen was. With a huff, Pop turned around and walked out, leaving the two girls alone again.

Becky turned to Freen, who was blushing deeply, rivaling a tomato. "Hey, I'm sorry about that. I'll talk to him," Becky said, trying to soothe her. "He's my friend and personal assistant, and he's not used to me having anyone stay the night," she explained.

"That was embarrassing," Freen muttered from beneath the sheets, refusing to come out.

"You're so cute," Becky couldn't help but laugh. "You have nothing to hide. You're absolutely beautiful," she said, gently trying to remove the sheet again.

Finally, coming down from her embarrassment, Freen emerged from beneath the sheets. "Have you really not had people stay the night?" she asked, wanting to confirm.

Becky smiled warmly. "I haven't," she confirmed proudly.
"Not even people you've dated?" Freen asked, curiosity piqued and feeling a bit special knowing Becky had made an exception for her.

"They had their own places," Becky replied. "Plus, I've only had one real relationship, and we were never home long enough to do any of that." Her voice carried a hint of sadness.

Freen noticed the shift immediately. "I'm sorry for prying. You don't have to tell me anything," she said, reaching out to hold Becky's hand.

"After last night, babe, you can ask me anything," Becky teased, nuzzling into Freen's side and tickling her.

Freen smiled at being called "babe." "Why did you let me stay?" she asked, subconsciously tilting her neck to give Becky more access. She let out a soft "Hrmmm" as Becky licked her neck.

Becky lifted her head slightly, already missing Freen's skin. "To be honest, I'm not sure," she said, looking into Freen's eyes. "I just knew I didn't want you to go."

Freen felt a warm glow from Becky's sweet side. Leaning up, she gave Becky a soft kiss on the lips, both of them smiling widely.

"Bec! Hurry up, you have an appointment!" Pop shouted from outside, causing both girls to laugh and hug each other.

"Coming!" Becky yelled back, then turned to Freen with a reassuring look. "As for you, I enjoy getting to know you—all of you," she said, running her hands over Freen's body. "But for me, this is more than just sex or playful flirting. I'm not rushing anything; I just hope you'll let me continue to get to know you better," Becky said sincerely.

Freen couldn’t help but smile widely at Becky’s words. Though a part of her still felt insecure due to their different backgrounds, she wondered if this could open her up to a new perspective on social class. “Can I ask you something?” she added, thinking about her conversation with Richie.

“Anything,” Becky replied quickly.

“We’re from different worlds—what if I don’t fit into your current way of life? What if I can’t keep up with all your extravagance?” Freen asked honestly.

Becky gave her a curious look but smiled. “This is the second time you’ve mentioned us being from different worlds—did something happen?” she asked.

With a quick sigh, Freen hesitated but then decided to share. “Your brother visited me yesterday and said some things that made me think. It’s not every day that someone like you shows interest in someone like me,” she explained.

Becky made a mental note to talk to her brother because his behavior wasn’t acceptable in her book. “Don’t listen to him. Trust me,” she said, gently holding Freen’s chin. “I told you this last night and I’ll say it again. I want to be a part of your world, even if it’s just a small part.”

Freen felt her insecurities melting away with Becky’s reassurances. Leaning up, she kissed Becky, wrapping her arm around the shorter girl’s neck and pulling her down until their naked bodies were flush against each other.

“You two need to stop being so horny. We gotta go, Bec!” Pop’s voice shocked them for the second time that morning as he poked his head in to interrupt.

“I hate him,” Freen said, turning red again. Becky couldn’t help but laugh heartily.

“You’ll grow to love him,” Becky assured her. “I have to get going, but you can stay as long as you want. Rust can take you anywhere you need to go. I’ll see you again tonight?”

“I can’t wait,” Freen replied with a smile as both girls got out of bed to get ready for the day.

–------

Becky was now sitting in the car with Pop, heading to the shoot location. Her mind was preoccupied, especially after the unsettling phone call she received the night before. A thousand scenarios raced through her head about what might have happened, leaving her emotions a tangled mix of sadness and worry. The happiness she had felt earlier, the thrill of spending the night exploring each other with Freen, was overshadowed by her concerns. Yet, despite feeling off, the thought of Freen still brought a warm smile to her face.

“How was it?” Pop's voice interrupted her thoughts.

“How was what?” Becky turned to ask, slightly disoriented.

“Last night with your girl. You have a goofy smile on your face,” Pop pointed out.

“She’s not my girl, Pop, and show her some respect. You scared her this morning. She’s not used to all this,” Becky defended.

“Well, she needs to get used to it,” Pop replied.

Pop's comment struck a nerve, and Becky responded more sharply than usual. “Why do we expect her to get used to us? Why can’t I be the one to get used to her and her life? Or better yet, no one needs to get used to anything. We’re two people getting to know each other and enjoying our time together. Whatever we are or do, it’s none of anyone’s business, and you all need to stop giving your two cents,” Becky snapped.

“Whoa - I’m sorry I interrupted this morning. Maybe I should have let you two finish.” Pop replied half jokingly, not fazed by Becky snapping but rather worried that something else is concerning her. “Everything alright?” Pop asked more seriously.

“No but I’ll deal with it later. I need you to set up a couple of things for me today.” Becky replied, carrying a serious tone. “Tell Richie I’m coming to see him after my shoot. I need you to send a box to the penthouse for Freen and some tulips. Also, after my chat with Richie, you can take the rest of the day off. I have a private meeting tonight.” Becky told him.

“Got it.” Pop took notes on his iPad. Pop knows that when Becky has a private meeting it's business  that was closed off, even to him. Becky didn’t say anything else the rest of their way to her photoshoot and Pop didn’t push it. 

–------

Back at the penthouse, Freen finished getting ready and noticed that someone had prepared a delightful brunch for her. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries filled the air, inviting her to indulge. She took a moment to appreciate the thoughtful gesture before deciding to explore the expansive living room.

As she walked around, Freen was struck by the sheer opulence of the place. The massive glass wall offered a breathtaking view of Central Park, the greenery contrasting starkly with the urban landscape beyond. Despite its luxury, the penthouse felt vast and a bit empty, a stark reminder of the solitude that often accompanies such grandeur. She couldn't help but wonder how Becky felt staying here alone, surrounded by so much space yet potentially feeling isolated.

Freen’s thoughts drifted to her own modest apartment, where she lived with Nam. It might be small, but it was cozy and filled with warmth and familiarity. The contrast between the two living spaces made her realize how much she valued the comfort and companionship of her humble home. She wondered if Becky ever felt the same way, craving connection and simplicity amidst her luxurious lifestyle.
 
Freen was about to leave when she noticed a black box sitting by the elevator door. A mix of excitement and unease washed over her as she approached it. Things appearing out of nowhere seemed to be a regular occurrence in Becky’s world, adding an element of mystery to her life. Despite the oddity, Freen admitted that Becky’s unpredictable ways added a sprinkle of excitement to her day.

Curious, she made her way over to the box, opened it, and grabbed the familiar note card inside. Flipping it over, she eagerly read its contents, her heart racing with anticipation.

Token for your thoughts? 
10pm tonight. - B

Freen was a bit puzzled by the note and decided to investigate the contents of the box further. As she lifted the tissue paper, she found a gold coin with "The Club" elegantly engraved on it. Her confusion deepened; she wasn't sure what the coin meant but assumed it was part of Becky's usual mysterious plans for the evening.

Continuing her exploration, Freen discovered a stunning silky black dress beneath the coin. She smiled, realizing this must be what she was supposed to wear for their rendezvous tonight. With a mix of curiosity and anticipation, she gathered the items and headed towards the elevator, descending to the garage where Rust was waiting to take her home. 

Walking through the door of her apartment, Freen was immediately greeted by Nam, who stood there with a suspicious look and a mug of coffee in her hand. Freen met her friend's gaze, knowing exactly what Nam was going to ask but not wanting to be the first to speak.

“You didn’t come home last night,” Nam said flatly, her tone laced with suspicion rather than concern.

“I know,” Freen replied, her voice cautious.

“Are you really going to make me ask?” Nam said, her annoyance evident as she narrowed her eyes at Freen.

“I stayed at Becky’s,” Freen finally admitted, feeling the weight of Nam's scrutiny.

“That much I figured, but what I want to know is, did you two do the nasty?” Nam asked bluntly, her suspicion palpable.

Freen's cheeks flushed crimson as she hesitated, feeling uncomfortable under Nam's penetrating gaze. With a reluctant nod, she confirmed her friend's suspicions, unable to shake the feeling of being interrogated.

“Oh my God, you did!” Nam exclaimed, her tone a mix of disbelief and incredulity. “How was it? I bet it was good. Becky just seems like someone who would be incredible in bed.” Nam was not holding back and Freen couldn’t help but blush even more. “Oh, look at you. You loved it!” Nam was enjoying teasing Freen.

“It was…” Freen started to say, struggling to find the right words to convey the experience. “Let’s just say, I barely slept,” she added with a shy smile, before turning away and heading towards her room, leaving a shell-shocked Nam in her wake.

As Freen disappeared into her room, Nam stood there, her expression a mix of astonishment and pride for her friend. She couldn’t help but nod in silent approval, knowing that Freen had a good night.

–------

On the other side of town, Becky had just wrapped up her photoshoot and was now on her way to see her brother at his office. As she settled into the car, she took out her phone and sent a quick text to Freen. Moments later, her phone buzzed with an almost immediate reply, bringing a smile to her face.

B: Thinking of you.
F: What about me?
B: I’ll show you later ;)

Becky didn't receive a reply, but she was okay with that. With a smile, she gazed out the window for the remainder of the journey to her brother's office. Upon arriving at Armstrong Enterprise, she asked Pop to wait for her in the car. As she made her way up to Richie’s office, she knew there were many things they needed to discuss, but his conversation with Freen was at the forefront of her mind.

“Bec!” Richie greeted his sister enthusiastically when she arrived, opening his arms for a hug. Becky, however, walked past him and took a seat on one of his office couches.

“What did you say to Freen?” Becky went straight to the point, her tone sharp.

Richie sighed, anticipating this conversation. “Did she come running to you about it?” he accused.

“You really think using Pop to set up the meeting wasn’t going to get back to me?” Becky countered, her eyes narrowing.

“You seem smitten by this simple journalist, so I wanted to test her and see if she’s just in it for the insider scoop. You can’t fault me for being cautious, considering who we are,” Richie defended himself.

“Her intentions are with me, not you, so it’s none of your business who I’m ‘smitten’ by,” Becky shot back, growing increasingly annoyed.

“Alright, I got it. She’s off-limits,” Richie said, raising his hands in surrender. “I’ll apologize when I get a chance.”

“Thank you,” Becky said, relaxing slightly.

“That being said, we have more important things to discuss,” Richie said, his tone turning serious.

“I know. We’ll talk about it tonight, but I think it’s a message,” Becky replied, her worry evident.

“A message to you?” Richie asked, his curiosity piqued.

“Not here. We called a meeting for tonight,” Becky added, her voice dropping to a whisper.

“Sounds good. I’ll see you then,” Richie agreed as Becky got up to leave. 

Becky and Richie had a generally good relationship, but Richie’s overprotective tendencies often rubbed Becky the wrong way. While his intentions were good, his approach frequently caused unnecessary friction. Becky was well aware of the complexities of their world and felt a strong need to shield Freen from its harsh realities. At the same time, she valued transparency and wanted to be honest with Freen about everything. Life as an Armstrong was challenging, and Becky was determined to navigate it carefully.

The rest of the day was busy for both Becky and Freen. Becky spent her hours meticulously organizing information and conducting thorough research in preparation for the crucial group meeting later that evening. She sifted through countless documents and digital files, making notes and piecing together a coherent narrative of the unfolding situation. Her focus was unwavering, though the weight of the impending discussions loomed heavily on her mind.

Meanwhile, Freen dedicated her day to crafting her article on Becky. She sat at her small, cluttered desk, her laptop open in front of her, fingers flying over the keyboard. The ticking clock served as a constant reminder of her looming deadline, just a week away.

Freen’s mind wandered back to the previous night, replaying moments of intimacy and vulnerability. She knew this piece had to capture not just the public persona of Becky Armstrong but also the layers beneath. She wanted her readers to see the woman she was beginning to know, the one who was both powerful and profoundly human. As she typed, she struggled to find the right balance between professional objectivity and the personal insights she had gained.

Both women were deeply engrossed in their tasks, their separate worlds filled with tension and anticipation for the evening ahead.

Freen found herself in Becky’s private elevator once again, still feeling nervous no matter how many times she had ridden in it. Blushing slightly, she recalled how Becky had trailed hot kisses down her neck in this very same elevator. Before her thoughts could take flight, the elevator door dinged, signaling her arrival at Becky’s penthouse.

Stepping out of the elevator, Freen noticed a note on the side table. It was from Becky, explaining that she would be a little late and suggesting that Freen relax until she arrived. Freen did just that, pouring herself a glass of wine that had been left waiting for her. She wandered out to the cozy balcony, where the chill air brushed against her skin. Leaning on the tall glass railing, she took in the breathtaking sight of the city at night. The New York skyline was a dazzling array of lights, and seeing it from this height was nothing short of spectacular.

As she sipped her wine, Freen reflected on the events of the past week and how surreal it all seemed. She could never have imagined that a simple work assignment would lead her to where she was now—peeling back the layers of the rich and famous while falling for someone so deeply intertwined with that world.

“Do you like the dress I picked out for you?” Becky’s voice came from behind, startling Freen out of her reverie.

Turning around, Freen saw Becky standing there, a playful smile on her face. Freen smiled back, her nerves easing at the sight of Becky. “Not really, want to help me take it off?” Freen shot back confidently, giving Becky a dose of her own medicine.

Becky’s smile widened at Freen’s boldness, and she stepped closer to the taller girl. “Are you trying to beat me at my own game?” Becky asked, her hand gently brushing a strand of hair away from Freen’s soft cheek.

“Not beat. Just want to join,” Freen replied, doing her best not to falter under Becky’s delicate touch.

Becky leaned in and gave Freen a soft kiss on the lips before moving to whisper in her ear, “Then let me show you how it’s played.” She nibbled at Freen’s earlobe, sending a shiver down her spine.

Taking the glass of wine from Freen’s hand, Becky placed it on the side table nearby. She then traced her hand gently down Freen’s neck, continuing down her front until she reached the hem of the short dress. Becky hiked the dress up higher, revealing Freen wasn’t wearing anything underneath. “Oh?” Becky uttered, surprised and delighted by Freen’s bold choice. She looked up at Freen, who was biting her lip in anticipation of what was to come.

With a mischievous glint in her eye, Becky let her fingers trail higher, teasing and exploring. “You’re full of surprises,” she murmured, her touch making Freen’s breath hitch.

“I’m just learning,” Freen managed to say, her voice shaky with excitement.

Becky chuckled softly and leaned in to kiss Freen again, deeper this time. “Then let’s see what else I can show you,” she whispered against Freen’s lips before dropping to her knees.

Freen gasped as Becky took one of her long, smooth legs and draped it over her shoulder, bringing her mere inches away from her goal. Becky inhaled deeply, savoring Freen's intoxicating scent, and let her hands caress Freen's thighs, her touch light and teasing. The anticipation in the air was palpable, and Freen's breaths grew shallow with every second that passed.

With a wicked smile, Becky looked up at Freen, her eyes dark with desire. “Look at me,” she demanded, her voice low and husky. Freen obeyed, locking eyes with Becky. Without warning, Becky snaked her tongue out and ran it up the length of Freen’s folds, eliciting a sharp gasp from Freen as her eyes rolled back in pleasure. 

The sensation was electric, and Becky continued her slow, deliberate movements, savoring every reaction she drew from Freen. Freen's fingers tangled in Becky’s hair, her grip tightening with each teasing flick of Becky’s tongue. The intensity of the moment was almost overwhelming, a testament to the powerful connection they were forging with every touch and every glance.
 
Becky wasn’t content with just simple licks; she wanted to savor every inch of Freen's pleasure. Positioning her tongue at Freen’s entrance, she eagerly delved inside, relishing in the sensation of Freen's response. Freen's grip on Becky’s head tightened as she began to move her hips in rhythm with Becky’s motions, riding the waves of pleasure that surged through her. With each movement, Freen guided Becky's actions, their connection intensifying with every passionate thrust.

“Oh god…” Freen moaned, teetering on the edge of ecstasy. Responding to Freen’s plea, Becky intensified her efforts, sucking on Freen’s clit with fervor. With a final, firm lick, Freen was sent spiraling into oblivion, her body trembling as she reached the peak of pleasure, waves of ecstasy crashing over her as she came hard against Becky’s mouth.

Getting up, Becky held onto the trembling girl before her, a smirk of satisfaction playing on her lips. “You taste so good,” she whispered, leaning in to kiss Freen, allowing her to taste herself on her tongue.

Freen, still catching her breath, managed a playful remark, “That tongue of yours is something else…”

“There’s so much more I want to do to you…” Becky began to say, her voice laced with desire, but she knew they needed to leave soon. “But we have to get going,” she added between kisses, gently helping Freen adjust her dress. 

Moments later, Becky and Freen had freshened up from their little activity and were in the car, heading to their location. “Did you bring the coin from the gift?” Becky asked as Freen as they arrived at a place she didn’t recognize in the city.

“Yes - what is it for?” Freen asked curiously.

“I’ll tell you when we are inside.” Becky said as she placed her hand on the wall, which Freen felt was weird. But before she knew it the plain wall in front of them slid open, revealing a secret elevator. Freen looked over at Becky confused. “I want to ask that tonight you trust me.” Becky replied a bit more serious than normal. “I’m going to show you a part of my life that only a select few knows about.” Becky added as they got into the elevator. 

Freen still didn’t say anything but nodded as she looked at Becky, putting her trust in the smaller girl. The elevator doors opened to a beautiful open space with seatings. 

“I’m part of a secret society…” Becky let out to which Freen gasped. “Welcome to The Club.”

To be continued…

Chapter Text

Previously…
“I’m part of a secret society…” Becky let out to which Freen gasped. “Welcome to The Club.”

“What?” Freen replied, utterly shocked, her eyes widening as she tried to process the revelation. “Like in the movies?”

“I guess?” Becky replied with a hint of amusement, watching Freen's reaction unfold.

“Not funny, Becky! You’re telling me that rich, famous people actually have little exclusive secret clubs? Like, what do you do? Plan extravagant parties because it’s a Monday and you need each other’s resources?” Freen babbled, her voice tinged with disbelief as she took in her surroundings, trying to make sense of it all.

“Freen, it’s okay. Take a seat. Let me explain everything to you before the rest arrive,” Becky said, her tone gentle as she guided Freen to sit on one of the plush couches in the opulent room. Freen compiled, her mind still reeling from the unexpected revelation.

“I’m sorry I reacted that way. It’s a bit surreal. I’m still trying to wrap my head around knowing you, so all this is a bit shocking,” Freen admitted, her expression a mixture of confusion and curiosity.

“No need to apologize, love. I completely understand. And it might be even more overwhelming as I fill you in on other information, but I want you to know that I have my reasons for telling you, and I hope you trust me,” Becky said sincerely, reaching out to reassure Freen with a comforting touch as they prepared for the conversation ahead.

“I do, and it’ll take me some time to process, but I trust you,” Freen answered earnestly, her gaze steady as she met Becky's eyes.

“Also, I’m not sure if I emphasized the secrecy aspect of all this, but you cannot talk about whatever you learn here with anyone else, and I mean anyone. That includes not mentioning any of this in your story about me,” Becky explained firmly, her tone leaving no room for ambiguity.

“Now, I ask for your trust. I won’t say anything to anyone,” Freen confirmed, reaching out to softly touch Becky’s cheek in reassurance.

“I’m glad,” Becky replied warmly, turning to press a gentle kiss on Freen's palm. “Okay, so to summarize, we are a group of individuals who have come together with a singular objective: battling corruption within our social class. Yes, we are well off financially and have connections, but because of these resources, we have eyes on the exclusive scene and see how some people abuse their power or get away with heinous things by paying to cover it up. We strive to expose it as much as possible. We use our influence to hold them accountable. We’re like Batman!” Becky explained passionately as Freen listened intently, absorbing every word.

“That’s very brave of you all. I mean, wouldn’t that potentially put targets on your back?” Freen asked, her concern evident in her voice.

“Yes, that’s a high possibility because even though we are highly secretive, we’re also dealing with people who have an extreme amount of resources. So far, nothing bad has happened until last night…” Becky began, her voice dropping slightly.

“Last night? You were with me last night—what happened?” Freen asked, her worry evident.

Becky was about to explain the phone call she received when the elevator doors opened, and a group of people walked out, chatting animatedly. “Becky, how are you…” a girl greeted as she made her way to the seating area. Her tone shifted when she noticed Freen. “Wait, who is that?”

“That’s Freen!” a tall boy spoke up from behind the girl, stepping forward to be seen. “I met her at Becky’s masquerade party last week.” He explained, and Freen waved, recalling their brief encounter. “No, but really, Becky—what is she doing here?” He added, as puzzled as the girl.

“Can everyone please take a seat, and I’ll explain,” Becky spoke up, her authoritative tone halting the chatter. The members took their respective seats around the room, eyes fixed on Becky expectantly.

“Thank you, everyone, for making the time to come tonight,” Becky began, her voice steady as she prepared to address the group. "Last night, I received a phone call with some really bad news..." Becky started, her voice trembling slightly before she steadied herself. "Lin is dead." The room erupted in gasps of disbelief, and whispers filled the space as everyone turned to each other in shock. Becky glanced at Freen, who had her hand over her mouth in surprise. Becky gave her an apologetic look before turning her attention back to the room.

“What happened?” One of them asked. 

"We don't have many details yet, but I’m working on getting more details," Becky continued, "Her death was not an accident. It was a message." She added.

The room fell into a heavy silence, the weight of the news sinking in. Freen, still processing the shocking announcement, reached out and squeezed Becky’s hand, offering silent support.

"Do you think that message is specifically for you, B?" another member asked, concern evident in their voice.

Becky looked at them and nodded sadly. "I do," she confirmed. "That's why I invited Freen here tonight and ask that you all trust me. She will need our protection." Freen looked at Becky curiously, trying to understand the gravity of the situation.

"Ohhhhh..." the tall boy from earlier said, as if a light bulb had just gone off in his head. "You two are dating!" he exclaimed excitedly.

"We're not—uh, we're getting to know each other," Becky stammered, her usual confidence faltering slightly. "Can we get back to the more important topic?" she requested, trying to steer the conversation back on track.

"You're scared they'll do to her what they did to Lin?" the girl from before spoke up.

"I am. Eventually, news about Freen and me might surface, and whoever got to Lin might try to do the same to Freen," Becky explained.

"Excuse me," Freen interjected softly, drawing everyone's attention. "I'm just trying to wrap my head around all this. It's a lot to take in. Who's Lin, and why would I be in the same situation?"

"Oh! She doesn't know. Girl..." the boy chimed in again.

Becky took a deep breath and turned to Freen. "Lin and I used to date," she began, watching as Freen's eyes widened in surprise.

"Used to date?" one of the members interjected. "You two were engaged!" they added, earning a stern glare from Becky.

"I need some air..." Freen said, standing up abruptly. She wasn't sure where to go until one of the members kindly pointed her towards a nearby exit.

“Go after her.” Everyone said in agreement to Becky who got up in a hurry to follow Freen.

In another room, Freen paced back and forth, trying to process everything she had just learned. The sheer volume of information overwhelmed her, making it difficult to think clearly. She couldn't decide whether to be upset with Becky for springing this on her so unexpectedly or to feel honored that Becky trusted her with such a massive secret.

Her thoughts raced as she replayed the conversation in her head. Lin, an ex-fiancée, was dead, and now Freen herself might be in danger. She couldn't believe the turn her life had taken since meeting Becky. The glamorous world she had glimpsed was far more complex and perilous than she had ever imagined.

Freen paused and took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. She knew she had to talk to Becky, to understand why she had been brought into this world and what it all meant for their burgeoning relationship. As confused and frightened as she felt, she couldn't deny the warmth she felt from Becky’s trust. That trust, however, came with a heavy burden and a new reality she had to accept.

And as if the universe had heard her thoughts, Becky walked into the room, her soft features etched with concern. Freen immediately walked over to her, taking hold of her hands.

"This is a lot," Freen began, her voice steady but strained.

Becky frowned, clearly worried. "I wish you had talked to me about it before bringing me here," Freen continued. "It might have made the information easier to handle."

"I'm not mad at you," Freen added, squeezing Becky's hands. "I'm just confused and overwhelmed. And to be honest, I'm a little bit terrified for my life."

Becky looked at her with a mix of regret. "I’m sorry. I should have prepared you better. I just didn’t want to keep you in the dark and things here tend to move quickly. Your safety is my priority."

Freen took a deep breath, nodding slowly. "I understand. I’ll need more time to really process everything though." Freen added to which Becky nodded in understanding. 

Becky laced her fingers with Freen’s and took a deep breath. "I'm sorry you got dragged into this. I never meant to put your life in danger," she said, looking down at their intertwined hands.

"Don't do that," Freen said sternly. "Yes, I didn't expect all this, and it is a bit crazy, like I'm in a movie, absolutely!" She explained, "But meeting you has been the most thrilling experience of my life. Now that I know you and have had a taste... I don't think I can stop."

Freen squeezed Becky’s hands reassuringly. "I trust you to keep me safe. And besides, I'm pretty good at taking care of myself as well." 

Becky looked up, her eyes meeting Freen's with a mixture of relief and admiration. "You’re amazing."

"I know," Freen replied with a confident smile. "We'll talk about your ex-fiancé later, but for now, can you tell me who those people are out there?"

Becky nodded, feeling a bit of relief. "Let's go," Becky said, squeezing Freen's hand before leading her back to the main room.

As they reentered, Becky gestured to the group. "We’re back," she said, taking a seat again. She turned to Freen, ready to make introductions. "Let me introduce you to everyone. Over here," Becky began, pointing to a tall boy, "this is Daniel – we call him Danny. He’s a major investor in the CCRB, which keeps tabs on the New York police force. But what he’s really good at is causing chaos himself," she added with a smile.

Danny grinned. "If not me, then who? Nice to meet you, Freen – you’re absolutely gorgeous," he flirted, only to be cut off by one of the other members.

"And off limits, Danny!" It was the first girl Freen met earlier. "Hi, I’m Lisa Harrison," the girl introduced herself.

"Lisa, or LH, is the youngest board member of New York’s largest investment firm. Lots of corruption there," Becky added.

Becky pointed to the gentleman next to Lisa. "That’s Jay Miller, or Mils. He’s a senior partner at one of New York’s most prestigious law firms. We call on Mils for any and all types of support."

"That’s Jas, short for Jasmine – CEO of Public Affairs Agency, a PR firm," Becky continued, pointing to a woman who nodded in acknowledgment. "Then there’s Jean over there, who looks like she hates everyone. She’s the Chair of the review board Danny invests in." Becky pointed at a stern-looking woman in the back. 

Freen looked around, smiling at everyone. "Last but not least, we have Dr. Stacy, NYC's youngest chief surgeon," Becky finished.

"Wow," Freen let out, flabbergasted by the sheer power in the room. Everyone was so accomplished. 

Becky smiled at Freen’s reaction. "We all bring something unique to the table." She said, “Everyone, this is Freen and she’s a new journalist at The Times.”

“Can we trust her? She is a journalist after all,” Jean spoke up, her tone skeptical.

“If you trust me, then you can trust her,” Becky replied immediately, her voice firm.

“Works for us,” Jasmine answered, and the others nodded in agreement. “Although a thorough background check wouldn’t hurt,” she added.

“Feel free – I have nothing to hide,” Freen spoke up, only slightly intimidated by the powerful group before her.

“Oh, I like her,” Danny commented on Freen’s confident response.

“We know. Keep it in your pants before Becky comes for you,” Lisa teased, causing everyone to laugh, including Freen.

Becky smiled, relieved to see Freen fitting in. "Alright, now that we’re all acquainted, let’s get down to business."

As the discussion progressed, Freen couldn't help but marvel at the diversity of expertise within the group. Daniel, with his charismatic demeanor, seemed adept at navigating complex financial systems, while Lisa exuded an air of authority as she discussed the intricacies of corporate governance. Jasmine's strategic thinking and Jean's sharp analytical skills complemented each other perfectly, while Mils provided invaluable legal insights with his extensive experience. Even Dr. Stacy, with her calm demeanor and practical approach, offered valuable perspectives on the medical aspects of the investigation.

Amidst this dynamic exchange, Becky's leadership shone brightly. With a blend of diplomacy and decisiveness, she guided the group through the complexities of the case, seamlessly integrating their diverse talents and resources. Freen found herself drawn into the intensity of the discussion, feeling privileged to witness firsthand the collective determination to uncover the truth.

As the meeting drew to a close, Freen couldn't shake the sense of awe at the depth of commitment and expertise assembled in the room. Each member brought their unique strengths to the table, united by a shared goal: justice for Lin. And at the helm of it all stood Becky, a beacon of strength and resilience.

As the elevator descended, Freen couldn't help but feel the weight of the evening's revelations settling in. She turned to Becky, her expression reflecting a mix of curiosity and concern. "Was she a member?" Freen inquired softly as the car began its descent.

Becky clasped Freen's hand, drawing comfort from the connection. "Lin? No," she replied with a hint of melancholy in her voice. "She wasn't part of The Club. In fact, she didn't know anything about it or what I did. I think that's why our relationship struggled," Becky explained, her gaze drifting to the floor. "I couldn't fully share that part of my life with her, and she could sense it. It created a divide between us." 

Freen listened attentively, sensing the depth of Becky's emotions. She squeezed Becky's hand reassuringly, silently offering her support and understanding. “Is there a service for her?” Freen asked.

“I think so, but I don’t think her family would like me there. We didn’t end things on good terms.”  Becky answered sadly. 

“How about you do something for her privately? She was someone that you once loved, you’re allowed to mourn for her.” Freen suggested.

“You’re amazing. Most people won’t be as understanding.” Becky replied, reaching up to rub Freen’s soft cheeks.

“There are still things I need to process and truth be told, it's a lot to take in. I can’t say that I’m not a little skeptical and worried but I do trust you. Just give me a little time to think things through.” Freen said honestly.

“I’ll have Rust take you home first then. I want to respect your request. Take all the time you need.” Becky agreed with a hint of sadness. 

The ride back to Freen’s apartment felt like a journey through a fog of uncertainty, with each passing minute thickening the air of unease between them. They sat in the car, the engine's hum the only sound in the otherwise stifling silence. Freen couldn't shake the feeling of discomfort as she tried to process the onslaught of information bombarding her mind.

The streetlights cast fleeting shadows across the interior of the car, emphasizing the weight of the situation. Freen's fingers drummed nervously on her lap, a subconscious attempt to dispel the tension that had settled between them like an unwelcome guest. The potential danger lurking in the shadows loomed large in her thoughts, casting a dark cloud over her usually composed demeanor.

As they navigated the familiar streets, Freen couldn't help but feel a pang of unease gnawing at her insides. Her usual understanding nature seemed to wane in the face of the looming threat, replaced by a growing sense of apprehension that seemed to seep into every corner of her being.

The shift in their connection felt like a seismic tremor beneath Becky's feet. She had been honest about everything, presenting a part of her life in a way she hadn't done with anyone else. But now, as they sat in uneasy silence, Becky couldn't shake the gnawing fear that her openness might push Freen away. The weight of uncertainty pressed down on her chest, each breath feeling heavier than the last.

Becky glanced out of the window, watching the passing scenery blur into streaks of color. She couldn't help but replay their recent conversations in her mind, dissecting every word and gesture for signs of rejection. The possibility that Freen might choose to distance herself loomed large, casting a shadow over Becky's heart.

In the midst of her worry, Becky couldn't help but wonder if Freen's earlier reservations about their differences were now manifesting into reality. It was a painful thought, one that she pushed away with a heavy sigh. But deep down, she couldn't shake the fear that perhaps they were indeed two ships passing in the night, destined for different horizons. Loneliness seeping back in. 

The car rolled to a stop in front of Freen’s apartment, the quiet tension between them palpable. They exchanged a hesitant glance, both feeling the weight of the unspoken words hanging in the air. "Just give me some time, okay?" Freen finally broke the silence, her voice soft yet firm. Relief washed over Becky, her shoulders relaxing slightly.

Freen leaned over, her lips brushing gently against Becky’s in a tender kiss that sent a wave of warmth through her. "Goodnight," Freen murmured, her breath mingling with Becky’s for a fleeting moment before she pulled away and opened the car door.

"Goodnight," Becky responded, her voice tinged with longing. The lingering sensation of Freen's kiss sent sparks through her, and she wished she could hold her close for the night. But she understood Freen's need for space and time. As she watched Freen walk towards the lobby, Becky’s protective instincts kicked in, her eyes following Freen until she was safely inside and the elevator doors closed behind her.

Becky sighed deeply, signaling Rust to take her home. Her gaze drifted to the passing scenery, but her thoughts remained with Freen. Unbeknownst to them, across the street, a car sat in the shadows. Inside, a hooded figure watched intently, camera in hand. The figure snapped several photos of Freen exiting the SUV and entering the apartment complex, a smirk playing on their lips. "Got you," the person muttered under their breath before starting the car and driving off into the night, leaving an unsettling sense of foreboding in their wake.

Chapter Text

Previously, Becky had opened up to Freen, revealing her involvement in a secret society known as The Club. This group, composed of influential individuals, used their power and resources to combat corruption within their social class. In addition to introducing Freen to The Club, Becky shared a painful truth: her ex-fiancé had likely been murdered as a warning, a revelation that now placed Freen in potential danger due to her association with Becky. Despite her efforts to be supportive and understanding, Freen found herself overwhelmed by the flood of information and asked Becky for some time to process it all.

In the soft glow of early morning light, Freen sat at the kitchen island, cradling a warm cup of tea. She stared absently at the delicate tendrils of steam curling upward, her mind lost in thought. The stillness of the morning was broken only by the occasional hum of the refrigerator. Freen was waiting for Nam so they could head out to work together, trying to ground herself in the familiar routine.

Nam soon appeared, her presence filling the kitchen with a sense of energy. She joined Freen on the stool next to her, casting a quick, curious glance at the stack of black gift boxes piled on the side table in the living room. Her brow furrowed as she turned her attention back to Freen, concern etched on her face.

"Are you really not going to see her again? What on earth happened?" Nam's voice was a mix of confusion and worry, her eyes searching Freen's for answers. Freen sighed, the weight of the past few days pressing down on her as she took another sip of her tea, struggling to find the right words to explain. It had been three days since Freen last spoke to Becky, and she still wasn’t sure how she felt about everything. Seeing the beautiful socialite now would only confuse her further, as she couldn't resist the magnetic pull Becky had on her.

“It’s nothing. She told me some things, and I just need time to process it,” Freen replied honestly.

“What, did she tell you she killed someone or something?” Nam joked, but Freen’s sharp look made her pause. “Oh my god, that’s not it, right?” Nam asked, her tone shifting to serious concern.

“Of course not! Nothing like that,” Freen answered immediately. “It’s personal,” she added, her voice softer.

“I respect that, but I also love you and want to make sure you’re taken care of. If Becky is too much, then it’s okay to walk away,” Nam reminded her friend gently, “But can I keep the gifts?” Nam added to lighten the mood. 

Freen cracked a smile and rolled her eyes at her friend. As wild as Nam could be, she was the one person Freen could always count on to make things better. Nam’s support was a constant comfort, making it even harder for Freen to deal with the whole Becky situation, especially since she couldn’t share the secret with her friend and roommate. “Ready to go?” Freen asked, taking a final sip of her tea and standing up to leave.

As they opened the front door, they were greeted by a small black box sitting neatly on the welcome mat. It was elegantly wrapped, the glossy paper glinting in the morning light. “Well, she wanted to make sure you got it this time,” Nam commented, raising an eyebrow as Freen bent down to pick up the box.

Freen felt a mix of emotions—curiosity, guilt, and a touch of anticipation. She contemplated leaving it at home, but the thought of Becky's effort and the potential significance of the gift weighed on her. Reluctantly, she decided to place the box in her bag. Closing the door behind them, the two friends were off to work.

—

Across town, Becky slowly woke up, the weight of another mundane day settling over her. She lay naked in her bed, her fingers tracing the outline of the pillow that still carried Freen’s scent. The empty space beside her reminds her of Freen’s absence. Despite respecting Freen’s request for time to process everything, Becky couldn’t shake the hope that Freen would reach out. It had been three long days without a word. Freen’s absence at their usual midnight meeting only confirmed her need for space.

Becky’s mind wandered back to the event that had changed everything. She knew she had made the right choice in being honest with Freen, despite the risks. Freen had in a short period, made Becky feel more relaxed and free than she had in years. This sense of freedom was something Becky desperately craved, a stark contrast to the often suffocating life she led. 

Turning in her bed, Becky had no intention of getting up until she heard loud footsteps approaching. “You need to get up! We are not canceling another event,” Pop ordered as he stormed into her room.

“I’m not feeling well,” Becky lied, pulling the comforter over her head.

“No. You just had really good sex and the girl ghosted you, so now you’re sulking,” Pop corrected her, earning a pillow to the head. “I need you to stop acting like a baby, get up, and be an adult.”

“It’s not about the sex!” Becky exclaimed, frustration bubbling over.

“I don’t care what it was, Rebecca—get up. Get ready. The car is downstairs. You have a full day of press and then your Dior ambassador announcement and party this evening,” Pop announced firmly.

Groaning in frustration, Becky reluctantly pulled the comforter off her face. “Fine. Give me 20,” she muttered. Pop nodded and left the room.

Finally getting up, Becky knew she needed to shake off her mood. She might not feel like it, but she had professional commitments to uphold, and she was determined to honor her obligations. With a sigh, she steeled herself for the day ahead, knowing she had to push through her personal turmoil.

—

Both girls spent the majority of their day keeping busy, trying to distract themselves from their emotions and thoughts of each other. Once home, Freen decided she needed to work more on her story about Becky, using the little information she had gathered from their time together last week. Realizing she needed more material to write a compelling piece, Freen broke her streak and started researching Becky online. There was no shortage of information, both good and bad, and Freen had to carefully discern what was true based on the person she had come to know.

As she sifted through the pages of information, Freen came across a post about today’s event. She clicked on the video, and Becky’s face immediately filled the screen. Becky was giving interviews at what appeared to be a Dior event. Freen couldn’t help but replay the video several times, captivated by Becky’s elegant face and charismatic presence. The socialite exuded charm and navigated the crowd with ease, leaving Freen impressed. 

More videos popped up, and one in particular caught Freen’s attention. In the video, Becky was posing for photos with a beautiful girl, possibly another celebrity Freen didn’t recognize. The closeness between them made Freen uneasy. She watched as the other girl slid her arm around Becky’s waist, pulling her closer as they laughed at something amusing. 

Freen closed her laptop hastily, letting out a frustrated breath. "Of course she’s out there enjoying her time. Why wouldn’t she?" she muttered to herself, feeling a pang of jealousy as she got up to grab a glass of water.

While grabbing her water, Freen noticed the black box sticking out of her bag from that morning. She reached in to grab it, feeling the smooth, cool surface under her fingers, but still resisted the urge to open it. Placing it on her desk, she decided a relaxing bath might help her think things through more clearly.

After about an hour of soaking in the tub, surrounded by fragrant bubbles and the soft glow of candles, Freen felt her tension start to melt away. She returned to her room, drying her hair with a towel, feeling a bit more centered. Her eyes fell on the box again, its presence almost beckoning her.

She picked it up and a small smile spread across her face. She decided she was ready to talk to Becky again. Though Becky's secret activities still puzzled her, Freen was willing to hear more to gain a better understanding. 

Glancing at the clock, she realized she had less than an hour to get ready if she still wanted to make their rendezvous. Panic set in as she rushed to make herself presentable, her mind racing. She hoped Becky wasn’t upset by her silent treatment over the past few days. Finishing up, Freen grabbed the black box and headed out, hoping Rust was still waiting for her.

Once downstairs, Freen saw the familiar black SUV waiting. She hurried to open the door before Rust could get it for her, eager to finally see Becky.

As she settled into the back seat, the doors locked automatically with a loud click. Freen found this odd, but her alarm bells truly went off when a deep, unfamiliar voice greeted her. "Where's Rust?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

"He’s not feeling well today, so I’m taking over for him," the unknown man replied, his eyes cold and calculating as they met hers through the rearview mirror. Freen’s stomach churned with unease. Becky would have informed her if Rust wasn't going to be there, she thought, suspicion gnawing at her.

Her mind raced as she tried to make sense of the situation. Quietly, she began to reach for her phone, but her movements were noticed. The driver swiftly sprayed a gas-like substance towards her, making her cough.

Panic surged through her as her vision blurred and her limbs grew heavy. Desperately, she tried to fight the drowsiness overtaking her, but it was no use. The last thing she saw was the driver’s smirk before darkness claimed her, and she slumped into the seat, unconscious.

—

Somewhere in the city that never sleeps, Becky was pretending to enjoy the Dior after-party celebrating her ambassador announcement. She glanced at her phone, noting it was now past one in the morning. The thought of not spending the evening with Freen dampened her spirits even more. She stared at her phone, debating whether to call Freen, but ultimately decided against it, knowing she should let Freen make the next move. With a sigh, she tossed her phone aside and scanned the room, hoping to find Pop so they could leave soon. She wasn't in the mood for any more mingling.

Unable to locate Pop, Becky’s eyes landed on Jas across the room, signaling her to meet. The Club members were rarely seen together outside their secret spot for safety reasons and had developed discrete signals for public communication. Jas's signal indicated an emergency meeting.

Becky quickly grabbed her phone and texted Pop, letting him know not to worry about her and that she had an important meeting. Pop would understand and handle any necessary damage control if people asked about her absence. She grabbed her clutch, got up, and exited in the opposite direction of Jas to avoid drawing attention.

Once outside, she saw Rust waiting with the SUV. She hurried over and slipped into the back seat. "The Club," she instructed.

Rust wasted no time in getting Becky to the undisclosed location, and she hurried inside to meet the others.

"What’s going on?" Becky asked once she was inside, noticing that Danny and Mills weren't present.

"Sit down..." LH suggested.

"Did something happen to Danny and Mills too?" Becky asked, her worry mounting at the absence of her friends. With the recent news of Lin, she couldn’t shake the fear of other members being hurt.

Lisa shook her head and looked at Becky. "They’re fine, but they have her B," LH informed her.

Becky felt a wave of relief wash over her at the news of her friends' safety, but it was short-lived as she realized who LH was referring to—Freen. Panic surged through her as she got up and began to pace the floor.

"What do you mean they have her? And how do you know?" Becky questioned, her tone aggressive with fear.

"These were left in your car when Rust took a quick break. He immediately signaled us when he saw the content," Jas explained, handing Becky an envelope. Becky took it and opened it, her heart sinking at the sight of several photos inside. Among them were shots of Freen getting into an unmarked SUV and one of her tied to a chair with a blindfold on. Becky gasped as she realized Freen was unconscious in the photo.

"Before you panic—we know where she is," LH assured, observing Becky's distressed reaction to the photos.

Becky looked up at the other members, her emotions a turbulent mix of panic and curiosity. "What do you mean?" she asked urgently, her voice trembling.

"When you brought Freen here the other day and expressed your concerns about her safety, Mills had the idea of putting a tracker on her in case anything happened. Good thing we did," LH explained, her tone calm but serious.

"The minute we saw these photos, Danny and Mills tracked her location and they set off immediately with the squad," Jas added, handing Becky the iPad with a marked location. "We’re monitoring their progress and we’re ready to assist if necessary.”

Becky felt a mix of relief and fear. "Do they know who took her?" she asked, her mind racing with the possibilities.

"That, we don’t know," LH replied. "But you were right, someone is trying to send a message. We need to look over some of our recent cases."

Becky clenched her fists, trying to keep her composure. "I want to be there when they bring her back. I need to know she’s safe."

"You will be," Jas assured her.

Becky nodded, taking a deep breath to steady herself. "Just bring her back safe," she whispered, more to herself than anyone else. She sat down, gripping her phone tightly, ready to spring into action the moment she heard any news.

—

In a warehouse on the outskirts of the city, Freen stirred awake, groggy from the drug that had knocked her out earlier. As her senses returned, she realized she was tied to a chair and blindfolded. Panic set in as the reality of her kidnapping sank in. She wriggled desperately, hoping to loosen the ropes binding her, but it was futile.

"I would stay still if I were you," the same deep voice from the car echoed through the space. "Just sit and behave, and things will end a lot easier for you." She could sense him moving closer, his presence a looming threat. Although she couldn’t see him, the sound of his footsteps pacing impatiently back and forth made her skin crawl.

Time dragged on until she finally heard the ringing of a phone. The man answered, putting it on speaker.

"You need to leave," another male voice commanded.

"What? Do you know how much work it took to get her here?" the kidnapper replied, clearly irritated.

"Well, you didn't strip her of her things, so they tracked her location, you moron," the man on the line snapped. "Just leave her and get out of there. She will learn that she doesn’t belong in this world." The call ended abruptly. Something about the voice felt familiar to Freen, but she couldn't place it in her current state.

"It looks like it’s your lucky day," the kidnapper muttered. Before he could do anything else, there was a loud bang from behind Freen. "What the fuck?" he yelled, and she heard him running away. The cacophony of sounds that followed was overwhelming, making it hard for Freen to focus.

"Freen?" a familiar voice called out. "It’s okay, it’s me—Danny." Relief washed over her as she recognized his voice. She felt him untying her and removing the blindfold. "We got you," Danny reassured her.

"We?" Freen asked, her voice trembling.

"Yeah, the Club. Let’s get going before that doofus comes back. Becky is waiting for you," Danny told her with a smile. Freen couldn’t help but smile back, feeling a surge of relief.

"Here, let me help you," Danny said, lifting her gently into a bridal carry and heading towards the exit. They emerged outside where a helicopter awaited, Freen in Danny’s arms.

"Come, let me check on her," Dr. Stacy said as she helped Freen into the aircraft, immediately taking out her medical tools to examine her. 

"Let's go! What are you waiting for?" Freen heard Jean demanding towards the pilot.

"Calm down, I’m going!" the pilot shouted back. The entire flight was filled by their bickering. At one point, the pilot even threatened to jump.

Dr. Stacy noticed Freen’s reaction and offered a reassuring smile. "They’re always like that. That’s why we never let them stay in the same room for long."

"Who is that?" Freen asked, curiosity piqued.

"That’s Jude Jr.," Danny answered. "He’s another member of The Club, though he’s hard to get hold of. He disappears most of the time but pops back in when needed." Danny explained.
"Thank you for finding me," Freen spoke, her voice steadier now, though her mind was still reeling from the intensity of the night.

"It’s nothing. It’s what we do," Danny replied casually, though his eyes betrayed a hint of relief. "Just make sure you tell Becky that I saved you," he added with a playful grin.

"We all saved her, you asshole," Jean interjected, tossing a piece of her apple at Danny.

"I didn't see any of you risking your lives going into that warehouse to find her," Danny shot back, his tone tinged with defensiveness.

"YOU VOLUNTEERED AS TRIBUTE!'' Everyone, except Freen, chorused, laughter filling the cabin.

"Thank you, Danny," Freen said, offering him a grateful smile and reaching out to squeeze his hand.

"Don’t encourage his delulu, Freen," Dr. Stacy chimed in, earning another round of laughter from the group.

"Where are we going?" Freen finally asked, anticipation tingling in her veins as she can feel the helicopter starting to descend.

"We’re landing at Mills’ estate. He’s waiting for us and is researching who might have taken you. Once we arrive, we’ll regroup and head to the next location," Jean explained, her voice laced with determination. Freen nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude towards these people she just met.

Once on the ground, everyone disembarked from the helicopter except for Jude, who was preparing to take off again. “Thank you, JJ,” Freen said impulsively, giving the man a nickname without really thinking about it.

"Real." Jude replied with a grin before waving off. 

Freen followed the others into the spacious house, where Mills was waiting. "Freen, so glad you're alright," he greeted her warmly.

"Thanks to me," Danny chimed in with a smirk, earning a collective eye roll from everyone present.

"Thank you, everyone, truly," Freen said sincerely, grateful for their efforts.

"Let’s get going. We have a lot to discuss. I think I might have a lead on what’s going on," Mills announced, prompting everyone to nod in agreement and head towards their respective cars.

Freen approached her ride and spotted Rust. Without hesitation, she ran towards him and enveloped him in a warm, tight hug, tears welling up in her eyes. Rust was taken aback by Freen’s embrace but quickly wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly to ensure she felt safe before they headed out.

—

Back at The Club, Lisa received the news that Freen was safe and they were on their way back.

"Becky, she’s safe. She's on her way here now," Lisa announced, her voice carrying a mixture of joy and relief. Becky's eyes widened in disbelief before a surge of overwhelming emotion hit her. She rushed forward and pulled Lisa into a tight embrace, grateful beyond words.

"Thank you!" Becky whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. Tears of relief finally spilled down her cheeks. She can’t wait to have Freen back in her arms.

To be continued…

Chapter Text

Previously, Freen had taken several days to process everything, creating some distance between herself and Becky. Becky respected Freen's need for space, though it pained her as she missed the journalist deeply. Eventually, Freen decided she was ready to see Becky again, but before she could, she was kidnapped by someone targeting Becky specifically. However, The Club members were one step ahead, managing to track Freen's location and rescue her before any harm could be done.

Becky, LH, and Jas sat in the dimly lit lounge of The Club, waiting anxiously for the rest of the crew to arrive with Freen. The tension in the room was obvious. Becky couldn’t sit still; she paced back and forth, her mind racing with a mix of hope and dread. The anticipation of seeing Freen safe and sound was almost unbearable. She needed to see Freen, to hold her in her arms and never let go again.

Every creak of the building, every distant sound made her heart leap. Becky’s thoughts were a whirlwind. Amid her anxiety, a nagging worry gnawed at her: what if Freen resented her for bringing her into this dangerous situation? What if she blamed Becky for putting her life at risk? The thought was almost too painful to bear, but Becky knew she'd have to face that possibility eventually.

She glanced at LH and Jas, who were doing their best to stay calm. Jas kept checking her phone for updates, while LH sat quietly, her face a mask of focused determination. Becky took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. She knew that her sole focus right now had to be on Freen’s safety. Everything else could wait. She had to ensure Freen was protected from any future threats as well. 

As if an alarm had gone off, the ping of the elevator sounded, signaling its arrival. Becky’s heart raced as she rushed over to the doors, her breath catching in her throat. She watched with bated breath as the doors slid open slowly, revealing the people inside.

“She’s safe. I made sure,” Dr. Stacy assured Becky as they filed out of the elevator. Becky caught sight of Danny walking towards her, about to speak, but he was abruptly shoved sideways by Mills with a stern, “Not now.”

And then there she was. Freen emerged from the elevator, looking a bit pale, which immediately set off alarm bells in Becky’s mind. “Hi,” Becky greeted softly as their eyes met. Seeing Freen again, even under these circumstances, brought an overwhelming sense of relief. She had missed her so much, and having her in her presence again just felt right. However, she didn’t dare say anything else or even move, uncertain of how Freen was feeling at that moment.

But Freen looked up, meeting Becky’s gaze, and in that instant, all of her worries melted away. She sensed the worry in Becky’s eyes and knew she needed to reassure her. Taking two wide steps forward, Freen wrapped her arms around Becky’s waist. “Hi,” she replied just as softly as her touch.

Becky wasted no time in returning the embrace, pulling Freen in as tightly as she could. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

“It’s not your fault,” Freen replied, her tone gentle and reassuring.

“It is. They’re targeting me and going after people I care about,” Becky confessed, a hint of sadness in her voice.

“So you care about me?” Freen teased, trying to lighten the mood.

Becky chuckled at Freen’s comment. “I definitely care about you,” she answered with a smile, leaning down to place a small kiss on Freen’s forehead.

Freen was just about to lean up and give Becky a kiss when they were rudely interrupted. “Oy, lovebirds - we’re here too, you know!” Jean's voice rang out from her seat in the center of the room. Becky rolled her eyes, smiling, and moved to lead Freen over to where everyone else was gathered.

Taking a seat with Freen by her side, Becky felt a surge of gratitude towards her friends. “I can’t thank everyone enough for saving Freen tonight,” she began.

“It was actually me…” Danny interjected, earning a chorus of groans and a few pillows thrown his way. “Okay, okay, they helped a little,” he conceded, as the mood lightened with chuckles all around.

Shaking her head, Freen added her own thanks, “But really, thank you everyone for helping me, even though you don’t really know me. And you, Danny, for carrying me out of there when I could have easily walked,” she teased him with a playful smile.

Danny's eyes widened as Becky turned to look at him. “Don’t mention it. It was a group effort,” he quickly replied, changing his tune from earlier.

“Oh, what’s wrong, Danny? Tell Becky how you saved Freen all by yourself,” Mills teased, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“You guys are such assholes,” Danny grumbled good-naturedly, as laughter erupted throughout the room, including Becky.

“Thanks, Danny,” Becky said through her chuckles, reaching out to hold his hand. Danny nearly flinched at the touch. Becky might be small, but she was mighty. She didn’t need to say much to convey her message, and in this moment, her stern eyes spoke volumes. ‘Don’t touch Freen again,’ they seemed to say.

“Got it. No problem!” Danny replied hastily, understanding the unspoken warning.

The squad spent the next couple of minutes recounting the events of the night at the warehouse to Becky and the rest of the members. “You should take Freen home,” LH suggested. “She's been through a lot tonight. Let’s all sleep it off and reconvene tomorrow night to work on figuring out who's behind this.”

Becky glanced at Freen, and they silently agreed that it was a wise suggestion. There wasn't much they could do at the moment. Whoever had kidnapped Freen would likely lay low for the time being.

"Lisa’s right. Let me take you home," Becky said, rising from her seat. Freen stood up as well, and together they bid goodnight to the rest of the members before heading out to where Rust was waiting with the car.

Once they were settled inside, Freen turned to Becky. "Can you take me home?" she asked, her voice tinged with fatigue and vulnerability.

"Of course," Becky replied sweetly, holding Freen's hand. "I'll have Rust stay nearby to keep an eye on your apartment."

"No," Freen interrupted, her grip tightening. "Take me home with you. I don’t want to be alone."

Becky's heart warmed at Freen's words. Smiling, she laced her fingers with Freen's and nodded. "Rust, take us back to the penthouse," she instructed, and they set off into the night, their hands intertwined, finding comfort in each other's presence.

—

Back at The Club, the rest of the squad lingered after Freen and Becky left, eager to delve into Mills' findings. They gathered around with drinks in hand, ready for a late-night discussion.

“You texted me, asking me to get Becky to take Freen home. Did you find something?” Lisa asked Mills as they settled into their seats.

“I think I did. Right now, it’s just a hunch,” Mills replied, her expression serious.

“What did you find?” Jas asked, leaning forward with curiosity.

“You all know that our gold coins have trackers in them in case any of us goes missing. I decided to turn them on when I activated the one for Freen,” Mills began.

“You were trying to see where we were?” Jean asked, sounding offended.

“I was. Nothing against everyone, just needed to make sure. And it’s a good thing I did. When I built our system, I included a function that allows me to see if any of us is tracking another member,” Mills explained.

“The trust here is alarming,” Danny quipped, laughing.

“I did it as a safety measure. We’re all so resourceful; it’s just something to keep us in check,” Mills clarified.

“That makes sense. If you don’t have anything to hide, it shouldn’t be a problem,” Jas said, voicing her agreement.

“Sounds like there might be an imposter among us,” Jean added, catching on to Mills’ implications.

“I don’t have solid evidence yet, but there are suspicious signs, especially considering the timing. I think it might be Richie,” Mills revealed, her voice tinged with hesitation.

Everyone shared a collective gasp at the revelation. “You think her own brother did this?” LH asked, incredulous.

“Like I said, I’m not sure yet. I need to do more digging. Over the past few days, Richie’s tracker has been located around Freen’s apartment multiple times a day. Once could be a coincidence, but not this many. The odd thing is, his tracker went offline around the time Freen was kidnapped. And he’s been tracking Becky’s movements for the past several months. It all seems suspicious now, especially with what’s happening,” Mills explained, laying out her findings.

The room fell silent as everyone absorbed Mills’ words, the gravity of the situation sinking in.

“How are we going to tell her that her own brother might be the one behind all this?” Dr. Stacy asked, her voice filled with concern. “She might not even believe us.”

“That’s why I wanted to discuss it with this group first,” Mills replied, her tone calm and measured. “We need to look into any of the cases Becky was investigating recently and see if any of them connect with Richie. We need more information before we tell her. This isn’t just about Freen, I don’t think. It's about Becky.”

The room was silent as the group contemplated the implications of Mills' findings. “It makes sense,” Lisa finally said, breaking the tension. “Becky has been digging into some pretty high profile stuff lately. If Richie is involved, we need to know exactly how and why.”

“Agreed,” LH added. “We need to gather as much evidence as possible. If Richie is behind this, it won’t be easy.”

“I’ll start cross-referencing Becky’s recent investigations with Richie’s movements,” Jas volunteered. “We might find a pattern or something that links him directly.”

“Good,” Mills said, nodding. “We need to handle this delicately. We don’t want to accuse her brother without solid evidence.”

“Right,” Dr. Stacy agreed. “We need to protect her, but we also need to make sure we’re not jumping to conclusions. This is going to be hard for her to hear, no matter what.”

Richie used to be rather active with the group, but as his businesses grew, he took a step back from the investigative work The Club typically handled. He remained informed about the group's activities but rarely attended meetings anymore. Consequently, his potential involvement wasn't even considered until Mills discovered the suspicious tracker data. Revealing this to Becky would be the hardest part, but they couldn't dwell on that right now.

The group dispersed, each member taking on a specific task to uncover the truth. As they left, the weight of the situation hung heavy in the air, but they were united in their mission to protect Becky and uncover the truth, even if it involved Richie.

—

Back at the penthouse, Becky was especially attentive to Freen, ensuring she had everything she needed. She fetched water for her and drew a warm bath, knowing that Freen might want to relax and wash away the stress of the night. Becky understood that Freen had gone through a traumatic event and might not be ready to talk about it just yet. She was prepared to do whatever she could to ease Freen's worries and make her feel safe and cared for.

Becky sat in the living room, staring out her large glass window, a cup of tea cradled in her hands as she waited for Freen to finish in the bathroom. Her mind raced, thinking of all the things she needed to do to catch the person responsible for taking Freen and putting her in harm's way. The city lights twinkled in the distance, a stark contrast to the turmoil inside her.

The warmth of the tea offered little comfort as Becky’s thoughts spiraled. She mentally listed all the steps needed: coordinating with the Club to track down leads, ensuring Freen’s safety, and preparing for any fallout once the truth came to light. The weight of responsibility pressed down on her, but she knew she had to stay strong for Freen.

The sound of water draining from the tub signaled that Freen was almost done. Becky took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing thoughts. Moments later, she heard footsteps approaching. Turning, she saw Freen standing there in her silky white robe, looking both vulnerable and serene.

“Come join me,” Becky suggested, smiling sweetly. Freen returned the smile, her eyes reflecting a mixture of emotions—relief, gratitude, and perhaps a hint of longing—as she made her way over to where Becky was sitting in the massive living room.

Freen stood in front of Becky, her heart pounding with anticipation. She hesitated for a moment, her mind racing with thoughts and emotions, before finally deciding to act. With a delicate grace, she climbed onto the couch and straddled Becky's lap, feeling a rush of warmth spread through her body at the close proximity.

Becky's breath caught in her throat as she looked up at Freen, her gaze soft and tender. She reached out to gently cup Freen's cheek, her touch sending shivers down Freen's spine. "Tonight, I don’t want to talk. I want to feel," Freen whispered, her voice barely above a breath. Becky's eyes widened with understanding and desire, her own heartbeat quickening in response to Freen's words.

Freen reached out tentatively, her fingers trembling slightly as she began to undo the buttons of Becky’s shirt. Each button released sent a jolt of anticipation through both of them, and Freen couldn’t help but trace her fingers along the newly exposed skin, feeling the warmth beneath her touch.

Becky remained still, her breath hitching as Freen's gentle touch sent shivers through her body. She wanted to let Freen take the lead tonight, to surrender to the sensations coursing through her body, but the intensity of Freen's gaze and the softness of her touch made it difficult to stay composed.

As Freen finished unbuttoning Becky’s shirt and pushed it off her shoulder, revealing the delicate fabric of her sheer black bra, Becky felt a flush of heat rise to her cheeks. She caught Freen biting her own lip, a gesture that sent a surge of desire down her center. Meeting Freen’s gaze, Becky felt a sense of exhilaration wash over her, watching Freen's eyes trailed down her chest, lingering on the curve of her breasts and the peaks of her aroused nipples.

"I want you to touch me…" Freen's whisper hung in the air, a plea for connection that Becky eagerly responded to. Without hesitation, Becky's hands found their way to Freen's thigh, sliding up and around her body, relishing the sensation of Freen's bare skin under the silky robe. Becky gave Freen’s ass a squeeze in her journey to explore Freen’s body, smiling at the taller girl’s reaction to it. 

Freen responded with a fervent grind against Becky, igniting a flame of desire between them. "I miss you so much," Becky confessed, her voice filled with longing as she gazed up at Freen. Freen flashed Becky a seductive smile, a silent acknowledgment of their mutual yearning.

"Show me," Freen demanded, pulling Becky into a passionate kiss that left them both breathless. As their tongues intertwined in a dance of desire, Freen's hand ventured upward, cupping Becky's breast in a fervent embrace. 

On the other hand, Becky began to slowly remove Freen's robe, revealing the enticing sight of her naked body. As the silky garment fell to the ground, Becky couldn't help but pause to admire Freen's form straddling on top of her. 

Breaking away from their passionate kiss, Becky leaned forward to pepper soft kisses along Freen's chest, trailing down her velvety skin with tantalizing caresses. With gentle precision, Becky took one of Freen's breasts into her mouth, skillfully teasing and nibbling on the sensitive flesh. Each movement was a testament to Becky's desire, her lips conveying a silent message.

Moving her kisses back up Freen’s body, Becky gave Freen’s neck the attention it needed, sucking on the skin until it bruised red. “Bec…” Freen moaned out as Becky assaulted her neck with her wonderful mouth. 

Becky needed more so she picked up Freen slightly, laying her down on the large couch before removing all of her own clothing. Freen looked up at a naked Becky and pulled her by the hips to lay on top of her. Becky wasted no time to continue her exploration of Freen’s body. 

As Becky revealed the taste and texture of Freen's skin, she couldn't help but notice the faint scent of Freen's lingering in the air, adding to the intoxicating allure of the moment. The soft glow of moonlight filtering through the window cast a gentle illumination over their entwined naked bodies. Becky's hands explored every curve and contour of Freen's body with reverent attention, tracing delicate patterns along her smooth skin.

Becky's lips trailed a path of heated kisses down Freen's neck, savoring the softness of her skin. With each tender caress, Freen's breath hitched in anticipation, her heart pounding in her chest with a mixture of longing. As Becky continued, leaving a trail of gentle marks in her wake, Freen arched her back, silently urging Becky onward.

Finally reaching her destination, Becky settled herself between Freen's legs, feeling the warmth radiating from her lover's body. With a soft sigh, Freen eagerly opened herself up to Becky, granting her unrestricted access. Becky's hands moved with purpose, gently parting Freen's thighs wider as she leaned in closer, her breath hot against Freen's skin as she prepared to send her lover over edge again and again. 

Freen reached down between her legs and ran two fingers up and down her folds, wetting her own fingers. Freen's boldness sent a jolt of excitement through Becky, her eyes widening in surprise and arousal as Freen's fingers danced along her lips. Without hesitation, Becky eagerly welcomed Freen's fingers into her mouth, savoring the taste as she sucked them with care.

Feeling Becky's eager response, Freen couldn't help but smile at the sight before her, a mix of desire and affection reflected in her gaze. With a soft sigh of pleasure, Freen guided Becky's head downward, her heart racing with anticipation as Becky's tongue met her moist folds.

As Becky's tongue explored every inch of her, Freen surrendered herself to the waves of pleasure coursing through her body, her breath quickening with each tender caress. As the night unfolded, their passion intensified, igniting a desire that consumed them both. Each touch, each kiss, seemed to deepen their connection, binding them together in a whirlwind of ecstasy. From the plush couch to the sleek marble countertops, they explored every corner of Becky's opulent penthouse, their bodies entwined in a sensual symphony of pleasure. Time seemed to stand still as they lost themselves in the intoxicating rhythm of their lovemaking, savoring every moment of their shared ecstasy.

As dawn approached, casting a soft glow through the windows, Becky held Freen close, cherishing the peaceful moments they shared amidst the flickering firelight. The night had been a whirlwind of passionate love making but now, as the world outside stirred awake, they found peace in each other's arms.

Covered by a thin blanket, Freen nestled closer to Becky, her breaths steady and calm as she drifted to sleep. In the quiet stillness of the early morning, Becky allowed herself to bask in the tranquility, knowing that the challenges of the day would come soon enough. For now, all that mattered was the precious bond they shared, the gentle rhythm of their breaths a comforting sound as they surrendered to the embrace of sleep.

Chapter Text

Previously, the members of The Club had raised suspicions about who was behind Freen’s kidnapping after Mills shared his findings with the crew. The team suspected that Becky’s brother might be involved but wanted to gather more evidence before breaking the news to Becky and Freen. While the team continued their investigation, Becky and Freen spent the night reconnecting, cherishing one another completely.

It felt like they had only slept for a couple of hours when Pop’s loud voice echoed throughout the penthouse.

“You both really need to put up a sign or something if this keeps happening,” Pop commented, catching sight of the two girls naked, barely covered by a light blanket on the living room floor. The early morning light streaming through the large windows highlighted the aftermath of their passionate night. Freen, her cheeks flushing a deep crimson, instinctively tried to pull the blanket tighter around her.

“Can you grab us some robes, please?” Becky asked, holding Freen close to keep her covered, her own cheeks turning a shade of pink.

“Should I call the maid while I'm at it? You two made a mess…” Pop said, his eyes scanning the penthouse. Pillows lay strewn across the floor, books were scattered from the bookcase, and the kitchen counter was smeared with whipped cream. At least, he hoped it was whipped cream. “I’m never eating on that counter ever again,” he muttered, shaking his head before walking away to fetch the robes.

Once Pop was out of sight, the two girls burst out laughing, the tension of the morning dissipating as they recalled the horrified look on his face. The memory of their wild escapades flashed through their minds, each corner of the penthouse bearing witness to their passion.

“Let's clean up,” Becky suggested, her voice gentle as she ran her hand up and down Freen’s back, sending shivers up Freen’s spine. Freen nodded, her eyes sparkling with amusement and affection.

Pop returned with the robes, handing them over with a look that was equal parts exasperated and amused. “Here.”

“Thanks, Pop,” Becky said, taking the robes and helping Freen into hers before slipping into her own. The two girls stood, surveying the chaotic scene and decided to help clean up a bit before the maid came. Becky never really liked having other people do things she’s capable of doing. 

As they began to tidy up, Becky couldn’t help but steal glances at Freen, their connection feeling even stronger after the intense night they had shared. Freen caught her gaze and smiled, her heart swelling with intense emotions.

In the kitchen, Becky wiped down the counter, occasionally pausing to remember their playful antics. Freen straightened the living room, picking up the scattered pillows and books, her thoughts drifting to the tenderness Becky had shown her.

After some time, the penthouse was back in order, and the two girls found themselves standing in the living room, the morning sun casting a warm glow over everything. Becky pulled Freen into a gentle embrace, resting her forehead against Freen’s.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” Becky whispered, her voice filled with emotion.

“Me too,” Freen replied, her arms tightening around Becky. “I feel safe with you.”

They stood like that for a moment, the world outside forgotten as they simply enjoyed being in each other’s presence.

“You want to shower first? I’ll get us breakfast,” Becky suggested moments later, her voice soft.

“Join me?” Freen responded with a playful smile, not giving Becky a chance to reply as she gently pulled Becky to follow her to the bedroom.

Freen turned on the shower, adjusting the temperature before stepping in and pulling Becky with her. The water cascaded over their bodies as the warm steam filled the bathroom, creating a hazy atmosphere. 

Becky’s hands slowly roamed over Freen’s wet skin, tracing the curves and lines that she had memorized the night before. Freen leaned into Becky’s touch, closing her eyes, enjoying the way Becky makes her feel. Their bodies pressed together, slick with water, as Becky’s fingers found their way to Freen’s hair, gently tangling her fingers between them.

Freen’s hands moved on their own, exploring the familiar territory of her lover’s body. The water washed away the evidence of the previous night’s passion, but the fire between them reignited with every touch. Freen’s lips found Becky’s inviting neck, placing soft kisses along the wet skin, her tongue tracing patterns that sent shivers down Becky’s spine.

Becky’s breath hitched as Freen’s hands moved lower, tracing the curves of her hips before pulling her closer. Their mouths met in a heated kiss, tongues dancing together as water washes over their heated bodies. The sound of the shower was drowned out by the pounding of their hearts and the soft moans bouncing off the shower walls.

Freen broke the kiss, her eyes dark with desire as she whispered, “I want to feel you.” Becky responded with a whimper, her own desire mirrored in her eyes. Freen’s hands moved quickly to cup Becky’s breasts, thumbs brushing over the sensitive nipples like she had all the time in the world.

Becky’s hands gripped Freen’s waist for dear life as her lover’s fingers danced lower, finding their way between Becky’s thighs. The water made everything more intense, the sensations heightened as Freen’s fingers slipped inside Becky, curling and stroking in a rhythm that matched their shared heartbeat.

Becky’s head fell back against the cool tile, her body arching into Freen’s touch. The pleasure built within her, a crescendo that echoed in the small space. Freen’s lips found Becky’s again, swallowing her cries while bringing her lover closer to the edge.

With a final deep stroke, Freen sent Becky over the edge, her body trembling as she climaxed, the water mixing with her release. Freen held Becky close, giving her soft kisses, as Becky came down from her high. When Becky regained her composure, she turned her attention to Freen, her own hands eager to return the favor. They took their time, savoring every moment, every touch, every kiss. 

A while later, Becky and Freen finally emerged from the bedroom, dressed for the day. "About time," Pop remarked as he saw the lovebirds walk into the kitchen, hand in hand. "Judging by the look of your neck, Bec, I’d say you two made up?" He teased, causing both to blush deeply.

The girls took a seat at the kitchen island, where breakfast was already laid out for them. "Thank you for the breakfast," Becky said. "Pop, I need you to cancel everything for this weekend." Pop looked up with questioning eyes. "I have some important things to take care of," Becky explained.

Pop nodded, glancing between the two girls. "I know better than to question your decisions. I’ll get everything rescheduled." He could sense something significant was happening but knew better than to pry. He trusted Becky and believed that she would share details when she was ready. He decided to let the girls eat together in peace and left to rearrange Becky’s calendar.

As the two were enjoying their meal, Freen suddenly shot her head up, eyes wide with panic. "Oh my god, I have work! And my piece is due today. I’m so fired!" She began to panic as reality set in.

"Hey…" Becky reached over to calm Freen but felt her flinch slightly at the touch, so she pulled her hand back. "Don’t worry about work right now."

"I just started, Bec. Not only am I missing work, but I also didn’t complete my first assignment. I’m so screwed," Freen said, clearly distressed.

"If you want, I can make a call," Becky offered gently, not wanting to push anything on Freen.

"I know you mean well, but I’m an adult and should take responsibility for these things. Plus, I’m not sure they’ll believe you if you told them I was kidnapped and had an entire secret society rescue me, so I need some time off," Freen added with a laugh, trying to lighten the mood.

Becky took a sip of her coffee, eyes twinkling with amusement. "Don’t tell me there’s a connection to The Club at The Times," Freen said, realization dawning on her.

"Alright, I won’t tell you," Becky replied, chuckling, earning a piece of toast thrown her way. 

"Who is it?" Freen asked curiously.

"There are multiple people. Paula Olsen—" Becky began, but was quickly cut off.

"PO? As in the editor-in-chief?" Freen asked, surprised.

"We need to control what stories go out and what doesn't," Becky explained, taking a bite of her food.

"I guess that makes sense," Freen replied after a moment of thought. "Who else?"

"There’s Sandy Phillips, who works as a photographer in your department actually. She likes to keep it low key but she’s important. Her family owns or has stakes in half of the news outlets in the country. " Becky added, smiling at Freen.

"Wow, you guys are everywhere," Freen said, the realization sinking in about who she was now involved with.

"We need to be in order to do what we set out to do," Becky said. "I know it’s a lot to take in, especially after what happened to you yesterday. I’m here to answer any questions you have and will make sure you’re protected from now on."

"I have to tell you something about my kidnapping," Freen spoke up after a couple of minutes, hesitant and unsure if she should continue.

"We don’t have to talk about it until you're ready," Becky reassured her, sensing her hesitation.

Freen gave Becky a grateful smile, appreciating her thoughtfulness. However, she felt a need to share what she had overheard. "The guy that kidnapped me last night wasn’t working alone," Freen began, her voice trembling slightly. "He was on the phone right before Danny burst in, and I heard the voice on the other end."

"Do you know who it was?" Becky asked, gently placing her hand on Freen’s arm to comfort her.

"At first, I didn’t recognize the voice because it sounded like anyone," Freen continued, her voice barely above a whisper. "But they said something that stuck out..." She looked up at Becky, struggling to find the right words.

Becky waited patiently, not wanting to rush her. "I can’t say for sure, but I think I know who it might be," Freen said, her voice shaky. She pulled her arm away from Becky, almost trembling at this point.

"Babe, what’s wrong? You can tell me. Is it someone you know?" Becky asked, her concern growing.

"I don’t know how to say this, Bec..." Freen took a deep breath, summoning the courage to continue. "The voice on the phone said that I’ll learn that I don’t belong in this world. Your world," Freen finally said.

It was like a light bulb went off in Becky's head. She stood up from the kitchen island and began pacing around the kitchen, her mind racing. Freen watched her, unsure of what else to say. Becky then returned to where Freen was sitting, took hold of her hands, and placed a gentle kiss on them. "I’m sorry," Becky whispered against Freen’s hands, the weight of the situation pressing heavily on her mind.

They both silently decided not to speak of it right now as Becky set up a meeting with The Club to discuss Freen’s hunch further. Becky spent some time arranging security details for Freen. “Is all that necessary?” Freen asked, looking through the documents Becky handed her.

“Your safety is my top priority right now. I’m not going to risk you getting kidnapped again or worse,” Becky replied firmly.

“This is a little too much though, Bec,” Freen said, her voice tinged with concern. “I’m scared and worried too, but having this many people following me everywhere is just as scary.”

Becky sat next to Freen, taking her hand. “I don’t want to lose you,” she whispered, her eyes filled with worry.

Freen smiled softly and lifted Becky’s chin so their eyes could meet. “I’m here. But can we cut back on the men in black?” she asked, trying to lighten the mood.

“If it is who we think it is—he has the same resources as I do, Freen. You’re not safe,” Becky replied, her voice grave.

“I feel safe with you. That’s all I need,” Freen reassured her. She leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on Becky’s lips, feeling the smaller girl relax a little.

Becky leaned deeper into their kiss, snaking her arm around Freen’s waist to pull her closer. “One person, then,” Becky said once they pulled apart. “It’ll ease my mind.”

“Okay, but can I pick who?” Freen asked, resting their foreheads together.

“Yes, you can pick Rust,” Becky answered with a knowing smile. Freen returned the smile and leaned in for a peck on the lips, but Becky needed more. She pulled Freen closer, causing the taller girl to stumble onto her lap. Becky spent the next couple of hours keeping Freen in her arms, showing her just how much she cared and how she intended to keep her safe.

–----------

Freen and Becky arrived at the new safe house provided by Mills. As they made their way in, Becky knew she had to share what Freen had overheard with the rest of the group. However, she struggled to come to terms with the possibility that her brother might be involved. The thought of Richie being part of something so criminal was difficult to accept. Although their relationship had always been normal—neither super close nor distant—Becky couldn't fathom the idea that Richie would plan to hurt her in this way.

“Hey everyone,” Becky greeted the members as she entered the room, holding Freen’s hand tightly.

“You two look like you didn’t get any sleep,” Danny teased, causing Freen to blush deeply. Becky rolled her eyes at her friend’s comment, gently pulling Freen to sit beside her.

“Leave them alone, Danny,” LH chuckled. “Maybe it’s time you find someone to stay up all night with,” Lisa added jokingly.

“Are you offering?” Danny shot back with a smirk.

“That’s an absolute no,” Lisa replied, prompting a round of laughter from the group.

“Enough, you two,” Mills interjected. “We have a lot to discuss tonight.”

“Before we start, I have something to share,” Becky announced, her tone serious as everyone took their seats. “Freen and I might know who was behind her abduction yesterday.” The room fell silent, and the members exchanged surprised glances.

"We found some information too," Mills added hesitantly, exchanging a glance with the others. “You first.” He gestured for Becky to continue.

“Freen overheard the kidnapper talking on the phone with someone else, and she recognized the voice. She thinks it’s Richie,” Becky said quickly. Saying it out loud made her feel uneasy, a knot tightening in her stomach.

“Oh, thank goodness!” Jean blurted out, causing everyone to look at her in surprise. “No! I didn’t mean it like that,” she quickly clarified, her face turning red. “It’s just—oh, I’ll just shut up.”

“What Jean is trying to say is that we suspected Richie as well and didn’t know how to tell you. Since you have the same thought, it will be easier to discuss now,” Jas explained for her friend, her voice calm and reassuring.

“Yes, that,” Jean agreed, looking relieved. “That’s why she’s in PR,” she added with a nervous laugh, trying to lighten the tension in the room.

Becky let out a small sigh of relief, feeling a bit better knowing they were on the same page. Freen squeezed her hand, offering silent support. “So, what did you find?” Becky asked, looking at Mills.

Mills pulled out a folder and spread some documents on the table. “We tracked Richie’s movements and found that he’s been in close proximity to Freen’s apartment multiple times over the past few days. His tracker even went offline around the time Freen was kidnapped. It’s too much of a coincidence.”

Becky’s eyes widened as she looked at the evidence laid out before her. It was hard to deny the facts staring back at her. “This doesn’t make any sense,” she muttered, more to herself than anyone else. “Why would Richie do this?”

“We don’t have all the answers yet, but it’s clear he’s involved,” LH said gently. “From what I’ve found, those embezzlement cases you were looking into are tied to some offshore accounts. So far, Mills was able to connect him to one of those accounts, which raises our suspicion even more.”

Becky nodded, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on her. She looked at Freen, who gave her a reassuring smile. “What can we do to help?” Becky asked the team.

“Right now, we need more evidence. We don’t have any concrete ties to him regarding the kidnapping or Lin’s death,” Mills explained. The mention of Lin’s murder sombered the room, the gravity of the accusations settling in.

“I can use my connections to help look into Lin’s case. Last I heard, it was deemed a suicide, but I’m sure someone is covering that up,” Danny offered, his voice steady.

“Stacy, if Danny and I can get the body, do you think you can do the autopsy?” Jean asked.

“It’ll be tricky to run the tests under the radar, but I think I can manage. Just give me a heads up so I can prepare the location,” Dr. Stacy replied, already making plans on her phone.

Becky felt a mix of relief and dread. The team was rallying together, but the path ahead was fraught with challenges. She looked around the room, grateful. 

"From the phone conversation, he’s aware that you guys found and rescued me. I’m sure he might start covering his tracks now that he knows you will be looking into things," Freen spoke up for the first time that night.

“She’s right,” Becky agreed. “Richie is smart. He probably let his guard down because he didn’t think I’d tell Freen about this group, since I didn’t even tell Lin. Now that he knows you all helped, he will be very guarded. We will have to tread lightly,” Becky added, knowing her brother well.

“Becky, I know this might be hard for you. He is your brother. We can do the work and keep you in the loop if it’s easier,” Jas offered, her voice gentle yet firm.

Becky took a deep breath, her gaze moving from Jas to the rest of the team. “I appreciate that, Jas. But I need to be involved. I know him better than anyone here so I’ll be helpful. This affects all of us, and I can’t stand by while you do all the work.”

“That’s settled then,” Mills nodded, his expression serious. “We’ll proceed carefully and make sure to cover our tracks as we investigate. I’ve also created new trackers for all of us and reprogrammed your old gold coins to read your typical movement to not tip Richie off if he decides to check the data again.”

“I’m going to tell Richie about what happened to Freen so he feels like he’s in the know. I can probably gauge his reaction as well,” Becky suggested, and everyone nodded in agreement.

“That’s a good idea,” Mills agreed. “I think Freen should move or stay somewhere else for now as well. And no, Danny, she’s not staying with you,” he added, causing others to chuckle in amusement.

“Rude! I wasn’t even going to suggest that…but my place is open if you need it,” Danny said playfully. “But, I was going to say why doesn’t Freen just stay with Becky? Wouldn’t that make it harder for Richie to get to her if she’s always with B?”

“Danny has a point,” LH agreed.

Becky looked at Freen for an answer. She had thought of asking Freen to stay with her but worried it might be too forward. “I know you like your space and freedom, so it’s your choice. No pressure. Rust will be with you wherever you decide,” Becky told her, linking their fingers.

“Let me think about it. I have Nam to consider as well,” Freen replied, unsure what to decide. Becky gave her hand a gentle squeeze to show she understood.

“Sounds good. Take some time to think about it, Freen. We’re your resources for anything, so don’t hesitate to call us if Becky isn’t around. I’ll add all our aliases into your phone before you leave,” Mills said reassuringly.

“Great, Plan BF is a go!” Lisa said enthusiastically.

“Plan BF?” Freen and Becky asked in unison.

“Well, we started planning, and Mills needed a title for the files. Plan BeckFreen just came naturally, and most liked it,” LH explained with a chuckle.

“FreenBecky,” they heard Jean mumble from the side.

“She’s a rebel,” Stacy added, lightening the mood further.

“You guys are so creative…” Becky replied, amused by her friends.

The rest of the night, the members and Freen spent looking through additional details and coming up with safety measures for everyone. They poured over blueprints, analyzed security footage, and strategized various scenarios to gather more evidence against Richie. Freen marveled at the intricate network of contacts and resources they had at their disposal.

After a while, the atmosphere lightened, and they ended up just drinking and sharing epic stories. Danny recounted a hilarious undercover operation that involved him posing as a flamboyant art dealer, complete with a fake mustache that kept falling off at the worst moments. LH shared a tale where she hid in a strip club, narrowly avoiding being captured by corrupt officials they were trying to get exposed. Jean and Stacy added their own stories, filled with daring escapes and close calls, each one more incredible than the last.

Freen could see why this group was Becky’s go-to. They were all very smart and resourceful, but most importantly, they genuinely cared for each other and the meaning behind what they were doing. This wasn’t just some pastime hobby for these rich people; they were driven by a passion to change the world they lived in, using the privileges they had earned to make a difference. Freen felt a sense of belonging she hadn’t expected, realizing that she was now a part of something much bigger than herself.

As the night wore on, Becky and Freen found themselves sitting together on a plush sofa, slightly apart from the rest. “I’m glad you’re here with me,” Becky said softly, squeezing Freen’s hand.

Freen leaned her head on Becky’s shoulder. “I did say my life needed more excitement.” Freen added with a giggle.

Becky laughed before pressing a kiss to Freen’s temple. “Thank you for trusting us. Trusting me.” She then planted a quick kiss on Freen's lips, a soft promise. The two leaned back on the plush sofa, fingers intertwined, watching their friends animatedly discuss their next moves. Whatever happens tomorrow, they’ll face it together. Right now, they had a plan, and that was a good start.

Chapter Text

Previously, The Club and Becky acknowledged that the person behind Freen’s kidnapping and the potential imposter could be Becky’s brother, Richie. This realization weighed heavily on Becky, as she had always believed her relationship with Richie to be relatively normal, if not particularly close. The team devised a detailed plan to gather more evidence before confronting Richie. They planned to investigate his possible connection to offshore accounts and recent embezzlement cases. Meanwhile, Freen was advised to stay somewhere secure, with Becky and Rust providing protection but Freen opted to give it some more thoughts.

Becky took Freen back to her apartment that night, giving her the space to think things through and decide whether she wanted to stay with the socialite for the time being. The ride back was quiet but comfortable, both just lost in their thoughts about the current situation. As they entered the familiar surroundings of Freen's apartment, Freen realized she hadn’t update Nam on her whereabouts which was very unlike her. The weight of the situation pressed down on her—she didn’t want to lie to her friend but it was her secret to share and she needed to protect her friend as well. 

Becky squeezed Freen's hand as they reached the apartment door. "Remember, you don't have to decide right now. Just let me know what you want to do." she said softly.

Freen nodded, grateful for Becky's understanding and not pushing her to make a decision. She gave Becky a quick kiss on the lips and watched as Becky reenter the elevator to leave. Taking a deep breath, Freen unlocked the door and stepped inside.

Nam was already home, curled up on the couch with her phone. She looked up and her face lit up with relief when she saw Freen. "Freen! Oh my god, where have you been? I’ve been so worried!" Nam exclaimed, rushing over to hug her.

Freen hugged Nam tightly, feeling a pang of guilt. "I'm sorry, Nam. I should have called. I went to talk to Becky and we talked through things and well…I ended up sleeping over."

Nam pulled back, looking at Freen with a mischievous grin. "Oh, so you were busy getting it on, huh? And forgot all about your roommate?"

Freen blushed deeply, laughing. "We did some talking..." Freen added, the imagery of her passionate night with Becky flooding her mind, causing her to turn an even deeper shade of red.

Nam chuckled, shaking her head. "Well, I'm glad you two worked things out. But next time, at least send me a text so I don't think you’ve been kidnapped or something."

Freen smiled nervously at Nam’s comment but relieved that she was taking it well. "I promise. Actually, I might be staying at Becky’s place from time to time."

Nam raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Things are getting serious? Just don't forget about your dear old roommate while you're off having sleepovers with your girlfriend."

Freen laughed, pushing Nam playfully, feeling a sense of normalcy return. "She’s not my girlfriend," Freen added, which only made Nam even more curious.

"Oh really?" Nam's eyes twinkled with mischief. "So, what do you call spending the night together, having deep conversations, and, you know, doing... other things?" She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. 

Freen paused, lost in thought. She wasn’t sure how to define what she and Becky had. They had only just met, and things were moving rather quickly. Plus, there were more serious matters to consider. Pushing the thought to the back of her mind, she decided to ask Becky about it later. Freen and Nam spent the next few minutes catching up, and Freen felt a weight lift off her shoulders. She knew she couldn't tell Nam everything, but at least she didn't have to lie completely. 

Freen couldn’t help but feel a mix of anxiety and relief as she thought about staying with Becky. There was so much uncertainty ahead, but she felt a bit more secure knowing she wasn’t facing it alone. Sitting in her room, she gave Becky a quick call to tell her about her decision. Once Becky picked up, Freen announced her decision almost immediately. "Hey - I think it’ll be best if I stay with you from time to time for now."

Becky smiled through the phone, her voice warm and reassuring. "That was quick! Are you sure? I don’t want you to feel pressured."

Freen smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest as she replied, “I’m sure. I’ll stay here tonight and come over tomorrow after work.”

Becky didn’t waste any time and replied, “I can’t wait. I miss you already.”

Freen blushed slightly at Becky’s words. “You’re cute,” she replied, her voice softening.

“That’s all I get?” Becky chuckled through the line, her playful tone making Freen’s heart flutter.

“For now…” Freen answered with a husky tone, leaning back on her bed and closing her eyes. “I’ll give you more tomorrow,” she teased, her mind already racing with thoughts of their reunion.

“You’re a tease, Freen Sarocha!” Becky laughed. “Now I really can’t wait. Can I get a hint?”

“Goodnight, Becky.” Freen shut down Becky’s attempt to flirt further, but a smile was plastered on her face, her heart racing.

“Sweet dreams, beautiful,” Becky added sweetly before they both hung up the phone.

Freen lay back on her bed, staring at the ceiling, a mix of excitement and apprehension filling her. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for now, she let herself bask in the excitement of waking up in Becky’s arms more often.

—
In the week following the kidnapping incident, Freen's decision to stay with Becky for her safety brought a sense of cautious normalcy to their lives. They went about their days as best they could, trying to maintain their routines without arousing suspicion. Despite the underlying tension of the investigation into Becky's brother, there were moments when they almost forgot about the looming threat altogether. It was during these moments that they found comfort in each other's company.

“Are you free tonight?” Becky asked randomly as they sat, enjoying a simple breakfast before heading out to work.

Freen looked up from her plate with a curious smile. “I should be. Why do you ask?”

Becky smiled, got up, and plopped herself onto Freen’s lap, wrapping her arms around her lover. “There’s a red carpet event tonight. Would you like to be my date?” She traced the smile on Freen’s lips with her finger, adding, “I want to show you off.”

Freen couldn’t help but smile, her heart swelling with affection. “Are you sure?” she asked, kissing Becky’s fingers. “Aren’t celebrities pretty private about who they date,” she added with a hint of playful hesitation.

Becky chuckled, her fingers continuing to caress Freen’s face. “Are we dating now?”

“I don’t know what we are,” Freen replied honestly.

Becky leaned in to kiss Freen tenderly. “I’m all yours,” she whispered. Freen didn’t need any other confirmation or labeling. Becky’s confession was all she needed.

Freen laughed softly, wrapping her arms around Becky’s waist. “Then I’ll be your date tonight.” 

They sat there for a moment, savoring the closeness, before Becky reluctantly pulled away. “I’ll have a dress picked out for you.”

Freen nodded, giving Becky one last kiss before they both stood up. “You spoil me,” she said, squeezing Becky’s hand.

Becky's chuckle echoed through the kitchen, light and carefree. "You spoil me too," she said, her smirk widening as her eyes roamed appreciatively over Freen body. The way she looked at her was filled with both admiration and a playful edge, making Freen blush under the scrutiny. Becky leaned in closer, brushing a lock of hair behind Freen's ear and letting her fingers trail down to her shoulder, the touch sending a shiver down Freen's spine. "I can never get enough of you," Becky added lustfully.

"Behave..." Freen whispered, her voice betraying her.

Becky responded with a slow, passionate kiss, her tongue exploring Freen's mouth, sending shivers down her spine. Just as Freen was getting lost in the moment, feeling Becky's warmth and the intensity of her touch, Becky abruptly pulled away, leaving her breathless and wanting more. With a mischievous grin, Becky walked out of the kitchen.

"That was rude, Bec!" Freen called after the socialite, still feeling the heat of Becky's kiss.

"I'm behaving!" Becky shouted back with a sultry chuckle.

Shaking her head in amused exasperation, Freen quickly finished her breakfast, her thoughts lingering on Becky's teasing, and headed off to get ready for the day. 

—
With no work scheduled until the red carpet event that evening, Becky decided to make a pit stop at her family's headquarters to see if she could catch Richie. Since the incident and her growing suspicion of his involvement, she had been trying to meet with him, but he was conveniently out of town on business. The constant unavailability only fueled her suspicions further. Part of her wished she was wrong about Richie, but deep down, she felt certain he was involved. She needed to know for sure, and she hoped to catch him off guard today.

Making her way toward Richie’s office, Becky saw his secretary step out from behind her desk to intercept her.

“Hi there! Can I help you? Do you have an appointment with Mr. Armstrong today?” the young woman asked, blocking Becky’s path.

“No, but I can wait,” Becky replied, not wanting to call out the new girl for not recognizing her. Instead, she turned and took a seat on one of the comfortable lounge chairs by his office.

After about twenty minutes, Becky heard the door to Richie’s office open and saw him emerge. Their eyes met, and for a split second, she noticed a flicker of something in his expression—an emotion she couldn’t quite place. There was definitely a reaction to seeing her there.

“Bec, what are you doing here?” Richie called out, glancing at his secretary for an explanation.

“Don’t look at her like that. She didn’t know who I was. It’s not her fault—I insisted on waiting out here until you were free,” Becky replied, noticing the annoyance on her brother’s face. She turned to the young woman. “Hi, I’m Becky Armstrong. Your boss is my brother.” She introduced herself with a sweet smile, and the lightbulb went off for the secretary.

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t recognize you with your hat and glasses!” the girl apologized, bowing her head several times in embarrassment.

“Really, don’t worry about it,” Becky said, maintaining her sweet smile. She then walked into the spacious office, with Richie following right behind her.

Once inside, Becky took a seat on the couch, motioning for Richie to join her. She felt a mix of dread and determination, knowing this conversation could change everything. “I have something to tell you,” she began in a serious tone. “After we talked about Lin’s death a week or so ago, Freen was kidnapped.”

Richie’s eyes flickered slightly and if Bec wasn’t looking, she would have missed it. “Is she okay?” he asked, attempting to sound concerned as he sat across from Becky.

Becky watched him closely, noting every subtle movement. When Richie ran his hand through his hair—a telltale sign of his nervousness—she felt a sinking feeling in her stomach. “She’s okay now, just a bit shaken up. Thank goodness The Club was able to track her down in time,” Becky explained. She paused, letting the weight of her words hang in the air. “We’re tracking down the kidnapper right now since Freen said she can recognize the voice.”

Richie’s gaze shifted away for a second before he met Becky’s eyes again with a forced sigh. “Do you have any leads? You can use any of my resources to help find this person,” he offered, his tone changing slightly, betraying a hint of unease.

“Not yet, but I’ll let you know. They seem to be targeting people around me, so I wanted to warn you to keep an eye out for anything out of order,” Becky said, her voice steady despite the turmoil she felt inside. She saw no reaction to this news from Richie as if he didn’t have to worry about himself.

“Don’t worry about me Bec,” Richie replied, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. “I’ll make sure to stay vigilant. Maybe you need more protection sis. I can have my team protect both you and Freen.” He offered

Becky smiled but shook her head, “We’ll be okay. I’ve upped my security as well.” She confirmed, “Anyway, I just wanted to come and keep you in the loop and make sure you’re staying safe.” Becky added, as she stood up.

Richie stood as well, reaching out to hug his sister. “Stay safe, please, and let me know if there’s anything I can do,” he said, his voice filled with what sounded like genuine concern.

Becky returned the hug, feeling a surge of conflicting emotions. She loved her brother deeply, and the thought of him being involved in something so sinister tore at her heart. Family was everything to her, and this revelation threatened to shatter that foundation. She held him a moment longer, trying to reconcile the man she knew with the man she suspected him to be.

As she pulled back, she gave him a tight-lipped smile. “You too, Richie. Take care.” With that, she turned and walked out of his office, her mind racing with thoughts of betrayal and duty. She’s starting to struggle with the potential truth but knew she needed to keep it together.

Once Becky got back into her car, opting to drive herself today, she reached into her bag and pulled out a burner phone, dialing a number.

“Were you able to get in?” Becky asked Mills, who was on the other end.

“Yeah, I got what I needed. I’ll start going through the files and see what I can find,” Mills replied.

“I can help tonight after the event,” Becky offered.

“Sounds good. Go have fun. I got this,” Mills said before Becky thanked him and hung up.

During her visit, Becky had managed to get close enough to Richie’s phone and laptop for Mills to remotely download data from them. She let out a deep breath, a mix of relief and dread churning within her. Not wanting to dwell on it, she started the car and decided some retail therapy was in order. She dialed Pop and asked him to meet her.

Driving through the city, Becky tried to focus on the mundane pleasures of shopping, hoping it would provide a distraction from the turmoil she was feeling. When she arrived at the upscale boutique, Pop was already there, waiting with a reassuring smile.

“Wow, you’re finally leaving your bed?” Pop teased, linking arms with her. 

“Someone decided to be funny today,” Becky joked back, grateful for the distraction and the company. Together, they wandered through the boutique, Becky picking out a stunning dress for Freen to attend the event knowing her lover would look absolutely breathtaking in it. 

Becky tried to focus on Freen and the event tonight, determined to set aside her worries for later. They deserved a nice night out together. She felt a flutter of excitement at the thought of introducing Freen to everyone, revealing the woman who had captured her heart.

As she drove back home, Becky let herself imagine the evening ahead: the glamour of the red carpet, the dazzling lights, and the opportunity to be openly affectionate with Freen in public. Despite the underlying tension of her brother’s involvement in recent events, she resolved to make tonight special.

—
They were now getting ready for the event, and as Becky waited for Freen to finish dressing, she heard the older girl call out to her.

“BB, can you help me zip up?”

Becky hurried into the walk-in closet, eager to assist her love. The sight before her was jaw-dropping. Freen stood in the dress Becky had picked out for her, a long, form-fitting black gown with a deep open back and a slit that showcased Freen’s long, beautiful leg. Becky felt her breath catch in her throat at the sight.

“You look absolutely stunning,” Becky managed to say, moving closer to help with the zipper. Her fingers brushed against Freen’s skin as she pulled it up, sending a shiver down her spine.

Freen turned her head slightly, giving Becky a soft smile. “Thank you. I hope I can do this dress justice.”

“You’re perfect,” Becky whispered, placing a gentle kiss on Freen’s bare shoulder. “I don’t know if I want to share you with the world.”

Freen blushed slightly but looked pleased. “Always a flirt.”

Becky finished zipping up the dress and took a step back to admire Freen. “Ready to steal the show?”

“Only if you’re by my side,” Freen replied, her eyes sparkling with affection.

Becky smiled, offering her hand to Freen. “Always.”

It didn’t take them long to arrive at their destination. Rust pulled up to the entrance of the event, and the moment Becky stepped out of the car, the crowd erupted in cheers, and photographers turned their attention toward her. Flashes of light began going off in rapid succession. Becky paused by the car door, waiting for Freen to follow. When Freen appeared, she looked extremely nervous.

Becky saw the apprehension in Freen’s eyes and without hesitation, reached down to lace her fingers with Freen’s, holding her hand firmly as she guided her forward. The crowd’s reaction intensified, the sounds of yelling photographers asking them to look their way becoming almost deafening. Everyone wanted a photo of the nation’s top socialite and her stunning companion.

Freen took a deep breath, feeling a bit more confident with Becky by her side. They walked the red carpet together, posing for photos. Becky made sure to stay close to Freen, offering her silent support with gentle touches and reassuring smiles. The media frenzy around them only grew as they made their way to the line of interviewers.

“Becky, you look amazing tonight. Dior, I’m assuming?” the interviewer asked as Freen stepped back a little, allowing Becky to take the spotlight.

“Thank you, and yes, you know me well! I am wearing Dior tonight,” Becky replied with her signature charm.

“I’m going to cut to the chase and ask the question everyone is thinking. Who is your gorgeous lady? You’ve never brought a date to an event before.” The interviewer’s directness made Becky smile proudly.

Becky reached behind her, lacing her fingers with Freen’s and pulling her to stand beside her. “This is Freen. Isn’t she stunning tonight?” Becky said, wrapping her arm protectively around Freen’s waist. Freen blushed, feeling both embarrassed and delighted by Becky’s words.

“Are you two in a relationship? Do I get an exclusive?” the interviewer teased, leaning in for a scoop.

“I’ll tell you one thing, Summer—your guesses are usually correct,” Becky answered with a wink, leaving just enough ambiguity to keep the media guessing. She then ushered Freen away with her, maintaining her playful smile.

As they walked away, Becky squeezed Freen’s hand reassuringly. She knew how to navigate the public eye and was determined to introduce Freen to the world on her own terms. As they entered the venue, Becky leaned in close to Freen and whispered, “You’re doing great.” Freen nodded, her grip on Becky’s hand tightening slightly and gave her a sweet smile.

They navigated through the crowd, greeting a few familiar faces and making small talk. Becky’s presence seemed to put Freen at ease, and as the night went on, she found herself relaxing more and even enjoying the event. That was, until a random woman approached Becky with a bit too much affection.

A tall blonde came up from behind and wrapped her arms around Becky, saying, “Rebecca Armstrong!” in a whiny, familiar tone. Freen couldn’t help but furrow her eyebrows in annoyance.

Becky’s eyes went wide at the unexpected contact. She tried to wiggle out of the taller woman’s embrace but failed. When she turned to face the woman, the blonde took the opportunity to lean down and kiss Becky on the cheek. Freen almost lost it and quickly excused herself to the restroom, feeling a mix of jealousy and frustration.

Becky eventually got away from the woman and went to search for Freen. She found her sitting in the lounge area by the women’s washroom, sipping on her wine. “Hey, pretty lady,” Becky said as she took a seat next to Freen.

“Are you sure you’re greeting the right person?” Freen shot back, annoyance clear in her voice.

Becky knew this was coming. “Is someone jealous?” she asked teasingly.

“What’s there to be jealous about?” Freen snapped back.

“Exactly,” Becky replied, trying to lace their fingers together, but Freen pulled away. “She’s no one to be jealous of. She’s just an old coworker who’s too affectionate for her own good.” Becky explained, reaching out to turn Freen’s head by her chin so she could look into her eyes. “And she’s no you.” Becky added, licking her lips as she said it. She saw a shift in Freen’s eyes, knowing the older girl was no longer jealous.

“You’re too charming,” Freen uttered with a hint of a smile.

“Want to get out of here?” Becky suggested.

Freen eagerly agreed, already planning how to spend the rest of the night with Becky.

The two didn’t even make it up to the penthouse before they began devouring each other’s lips in the elevator. Becky’s lips traveled down Freen’s slender neck to her exposed collarbone, biting gently before soothing the spot with a stroke of her tongue. The loud sound of the elevator arriving brought them back to reality, and they stumbled out, giggling. Becky held Freen and pulled her back in for more, but Freen stopped her by placing a hand between their lips. “Follow me…” Freen said, leading Becky towards the same walk-in closet they were in earlier today, a space large enough to be a guest room.

Freen sat Becky down on the small sofa in the room and turned around. “Unzip me?” Becky did as she was told, her fingers trailing down Freen's back. She was ready to help Freen take off her dress, but Freen stopped her. “No,” was all Freen said as she walked over to one of the walls of accessories and grabbed one of Becky’s designer ties. The anticipation hung heavy in the air as Freen returned, the tie dangling suggestively from her fingers.

Freen noticed Becky visibly gulp as she grasped the implications of Freen's suggestion. "We're doing things my way tonight," Freen declared, stepping closer to her lover and placing the tie next to where Becky sat. With a graceful motion, Freen wiggled out of her dress, letting it fall to the ground as she stood before Becky in nothing but her lace underwear. Becky gazed up at her, pupils dilated, silently nodding in agreement to Freen's assertion.

Stepping closer, Freen helped Becky to her feet, then assisted her in slipping out of her dress. Becky, now in only her undergarments, obediently sat back down without protest. Freen smiled, admiring her lover’s beautiful form, before stepping forward to straddle Becky’s lap. "Place your arms behind you," she requested.

Becky's heart raced in anticipation as she complied. Freen picked up the tie and leaned in, their bodies pressed together, as she began to tie Becky’s arms with a semi-tight knot. "No touching for you, since you like to have random women wrap their arms around you," Freen whispered as her lips brushed against Becky's ear, sending shivers down her spine. The knot was tight enough to restrict movement but loose enough to ensure comfort. Freen’s touch was firm and deliberate as she traced a finger along Becky’s jawline, moving slowly down her neck.

“Tonight, you’re all mine,” Freen whispered, her breath warm against Becky’s skin. Becky could only nod, her heart pounding in her chest. Freen’s hands roamed freely over Becky’s body, caressing the soft curves and lingering on the sensitive spots that made Becky squirm with pleasure.

Freen's lips followed the path her hands had taken, planting soft kisses along Becky’s collarbone and down to the swell of her breasts, leaving love bites along the way. Freen moved up to capture Becky’s lips in a deep, passionate kiss - pushing her tongue through Becky’s parted lips, not waiting for permission. The sensation of Freen’s body pressed against hers, combined with the restraint of her bound hands, heightened Becky’s arousal as she let out a low moan.

Breaking the kiss, Freen moved herself off of Becky’s lap and kneeled between her legs as her mouth trailed lower, kissing a line down Becky’s body. Each kiss left a burning trail down Becky’s body, who could only whimper in response. Freen’s fingers deftly unclasped Becky’s bra, exposing her breasts to the cool air and Freen instantly warmed it up with her eager mouth. She focused her attention on Becky’s nipples, teasing and sucking until they were hard peaks, smiling when she heard the change in Becky’s breathing.

Becky’s breaths came in short, rapid gasps as Freen continued her exploration, fingers tracing delicate patterns on her inner thighs, getting ever closer to where Becky ached for her touch. Freen slipped past Becky’s thin underwear, pushing it aside as her fingers found the slick heat waiting there. She started to rub slow, tantalizing circles, taking her time, causing Becky’s head to fall backwards. 

“Do you like that?” Freen murmured, her voice husky with desire. Becky could only nod, not capable of forming any real words at the moment.

With a satisfied smile, Freen increased the pressure and pace of her fingers, watching as Becky’s body arched in response, her legs spreading wider. She knew exactly how to touch Becky. The sounds of Becky’s pleasure filled the room, each moan and gasp was turning Freen on herself. 

Freen wasn’t going to let Becky come undone that easily. She removed her fingers from Becky’s throbbing clit and demanded Becky’s attention. “Look at me.” Once their eyes connected Freen lifted her wet fingers up to her own mouth and sucked hard, tasting all of Becky on her fingers. Becky nearly came just watching the way Freen seductively sucked on her fingers and ran her tongue between them, making sure she didn’t miss anything. 

"I want you to come just for me," Freen stated, her voice firm and commanding. It wasn’t a request, and Becky understood that completely. Freen spread Becky’s legs even wider, her touch both gentle and insistent. As she leaned down, the anticipation was almost too much for Becky to bear. Freen placed a soft kiss on Becky’s wet center, the heat and moisture practically begging to be devoured. And devour it, she did.

Freen’s tongue explored every inch of Becky’s pussy, savoring the taste and texture. She moved with deliberate slowness, penetrating Becky with her tongue before running it back up her folds to suck hard on her swollen clit. Becky’s back arched involuntarily, a guttural moan escaping her lips. 

“Fuckkkk,” Becky grunted, her voice thick with need. "Bab-," she tried to beg for more, but her words were cut off as Freen slid two fingers deep inside her, her touch both firm and tender.

“Shhh,” Freen murmured with a smile, her eyes twinkling with a mix of affection and mischief. "Let me take care of you." She began to pump her fingers in and out, setting a rhythm that was slow and steady, yet undeniably powerful.

Freen’s free hand moved to Becky’s breast, kneading and teasing her nipple, adding to the overwhelming sensations coursing through Becky’s body. The combination of Freen’s fingers inside her, her tongue on her clit, and the attention to her breasts was almost too much. Becky’s breaths came in ragged gasps, her body trembling with each thrust of Freen’s fingers.

The pressure built inside Becky, a coil tightening with every second. Freen’s fingers curled just right, hitting that perfect spot inside her. Becky’s moans grew louder, her hips bucking against Freen’s hand, desperate for release.

“You’re so close, aren’t you?” Freen whispered, her breath hot against Becky’s skin. Becky could only nod, her voice lost in the overwhelming pleasure.

With a final flick of her tongue and a deeper thrust of her fingers, Freen sent Becky over the edge. Becky’s body convulsed as she came, waves of pleasure crashing over her. Her cry filled the room, her body arching and trembling uncontrollably.

Freen held her through it all, her movements gentle and soothing as Becky rode out her orgasm. When the tremors finally subsided, Freen slowly withdrew her fingers and kissed her way back up Becky’s body, her touch light and comforting.

Becky lay there, breathless and spent, looking at Freen with a mixture of adoration and awe. “Should I get you jealous more often?” she teased once she was able to speak.

Freen laughed but gave her lover a light slap on the arm. “Don’t you dare,” she let out. 

Freen finally untied Becky’s arms, and as soon as she was free, Becky seized the moment. With a swift motion, she grabbed Freen and flipped her onto the couch where she had just been pleasured. 

“My turn,” Becky declared, her voice husky with desire. 

Their bodies intertwined again, and soon they were lost in another round of passionate ecstasy, each touch and kiss igniting a new wave of pleasure.

—
Hours later, Becky was awakened by a text message from Richie: he claimed he had messed up and needed her help, asking her to meet him at his place. Becky felt a wave of uncertainty. Could she trust him, or was this a trap?

“What’s wrong?” Freen’s concerned voice cut through the silence as she reached out to hold Becky. Without a word, Becky handed her phone to Freen, letting her read the message for herself. After reading it, Freen sat up. “What are you going to do?”

“It would be suspicious if I don’t go meet him, but I don’t entirely trust him right now,” Becky admitted, her voice conflicted. Freen rubbed her back, offering comfort.

“How about you let the team know so we can come up with a plan to protect you? I can go with you to meet him,” Freen suggested.

“I’m not letting you anywhere near him after what happened to you,” Becky responded, protective of Freen. “But you’re right, let’s tell the others. I’ll make some calls.” She got out of bed to gather the team.

A few moments later, Becky returned to the room. “Alright, I’ve arranged for Rust to take you to the meeting location. I’ll meet you all there after I meet Richie. Mills will track my car, and I’ll have a mic on me so you can all know what’s going on.”

“I don’t have a good feeling about this, Bec. I don’t think you should meet him alone,” Freen said, her concern evident.

“I don’t think Richie will do anything to me personally. I should hear him out,” Becky replied, sensing Freen’s worries. “But don’t worry—JJ’s chopper will be on standby, just in case.”
There was no changing Becky’s mind once she was determined to do something. Reluctantly, Freen got ready and left with Rust to meet the others. After ensuring that Freen was safely on her way to the location, Becky got into her Porsche and headed to Richie’s place.

As she drove, she noticed a car following her. To confirm her suspicion, she made a few random turns, and sure enough, the car stayed on her tail. She immediately dialed Danny.

“Spill it, what did that brother of yours do?” Danny greeted her.

“Hey! No, I need your help tracing a car. I think I’m being followed,” Becky replied quickly.

“Shit—hold on, let me put you on speaker,” Danny said before clicking over so the others could hear. “Go ahead, Bec.”

“The plate number is CA 6KXJ324.” Becky read out using her advanced back camera. 

“Got it. Hang on.” Danny assured her as he started working on the trace.

Becky took a deep breath, focusing on keeping her cool as she continued to drive, “Is Freen there yet?” Beck asked, worried for her love.

“She just pulled up outside, Bec. Don’t worry, we’ll take care of her,” LH spoke up as Danny worked on the trace. “Is there anywhere you can turn to lose them?” LH asked, concern evident in her voice.

“I really should drive more often,” Becky joked, trying to lighten the mood, though she wasn’t entirely sure where she was after all those random turns.

“Got it!” Danny shouted, returning to the phone. “The car is registered to a Miles Padderson—the same name as the person we found out got the order to kidnap Freen.”

Becky’s heart raced. “So it’s definitely a trap,” she muttered, gripping the steering wheel tighter. “Thanks, Danny. Call in JJ and have him meet me at Hudson’s Ya-” 

“Becky?” Danny called out but the line went dead. “Fuck. Mills track Becky’s car now!” Danny yelled out to Mills who was already on it.

“What’s going on?” Freen’s voice echoed into the room as everyone’s face was one of concern. 

—
Becky’s pulse quickened as she navigated through the streets, Danny’s voice still echoing in her earpiece. Suddenly, another car cut sharply in front of her, forcing her to slam on the brakes to avoid a collision. Her heart pounded in her chest as she recognized Richie stepping out from the car ahead and approaching hers.

Uncertain of his intentions, Becky cautiously stepped out of her Porsche to confront him. “What’s going on?” she demanded, her voice tinged with apprehension.

Richie’s expression was unreadable as he simply gestured for her to come with him. Suspicion tightening her muscles, Becky hesitated, refusing to comply. Before she could react further, a figure emerged from behind her, swift and silent.

A sharp pain shot through Becky’s neck, and she instinctively reached up, only to feel the prick of a needle. Her vision blurred, her legs weakening beneath her as consciousness slipped away. The world spun and dimmed until darkness enveloped her completely, and she collapsed.

To be continued…

Chapter Text

Previously…
Her vision blurred, her legs weakening beneath her as consciousness slipped away. The world spun and dimmed until darkness enveloped her completely, and she collapsed.

“What’s going on?” Freen’s voice echoed into the room as everyone’s face was one of concern. 

“What just happened? Where’s Becky?” Freen asked, her voice edged with concern.

“You should sit down, Freen,” Jas offered gently. “We’re not sure ourselves yet.”

“Can someone just tell me what happened?” Freen’s frustration was growing, her worry evident.

Everyone exchanged glances before looking to Danny to explain. “Why me?” Danny whined, not wanting to be the bearer of bad news but knowing it couldn’t wait. “Becky called me just now, asking me to trace a plate because she felt like she was being followed.”

Freen sat up straighter, her heart pounding as she listened. The look on Danny’s face told her there was more bad news to come. “Is she okay?” Freen was now on the edge of panic.

“We don’t know, Freen,” Mills chimed in. “We lost communication with her just after you arrived.”

“It has to be Richie,” Danny added. “I traced the plate she gave me, and right before we lost contact, we found out that the car was registered to a Miles Padderson. Coincidentally, that’s the same name we discovered was involved in the order to abduct you.”

Freen let out an audible gasp and began pacing. Panic surged through her, mingling with guilt. “I shouldn’t have let her go alone. I had a bad feeling about it and should have pushed harder to go with her,” she said, her voice trembling with self-reproach.

Jas and LH got up and helped Freen calm down. “It’s not your fault. Please don’t blame yourself,” Jas told her, her voice soothing.

“Jas is right. It’s not your fault,” LH added, gently guiding Freen to sit back down. “Right now, it’s important that we stay calm and try to figure out what happened. If it was Richie who got her, I’m sure he won’t hurt her.”

Freen nodded, though she couldn’t stop a couple of tears from rolling down her cheeks. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself as she listened to the team.

“Alright, I tracked Becky’s car just now,” Mills explained. “It looked like it was heading towards Hudson Yards to meet JJ, but it stopped in an alley in Hell’s Kitchen for about five minutes. Now it’s on the move again, heading toward Chelsea?” Mills continued, sounding puzzled.

“Why would she go to Chelsea?” Jean asked out of nowhere, startling some.

“It might not be her driving,” Mills suggested. “I’ll hack into the street cameras around where she stopped and see if we can get any more information. LH, can you give me a hand? Might be faster with both our skills.” LH nodded and followed Mills to start working.

“Do we know if Stacy is coming tonight? I wanted to ask her about the autopsy results,” Danny asked aloud, breaking the uneasy silence.

“She was going into surgery when Becky gathered us, so it might be a while until she gets here,” Jas answered, her voice tinged with concern.

The rest of the team waited patiently for Mills and LH to return. Danny and Jean decided to order some comfort food to help keep everyone awake as they sifted through the files Mills had pulled from Richie’s devices. Pizza, Chinese takeout, and a large pot of coffee were soon spread out on the table, but the usual comfort of the food did little to ease the tension in the room.

The atmosphere was charged with worry and anticipation. Conversations were kept to a minimum, as no one wanted to say anything that might worry Freen even more. The team worked in near silence, the only sounds being the occasional murmur of a question or chewing.

Freen, however, was determined to stay productive. She offered to help look through the files as well, explaining, “My journalism background means I have great research skills. I’m very thorough when it comes to examining large amounts of information.”

Danny handed her an iPad, nodding appreciatively. “We can look through these together. Maybe you can see something I missed.” Danny added with a sweet smile.

Freen moved to sit next to Danny so they could look through the data, her eyes scanning the files with practiced efficiency. She made notes and highlighted key points, her mind racing as she tried to piece together any clues that might help them connect Richie to all this.

Occasionally, she glanced at the door, hoping for Mills and LH to return with more information. The minutes ticked by slowly, each one stretching into an eternity as they all worked with a shared sense of urgency and determination.

Finally, Mills and LH returned, their expressions grim but determined. The team gathered around them, anticipation thick in the air.

“We managed to pull some video footage from nearby cameras where Becky stopped,” Mills began, setting up a laptop to show the footage on the big screen. “It confirms our suspicions.”

Everyone turned to watch as the video played. The grainy black-and-white footage showed Becky’s Porsche pulling into a narrow street in Hell’s Kitchen. Moments later, another car cut her off as she tried to leave the alley, with the car that had been following her pulling up behind her. Richie stepped out, his face clearly visible as he walked towards Becky’s car.

“It’s definitely Richie,” LH confirmed, pointing to the screen. “He approached her car and spoke to her for a moment.”

Mills switched the camera angle, showing a different perspective. Becky got out of her car, looking wary as she confronted Richie. Suddenly, someone came from behind her, a figure that looks like Miles. Before Becky could react, the person injected something into her neck. Her body went rigid, then limp, collapsing into the man.

“Damn it,” Danny muttered under his breath, fists clenching in frustration.

The footage showed Richie and Miles quickly loading Becky into Richie’s car. Miles then got into Becky’s Porsche and drove off, following Richie’s car out of the alley. The video ended there, leaving an eerie silence in the room.

“They were counting on her to drive alone,” Mills said grimly. “This wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment thing; it was planned.”

Freen’s face went pale, her worst fears confirmed. She felt a mix of terror and fury. “He must have figured out she was onto him after she visited him today,” she said, her voice shaking.

“Probably,” Mills answered. “Something must have tipped him off when we logged into his devices remotely. He might be smarter than we give him credit for.”

“But all of us have to be smarter than him, right?” Jean commented.

“I think I know why he’s trying to cover things up.” It was Freen who spoke up this time, and everyone turned to her, surprised by her insight. 

“I was looking through his business investments over the last year,” Freen began, pulling out the notes she had been jotting down. “He’s been making a lot of investments. On paper, these investments seem to be doing remarkably well. For instance, there’s this small production company he invested in that was initially valued at only two million dollars. Within a month of his involvement, its value shot up into the multimillion-dollar range and that’s not the only example.”

Freen paused, letting the implications sink in. The room fell silent as they all considered the significance of Richie’s sudden wealth and the timing of Becky’s abduction.

“He’s laundering money,” Danny concluded, his expression darkening. “Using legitimate businesses to cover up illegal activities.”

“That’s why he’s trying to silence Becky,” Jas added, a steely resolve in her voice. “She must have stumbled onto something and he’s trying to get ahead of her. He made it worse when he had someone kidnap you.”

Freen nodded, “Exactly. So he might be desperate and you don’t know what desperate people will do, even to their family.”

The team exchanged determined looks, knowing the stakes had just been raised. They had to move quickly now, not just to save Becky, but to uncover Richie’s illicit schemes and bring him to justice.

“Freen,” LH said gently, “we’ll find her.”

Freen nodded, trying to steady herself. “I feel so useless just sitting here.”

Danny reached out to take the notes from Freen. “You’ve connected the dots to Richie. You’re far from useless. We will find her,” he assured her with determination. “I’ll carry her out from wherever she’s being kept myself,” he added, trying to lighten the mood.

Freen couldn’t help but smile at Danny’s attempt to lift their spirits and thanked him. They all continued brainstorming, trying to come up with any possible way to find Becky. Soon after, Dr. Stacy arrived and was promptly updated on the situation.

“Stacy, how did Lin’s autopsy go?” Danny asked the doctor, concern etched on his face.

“I was going to reach out to you, but I got busy. But I never received the body,” Stacy replied, her tone troubled.

“What do you mean you never got it? We had it delivered to the location you specified,” Jean interjected, her frustration evident.

“I’m telling you, my team and I never received it,” Stacy reiterated, her brow furrowed in confusion.

“Now we have two bodies to find, great,” Jean added grimly. “If you need me, I’ll be in the closet, not being morbid. I will get to the bottom of this,” she said as she disappeared into another room not wanting to be bothered.

“We’ll look into it, but right now, the most important thing is figuring out where Becky is,” Mills added, echoing everyone's agreement. 

—
Becky gradually regained consciousness, her head heavy and groggy from the effects of the drug. As awareness seeped back into her, she felt a sense of disorientation and fear. Her hands were bound behind her back, secured to a sturdy chair, a stark difference to when she was last bound. Blinking against the haze, she slowly took in her surroundings. The dimly lit penthouse was eerily familiar, the soft glow of city lights filtering through the windows. Panic surged through her as she realized where she was—her own home, now transformed into a scene of captivity. The room was silent except for the distant hum of the city outside, heightening Becky's sense of isolation and vulnerability. She strained against her restraints, heart racing, desperate to understand why Richie had brought her here.

Becky's breath caught in her throat as Richie stepped into view, his silhouette framed against the city lights. His calm demeanor contrasted sharply with Becky's rising fear and anger. "Relax, sis," he said softly, his voice unnervingly smooth. "I don't want to hurt you. I just want to talk and come to an agreement."

Becky stared at him incredulously, her mind racing with disbelief and betrayal. "You're involved in Freen's kidnapping," she accused, her voice trembling with accusation. "And the embezzlement scheme—our clients' money."

Richie's expression hardened briefly before he sighed, a flicker of resignation crossing his features. "Ah, no point in denying it now," he admitted, his tone matter-of-fact. "You want to know what I’ve learned recently?" He asked, taking a seat in front of Becky, leaning forward with an unsettling calm.

Becky's heart pounded in her chest as she continued to listen, her mind racing. She knew she couldn't trust him, not after what she had uncovered, but a part of her still wanted to believe he hadn't completely gone off the deep end.

"Whatever it is, it doesn’t excuse your actions," Becky finally managed to say, her voice firm despite the fear gripping her.

Richie's expression hardened, his façade of calm slipping slightly. "You’re always the determined one in the family," he commented, his voice now tinged with annoyance. "I overheard Dad going over his will a couple months ago and guess what? He’s giving fifty percent of the company to you. Fifty percent, can you believe it?" Richie said, his excitement clearly feigned.

Becky stared back at him in disbelief. “You know I never wanted any part of the company,” she replied, her voice steady but laced with frustration.

“And that’s the problem!” Richie raised his voice, his anger boiling over. “Things get handed to you and you don’t even want them.” He added, his voice growing more agitated. “I worked my whole life for Dad’s empire and he’s going to leave half of it to you? Do you know how much I’m getting? Thirty-five percent. After everything I’ve done, he’s giving me nothing,” Richie said, his voice shaking with rage.

“Do you ever wonder why, Richie?” Becky shot back, her eyes blazing with fury. “I looked into some money laundering cases, and they were all connected to offshore accounts. Accounts that are connected with you!” she accused, her voice rising. “What have you been doing?”

“You’re right,” Richie admitted, his tone bitter. “I ran into some bad business investments that caused me to lose a lot of money. I had no choice but to go into business with some powerful loan sharks. If you didn’t start snooping around, none of this would have happened. Your precious Freen wouldn’t be put in danger.”

Becky felt a cold wave of dread wash over her. “So this is about your mistakes?” she asked, her voice trembling. “You’d risk Freen’s life to cover your tracks?”

Richie’s eyes flashed with a mix of desperation and anger. “I didn’t have a choice, Becky. This is my last chance to make things right. I just need you to stay quiet, and we can all move on. Freen will be safe, and no one else has to get hurt.”

Becky stared at him, her mind whirling. The stakes had never been higher, and the weight of her decision pressed heavily on her. She knew she couldn’t let Richie get away with his crimes, but she also couldn’t risk Freen’s safety.

Becky's mind whirled in deep thought, grappling with the tumultuous emotions and impossible choices before her. Memories of happier times with Richie—times when they were just siblings without the shadow of their father's empire looming over them—flashed through her mind. 

The heavy silence in the room pressed down on her, each second feeling like an eternity. Suddenly, the stillness was interrupted by the sharp, rhythmic clicking of high heels echoing through the house. The sound grew louder, closer, reverberating off the walls and cutting through the tension. Becky’s eyes darted around, her senses heightened, straining to identify the source. The clicking stopped just behind Richie, who turned slightly, revealing a tall, imposing figure emerging from the shadows. Becky's breath caught in her throat as recognition dawned—Lin stood there, her presence both shocking and inexplicably menacing. She moved with a deliberate grace, her eyes locked onto Becky, a cold smile playing at her lips as she stepped forward.

“Oh sweetie, you look like you’ve seen a ghost,” Lin said, her voice dripping with mock concern. The words sent a chill through Becky’s body, her heart pounding as she took in the sight of Lin standing there, alive and very much real. 

Chapter Text

Previously, Freen learned from Danny that Becky felt followed and had asked him to trace a suspicious license plate before they lost contact with her. Mills discovered the car was linked to Miles Padderson, involved in Freen's previous abduction attempt. Despite feeling guilty, Freen joined the team in analyzing data, leading them to uncover footage of Becky being kidnapped by Richie and Miles. Richie later confessed to Becky that he was involved in money laundering and blamed her for his financial troubles, which escalated when he discovered their father planned to leave half the company to Becky. The tense situation intensified when Lin, thought to be dead, suddenly appeared.

"Lin?" Becky uttered in complete shock.

"So you do remember me. I thought you might have forgotten since you couldn’t care less about the news that I was dead," Lin replied sarcastically, walking over to Richie and slowly running her hand over his shoulders.

Becky, perplexed and horrified by the scene, asked, "What’s going on here?"

With a smirk, Lin walked around and sat on Richie’s lap. "What - is this? I guess I found an Armstrong that truly loves me," she said, giving Richie a soft kiss, which caused Becky to feel nauseous.

"What does it look like, Bec?" Richie answered, holding Lin's waist. "I saw how you were with Lin, always at arm's length. You never loved her the way she deserved to be loved. Now she has that and more." He added, his tone dripping with satisfaction as he looked at Becky's stunned expression.

Becky looked on, feeling a pang of guilt. Richie wasn’t entirely wrong. She had loved Lin deeply, but there was always an underlying hesitation that kept her from fully committing. Becky had blamed it on the inherent trust issues within their social class, the constant need to guard secrets and the fear of betrayal. Yet, deep down, she knew it was more than that. She had grown tired of the cyclical effort of building trust over and over again, and settling down with Lin had seemed like a way to escape that exhausting cycle. 

Lin had been her rock, her comfort in times of chaos, always going the extra mile for her. But Becky had struggled to do the same in return. She had ended their relationship, believing they both understood the limitations of their bond and agreed it was best to part ways. Seeing Lin now, intimately close with Richie, Becky realized how wrong she had been. The depth of Lin’s betrayal stung, but so did the realization of her own shortcomings in their relationship. The complex mix of regret, guilt, and heartbreak made her stomach churn more than the sight of Lin and Richie. 

"But I heard you found someone new. Someone you actually let stay here—this place I always thought was your safe space, which is why you never let me stay over. Oh, how wrong I was. Freen must be a good fuck." Lin's voice dripped with bitterness, her words cutting deep. The mention of Freen's name snapped Becky out of her thoughts, and she looked at Lin, her eyes narrowing as anger surged within her. Becky’s mind raced with memories of the countless times she had gently pushed Lin away, claiming she needed space, never realizing how deeply it hurt her. She clenched her fists, struggling to contain her composure and not show them that it was getting to her.

“Did I touch a nerve?” Lin asked, noticing Becky’s clenched fist. She sauntered over to a nearby table, where a sleek black box sat ominously. “How about we invite her here and see how much she truly cares about you? Midnight sound good?” Lin added mischievously, her fingers lingering over the box.

“Leave her out of this!” Becky shouted, her voice trembling with anger she could no longer contain.

Lin laughed, a cold, half-hearted sound. “Oh, I know all about your late-night rendezvous with her. So romantic it makes me sick,” she sneered, her eyes gleaming with spite.

“Don’t be mad, babe—I can treat you ten times better,” Richie interjected, his voice dripping with possessiveness. Becky saw a flash of annoyance cross Lin’s face, and she knew her brother was being manipulated.

“Don’t you see, Richie? She’s using you!” Becky exclaimed, desperation tinging her voice. Richie turned to glare at her, his eyes filled with anger and betrayal, his jaw clenched.

Lin smirked and walked back to Richie, running a hand through his hair. “Oh, Becky, you were never the jealous type, why start now? Richie here, he understands me. He gives me what you never could,” she said, her voice a blend of mockery and satisfaction. 

Becky’s mind raced, trying to find a way to get through to Richie. “Richie, please, think about this. Why is she with you all of sudden when she showed you no interest during our relationship. She’s only with you to get what she wants. I don’t know what it is she wants but she doesn’t care about you.”

Richie’s glare intensified. “You’re just saying that because you can’t stand to see me happy,” he snapped. “For once in my life, I took something from you. You can’t stand that Lin wants me now.”

Becky was left speechless. Was this how Richie had always felt growing up? Guilt washed over her, and tears began to stream down her face. “I’m sorry, Richie. I didn’t know you felt this way all our lives. I should have been a better sister. I promise to be one and help you after this, but you need to open your eyes. Lin is using you!” she pleaded, desperate for him to understand.

“A little too late, baby sis,” Richie shot back, his voice laced with bitterness. “I asked for your help earlier, and you wouldn’t give it, so here we are. Apparently, only that little bitch of yours matters nowadays.” He paused, his eyes narrowing. “Lin and I are partners—we work together. No need to use each other,” he added, a smug smile playing on his lips.

Becky’s heart ached at his words, the weight of their fractured relationship bearing down on her. She struggled to find the right words to break through to him, to make him see the truth, but the distance between them seemed insurmountable.

“Well, she’s right,” Lin spoke up, slicing through the tension between the siblings. Both Armstrongs turned to look at her, their expressions a mix of confusion and shock.

“What do you mean?” Richie removed his hand from Lin’s waist, his voice uncertain and shaky.

“What your sister said—me using you—she’s right,” Lin added with a smirk that sent a chill down Becky’s spine.

Becky saw Richie’s hand ball up into a fist, his knuckles turning white as he struggled to comprehend what Lin was saying. “Lin, you’re joking, right?” he asked, a hint of desperation creeping into his voice.

“I mean, it is funny, but I guess only to me, right?” Lin replied, her laughter echoing hollowly in the room. With a fluid motion, she pulled out a small gun, its barrel glinting ominously as she pointed it at Richie’s chest. “You’re so needy, you know that?” she asked, pressing the gun further into his chest with a sadistic glint in her eye.

Becky saw the panic in her brother’s eyes, the fear and betrayal mixing into a look of sheer terror. “Stop! What do you want, Lin?” Becky pleaded, her voice rising in desperation. She needed to get Lin’s attention, to de-escalate the situation before it spiraled out of control.

Lin turned her cold gaze toward Becky, her smirk widening. "What do I want? I want what I’ve always wanted, Becky. You. But since I can’t have you, I’ll settle for power and control. And this one just made it so easy for me." She pushed the gun harder against Richie, causing him to wince. Before Becky could react, Lin pulled the trigger.

Becky screamed as Richie’s body convulsed violently, then collapsed back onto the couch. “Richie!” she cried, her voice cracking with anguish. “What did you do?” she demanded, her eyes filled with tears as she looked at Lin in horror.

“Relax, I just tased him. He’ll be fine... for now,” Lin confirmed, and Becky breathed a sigh of relief, though her heart still pounded in her chest.

“You’re crazy!” Becky exclaimed once she found her voice, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and anger.

“You haven’t seen crazy yet, baby,” Lin replied menacingly, a cold smile playing on her lips as she lowered herself to Becky’s level. “But first, let’s get our little gift delivered.” Lin held up a black gift box that Becky recognized immediately. Those were her personalized gift boxes, the ones she had been using to send Freen gifts over the past few weeks.

Becky’s mind raced. How had Lin gotten hold of them? What did she plan to do? Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching from the hallway. She turned her head, straining to see who it was. 

“Pop?” she uttered, confused and disoriented. The sight of her friend walking towards them only added to her bewilderment. 

Before she could process what was happening, a surge of pain shot through her entire body. She convulsed, her muscles stiffening as the electric current from the taser overwhelmed her senses. The last thing she saw before darkness claimed her was Lin’s smirking face as Becky’s body slumped forward, unconscious.

—---

Back at The Club.

“SHE’S NOT DEAD!” Jean shouted as she burst into the room, having been tucked away researching for hours.

“Love the enthusiasm and confidence for our B, but we need concrete information,” Danny replied, only to be met with a pillow to the face. “Rude.”

“This is real information, thank you very much. And I’m not talking about Becky,” Jean shot back.

“Who are you talking about then?” Mills asked, his curiosity piqued.

“LIN!” Jean’s voice cut through the room, sending everyone into stunned silence. The collective gasp that followed was a testament to the shock that gripped them all. “When Stacy told us she never received the body, something felt off. So, I dug deeper and discovered that the body Danny and I had requested for Stacy was held back and denied by a so-called 'family member,' who doesn’t seem to exist outside of the paperwork,” Jean explained, her voice tinged with frustration.

“But how did you figure out she’s still alive?” Freen asked, her voice steady but filled with concern.

“I had a hunch,” Jean admitted. “I compared the signature on the denial papers with Lin’s signature on various legal documents, and they matched closely. Knowing I needed more evidence, I reviewed surveillance footage from around Becky’s place. We were so fixated on finding Richie and the male kidnapper that Lin being alive hadn’t even crossed our minds.”

“You focused on finding Lin… and you found her,” LH concluded for her friend.

“Yup,” Jean confirmed, pulling out an iPad and projecting the footage she found onto the main screen. 

Everyone turned their attention to the main screen, where an unmistakable image of Lin was captured by CCTV, sneaking into a car parked down the street from Becky’s penthouse. “Damn, that is her,” LH remarked, and everyone nodded in agreement, except for Freen, who hadn’t seen Lin before.

“Looks like there’s a plate number visible. Let me run it,” Mills said, pulling out his own iPad and typing furiously.

“She’s gorgeous...” Freen said softly, her eyes fixed on the screen. The room went silent as everyone turned to look at her, surprise evident on their faces.

“Yeah, she was pretty hot and feisty—ow!” Danny started to comment but was cut off by a sharp jab in his side. He turned to see LH giving him a ‘stop talking’ smile. “You’re definitely prettier, though,” Danny added quickly, turning to Freen with a sheepish grin.

Freen gave him a sweet, knowing smile, but before anyone could say more, her phone rang. It was Nam. She quickly excused herself and answered, the tension in the room palpable as everyone waited for her to speak.

"Nam, what's up?" Freen asked, her voice steady but strained.

“Freen, a gift box just got delivered to the house. It’s from Becky,” Nam said, her tone light but curious. “Did you two have a fight or something? I thought you staying with her now would put an end to those midnight meetings.”

Freen’s heart skipped a beat. She knew the box wasn’t from Becky, but she didn’t want to alarm Nam. “No, we’re fine. I’ll come home soon to get it,” Freen replied, trying to keep her voice calm.

“Alright, just thought I’d let you know. See you soon,” Nam said, hanging up.

Freen turned back to the group, her expression now a mix of worry and determination. “We have another situation. A gift box supposedly from Becky was delivered to my place, but I know it’s not from her. Do you think it’s from Lin?” she mentioned.

“Damn, she’s playing mind games,” LH said, shaking her head. 

Mills finished running the plate and confirmed it was connected to a rental car under a fake name, adding another layer of suspicion to Lin’s activities. “I tried to run this name a few more times and look here,” Mills said, moving a few tabs on the screen to show everyone. “That name was also used to purchase a condo unit in Becky’s building. If this is Lin, she’s been nearby the entire time.”

“Stalker much?” Danny commented, raising an eyebrow.

“There has to be a reason why she’s doing all this. From my understanding, her relationship with Becky wasn’t bad and they ended mutually,” Jas spoke up, frowning.

“Right, right…but what if—” Stacy started to agree but stopped mid-sentence.

“What if what, doc?” Jean asked, amused.

“Oh sorry! I was just thinking, what if—oh my god, guys, what if Lin is just madly in love with Becky and actually didn’t handle the breakup as well as we thought? What if she’s jealous because Becky’s over the moon in love with Freen and she created this crazy plan to get Becky back?” Stacy ranted her idea, then paused. “Or she’s just trying to steal her money…yeah, that’s probably more reasonable. Ignore me,” she finished, shaking her head.

“I don’t know about that,” Freen interjected, a thoughtful look on her face. “Becky and I just started confirming what we are and they were engaged. What’s there to be jealous of?” Freen questioned.

“For one, she has never brought Lin into this group,” LH replied, her voice serious. “I can tell you now that how Becky treats or protects you is more than she has done for anyone, let alone Lin.”

Freen looked around at everyone’s faces, seeing them all nodding in agreement with LH’s statement. “Becky doesn’t have to work too hard to get people’s attention. People typically line up for hers. But the effort she’s putting in just to talk to you is disgustingly cute and very out of character for her,” Jas added.

“And that’s why we’re going to do what we need to do to get her back safe and sound,” Mills assured Freen. “Danny, why don’t you go with Freen and Gus to pick up that gift?” Mills suggested.

“I can do that,” Danny agreed, getting up and helping Freen to her feet.

“The rest of us will dig deeper into what else Lin might possibly be connected to,” Mills continued. “Also, once you have the gift, check it for any bugs. You never know what that crazy bitch is capable of now that she faked her own death.”

As Danny and Freen headed out, the rest of the team huddled around Mills, preparing for their next steps.

Gus drove Danny and Freen back to her apartment, and the early morning quietness made the usually bustling streets of New York feel almost empty. The city's usual hum was replaced by an eerie stillness, amplifying the gravity of their mission. Once inside, Freen met Nam, who greeted her with a concerned smile. They caught up briefly, with Nam joking about Freen’s “midnight meetings” with Becky. Freen thanked Nam for holding her gift box, feeling a pang of guilt for not being able to share the full truth but knowing it was necessary to keep her friend safe. With the box in hand, Freen, Danny, and Gus headed back to the club, the urgency of their task pressing down on them. Freen knew that whatever was inside could be a key to finding Becky, and she felt a mix of fear and determination as she held it in her hand. 

Back at the club, Freen and Danny reunited with the rest of the team, who gathered around once they saw that the two had returned. The atmosphere was tense, everyone on edge as they waited to see what the mysterious gift box held. Freen placed the box on her lap, her hands trembling slightly as she prepared to open it.

Undoing the ribbon, Freen then pulled off the lid of the small box, revealing the note card Becky typically included in her gifts. She flipped it over and read its contents aloud:

A surprise is waiting for you.

Same time tonight.

The note card was signed with a lipstick kiss, a gesture Becky had never done before. Freen's heart sank, a feeling of unease settling in her stomach. Steeling herself, she pushed through her discomfort and removed the tissue paper inside the box. Beneath it, she found a small masquerade mask, intricately designed and glinting ominously under the dim lights of the club. The group exchanged worried glances, the air thick with tension and unspoken questions.

"She’s at her penthouse," Freen said aloud, causing the others to look at her in confusion. She then took out the mask and showed everyone. "The masquerade party at Becky’s place was the first of our midnight meetings."

"This means Lin was there at that party. How did we miss her? We were all there as well," LH pondered.

"Well, when everyone is wearing a mask, Lisa, you’re gonna miss a few people," Danny commented sarcastically.

"I know that," LH responded, "but what I’m saying is that she didn’t even mingle with people? And how did she get in? I’m sure Becky didn’t invite her."

"Richie," almost everyone said in unison.

“Of course it’s him!” Mills exclaimed as he stood up and grabbed his iPad again. “While you two were gone, I dug into some things and discovered a weird transaction we missed. The fake name Lin used, Laura Baker, doesn’t connect to any offshore accounts, but there were numerous transactions to another account under the name LB. My best guess is that Richie’s laundering money is being siphoned off and funneled into this account, which I strongly suspect is Lin’s,” Mills explained.

“So you’re saying Richie is being played?” Danny asked.

“Oh my god, guys!” Dr. Stacy interrupted, drawing everyone's attention. “What if Lin seduced Richie to do her dirty work, only to double-cross him and steal all his money? Richie has always been envious of what Becky has. Just a theory—don’t mind me,” she added.

“Actually, that might be how she’s getting information. Think about it—Richie has access to us, money, and most importantly, Becky,” Jas added thoughtfully. “She probably knew his weakness and exploited it. And because he’s jealous of B, he gave her all the information she wanted. So toxic.”

“Alright, now that we know a bit more of the puzzle, let’s come up with a plan to protect Freen tonight and get both her and Becky back safely,” Mills interjected, his voice firm and resolute.

Everyone nodded in agreement and immediately got to work. The atmosphere in the room grew tense as they dove into research, scrutinizing the blueprint of Becky’s penthouse and brainstorming the best strategies to ensure a successful rescue. They examined every possible entry and exit point, discussed potential scenarios, and debated the best ways to neutralize any threats.

As the day wore on, Freen found it increasingly difficult to keep herself composed. Her thoughts were a whirlwind of worry for Becky, anger at Lin's manipulations, and anxiety about the upcoming confrontation. She paced the room, occasionally stopping to listen to the others' discussions but finding it hard to focus. Every tick of the clock seemed to amplify her impatience, the weight of the unknown pressing heavily on her.

In quieter moments, Freen tried to distract herself by helping with the planning, but her mind kept drifting back to Becky. She thought about their midnight meetings, the gentle moments they shared, and the growing bond between them. The thought of Becky being in danger because of her past relationship with Lin filled Freen with a mix of fear and determination.

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the room, the team finalized their plan. They had mapped out their approach, coordinated their roles, and reviewed their equipment. Freen took a deep breath, steeling herself for the night ahead. She knew that confronting Lin would be dangerous, but she was resolute in her commitment to protect Becky and put an end to Lin's schemes.

—---

Becky stirred awake, her head feeling impossibly heavy, a dull ache throbbing at her temples. As she gradually became more aware of her surroundings, she realized she was no longer in the living room where she had been tied up. A cool breeze brushed against her skin, confirming she was now outside. The faint rustling of leaves and distant city sounds reached her ears. Blinking away the blurriness, her vision cleared, and she saw she was by the pool, her chair precariously perched at its edge. The water glistened ominously under the moonlight, reflecting the eerie stillness of the night. The scent of chlorine mixed with the night air, sending a chill down her spine as she assessed her precarious situation. She could feel the cold, smooth tiles beneath her feet and hear the gentle lapping of water against the pool’s edge, adding to her growing sense of dread.

"Good morning, princess," Lin's voice cut through the stillness, snapping Becky fully awake. She turned to see Lin standing nearby with the person who’s last face she had seen before everything went black.

"Pop..." Becky uttered, her voice shaky and laden with disbelief. "Why?" she added, feeling a sense of betrayal so heavy that tears began to gather in her eyes.

"Oh, sweetie, it's not personal," Lin answered for Pop, her tone disturbingly cheerful. "Desperate people do desperate things. Pop needed a handout, and I needed an in."

"You could have come to me if you needed help. I thought we were friends," Becky ignored Lin entirely, focusing on Pop, who was avoiding her gaze. Her heart ached, feeling the weight of the betrayal, making her voice tremble with a mixture of sadness and anger. The cool night air felt even colder against her skin as the reality of the situation settled in.

"You should worry less about him and more about yourself right now. We have a guest coming soon," Lin announced, her voice filled with unsettling cheerfulness. The mention of a guest immediately caught Becky's attention. "That got your attention," Lin chuckled.

"What did you do?" Becky demanded, her voice edged with fear and anger.

Lin walked over to Becky, tracing a hand down her face before settling herself on Becky's lap, her weight pressing Becky uncomfortably against the chair. Just then, the sound of the elevator arriving broke the silence, echoing through the open space. Becky saw Pop leave, and moments later, he returned with Freen right behind him.

"Welcome, Freen!" Lin greeted loudly when their eyes met. Her tone was saccharine, dripping with faux hospitality. "You might not know who I am—" she began, but was cut off.

"I know who you are," Freen corrected, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. She was trying to hold back her tears at the sight of Becky tied up, looking so vulnerable. Becky looked at her in surprise. "You're the crazy ex," Freen added, her voice firm. 

The plan was to provoke Lin enough to hope she would make a mistake, knowing how desperately Lin wanted to control the situation. Freen was nervous, her heart pounding in her chest, but seeing Becky gave her the courage she needed to do what had to be done.

Lin's eyes narrowed at Freen's words. She stood up from Becky's lap, her demeanor shifting from playful to menacing. "Oh, you have no idea how crazy I can be," she said, her voice low and dangerous. She walked over to Freen, her movements deliberate and slow, as if savoring the moment.

"Didn't you bring me here to find out? I don’t have all night," Freen continued, her tone dismissive. This did the trick as she saw the anger flash in Lin’s eyes, the girl's fists clenching at Freen’s words. "What’s wrong? Did you think I was some helpless girl you could scare into doing what you want?" Freen pushed further.

Becky couldn’t help but smile a little at her girl, though inside she hoped Freen would stop provoking Lin into doing something crazy. "You have balls, I’ll give you that," Becky heard Lin mutter, trying to play it off as if she was amused. Lin turned away from Freen and walked over to her purse, reaching in.

"I’m not scared of you, and it has nothing to do with my ‘balls’," Freen retorted, her confidence unwavering. This was enough to make Lin pull out a taser gun from her purse. But before Lin could react, a warning shot rang out from a mysterious location, causing Lin to freeze and look around nervously.

"That was a warning," Freen added as Pop bolted from the scene. Lin's eyes darted around, trying to locate the source of the shot. "You didn’t really think I’d show up alone, did you?" Freen continued, now holding the upper hand. As if on cue, a figure descended from the balcony above them, landing gracefully nearby. It was Danny. 

Lin’s bravado faltered, her confidence wavering as the figure approached. "Give up Lin," Freen said, her voice steady. 

"You have a choice to make now," Lin replied coldly, "Capture me or save her." Without warning, she aimed her taser at Becky and fired.

Chaos erupted in an instant. Freen barely registered what Lin had done before seeing Danny leap in front of Becky, taking the full force of the taser. His convulsing body crashed into the tied-up girl, sending them both tumbling into the deep end of the pool. Seizing the moment, Lin made her escape as Freen immediately dived into the water.

Freen had only a split second to decide on the best course of action. She swam straight to Becky, determined to untie her quickly so they could save Danny together. Freen worked frantically on the knots binding Becky’s arms, her fingers moving with desperate speed. Once Becky’s arms were free, they both turned their attention to the knots around her legs, working as fast as they could.

Time was slipping away, and Danny's body was sinking deeper into the pool. Freen’s heart pounded as she and Becky finally freed the last of the bindings. Together, they kicked towards the bottom of the pool to reach Danny, hoping it wasn’t too late.

Both girls quickly grabbed Danny and pulled him out of the water. Freen immediately performed CPR and mouth-to-mouth as he wasn’t breathing. “Don’t die on me now, Danny!” Becky heard Freen shout as she ran to grab some towels to help warm him up.

After what seemed like forever, Danny finally choked out a bunch of water. Freen sat back in relief while Becky began covering Danny with towels, tossing one to Freen as well. “You’re so stupid, why did you do that?” Becky yelled, her voice shaking with a mix of anger and relief as Danny regained some focus.

“What are friends for…” Danny replied weakly. He managed a smile and added, “Plus, was I dreaming or was Freen kissing me?”

“She was giving you CPR,” Becky corrected, playfully slapping his chest now that she knew he was fine.

“She wants me,” Danny replied smugly, making them all laugh.

“Let’s get out of here and find a safe place,” Freen suggested, messaging to check in on Gus’s location. “Who knows where Lin is or if she’ll come back with backup.”

“She’s going to come at us now with a vengeance, and she has some leverage,” Becky muttered. “She has Richie.” Freen and Danny exchanged worried looks as Becky’s concern deepened. They knew they needed to plan another rescue mission soon, but tonight, they needed to get to safety and rest.

Chapter Text

Previously, Becky was captured by her brother Richie and her ex-fiancé Lin. During her captivity, she discovered Richie was romantically involved with Lin, who was using him to steal money and get closer to Becky again. Lin planned to use Freen against Becky by pretending to be Becky and inviting Freen to join them, mimicking the gift method Becky used when they first met, even specifying a midnight rendezvous.

Meanwhile, The Club members pieced together that Lin was still alive and behind the scheme. They devised a plan to protect Freen as she headed to the penthouse, intending to provoke Lin into making a mistake. During the confrontation, Lin aimed her taser at Becky, but Danny heroically jumped in front of it, causing both him and Becky to fall into the pool. Freen managed to untie Becky in time to save Danny. Although Becky felt relieved to be with Freen again, she remained deeply concerned that Lin had escaped and still held her brother captive.

The next day, the club members gathered to discuss the recent events and hear about it from Becky herself. Freen and Becky were inseparable since the rescue, Freen's need to be beside her love intensifying, not wanting to experience that feeling of loss ever again.

Freen glanced down at Becky's wrist, noticing the bruise marks from where she had been tied. Her heart ached as she reached out to gently trace her fingers along the bruises, tears threatening to form. Becky looked down at the contact, seeing the pained expression on Freen’s face. She placed her hand on top of Freen’s and leaned in to whisper in her lover’s ear, “I’m here.” That simple reassurance was all Freen needed. Lacing their fingers together, they held onto each other tightly as the team gathered around the large table in the club’s meeting room.

The room was filled with a palpable tension as everyone settled into their seats. Files, laptops, and scattered notes covered the table, remnants of the intense research and planning sessions from the previous night. The atmosphere was a mix of relief and unresolved tension, knowing Lin was still out there and that Richie was in danger.

“How are you feeling, B?” Stacy asked, her voice full of concern, breaking the silence.

“I’m a little sore, but I’m okay,” Becky replied. She tried to put on a brave face, but the exhaustion was evident in her eyes. Physically, she felt alright, but mentally, she was still grappling with the trauma. The dark circles under her eyes spoke of a sleepless night, haunted by memories of her ordeal. She squeezed Freen’s hand a bit harder as flashes of Richie getting tased ran through her mind, reminding her of the harrowing events they had just survived.

Stacy nodded, her brows furrowed with worry. “If you need to talk, we’re all here for you.”

Becky offered a small, grateful smile. “Thank you. I just... I can’t believe Richie got himself into this mess. And Lin... I never thought she’d go this far.”

“Did she say anything that can tell us what she’s up to?” Mills asked calmly.

“Nothing too significant,” Becky began, her voice heavy with the weight of recent events. “She was too busy taunting me. But there’s one person we need to look into though…” Becky hesitated, her heart sinking as everyone, including Freen, looked at her curiously. “Pop. He was also helping her.” She let out sadly, the betrayal evident in her tone.

The room fell silent, everyone processing the new information. Freen squeezed Becky’s hand tighter, offering silent support. 

“Pop? Your assistant?” Mills finally broke the silence, his brow furrowed in confusion. “Are you sure?”

Becky nodded, tears threatening to spill from her eyes. “I saw him. He was there and working for Lin. Lin mentioned it wasn't personal and that he was just desperate.”

LH leaned forward, her expression a mix of sympathy and determination. “We’ll get to the bottom of this, B. There must be a reason why he did it.”

Jas chimed in, “This complicates things, but it also gives us another lead. If Pop was involved, there might be a trail we can follow.”

Mills nodded, already reaching for his laptop. “I’ll start digging into his records. See if there’s anything that connects him to Lin beyond what we already know.”

As the team got to work, Freen gently pulled Becky into a comforting embrace. “We’ll figure it out,” she whispered. “Together.” Becky took a deep breath, nodding against Freen’s shoulder.

Danny, still looking a bit pale from the previous night’s ordeal, chimed in, “When we find her, I want to be the one to bring her in. I can’t believe that bitch tasered me. I could have died!”

Jas corrected him, “She was actually trying to tase Becky, but you jumped in.”

“You’re welcome,” Danny retorted, “I don’t see any of you taking one for the team,” he added half-jokingly.

The team burst into laughter, and LH teased, “I think Freen took one for the team by giving you CPR.”

“Rude,” Danny shot back and looked at Freen, who was smiling. “But thank you for the life-saving kiss, Freen,” he said with a wink.

“Hey, CPR is not the same as a kiss,” Stacy chimed in, shaking her head with a grin. “But keep telling yourself that.”

Becky rolled her eyes but couldn’t help but laugh along with the rest. “Trust me, Danny, that’s never going to happen again.”

Everyone burst out laughing as Becky made her comment, while Freen blushed at the topic of conversation. The team enjoyed the light-hearted moment before Becky and Freen left to relax a bit before diving into the next steps.

—

After they left The Club, Becky requested that Gus take them back to Freen’s apartment. She didn’t want to return to her penthouse until Mills had triple-checked her security system and added some new safety measures. The entire ride back to Freen’s place, Becky remained unusually quiet, lost in her thoughts. Freen respected her silence, understanding the emotional turmoil Becky was experiencing. The events of the previous night, combined with her concern for her brother’s safety despite his betrayal, was occupying her mind. 

When they arrived at the apartment, Nam was not yet home so they had some time for themselves. Freen gently guided Becky to the couch, urging her to relax while she prepared something small for them to eat. Becky picked at the food Freen made as she didn’t have an appetite for food right now.

“How about you take a shower and we can relax with a movie?” Freen suggested softly, sitting next to Becky. The smaller girl looked thoughtful for a moment before standing up and extending her hand to Freen. Freen looked up, understanding immediately. She took Becky’s hand, letting her lead them towards the bathroom, providing the silent support Becky needed. 

Steam filled the bathroom as the hot water cascaded down, creating a foggy haze around Freen and Becky. Becky stepped under the warm spray, closing her eyes and letting the water wash away the stress of the past days. Freen followed, her eyes never leaving Becky’s face. 

Freen reached out and gently cupped Becky’s face, tilting it up so their eyes met. There was an intensity in Freen's gaze, a mix of concern, love, and a desire to comfort. Slowly, she leaned in, her lips brushing against Becky's in a soft, tender kiss. Becky responded, her hands finding their way to Freen’s waist, pulling their body closer.

Their kiss deepened, the water flowing over them, mingling with their movements. Freen’s hands slid down Becky’s arms, feeling the goosebumps that formed under her touch. She traced her fingers along the bruises on Becky’s wrists, a reminder of the recent trauma, and pressed gentle kisses to them, as if to soothe away the pain.

Becky’s breath hitched, a mixture of relief and arousal coursing through her. She ran her hands up Freen’s back, feeling the smooth skin under her fingertips. Freen started to plant slow, deliberate kisses along Becky’s collarbone, sending shivers down Becky’s spine, making her grip Freen tighter.

The water continued to pour over them, adding to the sensuality of the moment. A moment that felt like it was going in slow motion as Freen’s hands explored Becky’s body with a delicate reverence, memorizing every curve and contour. Becky felt a sense of safety and belonging in Freen’s embrace, a stark contrast to the fear and uncertainty she had been feeling.

Freen’s lips found their way back to Becky’s, and they kissed again, more passionately this time. Their bodies pressed together, moving in a slow, intimate dance. Every touch, every kiss, was a silent promise of love and support.

As the water began to cool, they finally pulled away, breathless and gazing into each other’s eyes. Freen cupped Becky’s face once more, brushing away a stray wet strand of hair. “Let me take care of you,” she whispered, her voice filled with emotion.

Becky nodded, feeling a warmth that had nothing to do with the water. “Okay,” she replied, her voice equally soft. They stood there for a moment longer, holding each other close.

Freen and Becky finally stepped out of the shower, their bodies still glistening with water, steam swirling around them. Freen wrapped a towel around Becky’s shoulders, her fingers lingering on her lover's skin. With gentle care, Freen took Becky's hand and led her to the bedroom. The room was dimly lit, a soft glow emanating from the bedside lamp, casting a warm, inviting light over the space. The bed was neatly made, the sheets crisp and inviting. Freen turned to Becky, her eyes filled with a mixture of love and desire.

Slowly, Freen pulled the towel away from Becky's body, letting it drop to the floor. She took a step back, drinking in the sight of her lover, her gaze roaming over Becky's curves with an appreciative hunger. Becky, feeling the intensity of Freen's gaze, felt a blush rise to her cheeks, but she didn't look away.

Freen stepped closer, her hands finding their way to Becky's hips, guiding her gently towards the bed. Becky lay down, her hair splayed out on the pillow, her eyes never leaving Freen's. Freen climbed onto the bed beside her, her movements slow as their lips met again in a deep, lingering kiss, their tongues dancing together in a rhythm that only they knew. Freen's hands roamed over Becky's body, caressing every inch of her as if she hadn't before. Moving her lips to Becky's neck, Freen trailed kisses down to Becky’s collarbone, moving down to the swell of her breasts.

Becky moaned softly, her hands tangling in Freen's hair, pulling her closer. Freen's touch was both soothing and exhilarating, sending waves of pleasure through her body already. Freen took her time, exploring every part of Becky’s body with a patient, as she kissed, nipped, and licked, eliciting soft gasps and moans from Becky, who arched her back in response to every touch.

As Freen's mouth traveled lower, Becky felt her anticipation build as she’s gripping the sheets. Freen’s hands continued their gentle exploration, her fingers tracing patterns on Becky's skin. When Freen finally reached Becky's core, she paused for a moment, looking up at her lover with a question in her eyes. Becky nodded, giving her silent consent, and Freen lowered her head, her lips and tongue finding their way to Becky's most sensitive spot.

Becky let out a deep moan, her hips rising to meet Freen's exploring tongue, driving the smaller woman to the edge with every stroke. The room was filled with the sounds of their love, Becky’s soft cries and the sound of their bodies moving perfectly together.

As the waves of pleasure built within her, Becky felt herself teetering on the edge and with a final, shuddering gasp, her body rode out the force of her climax. Freen held her through it, her mouth and hands never leaving Becky’s body until the last tremors had subsided.

Breathless and spent, Becky pulled Freen up to her, their bodies entwining as they lay together. Freen kissed her softly, their lips meeting as Becky tasted herself on Freen’s lips. They lay there, wrapped in each other's arms, feeling the warmth of their connection. The world outside might have been filled with danger and uncertainty, but in that moment, they were safe in the cocoon of their love.

—-

The next day, Freen and Becky woke up intertwined, the sunlight streaming through the curtains casting a warm glow over their bed. They shared a few quiet moments together before the reality of their situation settled back in. Freen kissed Becky’s forehead softly, a silent promise of protection and support, before they both got up and prepared for the day ahead.

They made their way to The Club and as Freen and Becky entered the meeting room, they were greeted with nods and brief smiles from their team members, who were already deep into their preparations.

“Morning,” Freen greeted for the both of them, her voice steady.

“Morning,” Mills replied, looking up from his iPad. “Glad you two are here. We’ve got a lot to discuss.” 

Becky squeezed Freen’s hand before they both took their seats. The team gathered around the table, the atmosphere charged with a sense of purpose. Just as Mills started the briefing, a message pinged on Becky’s phone. She glanced at it and her eyes widened. “It’s from Pop,” she announced.

Everyone turned to look at her, a mixture of skepticism and curiosity on their faces. “What does it say?” LH asked.

Becky read aloud, “‘I know you might not trust me but I want to help. Lin’s planning to leave town tonight and she’s taking Richie for insurance. She’ll be at the abandoned warehouse near the docks where a helicopter will be waiting.’”

Danny chimed in from across the table, “Can we even trust him? He was probably the reason Lin got access to your home. This could be a trap.”

Jas added, “He could be playing both sides. We can’t afford to walk into a setup.”

Becky looked at each of her team members and ended it by looking at Freen who gave her a simple supporting nod. Her expression was resolute. “I know how it sounds, but I believe he wants to help. He helped Lin because he was desperate, but he doesn’t want to see anyone get hurt. Do we find anything out about his situation?”

Mills frowned, considering Becky’s words. “We found a couple of things. Looks like Pop spent a large sum of money investing in one of those companies Richie started and lost big. And when i say large sum, I mean all of his money. He was in deep debt, taking out loans from loan sharks but then came in with some money about a month ago. I’m guessing Lin got to him, promising to help for a price.”

“That price being access to you…” Freen added towards Becky, her voice was filled with hurt.

“Money and shame make people do unimaginable things.” Jas commented.

“It’s a big risk, B. If his information is wrong, or if it’s a trap, we could be putting everyone in danger.” Danny added more serious than he normally is.

“I understand that,” Becky replied. “But I also know Pop. He wouldn’t reach out if he wasn’t sincere. I trust him on this. Plus, it’s not like we have any other leads.” Becky added, growing a bit frustrated.

Freen backed Becky up, “We don’t have much to go on otherwise. If Pop is telling the truth, we have a chance to intercept Lin and save Richie. Maybe we can come up with a way to ensure our safety and her capture.”

The room was silent for a moment as everyone weighed their options. Finally, Danny nodded. “Alright. We’ll go with it. But we’ll be cautious. We’ll set up a secondary plan in case things go sideways.I refused to be shot at again.”

Jas pointed to the locations marked on the screen. “The warehouse near the docks is here. There’s not a lot of way out.”

LH added, “Let’s reach out to JJ and see if he can use his resources to find out flight details in that area today.”

Becky, her face set with determination, spoke up. “That’s a great idea. Maybe we can intercept her getaway plan, but we need to be careful. Lin is losing it, and she won’t hesitate to use Richie as leverage.”

Stacy nodded. “I’ll have my team nearby in case any medical attention is needed.” Becky silently thanked the doctor.

The team continued to discuss the finer details of their plan, going over entry points, communication protocols, and contingency plans. With their plan set and their resolve steeled, the team dispersed to prepare for their part in the operation. 

—-

Danny and Gus staked out at the dock, hidden among the crates and shadows as they watched the area for any sign of Lin and her people. The air was thick with tension, the breeze from the Hudson River doing little to calm their nerves. Pop had sent Becky another message earlier, confirming that Lin was on her way to the dock. Danny kept his eyes trained on the entrance, while Gus monitored their surroundings, ready for anything.

The hours ticked by slowly, each minute feeling like an eternity. Finally, as the night deepened, Danny spotted movement in the distance. "Well, Pop didn’t lie," he whispered, nudging his partner and pointing towards the entrance. A black sedan rolled into view, its headlights cutting through the darkness.

"Must be her," Gus muttered, his grip tightening on his binoculars.

They watched calmly as the car came to a stop. The driver’s door opened, and Lin stepped out. She glanced around cautiously before heading towards an approaching helicopter that was beginning its descent a short distance away.

Danny grabbed his radio and said. "Lin’s heading towards the chopper but she’s alone. I don’t see Richie." he reported.

Just then, the distant wail of police sirens pierced the night, growing louder with each passing second. The sound made Lin freeze for a split second, her head snapping towards the source of the noise. Panic flashed across her face as she realized the authorities were closing in.

"The cops are coming and she’s taking the bait. She’s running to the chopper now." Gus said into his walkie.

Lin broke into a sprint, her heels clacking against the concrete as she raced towards the helicopter. The sirens grew deafeningly loud, red and blue lights reflecting off the surrounding buildings as they drew closer.

Danny watched as Lin reached the helicopter, which was now only a few feet above the ground. With a desperate leap, she grabbed onto the open door and hoisted herself inside just as the police cars screeched to a halt nearby. The helicopter’s blades began to spin faster, creating a whirlwind of dust and debris. Lin’s silhouette was visible for a brief moment as she glanced back at the chaos below before the chopper lifted off, ascending rapidly into the night sky.

"All yours JJ!" Danny announced, as he and Gus left their hiding place to meet the police that they called.

As Lin climbed into the helicopter, she was greeted by a steely-eyed JJ. "Welcome aboard, Lin," JJ said, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips. "We swapped out your helicopter and I’ll be your pilot for today. We’re currently hovering over the Hudson River and you’ve got nowhere to go. You can just wait there for the cops to come and get you midair." 

Lin’s face contorted with fury as she processed JJ's words. She attempted to lunge at JJ, but was stopped short when she realized her seatbelt buckle was locked in place. Frustrated, Lin reached into her purse and pulled out a few items. JJ watched warily as Lin revealed what looked like a detonator. 

"Tell Becky, this is personal," Lin spat, her eyes glinting with malice. She clicked the button on the detonator, and a massive explosion erupted from the car she had just exited below. Flames shot into the night sky, illuminating the dark waters of the Hudson River.

JJ's eyes widened in horror, but before he could react, Lin produced a gun-like taser from her purse. With a malicious grin, she aimed it at the helicopter’s control system and fired. Sparks flew as the controls fried, and the helicopter began to spiral out of control.

"Are you crazy?" JJ shouted, unbuckling her harness and grabbing a parachute. She shot Lin one last defiant look before jumping out of the helicopter, unable to save the criminal as well. 

The helicopter, now a chaotic mess of failing machinery, descended rapidly towards the river. Lin, refusing to let go of her anger, gripped the armrests tightly as the aircraft crashed violently into the Hudson River, erupting in a large ball of flame.

Emergency crews quickly arrived at the scene of the explosion and the helicopter crash. Amidst the chaos, they found the remains of a male victim in the burning wreckage of the car. Danny and Gus were there, witnessing everything unfold. They were giving their statements to the authorities when the rest of the team arrived on scene from nearby.

Becky and Freen came running towards Danny, desperate to understand what had happened. “They found a body in the car, B…” Danny said somberly, his eyes filled with sorrow. “I’m so sorry.”

As realization hit Becky, she felt a crushing weight of grief. "Richie..." she whispered, the word barely escaping her lips.

Freen immediately held Becky tightly as her love fell to the ground, shaking uncontrollably as the overwhelming grief took hold. The rest of the team stood by, sharing in the somber feeling of how things turned out.

Chapter Text

Chapter 16 - Lost

Previously, Becky received a message from Pop, providing crucial insight into Lin’s next move. After some discussion, Becky managed to convince the team to trust Pop this time, despite his earlier betrayal. Armed with this new information, they devised a plan to capture Lin, who was attempting to flee the city. With JJ’s assistance, they were on the brink of success, but Lin had other plans. She detonated the car she arrived in and sabotaged the helicopter's system, sending it crashing into the Hudson River. Authorities were on the scene quickly, having been tipped off about Lin’s plan, but they were met with a series of explosions. Once the flames were finally under control, a body was discovered in the wreckage, and it was presumed to be Richie’s.

It had been a week since the incident at the dock, and now Becky sat somberly in the front row of the church, her heart heavy with grief. A handful of people came up to offer their condolences, pausing briefly by Richie’s closed coffin to pay their respects. The confirmation from the police had come quickly, only a day after the explosion—Richie was dead. Becky still didn’t know how to feel about it. As she sat there in the church, dressed in black, silent tears rolled down her face. Guilt gnawed at her, a relentless ache that wouldn’t subside. If it hadn’t been for her, Richie wouldn’t have gotten involved with Lin. He wouldn’t have paid with his life.

Freen sat beside Becky, trying to offer comfort, but Becky had been distant, almost unreachable. Freen understood that Becky had just lost a family member, but it felt like more than that—like Becky was closing herself off entirely. Freen reached out to hold Becky’s hand, hoping to provide some sense of warmth or connection, but Becky pulled her hand away. Freen tried not to let it hurt, tried to rationalize that Becky needed space, but deep down, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was losing Becky a little more each day. The distance between them felt like a chasm, growing wider with every moment of silence.

As Becky sat in the front row, she turned to her mother, who was seated beside her, tears streaming down her face. “Where’s Dad?” Becky asked, her voice trembling with a mixture of sadness and apprehension.

Her mother looked at her through red, swollen eyes, her grief palpable. “He’s not coming, Becky,” she said, her voice cracking with emotion. “He’s ashamed... ashamed of what Richie did. Now the entire business is under investigation because of it. Your father’s been too busy dealing with detectives and lawyers, trying to salvage what’s left of the company.”

Hearing this, Becky felt a surge of responsibility she had never felt before. Richie was gone, and with him, the only other person who might have shared the burden of the family business. Becky had always avoided getting involved in her father’s empire, preferring to carve out her own path. But now, with everything on the line and her father overwhelmed, she felt a duty to step in.

“Mom,” Becky began, her voice steady despite the turmoil within her, “I’ll help. I’ll help with the business. I know I never wanted any part of it before, but with Richie gone... I have to. I can’t just let Dad handle this alone.”

Her mother looked at her, surprised but also relieved. Becky had always been the independent one, never interested in the family business, but now, in the wake of tragedy, she was stepping up. And while Freen watched the exchange in silence, her heart ached, not sure if this was a good idea.

The funeral dragged on for a few more hours, each minute feeling like a lifetime to Becky. Silent tears continued to roll down her face as she sat through the somber proceedings, her mind a whirlwind of guilt and sorrow. Finally, as the last of the mourners filed out, Becky stood up, feeling the weight of the day pressing down on her shoulders. 

She turned to Freen, who had been quietly supporting her throughout the day. “I’m going to visit my father at the company,” Becky said, her voice distant. “Gus will take you home. I don’t want to bother you with all this right now.”

Freen frowned, feeling a pang in her chest. “Becky, you’re not bothering me. I want to be there for you.”

But Becky was already shaking her head, coming up with excuses. “No, Freen, it’s fine. It’s just going to be more meetings and... I just need to handle this on my own.”

Freen opened her mouth to protest again but saw the determined look in Becky’s eyes and knew she wouldn’t win this battle. Reluctantly, she nodded and allowed herself to be led to the car by Gus. As she settled into the car, she glanced back, watching with a heavy heart as Becky got into another car with her mother, pulling away from her.

Gus, sensing the sadness radiating from Freen, broke the silence. “Give her some time. She’s just a little lost.”

Freen turned to look at him, her eyes filled with worry. “What if she doesn’t, Gus? What if I remind her of this moment and that’s pushing her away.”

Gus shook his head gently, offering a comforting smile. “Becky’s strong but she overthinks, shuts herself off from the people she cares about when those she loves get hurt. It’s her way of coping, even if it doesn’t make sense to the rest of us. But trust me, she needs you now more than ever. Don’t give up on her.”

Freen sighed, her heart heavy with doubt but also with hope. She nodded, understanding the truth in Gus’s words. As he started the car and drove them back home, Freen stared out the window, silently crying to herself. 

—-

Another week had passed since Richie’s funeral, and Freen hadn’t seen or heard from Becky since that day she was sent off with Gus. At first, Freen tried to be patient, understanding that Becky needed space to process her grief. But as the days stretched on with no word, Freen’s patience began to wane, replaced by a gnawing anxiety that she couldn’t shake. 

Every time she reached out to Becky, she was met with the same response: a brief, impersonal message saying she was too busy with the business and the lawsuits but promising to make it up to her. The lack of communication felt like a knife twisting in Freen’s chest, and she couldn’t help but wonder if their relationship was already unraveling, falling apart before it had even really begun.

Freen wasn’t the only one Becky was avoiding, as it turned out. None of the members of the Club had been able to reach her either. It was as if Becky had completely withdrawn from everyone, shutting herself off from the world. The distance between them felt like an insurmountable wall, and Freen’s worry grew with each passing day.

One evening Freen’s phone buzzed with a message from Mills. It was a surprise—Freen hadn’t expected to hear from any of the members. She quickly opened the message. “Hey, Freen. We've been trying to reach Becky but couldn’t and wanted to see if you can help. We’ve uncovered some new information you two should see.”

Freen’s pulse quickened. New information? What could it be? Without hesitation, she responded, agreeing to meet with them as soon as possible. She had a sinking feeling that whatever they had discovered could make Becky’s behavior worse. 

Freen, feeling the urgency of the situation, called out to Gus to take her to meet with The Club. She needed answers, and more than that, she needed support. As soon as they arrived, Freen was greeted by LH, who gave her a sympathetic look. “How are you holding up?” LH asked gently, sensing the turmoil in Freen’s heart.

Freen sighed, feeling the weight of the past week bearing down on her. “It’s been hard,” she admitted. “I haven’t seen or spoken to Becky since Richie’s funeral. Every time I try to reach out, she just brushes me off with some excuse about being busy with the business. I don’t know what to do anymore. I feel like I’m losing her.”

The other members exchanged concerned glances, clearly feeling for Freen. Danny, always the one to speak his mind, leaned forward. “You know what I think? I think you need to stop waiting for her to come around and go straight to her. Show up at her place and demand she explains what’s going on.”

Freen looked up, surprised by Danny’s bluntness. “Just show up?” she asked, uncertain.

“Exactly,” Danny insisted. “Becky can be stubborn as hell. Sometimes, you’ve got to make her listen. Don’t give her the option to avoid you.”

The rest of the team nodded in agreement. “Danny’s right,” Jean chimed in. “Becky has a habit of shutting herself off and diving into something to keep her mind occupied. She probably thinks she’s protecting you or doing what’s best, but it’s not. You need to remind her that she’s not alone in this.”

Mills added, “We’ve all seen the way Becky’s changed since she met you. You’ve brought out a side of her that none of us have ever seen before. You make her better, Freen. But right now, she’s stuck in her own head, and you need to pull her out of it.”

LH placed a reassuring hand on Freen’s shoulder. “Go to her, Freen. Be bold. Demand her attention. She needs you, even if she doesn’t realize it right now.”

Freen felt a surge of determination well up inside her. They were right. Just as Freen was about to head out, a thought crossed her mind. She paused, turning back to the group. “Wait, you mentioned earlier that you’d found something new. What is it?”

“Oh right! So, we’ve been keeping an eye on those offshore accounts ever since the incident. Something strange happened yesterday—someone pulled all the money out of those accounts and moved it into another offshore account in the Cayman Islands.” Mills explained

Freen’s eyes widened. “But Lin’s dead, right? They found her body in the Hudson River. So, who could it be?”

LH nodded. “Exactly. That’s what had us digging deeper. We considered everyone who had access, and only one person made sense—Pop.”

Freen gasp. “Pop? But he helped us.”

Jean leaned in, her expression serious. “We tracked his movements. Turns out, he just booked a one-way trip to the Cayman Islands for next week, and then another one to Thailand right after that. He used us.”

Danny added, “It looks like Pop planned to take out Lin using us so he could get his hands on all the money and then disappear. He probably thought with Lin out of the picture, no one would suspect him. He’d take the money, lay low for a while, and then slip away to Thailand.”

“That son of a—” Freen began, her anger flaring up knowing how much Becky wanted them to trust him.

“But there’s still time,” LH interjected, trying to calm her down. “His flight isn’t until next week. We can still stop him. But first, you need to get through to Becky. She needs to know what’s going on but we can’t get through to her.”

Freen nodded, understanding.

—-

Freen stood in front of the private elevator to Becky's penthouse, her pulse quickening with every passing second. The uncertainty of whether Becky was even home gnawed at her, but it was nothing compared to the storm of emotions churning inside her—anger, sadness, anxiety—all jumbled together. Danny's words echoed in her mind, urging her forward. You have to make her listen . Freen knew he was right. She couldn't let Becky keep avoiding her.

With a deep breath, she steeled herself and pressed the button. The wait felt excruciatingly long, her nerves fraying more with each passing moment. She had ridden this elevator countless times before, but this time, each second felt heavier than the last. Her mind raced through countless possibilities—what if Becky didn’t want to see her? What if this confrontation only drove them further apart?

The elevator finally arrived with a soft ping, and Freen's heart skipped a beat as the doors slid open. She didn’t have time to second-guess herself or let the fear of rejection paralyze her because as soon as the elevator doors parted, there she was—Becky, standing down the hall, her expression a mix of surprise and something else Freen couldn’t quite read.

For a moment, neither of them moved, the space between them heavy with unspoken words. Freen’s breath caught in her throat. She had imagined this moment many times over the past week, rehearsing what she would say, but now that she was here, every carefully crafted sentence seemed to evaporate.

Becky, who had clearly not expected company, looked like she had just seen a ghost. Her usually composed demeanor faltered, and for a split second, Freen thought she saw a flash of vulnerability in those sharp, determined eyes. It was enough to push Freen into motion.

“Becky,” Freen called out, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. She took a step forward, her gaze never leaving Becky’s. “We need to talk.”

There was a flicker of something in Becky's eyes—guilt, maybe?—but it was quickly replaced by that familiar guarded look. Becky didn’t say anything at first, just stood there, her surprise slowly morphing into something more unreadable.

Freen’s heart pounded as she closed the distance between them, determined to finally get the answers she desperately needed. “You can’t keep shutting me out, Becky. Not after everything we’ve been through. You owe me—us—a conversation.”

Becky hesitated, glancing away as if weighing her options, but Freen could see the inner conflict in her. It was clear that Becky wasn’t expecting this confrontation, and perhaps, deep down, she wasn’t ready for it either. But Freen needed to know where they stand. Freen couldn’t keep going, not knowing. 

Finally, Becky met Freen’s gaze again, her shoulders sagging slightly in what could only be resignation. “Alright,” she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. “Let’s talk.”

Freen and Becky stood in the dimly lit living room, the air between them thick with tension. Freen could feel her heart breaking as she looked at Becky, who was standing with her arms crossed, avoiding eye contact. Freen had never seen her like this—so distant, so determined to push her away.

“Why are you doing this, Becky?” Freen’s voice trembled, though she tried to keep it steady. “Why are you shutting me out?”

Becky finally met her gaze, but her expression was hard, almost cold. “I’m doing this because it’s the only way to keep you safe, Freen. I can’t keep dragging you into my messes. Everyone around me gets hurt, and I won’t let that happen to you.”

Freen’s hands clenched into fists at her sides, anger and frustration bubbling up inside her. “So what, you’re just going to decide for both of us? You don’t get to make that choice, Becky! We’re supposed to be a team, but instead of letting me in, you’re pushing me away like I’m some burden.”

“It’s not like that—” Becky started, but Freen cut her off.

“Then what is it? Why are you giving up on us?” Freen’s voice cracked with emotion, her eyes welling up with tears. “This isn’t you, Becky. The woman I fell for wouldn’t just run away when things got hard. She wouldn’t be such a coward.”

Becky flinched at Freen’s words, her own eyes glistening with unshed tears. “You don’t understand, Freen. I’m doing this for you—because I care for you too much to let you get hurt because of me. I’m the reason Richie’s dead, the reason all of this happened. I can’t be responsible for you getting hurt too.”

Freen shook her head, tears spilling over as she took a step closer. “But you’re not responsible, Becky. None of this is your fault! And if you care for me, then why won’t you fight for us? Why are you running away?”

Becky’s composure finally cracked, tears streaming down her face. “Because I’m scared, Freen! I’m scared of losing you like I lost Richie, like I’ve lost everyone else. I’m trying to protect you!”

“By pushing me away? That’s not protection, Becky—that’s selfishness!” Freen’s voice was filled with pain and anger. “You’re so caught up in your own fears that you’re not even thinking about what I want, about what we could be. You’re just giving up without even trying, and that’s not the person I thought you were.”

Becky’s sobs grew louder as she buried her face in her hands, her body shaking with the force of her emotions. Freen felt her own heart breaking as she watched Becky crumble, but the hurt was too deep, the betrayal too raw.

“I can’t be here anymore,” Freen whispered, her voice thick with tears. “I came here tonight because I wanted to fight for us, but it’s clear that you don’t want to. You’re so focused on protecting me that you’re forgetting that I’m strong enough to stand by your side, no matter what.”

She turned to leave, her chest tight with the pain of the impending separation, but before she could reach the door, Becky’s voice stopped her.

“Freen, wait—” Becky’s voice was desperate, broken. “Why do you even bother fighting for me? Why do you care so much?”

Freen turned back, her eyes filled with tears as she looked at the woman she loved. “Because, Becky, I’m falling in love with you. And I thought you felt the same.”

Becky stood frozen in shock, her breath catching in her throat as Freen’s words sank in. She watched helplessly as Freen turned and walked out the door, leaving her alone in the penthouse, her heart shattering.

As the door closed behind Freen, Becky felt all the emotions she had been holding back flood through her. She collapsed to her knees, her sobs echoing through the empty space. The loneliness was suffocating, the guilt and regret overwhelming. She had pushed away the one person she needed, all in the name of protecting her, and now she was left with nothing but this place.

“I’m sorry,” Becky choked out into the emptiness, her voice barely above a whisper. The words were for Freen, but they hung in the air, unanswered, as if the very walls of the penthouse were mocking her for her cowardice.

She had always thought she was strong, that she could handle anything life threw at her. But this—this was unbearable. The look on Freen’s face as she turned to leave, the anguish in her eyes as she confessed she was falling in love, replayed in Becky’s mind like a cruel, endless loop. And Becky had let her walk away. 

“Freen…” Becky sobbed, her voice breaking as she called out for the woman who was already gone. She had never felt so powerless, so utterly defeated. 

Freen’s words echoed in her mind, “You’re just giving up without even trying, and that’s not the person I thought you were.” The truth in those words cut deeper than any knife. Freen had seen through her, had called her out for what she truly was—a coward, too afraid to fight for what mattered most. 

She had lost her brother, her sense of security, and now, she had lost Freen. The realization hit her like a punch to the gut, knocking the air out of her lungs. She gasped for breath, her chest heaving with the effort, but it felt like there was no air left in the room, like she was suffocating under the weight of her own choices.

Becky knew she had to get up, to do something, anything to fix this. But she couldn’t move. She was paralyzed by the pain, by the overwhelming sense of loss that had wrapped itself around her like a vice. 

She was alone. Truly, devastatingly alone.

Chapter Text

Previously, things between Freen and Becky began to shift, the chasm between them widening as Becky's grief over her brother's death took hold. The weight of Richie’s loss loomed over her, casting a shadow over their relationship. At the same time, the team uncovered a disturbing development: the stolen money linked to Lin and Richie had disappeared, with evidence pointing to Pop. Determined to bridge the gap, Freen resolved to confront Becky with both her feelings and the new findings. However, their conversation took a turn for the worse when Becky, consumed by her fears and guilt, insisted on keeping Freen at arm’s length under the guise of protection.

Finally, overwhelmed by the hurt and frustration of being shut out, Freen walked away, her heart heavy with the pain of rejection, leaving Becky in her expansive penthouse, the emptiness around her mirroring the loneliness settling in her heart.

It had been days since Freen walked out of her life, and Becky had barely left her penthouse, letting the world outside slip away as she drowned in her sorrow. The moment Freen turned her back and walked away replayed in Becky’s mind endlessly, a cruel loop that tore at her heart with each repetition. Watching Freen leave had been more excruciating than she ever could have imagined, a pain that seemed to lodge itself deep within her chest, refusing to fade.

Becky spent most of her days lying in bed, her once vibrant home now a cold, desolate space. She clung to the memories of Freen, recalling every shared moment with a bittersweet ache. She could still feel the warmth of Freen’s body against hers, the tenderness in each kiss, and the comfort of their embraces. Every touch, every whisper, every laugh they shared played in her mind like a haunting melody, bringing a fleeting smile to her lips before the crushing reality returned.

And then, the memory would shift to that night—the look of devastation on Freen’s face when Becky pushed her away, when she let fear and guilt drive a wedge between them. The hurt in Freen’s eyes was unbearable, a reflection of Becky’s own torment. It was that look that shattered her, that reminded her of the consequences of her choices.

In the days that followed, Becky withdrew further into herself, ignoring every attempt at communication from the outside world. Calls went unanswered, messages unread. She refused to see anyone, not even the few people she once considered close. She couldn’t face them, couldn’t bear to talk about what she had lost. The only solace she found was in her solitude, where she could grieve for what she had destroyed, the silence of her empty penthouse mirroring the void inside her.

The oppressive silence that had cocooned Becky for days was suddenly shattered by the soft ping of the elevator, followed by the unmistakable murmur of voices. She froze in her bed, her heart skipping a beat. For a moment, she wondered if she was imagining things, but the chatter grew louder, more distinct. People were in her penthouse.

Confused and disoriented, Becky hastily grabbed her robe, wrapping it around herself as she cautiously stepped out of her bedroom. As she stepped into the living room, she was met with an unexpected sight—the members of The Club, all standing in the middle of her once quiet sanctuary, looking around at the mess she made.

Jean was the first to notice her, and her eyes widened in exaggerated shock. "Whoa, Becky, you look like death," she said, a bit too honestly. She sniffed the air dramatically and added, “And you smell as bad as you look. When was the last time you showered?”

The others glanced her way, their expressions a mix of concern and exasperation, but Jean’s blunt comment made Becky instinctively pull her robe tighter around herself. Embarrassment flushed her cheeks, but she was too drained, too emotionally spent to muster any real anger. 

“What the hell are you all doing here?” Becky demanded, though her voice lacked the usual bite. 

“We’re here to drag you out of this self-imposed misery,” Mills replied bluntly, “You’ve been hiding away in this penthouse for days, ignoring all of us, so we got worried.”

“Well, don’t. I’m fine.” Becky muttered, though the words sounded hollow even to her own ears.

“Clearly,” LH interjected, her tone sharp. “You look like you haven’t slept in days, you’re a mess, and from the sound of it, you’ve been wallowing in your own guilt since Freen paid you a visit.”

Becky’s face crumpled at the mention of Freen, and she took a small step back, trying to distance herself from their scrutiny. “I—I pushed her away,” she admitted, her voice cracking. “That night, I told her I was trying to protect her, but… she was right. I was just being selfish. And now she’s gone.”

“Good,” Danny said with an unapologetic shrug, causing Becky to look up in shock. “You pushed her away, so why are you surprised she walked out? You don’t get to sit here and feel sorry for yourself because of a mess you created.”

“Danny,” Jas started to protest, but Danny cut her off with a wave of his hand.

“No, she needs to hear this,” he insisted, his gaze fixed on Becky. “You made the choice to push her away, Becky. You decided to distance yourself and shut her out, so don’t expect any sympathy from us now that you’re reaping the consequences. You don’t deserve her.”

The brutal honesty of his words hit Becky like a punch to the gut, and she flinched as if physically struck. But deep down, she knew he was right. She had made the decision to protect Freen in the worst way possible, and now she was paying the price.

“You need to get yourself together,” Jas added, her voice firm but not unkind. “You were once so passionate about the work we do, about making a difference. That’s the Becky we know—the one who fights, who doesn’t give up. Not this version of you that’s moping around like some tragic heroine.”

Mills stepped forward, his expression softening slightly as he placed a hand on her shoulder. “We’re not here to tear you down, Becky. We’re here because we care about you. But you need to pull yourself out of this. As angry as she might be with you, she would not want you to throw your life away like this.”

Becky felt tears welling up in her eyes, but this time, they weren’t just tears of sadness—they were tears of realization. She had let her grief and guilt consume her, driving her to push away the very people she cared about most. And now, faced with the unflinching honesty of her friends, she couldn’t hide from the truth any longer.

Taking a deep, shaky breath, Becky nodded, her voice barely a whisper. “I’ve been stupid… I’ve been a coward.” She wiped at her eyes, trying to steady herself. “I need to get out of my head.”

“Great, but first,” Jean said, wrinkling his nose for effect, “you seriously need to take a shower. Get yourself cleaned up, and then we can talk about fixing things.”

Sniffing herself, “It’s not that bad.” Becky said to the team.

“It’s THAT bad!” They all told her in unison. 

Despite herself, Becky managed a small, wry smile. It was the honesty she needed to hear—blunt, unvarnished, and from the people who cared about her most. As she turned to head to the bathroom, she knew things won’t be right overnight but it was a first step.

After what felt like an eternity, Becky finally emerged from her room looking more like herself. The shower had done wonders—her hair was still damp, and she had changed into a clean outfit that suggested she was trying to put herself back together. There was a noticeable difference in her demeanor, though the sadness in her eyes remained. As she stepped into the living room, she found the team waiting for her, the scent of takeout filling the air.

Danny grinned as he gestured to the food spread out on the table. “We took the liberty of ordering your favorites and Jas had your fridge restocked. It was depressing.”

Becky couldn’t help but smile as she looked at the food on display, “Are you sure these are not just your favorites Danny?” she teased softly.

“We made the mistake of letting him do the ordering,” LH told her, pulling out a chair for Becky. “We’ve got something else to talk about though, if you’re ready.”

Becky’s smile faltered slightly as she took her seat, realizing that whatever they had to say wasn’t going to be easy to hear. The others joined her at the table, their expressions serious. Becky started to pick at the food on her plate, sensing the shift in the room’s atmosphere.

Mills was the first to speak, his tone gentle but direct. “Becky, there’s another reason we’re here today. It’s about Pop. We’ve discovered something after the incident.”

Becky’s heart sank. She wasn’t sure what she was expecting but it wasn’t this. “What did he do?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mills took a deep breath and began to explain. “After the incident with Lin and Richie, we started monitoring the offshore accounts again. There was some movement recently—someone pulled all the money out and transferred it to another offshore account in the Cayman Islands.”

Becky’s grip on her fork tightened, a sense of betrayal washing over her. “It wasn’t Lin,” she muttered, more to herself than anyone else. “She’s dead.”

“That’s what we thought too,” Jean chimed in. “So we dug a little deeper, and it turns out Pop’s the one who moved the money. He’s also booked a one-way trip to the Cayman Islands for next week, followed by a flight to Thailand.”

Becky closed her eyes, trying to process the information. The weight of Pop’s betrayal pressed down on her, a fresh wound on top of the grief she was already feeling. “He wanted this,” she said, her voice cracking. “He used us….”

The room fell into a heavy silence as everyone allowed Becky a moment to absorb the news. Finally, she opened her eyes, a steely determination replacing the sorrow that had been there before. “We have to find him,” she declared, her voice firm. “I won’t let my father take the fall for what they did.”

The team exchanged glances, silently agreeing that this was the response they had hoped for. LH nodded. “We were hoping you’d say that. We’ve been discussing a plan, but we need your input.”

Becky leaned forward, her eyes narrowing with focus. “Tell me.”

Mills spoke up again, outlining their strategy. “We’re going to let Pop think he’s gotten away with it. We’ll let him make it to the Cayman Islands and withdraw the money. Once he feels safe, we’ll follow him to Thailand and confront him there. He’ll be far from any immediate help, and it’ll give us the best chance to catch him off guard.”

“I want to be the one to confront him,” Becky added, her voice resolute.

The team took a second but eventually nodded, each of them respecting her need to be involved. “We’ll make it happen,” Danny assured her. “But you’ve got to be ready for this. It won’t be easy for you emotionally.”

Becky took a deep breath, “I will be. This ends with Pop. He doesn’t get to walk away from what he’s done.”

As the plan began to take shape, Becky felt a bit better now having something to occupy her mind. Although, her thoughts drift to Freen constantly, wondering what the other girl was up to now.

As the team continued discussing the details of their plan, Becky found herself struggling to stay focused. Her thoughts kept drifting back to Freen, wondering what she was doing, how she was coping with everything that had happened. The urge to ask the team about her was almost unbearable, but every time Becky opened her mouth to speak, she hesitated. What if Freen wanted nothing to do with her anymore? What if she had already moved on?

Becky shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her gaze darting between the members of the team, searching for any sign that they might mention Freen. The more she thought about it, the more she realized how much she missed her—how much she longed to hear her voice, to feel her presence. But the fear of rejection kept her silent.

Jas, who had been watching Becky closely, noticed the way her expression kept faltering, the way she seemed to be on the verge of saying something but then holding back. With a knowing look, Jas decided to break the silence. “You’re wondering about Freen, aren’t you?” she asked gently, causing Becky to freeze.

The room fell quiet as everyone turned their attention to Becky. Her cheeks flushed slightly, caught off guard by Jas’s question. “I… I was just…” Becky stammered, trying to find the right words. But before she could come up with an excuse, Danny, who had always been more blunt than the others, jumped in.

“She’s flying back to Thailand today,” Danny said, ignoring the looks of alarm from the rest of the team. “I wasn’t supposed to tell you, but you needed to know.”

“Danny!” Mills uttered, shooting him a glare. “We promised Freen.”

“Yeah, well, it was a stupid promise,” Danny shot back. “This is important.”

Becky felt her heart sink as the news hit her like a ton of bricks. Freen was leaving—leaving the country, leaving her. It was as if all the pain and sorrow she had been trying to suppress came rushing back all at once. She felt her chest tighten, her breath hitching as the reality of the situation settled in. This was all her fault. She had driven Freen away, probably messed up her life in the process. The thought of Freen being so far away, out of reach, was almost too much to bear.

“No,” Becky whispered, more to herself than anyone else. “I can’t… lose her.”

Seeing the panic in Becky’s eyes, they wanted to help, determined not to let her spiral back into despair. “Becky, listen,” Jas said firmly, taking her hand. “You still have time, if you want. She should be at the airport now.”

“Exactly,” LH added. “You don’t have to just sit here and let this happen. You still care about her, right?”

“Of course I do,” Becky said, her voice trembling with emotion. “But what if it’s too late? What if she doesn’t want to see me?”

“You won’t know unless you try,” Danny said, his tone gentler now. “Freen’s been hurting too, Becky. She’s not leaving you - she’s just getting away from the place that reminds her of you.”

Jean nodded in agreement. “You pushed her away to protect her, but maybe what she really needed was for you to let her in. Don’t let your fear make this decision for you.”

Becky swallowed hard, feeling the weight of their words sink in. She had been so caught up in trying to protect Freen from the darkness in her life that she hadn’t realized she was pushing away the one person who made her feel truly alive. The thought of losing Freen for good was unbearable.

“I need to…” Becky finally said, her voice steadying. “I need her.”

“Then what are you waiting for?” Danny said with a small smile. “Go get your girl.”

With that, Becky quickly gathered her things, her heart pounding in her chest as she headed for the elevator. The team watched her go, silently cheering her on.

Becky found herself racing to JFK airport, her heart pounding in sync with the frantic beat of the city around her. The traffic had been a nightmare, each red light and honking horn feeling like a cruel taunt, reminding her of how little time she had. But she pushed through, finally arriving at the airport, her breath catching as she sprinted into the terminal.

Frantically scanning the departure board, she searched for the next flight to Thailand. Her fingers were trembling as she checked her phone, barely noticing the notifications until she saw the message from the team—they had sent her Freen's flight information. Relief washed over her, making her search quicker and more focused. She hurried to the gate, the reality of the situation crashing over her like a wave. 

As she approached, her eyes locked onto Freen. Even in the midst of the bustling terminal, Freen’s beauty was undeniable, radiant and captivating. But there was no smile on her face, no trace of the warmth Becky had grown to love. Seeing Freen like this, so distant and closed off, made Becky’s heart ache. Every step she took felt heavier than the last, her resolve wavering as she realized the enormity of what she was about to do.

Becky slowed her pace, the idea of confronting Freen in such a public, chaotic space suddenly feeling wrong. This wasn’t how she wanted to do this—not here, not like this. Freen deserved more than a desperate, rushed plea in the middle of a crowded airport. She deserved the freedom to choose, without feeling the pressure of making a decision in front of a sea of strangers.

So Becky stood there, her heart breaking as she watched Freen move closer to the gate, closer to leaving. She wanted to call out, to tell Freen everything she had been holding back, but she didn’t. Instead, she just watched as Freen—her heart, her love—walked away.

When Freen finally disappeared from view, Becky let out a shaky breath, a mix of sadness and determination filling her chest. She wasn’t going to give up—not this time. She wouldn’t let fear dictate her choices anymore. If she truly loved Freen, she needed to show it in a way that mattered.

With newfound resolve, Becky made her way over to the ticketing counter. “One ticket to Thailand,” she said, her voice steady, her heart set. As she booked the next flight, she knew this was just the beginning. She was going to Thailand, not to beg or plead, but to show Freen just how much she meant to her. She was determined to win her back, to make things right.

This time, Becky wouldn’t let anything stand in her way—not even herself. She was ready to fight for Freen, ready to prove that she was worth the risk, worth the love. Because she wasn’t just determined—she was in love, and that love was worth everything.

—--

After a day in Thailand, Freen felt a subtle sense of calm begin to settle over her. The familiar sights and sounds of her home country soothed the ache that had been gnawing at her heart since she left New York. Being back in Bangkok, surrounded by the bustling energy of the city she loved, was like a balm for her soul. Not much had changed since she moved to New York, and the vibrant life here was a welcome contrast to the heavy emotions she had been carrying.

Bangkok had always reminded her of New York—a city full of life, possibility, and excitement. But here, the memories weren’t laced with heartache. Here, she could breathe a little easier, let her guard down a little more. As the day went on, she found herself relaxing in a way she hadn’t been able to for weeks. She wandered through the streets, taking in the familiar smells and sounds, letting herself be swept up in the city’s rhythm.

But when night fell, jet lag hit hard. No matter how much she tried to force herself to sleep, her mind wouldn’t quiet down. Memories of New York, of Becky, kept swirling around in her thoughts, refusing to let her rest. Freen remembered the conversation she had with the team before she left, how they had promised to set her up with some exclusive events and spots in the city. Maybe it was just what she needed—a distraction, something to take her mind off everything.

Deciding to take them up on the offer, Freen got dressed and headed out to the location Danny had shared with her. The city at night was even more alive, the streets buzzing with energy. When she arrived at the venue, she felt a flicker of excitement as she approached the entrance. The security guard stood stoic by the door, and for a moment, Freen wondered if this was all just a joke.

But when she gave the password Danny had sent her, the guard nodded and stepped aside, letting her in without hesitation. Freen stepped inside and couldn’t help but laugh softly to herself. The place was like something straight out of a movie—dim lighting, pulsing music, and an air of exclusivity that made her feel like she had stepped into another world. It was surreal, and in a strange way, it felt fitting.

Everything in the past month had felt like a movie—full of twists, turns, and unexpected moments. This night was just another scene in that film, and for the first time in a while, Freen allowed herself to get lost in it.

As Freen settled down at a table near the front of the stage, the ambiance of the club began to envelop her. The low hum of conversations and the clinking of glasses provided a soothing backdrop as she took in the sophisticated yet intimate setting. She glanced around, noting the eclectic mix of patrons, all seemingly lost in their own worlds. The atmosphere was vibrant, yet somehow comforting.

Just as she began to relax into her seat, the lights dimmed, and a hush fell over the room. The sudden change in the atmosphere made her sit up a little straighter, curiosity piqued. A single spotlight appeared, illuminating the stage in a soft, golden glow. At the center of the stage, under that warm light, sat a pristine white grand piano.

The room held its collective breath, and then, the first notes began to play. The sound was delicate at first, as if the pianist was testing the waters, but then it grew, rich and full, filling every corner of the room. Freen felt a shiver run down her spine as the music wrapped around her, drawing her in.

Before long, a voice joined the piano—soft, melodic, and achingly beautiful. The singer's voice floated through the air, effortlessly blending with the music. It was a voice that carried emotion with every note, pulling at the heartstrings of everyone listening. Freen found the voice to be extremely familiar as she continued to listen and just like it, something clicked as she listened to the chorus again, searching for the face of the singer.

I just wanna see

I just wanna see how beautiful you are

You know that I see it, I know you're a star

Where you go, I'll follow, no matter how far

If life is a movie, know you're the best part, ooh

You're the best part, ooh

Best part

Freen stood from her spot where she could see the singer… It was Becky.

Chapter Text

Previously, Becky had been spiraling into a pit of self-pity, shutting herself off from the world in her penthouse. The weight of her guilt over Richie’s death and her breakup with Freen had left her emotionally paralyzed. But that all changed when the members of the Club showed up unannounced, refusing to let her wallow any longer. They didn’t sugarcoat their words, giving Becky a much-needed dose of brutal honesty. They revealed their latest findings—that Pop had been involved in moving the stolen money after Lin and Richie’s deaths, betraying Becky’s trust yet again. They also informed her that Freen had decided to take a trip to Thailand, needing distance from everything, especially the pain caused by Becky.

Their words were the jolt Becky needed. Realizing she couldn’t let Freen slip away without a fight, she pulled herself together. Determined to make things right, Becky made a bold decision. Instead of confronting Freen at the airport, she booked herself a ticket to Thailand. She was ready to win back the love she had almost lost.

Freen stood from her spot where she could see the singer… It was Becky.

Freen stood frozen in place as Becky’s voice washed over her, the familiar melody wrapping around her heart like a warm embrace. Tears gathered at the corners of her eyes, her emotions a chaotic mix of longing, sorrow, and something she hadn’t felt in days—hope. How she had missed Becky, missed the way her voice could soothe and ignite her all at once. Seeing Becky here, smiling that contagious smile, made Freen feel lighter, as if the world hadn’t been so heavy on her shoulders. For a moment, everything seemed to be right again, as if the distance and hurt between them had never existed.

But as the last note faded into the dim atmosphere of the exclusive club, reality came crashing back. The pain she had been trying so hard to forget surged forward, eclipsing the brief joy Becky’s presence had brought. Freen’s heart clenched painfully as she remembered why she had come to Thailand in the first place—to escape the very person now standing before her.

Becky started to approach her, and Freen instinctively shook her head, backing away, the old wounds reopening with each step Becky took toward her. Without thinking, Freen turned and began to walk quickly out of the club, her mind racing, frustration bubbling up alongside the heartache. She could hear Becky’s voice calling out for her, the desperation in it tugging at her resolve, but she didn’t stop. 

As she burst out onto the empty streets, Freen silently thanked the gods that there was no one around to witness her unraveling. She paused briefly, trying to collect herself and figure out which direction to go, but that hesitation gave Becky the opportunity to catch up. She felt a familiar grip on her wrist, a gentle but firm tug pulling her to face the one person she had been running from.

Turning around, Freen found herself inches away from Becky. The tears she had fought so hard to keep at bay finally broke free, cascading down her flushed cheeks. The sight of Becky’s concerned, tearful eyes only made it harder to hold onto the anger and pain she felt. But it was still there, simmering beneath the surface, making it impossible to speak, to say the things she wanted to say.

All she could do was stand there, caught between the urge to flee and the desperate desire to stay. Becky reached out, trying to interlace her fingers with Freen’s, but Freen instinctively pulled away, the movement sharp and defensive. The hurt that flashed across Becky’s face was undeniable, and it made Freen’s heart ache even more. Becky’s eyes were wide with desperation, her voice trembling as she spoke.

"I know I have no right to be here after letting you down the other night," Becky began, her voice raw with emotion. "But please, Freen, just give me a chance to make things right."

Freen remained silent, her gaze fixed on the ground, fighting the conflicting emotions swirling inside her. She wasn’t ready but the pain in Becky’s voice made it difficult to push her away completely.

In a gesture both hesitant and hopeful, Becky reached into her pocket and pulled out a small black box, holding it out to Freen with trembling hands. The sight of the box made Freen’s breath catch in her throat, instantly pulling her back to the moment this all started. It had been just like this—Becky would send her surprise black gift boxes, a mysterious gesture that blossomed into more. The memory brought a tiny, reluctant smile to Freen’s face, a flicker of the warmth they once shared.

Becky noticed the smile and clung to it like a lifeline. "You don’t have to say anything right now," she said softly, her voice full of sincerity. "I just want the chance to explain myself, to show you that I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make this right. And if, after hearing me out, you still want nothing to do with me… I’ll leave you alone forever. I promise."

Freen’s heart twisted painfully as she stared at the box, knowing that opening it could either rekindle the love she still felt deep down or confirm that the rift between them was too wide to cross. But seeing Becky’s vulnerability, the raw emotion in her eyes, made it impossible to dismiss her entirely. 

Freen hesitated for a moment, but then she slowly reached out and took the small black box from Becky’s hand. Becky’s face softened, relief mingling with the sadness in her eyes as she gave Freen a small, tentative smile. Without another word, Becky turned and walked away, her steps slow and heavy, as if each one was a struggle.

Freen watched her go, her heart still racing from the intensity of their encounter. She stood there, rooted to the spot, until Becky disappeared into the distance. Only then did she start walking, aimlessly at first, trying to make sense of everything that had just happened. She wandered the streets of Bangkok, the noise and lights of the city swirling around her like a comforting yet distant hum.

Eventually, Freen found herself walking along the river, the cool night air brushing against her skin. The gentle sound of the water lapping against the shore provided a quiet solace, but the box in her hand felt heavy, like it was anchoring her to something she wasn’t ready to face. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to open it, afraid of what she might find inside, afraid of what it would mean if she did.

After a while, she spotted a secluded bench near the water’s edge and decided to sit down. The city seemed far away here, the world reduced to just the river, the bench, and the box in her hand. Freen stared at the box, her mind a tangle of thoughts and emotions. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and let the tension drain from her body.

With a mix of curiosity and trepidation, Freen finally opened the box. Inside was a single white tulip bud, delicate and pure, resting on top of a small card. The sight of the flower made her heart ache with a bittersweet nostalgia—white tulips, a symbol of new beginnings and forgiveness. She picked up the card and turned it over. On it, in Becky’s neat handwriting, was a location and a single word: "Midnight." 

Freen’s heart skipped a beat. She knew what Becky was asking—this was a chance, a lifeline extended across the chasm that had opened between them. But did she want to take it? Did she have the strength to face Becky again, to risk the possibility of being hurt once more?

As she sat there, staring at the card and the tulip bud, Freen felt a storm of emotions swirling inside her. She didn’t have all the answers, but she knew one thing—midnight wasn’t far away. And whatever decision she made, it would change everything.

—

Becky sat on the soft blanket, her knees pulled close to her chest, eyes fixed on the dark expanse of the ocean before her. The flickering candlelight cast a warm, gentle glow around her, but it did little to ease the tension knotting her stomach. The simplicity of the setup—a few scattered candles, a soft melody playing from her phone, the rhythmic sound of waves lapping against the shore—was all she could manage. She had spent the entire day trying to plan something grand, something that would show Freen just how much she meant to her, but nothing had felt right. Nothing had felt worthy of Freen.

In the end, Becky had settled for this—a quiet, intimate moment on the beach, where all that mattered was that Freen would hear her out. But as the minutes ticked by, each one feeling longer than the last, her hope began to wane. She could feel the weight of every second past midnight pressing down on her, the realization that maybe Freen wasn’t coming after all.

The music, a soft, soulful tune, blended with the sounds of the ocean and the cool breeze, creating a tranquil atmosphere that stood in stark contrast to the turmoil in Becky’s heart. She buried her face between her knees, trying to steady herself against the tide of disappointment that threatened to overwhelm her. Her prayers had been simple—just for a chance, for Freen to be there. But now, with the time creeping past midnight, the silence around her felt like an answer she wasn’t ready to accept.

Then, just as she was about to let despair take hold, a soft voice cut through the night. “Hello.”

Becky’s head shot up, her heart pounding in her chest. She turned quickly, and there, standing a few steps away, was Freen. Dressed in a simple white maxi dress that fluttered gently in the breeze, she wore a small, tentative smile. Becky’s heart swelled with a mix of relief and joy, a goofy smile spreading across her face as she scrambled to her feet.

For a moment, they just stood there, staring at each other, the tension of the past days hanging between them like a fragile thread. Freen, half-jokingly, asked, “Did you think I wasn’t going to come?”

Becky took a deep breath, trying to steady herself as she walked over to Freen. “Honestly,” she admitted, her voice trembling slightly, “I wasn’t sure. And I wouldn’t have blamed you if you didn’t.”

Freen’s smile softened, but her eyes held a mixture of emotions—hurt, confusion, and something else Becky couldn’t quite place. Becky reached out, hesitating for a second before gently taking Freen’s hand in hers. “But you did,” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of the waves. “And that means more to me than you know.”

She squeezed Freen’s hand, hoping that the simple gesture could convey all the things she was too scared to say out loud. She knew she had a lot to make up for, a lot to explain, but in that moment, all she could think about was how grateful she was that Freen had given her this chance—this moment to try and make things right.

Becky led Freen over to the blanket, her hand never leaving Freen’s as they walked the few steps to where Becky had been sitting moments earlier. The soft glow of the candlelight danced around them, casting long shadows on the sand. Becky gently guided Freen down onto the blanket, taking a seat beside her. For a moment, they both sat in silence, the only sound being the quiet melody still playing from Becky’s phone and the distant crash of waves against the shore.

Becky’s grip on Freen’s hand tightened slightly, as if she was afraid to let go. Freen didn’t pull away, and the small comfort of that connection gave Becky the strength to begin. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her voice as she spoke. “Freen, I need to apologize. For everything.”

Freen looked at her, her eyes filled with a mixture of emotions—curiosity, hurt, and a glimmer of hope. Becky’s heart ached as she saw the pain she had caused reflected back at her. She swallowed hard, her voice trembling as she continued. “I’m so sorry for pushing you away, for cutting you out of my life. It was never what I wanted, but I felt like I had no other choice.”

She paused, her free hand trembling slightly as she wiped away the tears that were already beginning to form. “My whole life, peopleI get close to seem to get hurt, Freen. It’s like I’m cursed or something. And when I got you involved with The Club, I was terrified. I couldn’t bear the thought of something happening to you because of me. And things did happen.”

Freen remained silent, her eyes locked on Becky’s, listening intently. Becky could feel the tears welling up again as she thought back to the night Freen was kidnapped, the terror that had gripped her heart like a vice. “The night you were kidnapped... I’ve never been so scared in my life. I thought I was going to lose you, Freen. And it broke me in a way I didn’t think was possible.”

The tears began to flow freely now, her voice cracking under the weight of her emotions. “And then, I lost my brother because of a deranged ex who was also after you... I just couldn’t handle it. I thought the only way to protect you, to keep you safe, was to push you away. To make sure you didn’t get caught up in my mess.”

Becky’s shoulders shook as she cried, her words barely coming out between sobs. “But when you walked out of my life, the pain I felt... it was unbearable. I thought I was doing the right thing, but I never imagined how much it would hurt. Worst of all, I didn’t even think of the pain and hurt that I caused you.”

Becky looked up at Freen, her eyes red and swollen from crying, but filled with a raw sincerity. “I can’t stand the thought of losing you forever. When you walked away that night, it felt like a part of me died.” Her voice wavered, thick with emotion. “I know that saying all this won’t fix everything, and it won’t take away the pain I caused, but...”

Becky paused, taking a deep, trembling breath before she continued, her voice barely above a whisper. “I love you, Freen. I’m so in love with you.”

A heavy silence hung between them, the sound of the waves crashing softly on the shore the only thing filling the void. Becky’s heart pounded in her chest, her breath hitching as she waited for any response from Freen. Just when the stillness seemed unbearable, Becky felt a gentle squeeze from Freen’s hand that she was still holding. It was a small gesture, but it sent a rush of hope through her.

Becky’s eyes searched Freen’s, noticing the subtle shift in them. The hurt that had been so apparent moments ago was slowly giving way to something softer, something she hadn’t seen in days. Freen didn’t say anything at first, but her free hand lifted slowly, reaching out to Becky's tear-streaked face. With a tender touch, Freen cupped Becky’s cheek, her thumb brushing away the tears that continued to fall.

“Did you ever regret meeting me?” Freen’s voice was soft, almost hesitant, as if she feared the answer. “Or starting our midnight rendezvous?”

Becky didn’t hesitate, her voice clear and certain as she shook her head. “No, never. The time I spent with you, Freen, was the happiest I’ve ever been.” As Becky spoke, her voice steady despite the tears that threatened to choke her, she noticed the way Freen’s touch lingered on her cheek. Gathering her courage, Becky swallowed hard before asking, “What about you? Do you regret any of it?”

Freen’s eyes softened even more, and for a moment, she simply gazed at Becky, her thumb still gently caressing her cheek. The silence stretched on, filled with the unspoken emotions between them. Finally, Freen shook her head slightly, her own voice tinged with emotion. 

“No,” Freen replied, her voice quiet but firm. “I don’t regret any of it. Not meeting you, not the late nights, not even this... because even through all the pain, you’ve given me something I’ve never had before.” Freen gave a soft smile and added, “You gave me something to lose.”

Her words were like a balm to Becky’s aching heart, and for the first time in what felt like an eternity, she allowed herself to hope. Freen’s touch remained soft and tender as she held Becky’s gaze. With a gentle tilt of her head, Freen leaned in, pressing a delicate kiss to Becky’s tear-stained cheek. The warmth of Freen’s lips against her skin sent a shiver through Becky, a comfort she was craving. Freen pulled back slightly, just enough to look into Becky’s eyes, the silence between them charged with an unspoken understanding.

There was a knowing look in Freen’s eyes, a look that spoke of forgiveness, of love that had endured despite everything. Without another word, Freen leaned in again, this time letting her lips brush softly against Becky’s. 

Becky’s breath hitched as Freen’s hand moved to the nape of her neck, pulling her closer as her heart raced, surrendering to the kiss. The world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in that moment.

Freen’s lips parted slightly, her tongue exploring Becky’s mouth with a teasing slowness, coaxing soft moans from Becky as their kiss became more intense, more urgent.

As the kiss continued, Freen’s hand slipped through Becky’s hair, holding her close as if afraid to let her go. Becky’s fingers tightened around Freen’s waist, pulling her even closer until there was no space left between them. The kiss was everything they had both needed.

When they finally broke apart, both were breathless, their foreheads resting against each other’s as they tried to steady themselves. Becky’s eyes fluttered open, meeting Freen’s gaze, and in that moment, she knew that everything had changed. Freen had kissed away the pain, the doubt, leaving only the love they shared. Freen is forgiving her.

Still locked in each other's gaze, Freen broke the silence with a whisper that felt like a promise, “I love you too.”

They sat in each other's embrace, listening to the soothing rhythm of the waves as they gently lapped against the shore. Becky’s smile never left her face, a reflection of the peace she felt in that moment. Freen, resting her head against Becky’s shoulder, broke the silence with a quiet question, “Why did you choose the beach tonight?”

Becky’s smile widened as she thought back to her day. “I tried to plan something grand, something romantic and fancy that would sweep you off your feet,” she began, her tone light but sincere. “But nothing felt right. Nothing seemed worthy of you, so I decided to keep it simple. I wanted my words and my sincerity to speak louder than any gesture.”

Freen looked up, curious, as Becky continued, “Do you remember that time I took you to the rooftop and told you it was my safe space, my comfort zone?” Freen nodded, her interest piqued.

Becky’s voice softened as she confessed, “I realized that my safe space and comfort zone aren’t tied to a place anymore—they’re tied to you. Wherever you are, that’s where I feel at peace.” Becky smiled and added, “Like now, there’s the sky, the sea and… you .”

Freen’s eyes softened, and she leaned in closer, feeling a sense of belonging and warmth that she hadn’t felt in a long time. The night was simple, yet perfect. Everything else can wait.

Chapter Text

Chapter 19 - Home

The morning sun streamed gently through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. Becky stirred, blinking awake, and was immediately greeted by the warmth of Freen’s body curled up against hers. Freen was wrapped in her arms, completely bare under the soft sheets, her head resting on Becky’s chest, their legs intertwined. Becky couldn’t help but smile as she looked down at her lover, who was still peacefully asleep. 

Memories of the night before flooded back to her, each one more vivid than the last. She could still feel the heat of their passion, how they had barely made it through the front door of the condo she kept in Thailand before they were on each other, lips colliding, hands desperate to feel skin. The condo, normally a place of solitude for Becky on her visits, had come alive with the intensity of their connection, as they explored each other’s bodies from room to room, on every surface.

A rush of heat stirred in Becky’s lower half as she remembered the way Freen had touched her—soft, yet confident—as if she had been mapping every inch of her skin with purpose. Becky’s fingers now grazed lightly over Freen’s bare shoulder, tracing the path her lips had taken just hours ago, the memory of kissing her way down Freen’s neck making her smile widen. 

Every moment from last night played like a highlight reel in her mind—the way Freen gasped when Becky’s hands roamed across her bare skin, the feeling of their bodies moving in perfect sync, the sound of their whispered names filling the air. Becky’s heart swelled with emotion. She had never felt this close to anyone, never felt this kind of passion before. Last night wasn’t just about lust, it was about something deeper—an unspoken promise between them, that neither wanted to let go of.

As she held Freen close, Becky realized just how much she had missed this—missed her. She silently vowed never to let this feeling slip away again. Freen shifted slightly in her sleep, nuzzling closer to Becky, and the warmth that spread through Becky’s chest was undeniable. She pressed a gentle kiss to Freen’s temple, grateful for this moment. The moment she knew she never wanted to wake up without Freen in her arms again.

Becky’s fingers continue to glide slowly down Freen’s arm, barely brushing her skin, before moving to trace the curve of her waist. She grinned as she felt Freen stir slightly, the faintest twitch of her body reacting to the delicate touch. As her fingertips trailed lower, teasing along Freen’s side, a soft giggle escaped Becky’s lips, knowing exactly what she was doing. 

The silence of the room was suddenly broken by Freen’s sleepy voice, a soft threat laced with warmth. "If you keep doing that, I might have to retaliate," Freen murmured, her eyes still closed, but her lips curving into a playful smile that Becky could feel against her bare chest.

Becky chuckled, her fingers continuing their playful path, enjoying the lightness of the moment after the intensity of the night before. "Really now?" she whispered, pressing her lips to the top of Freen’s head, feeling her smile widen against her skin. 

"Mm-hmm," Freen hummed, her voice low and husky from sleep, sending a pleasant shiver through Becky.

Becky smirked, her fingers lingering just above Freen’s hips. "Well, let’s see what you’ve got," she teased, her voice soft and full of affection, knowing all too well that Freen’s “retaliation” would be anything but unpleasant.

In response, Freen shifted, pulling Becky closer, her smile evident as she lazily wrapped her arms around her waist, her warmth seeping into Becky’s skin. "You asked for it," Freen whispered, her tone full of promise as the morning air around them buzzed with a playful, intimate energy.

Freen’s hand shot out, taking hold of Becky’s wandering fingers, and with a swift, playful motion, she pinned it down above their heads. Her body shifted, pressing against Becky’s, every curve molding against the girl beneath her. The warmth between them grew, their body heat mingling in the early morning light. Freen smiled down at Becky, watching her arch instinctively into her touch, her lips parting in a soft gasp as their skin brushed together.

Without a word, Freen leaned in, starting her own game of teasing. She placed soft, lingering kisses along Becky’s collarbone, moving slowly, savoring every inch. The tip of her nose grazed Becky’s skin as she traveled up the length of her neck, placing delicate kisses, each one drawing out a soft sigh from Becky’s lips. When Freen’s mouth reached the sensitive spot just behind Becky’s ear, she paused, taking her time before capturing the earlobe gently between her teeth, tugging playfully.

Becky’s reaction was immediate, her body tensing under Freen’s as a low, almost primal growl escaped her throat. "Su su na," Freen whispered with a smirk, her breath hot against Becky’s skin.

Before Becky could respond, Freen abruptly pulled away, rolling out of bed with a satisfied chuckle, leaving Becky flustered and frustrated. Freen threw a glance over her shoulder, her laughter growing when she saw Becky’s eyes burning with a mix of longing and irritation.

“You’re evil,” Becky groaned, her voice husky with frustration, her body still humming from Freen’s touch.

Freen just laughed, heading to the bathroom without looking back. "I warned you!" she called over her shoulder, her laughter echoing down the hall as Becky flopped back onto the bed with an exaggerated sigh but couldn’t hold in her joyous smile.

It didn’t take long for Becky to hear the soft hum of water cascading from the shower in the connected bathroom. With a swift, determined move, she slipped out of bed, her eyes glinting with mischief. Freen had started something, and Becky had every intention of finishing it.

The steam greeted her as she entered the bathroom, the glass door slightly ajar, and there stood Freen, water flowing over her bare skin, her back turned, completely immersed in the warm spray. Without a word, Becky slid inside, wrapping her arms around Freen's waist from behind, pressing her chest against the warm, wet skin of her lover’s back. 

Freen let out a soft sigh, not even surprised by Becky’s presence, though the smile tugging at her lips gave away her delight. "I knew you couldn’t resist," she said, her voice low and teasing, but Becky was in no mood for words.

Instead, Becky let her hands wander, tracing the curves of Freen’s body, letting the water wash away everything but the heat growing between them. She leaned in, her lips brushing against Freen's shoulder, kissing her way up toward the nape of her neck, where she let her tongue trace a slow, sensual path.

Freen’s breath hitched as Becky’s touch reignited the teasing tension from earlier. Her hands came up to grip the tiled wall for support as Becky’s fingers traveled lower, reigniting every nerve Freen had left simmering in the bed. 

"I’m yours to take." Freen whispered, her voice giving Becky all the encouragement she needed. Becky didn't answer, only deepened her exploration, determined to leave Freen just as breathless as she had been left moments before. 

The water continued to pour over them, but now the air was thick with passion, the steam nothing compared to the heat between them as Becky decided it was her turn to take the lead.

Becky’s desire took control as she gently but firmly spun Freen around, pressing her up against the cool tile of the shower wall. The contrast of the cold surface against Freen’s heated skin made her gasp softly, her fingers instinctively gripping the edge of the wall for balance. Becky’s lips found Freen’s neck, her kisses trailing fire along Freen’s wet skin.

Freen’s body responded instantly, arching into Becky’s touch, a low moan escaping her lips as Becky’s hands roamed down her sides. Becky’s fingers dug into Freen’s hips, pulling her closer, her body fitting perfectly against Freen’s.

"Bec..." Freen breathed, her voice shaky, filled with longing, but Becky didn’t slow down. She was determined, her lips now tracing Freen’s jawline before capturing her mouth in a searing kiss, tongues sliding against each other like velvet. The heat, the closeness, the intensity—it all built up until Becky, with one swift movement, pinned Freen’s hands above her head against the wall. Their bodies were pressed so close now that every curve, every contour, every breath they took seemed to merge together.

Becky whispered against Freen’s lips, "All mine," her voice low and possessive, and before Freen could respond, Becky’s hands began exploring her body with a renewed fervor. Freen’s breath hitched, her body completely surrendering to the pleasure.

As the steam enveloped them, Becky’s lips trailed lower, tracing the curves of Freen’s body that sent shivers down the taller girl’s spine. Each kiss was deliberate, slow, and electric. Becky moved from Freen’s collarbone, down her chest, and along the soft skin of her abdomen.

Freen’s breath hitched as Becky’s mouth continued its descent, her fingers gripping Becky’s wet hair for support, the anticipation making her body tremble beneath the touch. Becky looked up briefly, her eyes dark with desire, silently asking for permission, and Freen, completely lost in the moment, nodded with a soft, breathy moan.

Becky’s lips found their mark as she knelt, the water from the shower pouring down over both of them. Her touch was both gentle and commanding as her mouth worked its way lower. Freen’s back arched against the shower wall, her head tilting back as waves of pleasure washed over her, mixing with the rhythm of the water.

Becky took her time, savoring every reaction from Freen, her lips and tongue skillfully exploring, pushing Freen closer and closer to the edge. Freen’s breaths became more ragged, her legs trembling as she struggled to stay upright, her grip tightening in Becky’s hair.

Becky’s movements grew more focused, her mouth working with increasing intensity, until Freen could no longer hold back. A guttural moan escaped her lips, her body trembling uncontrollably, riding out her pleasure against Becky’s lips.

Freen’s knees buckled slightly, but Becky held her steady, her hands gripping Freen’s thighs as she brought her lover to the height of pleasure. Freen’s breathing was uneven, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she came down from the high, her fingers still tangled in Becky’s hair.

Becky pulled back slowly, her lips brushing gently against Freen’s inner thigh one last time before she stood, wrapping her arms around Freen and holding her close. Their foreheads rested against one another as they stood there, breathless, their hearts pounding in unison.

Neither of them spoke, as the water continued to fall around them, it felt like the world had stopped, leaving only the two of them, connected in a way that words could never fully capture.

—-

After their intimate morning in the shower, Becky and Freen eventually dragged themselves to the kitchen for some much-needed breakfast. The room smelled like fresh brewed tea and warm pastries they had ordered in, a comforting aroma that filled the air as they sat together at the small table. Becky had a teasing grin plastered on her face as she nudged Freen playfully.

“Make sure you eat up,” Becky said, her tone light but laced with playful intent. Her eyes gleamed with mischief. “You’ll need energy for tonight.”

Freen raised an eyebrow, smirking as she forked a piece of fruit. “Behave.”

“I can’t - have you seen yourself?” Becky retorted with a wink, and the two shared a moment of easy laughter, the tension that had lingered between them for so long now dissolving into something soft and warm. The banter was a much-needed break from the weight they’d been carrying for days.

But as they continued eating, the carefree atmosphere slowly began to shift. Becky grew quieter, her gaze dropping to the tea cup in front of her. She traced the rim with her finger, clearly lost in thought. Freen, sensing the change, looked at her with concern.

Minutes passed in silence until Becky finally broke it, her voice softer now. “I need to take care of something today,” she started, her eyes lifting to meet Freen’s. There was hesitation there, a nervousness that hadn’t been present just moments ago. “And...”

Freen didn’t need Becky to say it. She knew. She had known ever since she saw Becky here in Thailand. "Pop," Freen said, her voice calm but serious. "You’re going to find him, aren’t you?"

Becky blinked in surprise at Freen’s straightforwardness, but she nodded slowly. “Mills and LH figured out when he’ll be arriving. They were also able to track where he plans on staying while here. I... I need to be the one to confront him. I need to stop him.”

Freen leaned forward, studying Becky’s face, her eyes searching for any sign of uncertainty. "You want to bring him in yourself?" she asked, already knowing the answer.

Becky’s fingers fidgeted with the edge of her cup again. “Yes... but Danny, Rust and the authorities will be there, too. They’ll make the arrest after I’ve talked to him.”

Freen’s eyes narrowed slightly, the gears in her mind turning. She knew what this meant for Becky, the personal weight of it all, but there was something else that tugged at her—Becky’s habit of going in alone, putting herself in danger. "You’re not planning on doing this alone, are you?"

Becky hesitated for a second, glancing away before sighing. “I was,” she admitted quietly. "I don’t want you anywhere near him, Freen. I don’t want you in danger again."

Freen’s jaw clenched, frustration flickering in her eyes. She placed her cup down, the gentle clink louder than usual in the quiet room. "Becky, the last time you decided to handle things on your own, you nearly died and then you broke my heart. Do you really think I’m going to stand by and let that happen again?"

Becky winced at the memory, Freen’s words digging deep into her chest as it’s spoken out loud. It was true. She had gone off alone, thinking she could handle everything, and it almost cost her everything. 

“I know,” Becky whispered, her voice shaky. “But...”

Freen’s gaze softened, but her tone remained firm. "I’m not giving you a choice, Becky. I’m coming with you. I won’t let you go through this alone, and I definitely won’t let you get hurt."

Becky’s heart ached as she looked into Freen’s determined eyes. She didn’t want to drag her into this, but Freen was as much a part of her life as everything else now. Pushing her away again would only lead to more pain.

“Okay,” Becky finally whispered, her voice barely audible. “We’ll do this together. Stay by my side the whole time, okay?”

Freen’s expression softened as she leaned in, gently brushing a kiss against Becky’s cheek, lingering for just a moment. "Wouldn’t want to be anywhere else."

They sat quietly for a while after that, letting the reality of what was coming sink in, but there was also comfort in the silence—an unspoken understanding that they were stronger now, together.

—-

Hours later, the sun hung low in the sky as Becky and Freen pulled up to the location where Pop had rented a small, run-down apartment under an alias. The tension inside the car was palpable, a mix of adrenaline and nerves as they sat, quietly observing the surroundings. The street was quiet, the occasional car driving by, but there was a heaviness in the air, as if the moment they had been waiting for was just around the corner.

Becky tapped her fingers anxiously on the steering wheel while Freen sat beside her, her eyes scanning every movement outside. Neither of them spoke, but their minds were racing, the weight of what was about to happen looming over them.

It didn’t take long. Just moments later, they saw him—a figure in a baseball cap and oversized sunglasses, moving swiftly towards the apartment entrance. He was trying to blend in, but his hunched posture and hurried steps made it clear he was trying to avoid attention. It was Pop.

Becky’s heart pounded as she exchanged a glance with Freen, who nodded in silent understanding. They had planned for this. They were prepared. Without a word, Becky pushed open the car door, stepping out onto the street with purpose. Freen followed but stayed a few paces behind, ready to react if Pop made a run for it. Their team was stationed nearby, keeping watch, ready to jump in if things went sideways.

Becky moved quickly, her steps firm as she approached Pop from behind. She was determined, her mind racing through everything that led them here. She wasn’t going to let him slip away.

“Pop,” Becky called out, her voice steady despite the rush of emotions swirling inside her.

Pop froze, his back stiffening as if he’d been caught doing something he shouldn’t. He slowly turned his head, just enough to see Becky standing a few feet behind him, blocking his path. Panic flashed across his face, and he quickly turned to walk the other way. But then, his eyes landed on Freen, who had moved into position behind him, cutting off his escape route. His options were running thin.

He turned back to face Becky, his expression twisted with frustration and fear, knowing he was cornered. He adjusted his cap nervously, taking a step back, his eyes darting between Becky and Freen.

Becky took another step forward, her gaze locked on him, unrelenting. “There’s nowhere to run, Pop.” Her voice was cold now, the finality of her words hanging in the air.

Pop’s jaw clenched, his body tense as he glanced around, calculating his next move. But it was clear—there was no escape. He was trapped. Freen stood silently behind, watching carefully. Her eyes flicked to Becky, giving her a simple nod to go ahead and make her peace. 

Becky stood her ground, locking eyes with Pop, the weight of their history heavy between them. For a moment, there was only silence, the air thick with unspoken words. Then, finally, Becky spoke, her voice low but firm.

"Why, Pop?" she asked, the hurt evident. "Why would you turn around and betray me like that?"

Pop looked down, unable to meet her gaze. He rubbed the back of his neck, shifting uncomfortably. “Becky... I made some bad choices,” he admitted, his voice cracking with regret. “Some really bad investments. I lost everything and I—I was in deep with some loan sharks. I had no way out... I was desperate for money.”

Becky’s brow furrowed as she stepped closer, her voice softer but still steady. “So that’s why you worked with Lin and Richie?”

Pop nodded, his shoulders slumping in defeat. “Yeah... but I wasn’t involved in killing your brother, Becky. I swear. That wasn’t part of the deal.”

Becky’s chest tightened at the mention of her brother, but she kept her composure. She needed answers. “But why didn’t you come to me for help?” she pressed. “We were so close, Pop. I would’ve done anything for you.”

Pop swallowed hard, still unable to look at her. “I didn’t want you to see me like that. Broke, humiliated... I couldn’t stand the thought of you knowing how bad I’d messed up. You looked up to me... and I didn’t want to lose that.”

Becky shook her head, her voice rising in frustration. “But you didn’t have to take it this far! You helped me find Lin. You could’ve stopped there. Why steal the money?”

Pop was silent for a moment, his face twisted in shame. He opened his mouth as if to answer, but nothing came out. He closed it again, shaking his head as he looked down at the ground. "I don’t know, Becky. I wish I could explain it, but... greed, desperation... It just spiraled out of control.”

Becky studied him for a moment, her heart breaking as she realized how far he’d fallen. This wasn’t the Pop she once knew. The man standing before her was a stranger, twisted by his own poor choices and greed.

She sighed deeply, her tone softer now but resolute. “Money changes people, Pop. This version of you... it’s not the man I once trusted. Not the friend I knew.”

Pop’s shoulders slumped further as he listened, knowing every word was true. He had betrayed not only Becky but himself as well.

“You have two choices,” Becky continued, her voice steady. “You can be arrested here in Thailand, or we can have you extradited and tried back in New York. But either way, Pop... you’re being taken in. There's a team ready to move on my signal.”

Pop’s face paled at her words. He looked at Becky, his eyes wide and pleading. “Becky... please. I’m begging you, don’t do this. I didn’t mean for it to get this far. I’m sorry. I—” He faltered, his voice cracking as he finally met her gaze. “I never wanted to hurt you. Please... forgive me.”

Becky’s heart tightened, but her expression remained firm. She could see the fear in his eyes, the desperation, but there was no going back. “I forgave you a long time ago, Pop. But that doesn’t change what you did. You need to face the consequences.” Pop nodded slowly, the fight leaving him. He knew there was no escaping this. With a resigned sigh, he made his choice.

Becky gave him a nod, then subtly raised her hand in a signal. From a nearby alley, Danny and Rust emerged, their faces grim but determined. They moved toward Pop, who stood still, waiting for the inevitable. As they approached, Pop glanced one last time at Becky, his eyes filled with regret. “I’m sorry, Becky,” he whispered.

Becky’s voice was quiet as she responded. “So am I.” With that, Danny and Rust took Pop by the arms, leading him away. Becky watched as they disappeared into the shadows, her heart heavy.

As soon as Pop was out of sight, the weight of everything came crashing down on Becky. Her body trembled, and without warning, the tears she’d been holding back for so long burst forth. Freen was by her side in an instant. Without saying a word, she wrapped her arms tightly around Becky, pulling her into a protective embrace. Becky buried her face into Freen’s chest, her tears soaking through the fabric of her shirt, but Freen didn’t care. She held her love close, one hand gently stroking Becky’s hair, the other firmly around her back, anchoring her.

“It’s okay,” Freen whispered softly, her voice a soothing balm against Becky’s battered heart. “I’ve got you.”

Becky’s sobs wracked her body, all the emotions she’d been suppressing—the betrayal, the loss, the guilt—spilling out at once. She clung to Freen like a lifeline, her fingers gripping her shirt as if afraid she might disappear too.

Freen rocked her gently, murmuring soft reassurances into her ear. “You did what you had to do, babe. It’s over now.”

Becky’s cries slowly began to subside, the warmth of Freen’s arms and the steady rhythm of her heartbeat grounding her. She could feel Freen’s strength, her unwavering presence, and it soothed her like nothing else could. The world felt heavy, but in that moment, in Freen’s embrace, she found a fragile sense of peace.

Finally, after what felt like forever, Becky lifted her tear-streaked face to look at Freen. Her voice was hoarse as she spoke. “I just… I didn’t want it to end this way. I didn’t want to lose him.”

Freen cupped Becky’s cheek, wiping away a lingering tear with her thumb. “I know,” she whispered. “But you did what was right. You gave him a choice, and now, you can let go.”

Becky nodded, her body still trembling but her breathing beginning to even out. She leaned into Freen’s touch, grateful for her strength. “Thank you... for being here. For being with me.”

Freen pressed a gentle kiss to the top of Becky’s head, her voice filled with quiet determination. “Like I said…nowhere else I’d rather be.”

After holding each other in the fading light for what felt like an eternity, Freen gently pulled back just enough to look at Becky. Her eyes, still glistening with the remnants of her tears, were now filled with warmth and relief. Freen brushed a strand of hair away from Becky’s face and gave her a soft, comforting smile.

"Let’s go home," Freen whispered, her voice tender, filled with love and quiet strength.

Becky’s lips curved into a small smile as she gazed back at Freen, her heart swelling with a deep affection. "I’m already home," she replied softly, her voice carrying a profound sincerity. "Home is right here, in your arms."

Freen’s heart melted at Becky’s words, and without another thought, she leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to Becky’s lips. It wasn’t rushed or desperate, just a sweet, reassuring kiss that said everything they needed to say.

Chapter Text

Chapter 20 - Vows

One year later.

It was a quiet Wednesday afternoon, the kind of peaceful midweek calm that Freen had come to cherish. She sat at her desk in the corner of Becky’s penthouse, now their penthouse, working on another investigative piece for The Times. The familiar hum of the city outside the large windows provided a steady backdrop, and Freen’s thoughts kept drifting. She glanced over at the cozy living room where Becky’s favorite blanket was draped over the couch, next to a plush dog bed where little BonBon, Becky’s frenchie, was napping. His low snoring added another layer of calm to the room. Freen couldn’t help but smile at the little pup. Freen loves dogs so she was ecstatic when Becky brought BonBon home from her parents house.

A year had passed since they captured Pop, turning him over to the authorities back in the States with evidence of the fraud and illegal activities orchestrated by Lin and Richie. Becky decided to put her law knowledge to good use and help her father and company navigate and settle the investigation on them. 

When they returned to New York after everything had settled, Becky didn’t waste any time. One evening, as they sat on the terrace overlooking the city with BonBon curled up between them, Becky turned to Freen with one thing on her mind. She asked Freen to move in with her, to start over—this time the right way, without secrets, without fear. 

Freen looked at Becky and didn’t hesitate with her answer. With a bright, genuine smile, she had said yes—yes to Becky, yes to their future, yes to a life together.

Now, as Freen typed away, BonBon stretched out lazily in his bed, his usual tongue adorably hanging out of his mouth. The little Frenchie had a way of making even the quiet moments feel light. Freen smiled to herself, grateful for how far they’d come. She had gone from chasing after celebrities for a scoop to becoming a sought-after investigative journalist, all thanks to the exclusive rights she got to write the story of the year, thanks to Becky and the team.

The Armstrong Corp embezzlement scandal, orchestrated by Lin and Richie, had shocked all of New York. The article had been a game changer, catapulting Freen into the spotlight in the writing world. From there, Freen’s sharp instincts only grew keener. This is what she always wanted to do. The adventure she was seeking. She would get instinct on certain things, and with the help of The Club, they’d piece together the truth. Case after case, Freen started to make a name for herself.

Meanwhile, Becky had been navigating her own path. She had stepped into the family business, taking on a larger role at Armstrong’s Corp now that Richie is gone. Her true passion though was elsewhere. In between board meetings and business decisions, Becky had been working toward passing the bar so she can start helping to advocate for others in a meaningful way. 

Freen got up from her desk to grab a glass of water when her phone buzzed with the familiar sound of a new text. She glanced at the screen, but there was no message. Instinctively, she realized it must have been sent to the secured phone she used to communicate with the team. Her mind was on alert as it was never good news on a quiet Wednesday afternoon.

Fetching the secured phone, Freen unlocked it to find a message waiting from LH: "Huge lead on the case. Emergency meeting ASAP. Urgent."

Her heart rate quickened, but without hesitation, Freen switched into work mode. She grabbed her personal phone and quickly shot off a message to their trusted dog sitter, arranging for her to come over for BonBon. 

She then dialed Rust’s number, her voice calm but purposeful. “New lead.”

"See you soon," Rust responded.

Freen texted LH back, confirming she’ll be on her way. Moments later, another notification appeared—this time with the secret location for their meeting. They had become meticulous about rotating locations, switching them out for security reasons. It seemed today was another new spot. 

With one last glance at the apartment, she grabbed her keys and headed toward the private elevator. Her mind was already focused on the upcoming meeting, the urgency of LH's message setting a tone of high alert. She couldn’t help but get a bit excited for these adventures.

It took longer than usual to get to their meeting site, as they drove through the crowded streets of Manhattan and out into the quieter outskirts. After nearly an hour, Rust finally pulled up to a private driveway leading to a sleek, modern estate nestled in the trees. The clean lines of the house stood in elegant contrast to the surrounding greenery. Rust parked the car, letting Freen out in front of the entrance.

"The code is 0812," Rust said, nodding toward the keypad near the door.

"Got it," Freen replied, stepping out of the car. She keyed in the numbers and watched as the pad blinked green, unlocking the door with a soft click. Taking a deep breath, she stepped into the house.

The grand foyer was breathtaking, with marble floors and large windows casting light into the space. Freen scanned the area but saw no sign of the team. It was eerily quiet, and she assumed they must be waiting in one of the adjacent rooms. As she moved forward, something unusual caught her attention.

A large black box sat at the far end of the foyer, almost hidden from view. Freen's heart skipped a beat—how had she not noticed it when she first walked in? Approaching it cautiously, she heard a faint sound coming from within. Her nerves kicked in, but curiosity got the better of her.

She knelt down and carefully lifted the lid. Inside, nestled in a bed of soft blankets, was a tiny dachshund puppy with a white bow tied around his neck. Freen’s heart melted instantly. Without thinking, she scooped the puppy into her arms, nuzzling her face into its fur as it squirmed happily against her chest. The soft warmth of the puppy soothed her, but something caught her eye—the bow. There was something attached to it.

Her eyes widened in shock as she noticed the small tag dangling from the ribbon. Just then, a familiar voice spoke from behind her.

"I hope you like him."

Freen spun around, puppy still in her arms. Becky was standing there, beautiful as ever, holding a single white tulip in her hand with a loving smile.

“Hi…” Becky said, her voice barely above a whisper as their eyes met. Freen’s heart raced, anticipating what’s coming next. “I’m sure you figured out by now what’s happening.” Becky added with her signature smirk. 

Becky took a deep breath before taking a few steps closer to her lover. The sight of Freen, holding the squirming puppy in her arms making her more nervous then she would like. She gently reached out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind Freen’s ear, her voice trembling slightly as she began.

“I hope I’m not rushing you,” Becky started, her eyes never leaving Freen's, “but when you know, you just... know. From the moment you literally bumped into my life, you’ve changed it. You quickly became someone I couldn’t be without. You made my safe space safer and you became my definition of home. We’ve experienced some interesting events together—life changing events!” Becky chuckled at her own words.

Freen’s eyes squinted as she smiled widely, and Becky could see the hint of tears beginning to form.

“Those near death experiences really makes you think about what you cherish in life,” Becky continued, smiling as she reached to remove the diamond ring off the puppy, “and what you want to build in the future.”

Freen’s gaze dropped to the wriggling dachshund, then back to Becky, her emotions clear as day.

“This house,” Becky gestured around them, “it’s ours. I want to build a life with you, a future with you…and BonBon plus this little guy.” Becky smiled softly, scratching the puppy’s ear. She took a deep breath, her voice catching slightly as she spoke the next words. “You once said that I gave you something to lose but what you didn’t know is that with you, I am found.” Becky uttered with tears slowly rolling down her cheek.

“So will you, Freen Sarocha Chankima…take this final gift and spend the rest of your midnights with me?”

The world seemed to still as Becky’s words hung in the air, a raw sincerity in her voice. The puppy in Freen’s arms squirmed happily, completely unaware of the life-changing moment unfolding. Freen’s breath hitched, tears pooling in her eyes as she looked at Becky, the woman who had fought for her, loved her, and made her feel more alive than ever before.

For a moment, Freen was speechless, her heart overflowing with emotion. “I’m all yours,” Freen whispered, tears slipping down her cheeks. “Yes...yes, always yes!”

Becky’s face broke into a radiant smile, and without hesitation, she pulled Freen into her arms, kissing her deeply as the puppy yapped excitedly between them. Freen pulled back slightly, resting her forehead against Becky’s and laughing through her happy tears.

“I love you,” Freen whispered, her voice soft and filled with emotion as Becky gently slipped the beautiful ring onto her finger.

“I love you,” Becky echoed, her eyes shimmering with tears of joy. She kissed Freen again, their lips meeting in a tender, love-filled embrace. After a moment, Becky pulled back with a playful grin. “Oh, and this little guy is Fluffy.”

Freen smiled through her tears, glancing down at the wriggling puppy. “Fluffy is perfect,” she said, snuggling happily with their new addition.

Just as Freen was about to say something more, a voice suddenly broke the moment from somewhere nearby. “Did she say yes? Can we come out now?”

Freen’s eyes widened, scanning the room in surprise as Becky giggled at her reaction. She gave Freen another quick kiss. “The team is here. They helped me plan this,” Becky explained, unable to hide her amusement.

“Of course they did,” Freen replied, shaking her head with a soft chuckle.

“You can come out now!” Becky called out, and moments later, the door to their left opened, revealing the rest of the team filing out with wide smiles on their faces.

“Congratulations to you two!” LH was the first to greet them, pulling both girls into a warm hug. One by one, each person came up to congratulate the newly engaged couple, offering hugs, pats on the back, and playful jokes.

“Here, let me hold on to Fluffy for you while you mingle,” Jas offered with excitement, reaching out to take the puppy from Freen.

“She loves animals,” Becky teased, raising an eyebrow as she handed Fluffy over. “You’re lucky it’s not a cat, or we might never get him back.”

Jas just smiled widely, not denying the playful accusation as she cuddled the puppy lovingly. Freen shook her head, her heart bursting with love and happiness, surrounded by her found family—and now her forever love.

Becky smiled warmly and took Freen’s hand. “I have one more surprise for you,” she said softly, leading Freen towards another room in the house. Freen, already overwhelmed by the proposal, followed curiously, wondering what else Becky could have planned.

As they stepped through the doorway, Freen’s eyes immediately filled with tears. Standing across the room were two of the most important people in her life—her mom and her best friend, Nam. The moment she saw them, the emotions hit her all at once. Her legs nearly buckled, and her tears spilled over.

“Mom!” Freen gasped, her voice breaking as she let go of Becky’s hand and ran toward her mother. She threw her arms around her, pulling her into a tight embrace. Her mother, also in tears, held her back just as tightly.

Becky stood nearby, her heart swelling at the sight. “I couldn’t ask you such an important question without asking for your mom’s blessing. I know how important she is to you,” Becky explained, her voice gentle. “I wanted her to be here for this moment.”

Freen pulled back from the hug slightly to look at her mother, her face wet with tears. The distance between them had always been difficult, especially during moments when Freen needed her mother’s advice or comfort. But now, having her here for this life-changing moment was everything she could have ever asked for.

Her mom, her own cheeks glistening with tears, cupped Freen’s face tenderly. “You found a good one, baby,” she whispered. “All I ever wanted is for you to be happy, and I can see how much Becky loves you. I’m so proud of you.”

Freen’s heart felt like it was going to burst. She held her mom close again, letting the emotions wash over her, the weight of the moment pressing on her in the best way possible. After a long, heartfelt hug, Freen finally pulled away, her eyes still red but her smile radiant.

Turning, Freen spotted Nam, who was crying even harder than she was. With a laugh that broke through the tears, Freen rushed to her best friend, wrapping her in a hug. “You’re such a mess!” Freen joked, though her own tears hadn’t quite stopped.

Nam sniffled loudly, hugging Freen tight. “I’m just so happy for you, Freen. You’ve found your next big adventure, and it’s beautiful.”

The two friends stood there for a moment, holding each other, before Becky walked over and placed a gentle hand on Freen’s back. Freen looked up, her tears now accompanied by a wide, joyful smile.

“Thank you,” Freen whispered, her eyes filled with love and gratitude as she looked at Becky.

—--

Wedding Day

Becky and Freen decided to get married sooner than later and within 4 months time, they had everything planned out and ready. Now, as the day of their wedding had arrived, Becky found herself pacing back and forth in her dressing room, nerves bubbling up uncontrollably.

She was a vision in her wedding attire: stunning, tailored white pants that hugged her curves perfectly. Add to that a heart-shaped lace corset-like top added a delicate, romantic touch, and from her shoulders cascaded a long, intricate lace train that trailed behind her, creating an ethereal effect. Becky’s hands trembled slightly as she ran her fingers over the fabric of her outfit, heart racing.

“I can’t do this,” Becky muttered under her breath as she continued to pace. “What if I trip? What if I forget my vows? What if—oh God, I think I’m going to be sick.” She pressed a hand to her stomach, trying to breathe through the wave of anxiety that was rising.

LH, who was leaning casually against the doorframe, watched Becky with a raised eyebrow. “You’re not going to trip, Becky. You’re marrying the love of your life. Focus on that,” she said, her voice calm but firm, hoping to ground her friend.

Stacy, sitting nearby, crossed her arms with a small, amused smile. “She’s right. You’ve planned every single detail of this wedding for months. It’s going to be perfect. Freen is probably feeling just as nervous as you are, but I promise, the moment you see her, all of this will melt away.”

Mills, on the other hand, was tapping away on his phone but looked up briefly to add, “Worst case scenario, if you do trip, it’ll be a cute story to tell. Plus, I’ve got it all on video.” He winked, hoping to add a bit of humor to lighten the mood.

Becky groaned, her nerves spiking again. “Don’t be like Danny, that’s not helping!” She shot her friend a look, though there was a small smile threatening to break through the panic on her face. Becky knew they were all right, but the pressure of the day—the significance of it—was weighing heavily on her.

“What if—what if I’m not enough?” Becky finally whispered, her voice small as she stopped pacing and stood in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection.

LH immediately straightened up, walking over to place a firm hand on Becky’s shoulder. “Stop doubting yourself. You’re everything to Freen. She loves you, Becky. And you love her. We all can see it.”

Becky blinked back a few stray tears, nodding slowly. She knew LH was right, but the nerves still simmered beneath the surface.

Stacy came over, standing on her other side. “Take a deep breath, okay? Focus on the fact that in a few minutes, you’re going to walk down that aisle, and Freen will come out looking beautiful and nothing else will matter.”

Becky exhaled shakily and gave a nod, feeling the weight of their support easing some of her anxiety. Mills put his phone away, sensing it was time to be serious now, and smiled warmly. “And you look absolutely breathtaking. Freen won’t be able to take her eyes off you.”

Becky let out a breathy laugh, finally allowing a genuine smile to spread across her face. “Thanks, guys. I—I guess I’m just… ready to see her.”

LH glanced at her watch and gave a quick nod. “Well, let’s go see her. We’ve got to head out first but we’ll be by your side, and remember—just breathe.”

Becky took one final glance in the mirror, adjusting her train before squaring her shoulders when she heard her dad call out. “Ready baby?” Turning to smile at him, she nodded and linked arms as he walked her down the aisle. 

Becky stood at the altar, her heart pounding in her chest. Her palms felt clammy despite the cool air, and she rubbed them against the sides of her fitted white suit pants. Her eyes darted nervously to the crowd, then back to the aisle, waiting. One by one, the members of Freen’s party began to make their way toward her.

First was Danny, playfully rolling his eyes at Becky, not at all jealous. Then there’s Jean, pretending like she didn’t want to be there with all the people. And finally, Nam, Freen’s maid of honor, wearing a radiant smile that could only be matched by Becky’s as she walked gracefully down the aisle.

Becky’s breathing started picking up. It was any minute now before Freen would appear. The anticipation made her heart race even faster. Then the instrumental music shifted, signaling the moment everyone had been waiting for.

Becky looked up, and her heart stopped beating.

Freen appeared at the end of the aisle, walking arm in arm with her mother. Time seemed to slow down as Becky’s eyes locked onto Freen’s. Her soon-to-be wife was wearing a stunning mermaid lace gown that hugged her figure in all the right places, the delicate material catching the light with each step. The dress, with its intricate floral patterns and elegant train, was breathtaking—but it wasn’t the dress that caught Becky’s attention.

It was Freen.

Her beauty, her grace, the way she seemed to glow, and most importantly, the way her eyes never left Becky’s.

A wave of emotion hit Becky like a tidal wave as soon as she saw Freen. Her heart swelled, and before she could stop herself, happy tears began to spill from her eyes. Freen smiled at her through her own watery eyes, and the two of them never broke their gaze. It was as if, in that moment, no one else in the world existed but them.

Step by step, Freen moved closer, her mother walking proudly beside her. The soft music played in the background, but all Becky could hear was the pounding of her own heart. She mouthed “I love you” as Freen took each step, her voice lost to the emotion she couldn’t fully express.

Finally, Freen reached the altar, and her mother gently took her hand and placed it in Becky’s. Becky’s breath caught as she felt the warmth of Freen’s hand in hers, grounding her, calming the storm of nerves swirling inside her.

Freen’s mom gave Becky a knowing look before stepping back. Becky turned toward Freen, her eyes tracing the features of the woman she was about to marry. “You’re beautiful,” Becky mouthed silently, her voice choked with emotion.

Freen’s eyes glistened as she gave Becky’s hand a reassuring squeeze. They both stood there, before their friends, their family, and the universe itself—ready to commit to each other.

Becky could hardly believe this moment was real, but with Freen standing before her, looking at her like she was the only person in the world, everything else faded away. Nothing else mattered. This was their moment.

Jas cleared her throat, bringing the lovebirds' attention back to reality. Her eyes twinkled with playful mischief, and she opened with, "Alright, everyone. We’ve gathered here today to witness something incredibly special—something that, if we’re being honest, none of us are surprised about...”

The crowd all nodded in agreement as Jas continued, “But seriously, if anyone here—besides Danny—objects to this union, well...now’s your moment.”

The room filled with laughter, lightening the mood. Becky chuckled softly, giving Danny a wink. Jas held her hands up, waiting for the chuckles to fade. “No? Great! That’s what I thought.”

Turning back to Becky and Freen, Jas’s expression softened. “On a more serious note, we’re all here today to celebrate a love that’s endured so much in a short amount of time, a love that’s grown stronger with every challenge, and one that’s brought all of us here together. It’s been quite a journey, but as everyone here knows, love is about the journey, not just the destination.”

She paused, looking between Becky and Freen with warmth in her eyes. “I’ve had the honor of watching these two navigate through some tough situation, and I can say with certainty that they are not just perfect for each other—they’re meant for each other. So, without further ado, I’ll hand the spotlight over to them to say their vows.”

Jas nodded encouragingly toward Becky, giving her the floor. The room grew quiet as Becky took a deep breath, turning to face Freen, her heart full, her voice steady despite the overwhelming emotions inside.

Becky took a deep breath, her eyes locked on Freen’s, a nervous smile playing on her lips as she reached for Freen’s hands. The weight of the moment settled around them, but she was determined to make Freen feel every word, even if she stumbled over them a bit.

“Freen,” Becky began, her voice wavering just slightly, “I’ve been thinking about what I’d say to you today for a long time. And, as you probably know, I’m usually great with words—except when it comes to you. Somehow, when I’m with you, I turn into this… emotional mess, which is honestly kind of embarrassing.”

The guests chuckled lightly, but Becky’s smile grew as Freen squeezed her hands gently, silently encouraging her.

“When you first bumped into me on the streets of New York, I didn’t think I’d have the honor of standing with you here today. I knew I really wanted to know you so I pulled out all the tricks just so I can see you everyday,” Becky mentioned, “I’m still surprised you didn’t think I was a crazy stalker back then.” She added, causing the crowd to laugh a bit. 

She paused, swallowing the lump in her throat. “You literally became the calm when the world is chaotic and we both know how chaotic it can be. You’ve seen me at my absolute worst—like that time I wore mismatched shoes to a meeting and didn’t realize it until after —and you still look at me like I hung the moon. I can’t tell you how much that means to me.”

Freen’s eyes glistened, and Becky could feel her own tears start to well up, but she pressed on. “I promise to always be by your side, through every high and every low, through every bad hair day and every crazy adventure we find ourselves in. I promise to keep trying to cook, even if we end up ordering takeout—because, let’s face it, we both know where my strengths don’t lie.”

The crowd laughed again, and Becky’s eyes softened as she returned to sincerity. “But more importantly, I promise to be your constant, your safe space and your forever.”

She blinked away a tear, her smile brightening as she witnessed the loving look in Freen’s eyes.

Freen took a deep breath as it was her turn. “Becky,” she whispered, her voice catching just slightly, “When I first met you, I didn’t know what I was walking into. I didn’t know that you would turn my world upside down, one midnight at a time. But now, standing here in front of you, I realize you weren’t just someone I met—you were someone I was meant to love.”

Her lips trembled as she continued, “You’ve seen me at my most vulnerable, and you’ve allowed me to see yours. I never knew what it felt like to be truly seen until I looked into your eyes, and now… I never want to look away.”

Becky’s eyes shimmered, tears pooling but never falling, as she listened intently. Freen’s voice grew steadier as she went on.

“You’ve been my reason, my home, and my light. You’ve given me the kind of love I never thought I'd find, and every day, I’m in awe of the way you love—wholeheartedly.”

Freen paused, taking a deep breath as she fought to hold back her own tears. “I promise you this my love—I will spend every day of my life trying to make you feel as loved, as safe, and as cherished as you make me feel. I am home when I’m with you.”

Freen smiled softly, tears beginning to fall. She gently wiped a tear from Becky’s cheek with her thumb, her own tears mingling with her words. “You didn’t just give me something to lose but you gave me a reason to love.” With a soft smile through her tears, Freen concluded, “You are my greatest adventure, from midnight strangers to lifetime lovers.”

The crowd was hushed, the weight of Freen’s words lingering in the air. Becky’s eyes were overflowing, her heart filled with more love than she ever thought possible. Freen squeezed her hands, and for a moment, it was as though the entire world faded away—leaving just the two of them, standing together, ready to begin their forever. 

Just as Freen finished her vows, a soft rustling sound came from the end of the aisle. All eyes turned as Fluffy and BonBon made their grand entrance, each wearing a small velvet pouch around their necks. The crowd let out a collective "aww" as the two pups proudly trotted down the aisle, carrying the wedding bands for their beloved humans.

Becky and Freen both broke into giggles, their hearts swelling with even more love at the sight. BonBon, with his usual tongue adorably hanging out, stopped halfway to sniff a guest’s shoe, while Fluffy strutted confidently toward the altar as if knowing the importance of the moment. Jas leaned down to retrieve the rings from the two dogs, shaking her head with an amused grin.

Freen and Becky took their rings, turning back to face each other. With trembling hands and joyful tears, they each placed the ring on the other’s finger, their eyes never leaving each other’s.

Before Jas could even finish her next sentence, Becky, unable to wait another second, pulled Freen into a kiss. The crowd erupted into laughter and applause, the spontaneous moment perfectly encapsulating the love between the two.

Jas, chuckling along with everyone, raised her hands in mock surrender. "Well, I guess that was bound to happen! But, just to make it official—ladies and gentlemen, I present to you for the very first time, the newlyweds!"

The room erupted with cheers and celebration as Freen and Becky kissed again, their love radiating through every corner of the space. The dogs, now back to wagging their tails happily, danced around their feet as the couple embraced, sealing their future together in that perfect, joyful moment.

Confetti rained down as friends and family cheered them on, the love and laughter filling the air as the two women took their first steps together as wives. It was a moment neither of them—or anyone there—would ever forget.

(End)