Chapter 2 The same old Parker

“Lydia.”

The deep voice resonated in the young woman's ears as she lay restlessly on the clean white bed. She turned toward the sound, struggling to combat the weakness within her. Most of all, she felt overwhelmingly drowsy, as if she were suffering from a profound lack of sleep.

“Lydia, wake up now.”

The repeated sound prompted Lydia to reluctantly open her eyes. She saw the person who had called, sitting on the edge of the bed, his deep black eyes fixed intently on her. It was as if he were exploring, inspecting, and evaluating every detail of her. There was something captivating about him that made her stare as if she were in a dream. She reached out, touching his face, which was handsome and dark, as if it were a forgotten memory from another time.

“Parker…” Lydia’s voice emerged softly, slightly hoarse, as if she were in a sleepwalking trance.

“Are you awake?” Parker asked with a smile. Normally, he kept others at a distance and hadn’t had anyone touch him like this in a long time. The sensation of someone else’s touch usually filled him with discomfort. Yet, as Lydia’s soft fingertips gently caressed his cheek, he felt a warm, tingling sensation spread through his body. For the first time in ages, he didn't want this hand to stop.

“ Uh...yyyes ?”

Lydia regained consciousness and, realizing her hand was on the young man’s cheek, quickly withdrew it.

Her sudden withdrawal of her hand stole away a moment of happiness from Parker. He suppressed his disappointment, masking it with a gentle smile for the nervous and embarrassed girl before him.

As memories from the previous night began to resurface, Lydia recalled the embarrassing moment she had shared with him. Her cheeks flushed with a deep sense of shame. She lowered her gaze briefly before looking up at the young man again. Despite the years that had passed, he seemed unchanged. His face still bore the same solemn, handsome expression she had known from before.

“Can you get up? It’s already afternoon. Please, get up and eat something,” Parker said gently.

“Afternoon?”

Lydia repeated the words in confusion before pushing herself into a sitting position. The blanket was wrapped around her waist, revealing her frail body in a loose t-shirt. She glanced at Parker with wide eyes for a moment before quickly turning her head away.

Lydia looked down at her condition. Even though she wasn’t naked, she felt a tinge of embarrassment. Most importantly...

“You... I... ummm... I...” her voice trailed off. She wanted to ask something but found herself too embarrassed to speak.

This kind of expression was endearing to Parker, but he knew it wouldn’t do to let her worries linger. He decided to ease her anxiety by explaining the situation as succinctly as possible.

“Yesterday, you were soaked and had a fever, so I had the maid come and help change your clothes. Since there weren’t any women’s clothes here, I picked you my clothes to wear for now. Your clothes have been washed but aren’t dry yet. The maid should be back from the market soon, and she’ll probably bring a new set of clothes for you.”

“Thank you.” Lydia wanted to let out a sigh of relief, but she hesitated, feeling self-conscious under Parker’s steady gaze.

“Yesterday, I had the doctor check you out. It didn’t seem like a big deal, but you’ll need to take some medicine to reduce the fever and vitamins to help your body recover,” Parker explained in a calm tone. He tried to assist Lydia out of bed, but she resisted. He looked into her eyes, sensing her reluctance, and decided to retreat from the bed first.

“I'm sorry, I forgot that you’re not the girl who used to duck under fences just to find me.” Parker said with a hint of nostalgia.

“I didn’t crawl through the dog’s hole!” Lydia retorted, her voice accidentally taking on a timid, childlike tone. “I climbed over the fence.”

Parker raised his eyebrows slightly, struggling to hold back his laughter. It was a small pleasure for him, seeing this side of her.

Lydia began to feel a twinge of embarrassment. Perhaps it was because he was staring at her, or maybe it was due to the strange thoughts running through her mind. Either way, she wasn’t quite sure.

You must be in shock, Lydia thought. That would explain the dazed feeling she was experiencing—like being in another world, far removed from reality. Even if it were another woman, she would surely be just as stunned if she had discovered what Lydia did last night. There was no doubt that her current appearance reflected the turmoil she felt inside.

“Come on.”

A strong hand reached out, and Lydia, lowering the walls around her heart, placed her hand in his palm. She allowed him to help her up from the bed. She wore cotton pants tied at the waist with a long rope around the ankles, and a loose t-shirt with no bra underneath. Despite her discomfort, she pretended not to care about her lack of underwear as she let him support her. Together, they walked to the ensuite bathroom.

Parker had prepared everything in the bathroom: a new toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, and a towel for washing hands and face were neatly arranged. After Lydia took care of herself and opened the bathroom door, Parker quickly came in to support her. He helped her to a small balcony off the room, where there were tables and chairs set up. His hands were warm against her cool skin, and she could still feel the remnants of her fever as a slight ache lingered in her body.

On the table, the food was already laid out. Lifting the cover, Lydia was greeted by the comforting aroma of shredded chicken porridge, accompanied by shredded pork and salted eggs. A small bowl of chopped ginger was set aside, to be added to the porridge as desired.

Just seeing the food, tears suddenly welled up in Lydia's eyes. The sight stirred a deep ache in her heart, reminding her of the old days she had almost forgotten.

Parker saw the tears in Lydia's eyes and was completely shocked and flustered. He worried that he might have done something she wouldn’t like, adding to her distress.

“Sorry, I forgot you’re not a child anymore,” He said, his voice tinged with concern. “I shouldn’t have prepared the same food. Please, enjoy what’s here, but if there’s something else you’d prefer, just let me know, and I’ll change it for you.” He quickly grabbed the tray and went to get a different selection for her.

“Don’t change it, I like it,” Lydia hurriedly said, stopping him. She lifted her head and blinked a few times, trying to hold back the tears.

She hurriedly sat down in the chair, determined not to let him take the food away. Seeing that she was adamant, Parker placed the tray back on the table and sat beside her. He poured water into a glass, placing a small cup with pills next to it.

She moved the bowl of rice porridge in front of her, adding a sprinkle of ginger, a dash of pepper, and a splash of soy sauce. As she bowed her head and began eating, the familiar taste brought her comfort. She hadn't eaten anything the previous day due to the stressful events, so by noon, she was ravenous. The warmth and flavor of the porridge were soothing, and before long, she had polished off the first bowl and was reaching for a second.

Parker leaned back in his chair, watching Lydia eat with a mix of nostalgia and concern. Seeing her so absorbed in the comforting food, he was reminded of the past when she was a curious, lively child visiting his family's farm. The old feelings of camaraderie and affection resurfaced, even as he grappled with the complexities of the present. He appreciated how she found solace in the simple meal, a stark contrast to the turmoil she had faced recently.

It sounds like Lydia brought a lot of joy and light into Parker’s life, even if he wasn’t fond of children. Her visits must have been a significant break from his routine.

At first, Parker had thought Lydia was just another child from the farm workers. It wasn’t until her grandfather, who managed the small farm next door, came searching for his granddaughter that he realized Lydia’s identity. He learned that the lively little girl he had seen running about was the granddaughter of the people living next door.

He knew Lydia's mother in passing, exchanging only brief, polite greetings as neighbors do. It wasn’t until later that he learned of the marital problems that had driven Lydia's parents apart, forcing her to move in with her grandparents. During Lydia's high school years, Parker saw her less frequently, though there were occasions when he helped her out. He would drive her to school if her grandfather's old truck broke down, always remembering her sweet laughter and the stories she shared. To him, Lydia seemed to lead a carefree life, untouched by serious troubles.

Except this time ...

“We haven’t seen each other in years.” Lydia said, a nostalgic smile playing on her lips. “But I still remember all the things I used to enjoy eating here.”

As Lydia was enveloped by the familiar atmosphere, the distant pronouns from last night seemed to dissolve, returning to the warmth of old times. Unbeknownst to her, the comforting familiarity brought Parker immense satisfaction.

“There’s no way I could forget a mischievous child like you, even after all this time,” he said with a smile. “It’s been, what, seven or eight years?”

“Yes, it’s been seven years,” Lydia replied, taking a sip of water. She deliberately avoided looking at the small cup of pills beside her, as if trying to ignore their presence.

“I heard you even got a scholarship to study abroad.”

“I only studied a language course. My mother fell ill, so I had to come back to take care of her since there was no one else.”

“I’m sorry,” he said, though his regret stemmed from the fact that he hadn’t enjoyed her company while she was struggling, and he hadn't offered any help.

Since she left for university in Bangkok, a distance had grown between them, and they lost touch entirely.

"Yes"

Wanting to avoid taking the medicine, Lydia turned her gaze away. But she couldn’t escape the piercing, sharp eyes of Parker, which seemed to see right through her. She lowered her head, her movements betraying her discomfort like a child caught in mischief by an adult.

Parker raised an eyebrow in surprise at her reaction, a smile slowly curling at the corner of his mouth. Moving closer, he reached out, gently picking up the cup of medicine and placing it in front of her.

“You’re not well, and you need to take your medicine,” he said, his tone firm but gentle.

“You can say that, but you’re not the one who has to take the medicine,” she said tersely, her dislike for taking medicine evident in her tone.

Parker shook his head slowly and reached out to touch her forehead. “You’re still running a fever. Just take the medicine. It’s not dangerous; it’s what the doctor prescribed.”

Lydia sighed softly, resigned to the fact that she was going to have to take the medicine. It wasn’t so much that she feared its safety; it was the bitter taste that she loathed. She pursed her lips in distaste, but Parker’s laughter rang out warmly, breaking the tension.

“I’ve already told your Grandpa that you’re here,” he said.

"Uh... then, have you told him anything else?" Lydia asked, her expression showing discomfort.

Parker leaned back in his chair, adopting a relaxed posture. His fingertips tapped rhythmically on the table. “I didn’t say much, but I think I should know what happened to you. Can you tell me?”

His voice was soft, and those last words made Lydia's heart tremble in a strange way. She didn't understand what was happening to her. Whenever she was near him, it felt like her heart was racing uncontrollably. Yet, as she listened to his gentle words, her heart fluttered even more.

She didn’t want to share her story, but his calm demeanor made her feel pressured by the silence. The quiet became increasingly uncomfortable, pushing her to finally confess.

“Have you heard about the engagement?” she asked, meeting his gaze. When he nodded, she continued, “I was supposed to surprise Joe yesterday, but instead, I found him in bed with my friend…”

She paused again, hoping he would understand. The way she had been found was quite pitiful. She waited for a laugh or some harsh comment, but there was only silence. When she finally looked up, she met his steady, compassionate gaze.

“Aren’t you going to say anything?” she asked, tilting her head slightly. A strand of hair fell across her face. “Do you believe what I’m saying?”

“I do,” he said firmly, a slight, almost mischievous smile playing on his lips. His sharp features only seemed to enhance his attractiveness. “But right now, I’m more concerned about you. What are you going to do?”

“Right now, I can’t think of anything,” she confessed honestly. “But going back to the way things were is probably impossible.”

Thinking of this, pain surged in her chest. Her wounds were still too fresh, and it would likely take some time for her to come to terms with what had happened. Even though she couldn’t yet think of a solution or wasn’t ready to face it, one thing was clear: her eyes were open now.

“Well, that's not too foolish,” Parker murmured, nodding as if speaking to himself.

“Parker! Don’t make it worse,” she scolded, though a laugh escaped her. The weight of her sorrow and worry seemed to shrink in the presence of this person. Being with him, she felt a comforting warmth and a surge of renewed energy.

“If you go back to someone like that, you’d be a fool,” Parker said with a smirk, his tone light but his words holding a serious undertone.

Seeing her smile, Parker felt a wave of relief. He poured himself a glass of water and took a sip. “It’s better to see each other’s true nature now than to find out after married,” he said, his tone both pragmatic and reassuring.

Lydia nodded. "But Joe asked for another chance to make amends."

Pwww!

“Parker! What’s wrong?” Lydia exclaimed, picking up a tissue paper from the table and handing it to Parker, who had spat out his drink and was struggling to catch his breath.

“Are you still considering going back to him?!” Parker asked sternly after he stopped coughing. His previously relaxed expression had turned grim, as if he were harboring a deep-seated anger, making Lydia feel a pang of fear.

“Well...” Lydia hesitated, unsure how to continue. “He asked for another chance, but I haven’t given him an answer yet.” She quickly lowered her eyes, staring at her lap as if it held all the answers.

“Do you really love him so much that you’d let someone like that hurt you?” Parker asked, his voice tinged with frustration. He reached out, his gesture making Lydia flinch and instinctively move away. “Do you love him that much?”

“Well... we’re engaged. The wedding is about to take place... and the elders are…” Lydia’s voice trembled, her body shrinking as if trying to retreat. She was genuinely frightened, having never seen her warm and kind favorite neighbor transform into such an intimidating figure.

“Don’t tell me that this is why you’re considering going through with the marriage!” Parker tried to control his tone, though it was difficult with the heat of his frustration. The sight of Lydia, so innocent and unaware, only intensified his feelings. His urge to confront Joe and defend Lydia was strong enough that he almost felt compelled to take matters into his own hands—though not without a hint of a more passionate gesture.

“Well...” Lydia's voice faltered as she slumped her shoulders and cast her gaze downward. Her discomfort was palpable, making her appear even more vulnerable under Parker's intense scrutiny.

“You used to live abroad. You should have broadened your horizons a bit. Why do you look so fool?”

“Parker!” Lydia’s lips pursed in displeasure. Sometimes, when an elder scolded her, it felt like an unfair reprimand. “Joe is a good person. He’s kind and considerate. In the past, he’s never hurt my feelings in the slightest.”

“Is it because you can't see the flaws in him? People might seem fine on the surface, but they’re not gold coins without imperfections. Everyone has hidden qualities, and they’re not always as good as they appear.”

Lydia’s eyes widened in surprise. “Since when did you have such a sharp tongue?”

“I’ve always been like this,” he said with a wry smile, showing his teeth. “But I just want to be a good person in your eyes. There are plenty of good men out there. If you don’t have him, you won’t die!”

This time, Lydia laughed again, her mood lightened. She felt a playful urge to tease him further, eager to see if he was still her favorite uncle she had known as a child.

Eh ! What did she say, her favorite uncle?

She shook her head, trying to dismiss the strange feeling she couldn't quite identify, and continued talking to him.

“I’m sorry, I just wanted to tease you for fun. I didn’t expect you to get this angry. But what should I do next?”

“Don’t worry. I'll take care of it for you.”

Parker smiled, relieved to know that she had no intention of reconciling with her unworthy fiancé. Before he could say anything further, a knock at the door interrupted them. Rising from his chair, he opened the door to receive a bag of clothes from the housekeeper. Returning to Lydia, he handed her the bag with a reassuring nod.

“Now,” he said softly, “it’s time to take off you clothes.”

“What?! ”

Amidst the sunlight and the gentle breeze, Parker let out a mischievous smile. The girl’s panicked eyes and flushed face were a sight to behold as she raised her hands and hugged her chest tightly.

“No,” Lydia shook her head, turning around and scanning the room for an escape route, her mind racing for a way out if things took an unexpected turn.

Parker pursed his lips tightly, his expression reflecting a mix of amusement and concern as he watched her. She looked as frightened as a young deer cornered by a lion, and her fear only heightened the warmth he felt inside.

“I meant you need to change into these new clothes,” Parker said, shaking his head with a soft laugh. “You’re supposed to wear the new clothes, not mine. What were you thinking?”

“But not when you’re staring like that,” she scolded, trying to mask her embarrassment. Her cheeks flushed a soft pink, and she quickly lowered her head to avoid his gaze, biting her lower lip in nervousness.

Seeing her blush and her discomfort, Parker felt a sudden urge. He wanted to pull her up and kiss her.

When was the last time he with woman?

“If you faint, what will you do?” he teased, but his voice grew hoarse as he recalled holding her soft body last night. The memory stirred a tension in him, making his feelings even more intense.

“I can take care of myself. I don’t need your help,” she muttered, surprised at her own defiance. A fluttering, agitated feeling rose in the pit of her stomach, leaving her unsure whether it was genuine discomfort or something more unsettling.

Before she fully realized what she was doing, her feet carried her closer. She quickly snatched the bag of clothes from Parker’s hand and, without another word, turned and hurried into the bathroom.

When he heard the sharp *clink* of the bathroom door locking, a mischievous smile tugged at the corners of Parker's mouth. There was no real need to lock the door, he mused, as he wasn't the type to take advantage of such situations—well, maybe just a little.

He had always prided himself on his self-control, never one to take advantage, even when women flirted or threw themselves at him. But when it came to this girl, all his resolve seemed to crumble. She didn’t have to try—just her natural presence was enough to make him lose his composure. It was a struggle not to let his hands linger on her or even sneak a whiff of her scent. Resisting her was becoming more difficult than anything he'd ever faced.

These feelings were maddening, but he couldn’t deny them. They were no longer children; she was now a twenty-four-year-old woman who had just been heartbroken over someone who wasn’t him. The thought twisted inside Parker like a knife. His jaw clenched as he pulled out his phone, eyes dark and menacing, as if he was ready to tear someone apart.

“Mr. Prawit, I need you to investigate something for me. I’ll send you the details shortly. Make sure it’s handled,” Parker said, his tone leaving no room for doubt about the seriousness of the request.

The owner of Rung Arun Farm listened attentively to the voice on the other end of the line, absorbing every detail before ending the call and pocketing his phone. He stood there, arms crossed, his thoughts drifting to the girl in the bathroom. Despite the years that had passed since they last saw each other, he had always kept tabs on her. To him, Lydia was still the little girl he remembered. But now, as they reunited—even in her vulnerable state, like a wounded bird—he couldn't ignore the fact that she had blossomed into a beautiful woman.

The soft creak of the door opening filled the room, drawing his attention. Lydia’s sweet face peeked out from behind it, her eyes sparkling with a mix of uncertainty and resolve. She hesitated for just a moment, as if weighing a decision, before finally stepping out to stand before him. Taking a deep breath, she seemed to gather all her emotions, ready to face whatever came next.

The sight before him was a stark reminder that she was no longer the little girl who used to chase after him. Everything about her now stirred something deep within him, igniting a frenzy of emotions he struggled to keep in check. She was a woman, not a child, and every part of her presence made that unmistakably clear.