Chapter 5 Break off Engagement

Lydia slipped the simple engagement ring off her slender finger and placed it on the table, a small, determined smile playing on her lips. As her grandparents quietly sipped herbal tea at breakfast, they exchanged knowing glances, understanding the significance of her gesture without needing to say a word.

“Are you sure about your decision, my dear?” Grandfather asked, his voice gentle but firm, wanting to ensure that Lydia was making her own choice. He didn’t want to influence her; after all, it was her life to live, with all its joys and sorrows. Yet, deep down, knowing what his beloved granddaughter had endured, he silently hoped she would walk away from it all. When Lydia nodded, her expression calm and resolute, he felt a deep sense of relief. It was clear she had grown into a strong woman, capable of making wise choices for her future.

“Yes, I’ve thought it through,” Lydia replied, her voice firm and steady. There was no hint of regret or sadness in her eyes. “Please help me return it to their house, Grandpa.”

“Good, there’s no need to rush into anything,” Grandpa said, giving his knee a hearty slap. “Women these days can take care of themselves. You can stay single if that’s what’s best for you.” His words were both reassuring and supportive, reflecting his deep care for Lydia, even if it left him slightly puzzled by her choices.

“Oh! And why were you so eager for me to get engaged in the first place?” Lydia laughed, heading to the kitchen to make herself some black coffee. Midway, she changed her mind and instead grabbed a bottle of freshly squeezed orange juice from the refrigerator.

“Well, I saw that you had strong feelings for Joe. I was worried that if I didn’t push for the engagement, he might leave you behind,” Grandpa explained, his tone a mix of concern and exasperation. “Especially, he and you…”

“He and I…?”

Lydia nearly choked on her orange juice, her eyes widening in disbelief.

“Well…” Grandpa stumbled over his words, his face reddening. “To be honest, I may have overstepped. Let’s not dwell on it too much, alright?” He turned his gaze elsewhere, clearly uncomfortable.

Lydia felt a wave of frustration. Was this entire situation caused by a misunderstanding? How could she explain to her grandfather that her relationship with Joe had never progressed beyond casual? They had never even shared a kiss.

“Never mind, it’s all in the past,” Grandpa said, waving a hand dismissively. “These days, people are more open about things. You’re grown up now. I’m sure you know about prevention.” His attempt to sound modern only seemed to make the conversation more awkward.

“Uh… yes,” Lydia replied with a strained smile.

She contemplated letting the matter go, but the misunderstanding gnawed at her. Before she could address it, the doorbell rang, pulling her away from the conversation. As she approached the door, she braced herself for the stern look that awaited her.

“Before you open the door, shouldn’t you check who’s ringing the bell? What if a thief was at your doorstep?”

Lydia gasped, then let out a soft laugh. She hadn’t expected her first encounter of the day to start with such a remark.

“There’s a CCTV camera at the house,” Lydia explained with a hint of amusement. “I saw it was you. Please, come in.”

Parker’s face turned crimson as he scratched his head, mortified by his blunder. Lydia’s sweet, understanding smile only deepened his embarrassment. Her gentle laughter showed that she appreciated his concern, even if it had missed the mark.

“Why are you here so early?” Lydia asked, hoping to shift the focus away from Parker’s embarrassed expression.

“I have some work at downtown,” Parker explained. “I thought I’d stop by and see if you’d like to join me.”

Lydia was taken aback by his casual invitation. If she were still the little girl she once was, this would have been a routine delight. Back then, she would cling to his arm, never missing a chance to tag along, eager for the promise of tasty treats or exciting finds from the city. But now, she was no longer the "Little Lydia" who would climb fences to see him.

Despite the years that had passed and the changes in their lives, Parker's presence seemed to make those memories feel just within reach again. His easy familiarity and the way he still acted as if no time had passed between them brought a comforting warmth. Even though it had only been two days since they last saw each other, it felt as though their bond had seamlessly picked up where it left off.

“Master Parker, is that you?” Grandfather greeted him warmly as he stepped outside. Over the years, this young man had become a familiar, always ready to lend a hand. Seeing him at their doorstep wasn’t unusual—it was like he was part of their daily life.

“Hello, Grandpa. No need for the formalities, just call me like you always do,” Parker said with a warm smile, raising his hand in a respectful greeting. “Did you finish the honey I brought last time?” he added, his tone light and familiar.

“There’s still half a bottle left,” Grandpa replied with a smile. “I’ve been having it with lemon tea, t’s really good.”

“I’ll bring more next time,” Parker promised, his tone sincere. “And if you need anything else, just let me know.”

Lydia glanced between Parker and her grandfather, feeling oddly like an outsider in her own home. “I had no idea you visited Grandpa so often,” she said, unable to hide her surprise.

Parker’s smile was small but warm, making him appear more approachable and playful than usual. Typically, his face was serious, rarely showing such an easy expression.

“Neighbors have to look out for each other,” he said, omitting the part where he might be trying to win points as a potential grandson-in-law.

“You’ve been so far away, it almost seems excessive,” Lydia teased, wrinkling her nose in mock disdain, which made her grandfather chuckle.

“Have you had breakfast yet?” Parker asked, smoothly changing the subject. “How about we grab something to eat in town?”

“Grandma’s already cooked for me,” Lydia replied.

Parker's face fell, a hint of disappointment clouding his features. It was as if he had hoped for an excuse to spend more time with her.

“Why don't you join Parker? I heard you’re planning to go into town,” Grandma’s voice floated in from behind, sounding casual but with a hint of suggestion.

Lydia hesitated, her eyes darting from her grandparents' expectant faces to the hopeful glint in Parker’s eyes. She let out a quiet sigh, then nodded. “Alright, I’ll go.”

At first, Lydia had planned to pick up a few personal items at a nearby grocery store. However, since Parker was heading into town anyway, she saw it as an opportunity to accompany him. She hadn’t been to the city in a long time and was curious to see how much it had changed. The last time she was there, it had been dark and she was too consumed by her own sorrow to take in her surroundings.

Lydia glanced at Parker, then at her grandparents. “I’ll just change into something more suitable for town,” she said, giving them a reassuring smile. With their nods of approval, she headed to her room to get dressed.

Behind Lydia, Parker chatted amiably with her grandfather. Soon, Lydia emerged, looking refreshed and carrying a neatly organized shoulder bag.

As Lydia stepped outside, she saw a sleek, dark blue SUV with a Rung Arun Farm sticker parked nearby. Parker was already at the passenger side, opening the door for her with a courteous gesture. Lydia climbed in and settled into the seat while Parker walked around to the driver's side.

Once inside, he leaned over to help her fasten her seatbelt. His warm breath brushed against her cheek, causing her eyes to widen in surprise.

“Parker!” Her voice was a soft exclamation, tinged with both surprise and a hint of discomfort at the unexpected closeness.

“Yes?” Parker looked at her with feigned innocence, his expression genuinely puzzled.

Lydia noticed the curiosity in Parker's eyes and felt her own cheeks flush with embarrassment. She quickly realized that her reaction might be more about her own feelings than Parker's intentions. He probably saw her as the same little girl from the past, the one who used to resist wearing her seatbelt because it was uncomfortable. But now, she was grown up.

“I can manage this myself,” she said with a hint of defiance, trying to mask her embarrassment.

Parker merely smiled and shrugged. “I’m just trying to help,” he replied, his tone casual as he started the car. “Let’s grab a bite to eat first, then we’ll head out to buy what we need.”

“Parker, you should focus on your work. I don’t want to be a distraction,” Lydia said with a touch of concern.

Parker feigned hurt, though he had nearly forgotten about the work he mentioned. “What’s this? Are you saying you'd rather head off alone and not have breakfast with an old man like me?”

Lydia chuckled, shaking her head at his theatrics. “Old? Not at all. I’m just trying not to be a burden, that’s all.”

“What a burden,” Parker laughed, glancing at her with a playful grin. After driving for a while, he turned on some soft music, making sure the car’s atmosphere remained pleasant even if the conversation lulled. “What would you like to eat? Pan-fried eggs? Shiitake mushroom porridge? Or maybe an omelet?”

Lydia gazed out the car window, not immediately responding. The soothing music and the gentle hum of the engine made her feel drowsy. Before she knew it, she had inadvertently rested her head against the window, eyes closed. Parker, ever attentive, noticed her relaxed state.

“You can lean on my shoulder if you’re feeling tired,” he offered gently, his voice warm and inviting.

Lydia raised an eyebrow and sat up straight, glancing at Parker as he gave himself a light pat on the shoulder. “Not as soft as a pillow, but it’s guaranteed not to give you a headache,” he quipped with a grin.

Lydia suddenly burst into laughter. “So, whenever a girl gets into your car, you always act like this?”

Parker feigned innocence. “What’s the problem?” he asked with a mischievous grin. Hearing her sweet, clear laughter, he felt a wave of relief. “Well, I don’t exactly have any other girls to worry about.”

“Still haven’t found someone you like?” Lydia asked, her curiosity piqued. “It’s been years since we last saw each other.”

“Not really,” Parker replied with a faint smile. “I’m a workaholic. Who would be interested in a man like me?”

“Don’t say that,” Lydia said, shaking her head.

Her gaze drifted to his forearm, which was partially visible beneath his white t-shirt and blue-and-white plaid shirt. His forearms were strong and muscular, tanned by the sun, adding to his rugged handsomeness. His short hair looked neat, and as she looked up to his neck, she noticed a few droplets of water still clinging to his skin. Unable to resist, she reached out and gently touched them with her fingertips.

“Huh?” Parker raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by her touch on his neck.

“You should dry your hair properly,” Lydia said quickly, her voice slightly flustered. “Be careful not to catch a cold.”

As she realized what she had done, Lydia quickly withdrew her hand, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. She couldn't quite understand what had prompted her to reach out like that.

Lydia chastised herself internally. Remember, you’re not a little girl anymore, she thought, mortified by her own impulsive gesture. She quickly pulled her hand back, feeling the flush of embarrassment rise to her cheeks.

Parker glanced over, a smile spreading across his face. He removed one hand from the steering wheel and reached out to gently ruffle Lydia's hair. Realizing that the gesture might be too intimate, he quickly retracted his hand, giving her a playful pat instead. Lydia's laughter filled the car, a sound Parker cherished deeply. Ever since childhood, he thought, she was far better suited to laughter than to sadness.

Parker parked the car at the hotel’s entrance, drawing a few curious glances from passersby. Lydia, momentarily startled, followed him into the building. Inside, the breakfast buffet was a feast for the eyes, and the staff greeted them with warm nods and courteous smiles. Parker guided Lydia to a secluded table, tucked away from the bustling crowd, ensuring a serene and intimate dining experience.

“What do you want to eat?” Parker asked, cutting her off before she could say anything. He already knew what her answer would be.

Lydia laughed again, her hunger becoming more apparent. With everything that had happened, she was finally relaxed, and her clear mind was making her stomach rumble.

“Why don’t you just enjoy yourself?” she said, not waiting for a reply. She promptly ordered a hearty breakfast set, and Parker followed suit, placing an order for himself.

When their food arrived, Parker waved off the server with a casual gesture and took over the task of attending to Lydia himself.

“When you were a kid, you never liked fried eggs with runny yolks,” Parker remarked, watching as Lydia drizzled sauce over the slightly undercooked eggs on her plate. “Are you really eating them like this now?”

Lydia smiled as she took a bite. “Well, I guess growing up changes your tastes. I find I actually like these eggs now. It’s like how, as people get older, they develop a taste for spicier foods.”

Her simple words made Parker pause. Indeed, as people age, tastes and preferences change. Yet, his feelings for her had remained unchanged. It was clear he would be the one to influence his heart.

Some things inevitably change; that's just how it is. And perhaps, that was the most natural thing of all.

Lydia finished her plate of eggs, two extra fried eggs, and enjoyed a large glass of fresh guava juice. Though she relished the guava juice, she couldn’t help but think that it paled in comparison to the fresh orange juice from Parker’s farm.

Parker, on the other hand, kept his breakfast simple, with just a hot cup of coffee to accompany his meal. He couldn’t help but glance at the empty ring finger of his left hand, noting the absence of an engagement ring. The sight was both satisfying and a small triumph, nearly bringing a wide smile to his face.

Lydia noticed Parker's gaze fixed on her fingers and decided to break the silence. With a playful flick, she waved her hand in front of his face.

“Have you made up your mind yet?”

“Yes,” Lydia said, her lips curling into a subtle smile. “I took the day off work to sort out the wedding preparations. I’ll be back soon. But with things changing, I can leave the details to Grandpa”

Her voice was calm and composed, concealing any traces of lingering pain or disappointment. As she spoke, Parker felt a wave of relief, though a hint of apprehension still clung to him.

“Are you heading back tomorrow?” Parker asked, trying to mask his curiosity.

“I’ve already booked a ticket for the bus,” Lydia replied cheerfully. “Today, I’m exploring the city and picking up souvenirs for my friends in Bangkok. It’s been a nice break.”

“Buses can be risky,” Parker said, a hint of concern in his voice.

Lydia laughed lightly. “I’ve always traveled by bus. It’s perfectly safe, and everyone else uses them too. It’s nothing to worry about.”

“Hmm, I have some work in Bangkok. How about joining me in the car? It would be nice to have some company on the drive—someone to chat with so I’m not alone. What do you think about making the trip together?”

“But…” Lydia hesitated, her thoughts swirling. It felt like an oddly fortuitous coincidence. She chose not to voice her doubts, sensing that perhaps Parker hadn’t given it much thought. If anything, it was her overthinking the situation.

“Normally, I drive into Bangkok to handle financial matters with various clients. It’s more convenient for me to drive myself. But if you’re uncomfortable with the idea of riding with me, that’s perfectly fine. I understand.” Parker’s voice carried a hint of disappointment, despite his attempt to sound encouraging.

“It’s not that,” she began hesitantly, searching for a reason to decline. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to go with him; rather, she was concerned about the closeness it implied. While he might not think much of it, she felt her heart race whenever she was near him. She was wary of her own emotions and the uncertainty they brought.

“Well, if you change your mind and decide to join me, just give me a call,” Parker said with a reassuring smile. “I’ll come and pick you up myself.” He chose not to press the issue further, respecting her hesitation.

“Sure, thank you very much,” Lydia replied, a soft sigh escaping her. She cast a fleeting glance at his face, her curiosity mingled with her gratitude.

“Um, are you planning to buy souvenirs? What kind are you interested in? Silk, cotton, the famous indigo-dyed cloth, or maybe something edible? I can help you pick out the best options.”

“Parker, don’t you have other work to do?” she asked, genuinely concerned, remembering he had mentioned being busy.

“Yes,” he nodded. “But there's enough time for us to get everything done. We can finish shopping, and then you can relax at a coffee shop for half an hour while I take care of some work at the bank. Once I’m done, we can head home together.”

She considered refusing again, but the sincerity in his eyes and memories of her childhood—when she would always be the one trailing after him—held her back. It felt as though he owed her something, though neither of them quite knew what.

“Yes, if it’s not too much trouble. If you’re enjoying it, I’d appreciate it if you could take me to buy some souvenirs.”

“Sure,” he agreed, nodding with a smile.

Once he saw that Lydia had finished her breakfast, he settled the bill and led her to a nearby souvenir shop in the hotel.

Lydia picked out several scarves made from exquisite indigo cotton, a few bottles of high-quality honey, and some local snacks. She planned to give these as gifts to friends and colleagues in Bangkok. As she filled two baskets with her selections, she couldn’t help but worry about how she would manage all this on the bus. Her thoughts drifted back to Parker's earlier offer, considering it as a potential solution.

“Is this all?” Parker asked, glancing at the two baskets. “Just these two? Don’t you need anything else?”

Lydia wrinkled her nose. “My salary is modest. I can’t afford more than this.”

Parker chuckled softly. Though Lydia’s family wasn’t poor—her grandparents owned over fifty acres of land, they had chosen a simpler life, renting out most of it and living humbly in their old age. Lydia herself had always been down-to-earth, eschewing luxury for practicality. Her clothes, shoes, and bags were unremarkable compared to the designer brands many girls covet.

In truth, Lydia didn’t need to struggle to make ends meet. Her family’s assets provided a comfortable living, but if she wanted to work and contribute more, Parker respected her choice to do so.

Parker smiled, shaking his head at his own thoughts.

What am I thinking? It’s almost as if I’m planning for her to be my wife.

He dismissed the notion with a wry chuckle, focusing instead on enjoying their time together and making the day as pleasant as possible for Lydia.

Parker cleared his throat, shaking off the lingering thoughts, and turned to Lydia with a reassuring smile. “If you see anything else you like, just take it. Don’t worry about the cost. I don’t want your friends to think we are stingy. Consider it a gift.”

Lydia hesitated, surprised by his generosity. “But, how can I—”

“Of course, it’s no trouble at all,” Parker insisted, waving away her concerns. “You’re not imposing. It’s just a small thing.”

“You’re so kind,” Lydia said, genuinely touched.

Parker chuckled, though he felt a twinge of embarrassment. “Why act all formal? It’s just a bit of gift-giving between friends. No big deal.” He quickly added, “Go ahead and pick out what you want. If you don’t, the staff might end up picking out even more for you.” He glanced at the overflowing baskets, then added, “And don’t worry about how to get it all onto the bus. I’d hate for you to struggle with carrying so much on your own.”

Lydia smiled, feeling a bit awkward but grateful for his kindness.

“Thank you”

Parker wasn’t about to take no for an answer. He signaled to the staff, directing them to prepare two more sets of the same items. Lydia, sensing the gesture was more than she needed, walked over to gently touch Parker’s arm to stop him.

But just as she was about to speak, a man approached and grabbed her wrist.

“Lydia! Let me explain firs.”

“Joe! What are you doing here?”

Lydia’s shock was palpable. Her eyes darted around, acutely aware of the curious gazes from people. Her cheeks flushed crimson as she struggled to free her wrist from Joe’s grasp.

“Please, just give me one chance to make things right,” Joe pleaded, his voice urgent. “We’re getting married—there’s no way we can cancel our wedding!”

Seeing Lydia being pulled in front of him, Parker stepped forward, ready to intervene. He hadn’t expected the usually mild-mannered Joe to become so enraged. The confrontation escalated quickly; Joe, with a flush of anger, threw a punch at Parker. But Parker, calm and composed, easily sidestepped the attack. Joe, unbalanced and off guard, ended up swinging wildly and collapsed.

The anger seething inside Joe was palpable. This morning, Lydia's grandfather had called to call off the engagement, effectively ending any chance of the wedding. Joe’s parents had unleashed a tirade of scolding that left him feeling utterly defeated. The loss was bitter, especially given Lydia’s family’s assets—fifty acres of land, a prime location for fresh markets and rental properties. The prospect of such a lucrative connection had been enticing.

To Joe, Lydia's rejection felt like a personal affront, a slight against his ambitions. His frustration mounted as he repeatedly tried to contact her, only to be met with silence. In desperation, he decided to confront her directly, never imagining he would stumble upon her leaving the hotel with another man.

“Stop it, Joe!” Lydia’s voice cut through the tension, sharp with anger and fear. “You have no right to treat people like this.”

Joe’s face flushed with rage. “So, you’re ditching me for someone else? Is that it? Playing the innocent while you’re with him? Are you leading a double life or something?”

Lydia’s anger boiled over. She couldn’t believe that the person she had once considered marrying could be so despicable. The realization was infuriating.

“Look at yourself before you start criticizing others! Who’s really tangled up in complicated relationships? I’ve seen your true colors. I don’t regret calling off our engagement at all!”

“Lydia!” His voice softened, filled with confusion. “What’s really going on? That woman and I are not even together anymore.”

“What’s going on?” Lydia’s voice was sharp with anger. “Dare you ask? If it were anyone else, maybe I could overlook it. But what about my friend? How do you explain that? When trust is gone, why force a relationship? A marriage built on distrust isn’t worth fighting for. It’s better to end it now and let each of us move on with our lives.”

“But I love you.”

“Is that what people who love each other do, Joe?” Lydia’s voice trembled with a mix of hurt and indignation. She never imagined she’d be arguing with Joe in front of so many people. “That’s enough, Joe. You want to live your life however you choose, dragging anyone into bed as you please. I don’t want any part of it anymore.”

Lydia turned away, her disgust palpable as she walked off. She couldn’t fathom how she’d ever been involved with him, nor could she understand why she had never seen his true nature until now.

Joe reached out, trying to grab Lydia’s hand, but Parker quickly intervened. He seized Joe’s arm, his grip firm and unyielding until Joe winced in pain.

“Let go of me!” Joe shouted, his voice strained.

“Let go?” Parker’s voice was cold and resolute. “It seems you’re the one who needs to learn to keep your hands to yourself. Don’t bother her again.”

Joe struggled, glaring at Parker. “And who exactly are you? Why should I listen to you?”

Parker's lips curled into a cold, cruel smile as he leaned in closer, his voice a menacing whisper.

“Let me make it clear,” he said, his tone laced with threat. “I’m the guy who’s prepared to put a bullet in your gut if you ever touch Lydia again. Make sure that message sinks into your thick skull. If you cause trouble for her or me, the people from Rung Arun Farm won’t hesitate to deal with you. They’ll make sure there’s nothing left to bury—only ashes.”

“W-what! Rung Arun Farm… Master Parker!” The crowd gasped, their faces draining of color as they recognized the gravity of the situation and the identity of the imposing man before them.

Parker’s smile remained unyielding. “Oh, so now you understand. Let this be a lesson. Leave Lydia alone and stay out of her life.”

Lydia shrugged off Joe’s grasp, scrubbing her hands as if trying to erase the touch. Ignoring the commotion behind her, she stepped briskly out of the store. Meanwhile, Parker, unfazed, turned to the staff with a commanding air. “Please clean up the items I’ve chosen. I’ll handle the payment.”

As the staff nodded, understanding his status as the ‘Master of Rung Arun Farm,’ they quickly set to work. In this circle, where everyone knew each other, there was no worry about settling the bill. If anything, Parker’s presence ensured that transactions were handled with utmost respect and efficiency.

Parker moved swiftly, catching up with Lydia outside. He gently grasped her wrist, feeling her slight tremor and the struggle she was making to hold back tears.

“I'm here,” he said softly, his voice steady and reassuring. "Don’t worry."

Lydia's tears finally broke free at Parker’s gentle words. She buried her face against him, clutching him tightly, oblivious to the curious gazes around them. Parker, his heart aching for her, wrapped his arms around her and tenderly rubbed her back. His eyes, however, glared with a fierce anger at the thought of the one who had caused her pain.

“It’s okay,” he murmured soothingly, his voice a comforting balm against the chaos of the moment.

Lydia’s tears were not just about the end of her relationship with Joe. At this moment, it felt as though all the accumulated pressure and stress had finally burst forth. She was overwhelmed, feeling weak and vulnerable. In Parker’s strong embrace, she allowed herself to give in to her emotions, finding solace in the warmth and comfort he offered.

It wasn’t merely sadness she was experiencing, but a complex blend of exhaustion, relief, and a need for support during a particularly vulnerable time. This emotional upheaval was more than just the recent breakup; it was a culmination of stress and emotional strain. What should she do with these feelings? The answer lay in taking the time to process and heal, allowing herself to embrace the comfort and support of those who cared for her, like Parker.