Chapter 1

Important Notice: Please Read!
Hey there! Just a reminder: this is a fanfiction written purely for entertainment, so please donโt take it too seriously.
Warning: This story is NOT suitable for minors or anyone who might find sensitive content upsetting.
The fic does dive into some heavy topics, including intense angst, explicit sexual content, homophobia, biphobia, religion, psychological, physical, and/or relationship abuse, suicidal thoughts or tendencies, self-harm, abandonment, and other sensitive topics. So please proceed with caution and read at your own risk :)
With that said, enjoy!
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โAll that remains is your ghost, and though everyone dies, how strange is it to be haunted by someone whoโs still alive.โ
โ๏ฝก โงหส๐ษหโง๏ฝก โ
Engfa W.
Psalms 25:16
โช๐๐ถ๐ณ๐ฏ ๐ต๐ฐ ๐ฎ๐ฆ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐ฃ๐ฆ๐จ๐ณ๐ข๐ค๐ช๐ฐ๐ถ๐ด, ๐ง๐ฐ๐ณ ๐ ๐ข๐ฎ ๐ญ๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ฆ๐ญ๐บ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐ข๐ง๐ง๐ญ๐ช๐ค๐ต๐ฆ๐ฅ. ๐๐ฆ๐ญ๐ช๐ฆ๐ท๐ฆ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ต๐ณ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฃ๐ญ๐ฆ๐ด ๐ฐ๐ง ๐ฎ๐บ ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ข๐ณ๐ต ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐ง๐ณ๐ฆ๐ฆ ๐ฎ๐ฆ ๐ง๐ณ๐ฐ๐ฎ ๐ฎ๐บ ๐ข๐ฏ๐จ๐ถ๐ช๐ด๐ฉโซ
โโโโ หหห โ หหห โโโโ
I jolted awake, my heart hammering like it was trying to claw its way out of my chest. Sweat clung to my temple, cold and sticky, and the air in this goddamn bedroom felt thick, like it was trying to choke me. I fumbled for my phone on the bedside table, my eyes squinting against the darkness to make out the time.
โ4:15 am.โ
โณFuck... again?โ I muttered, tossing the phone onto the bedโI stared up blankly at the dark ceiling, its shadows staring back at me. This was my reality now โ a never-ending cycle of insomnia and anxiety that refused to let me go. Even when exhaustion finally claimed me, it was never enough to quiet the noise in my head.
With a groan, I forced myself out of bed, my exhausted body protesting with every stretch. I shuffled toward the bathroom, weaving through the maze of unpacked boxes cluttering the floor of my new apartment. Each one was a reminder of how temporary this all felt, like I was squatting in someone elseโs life.
Keiywโs tiny paws tapped softly behind me, her big brown eyes watching my every move.
I flicked on the bathroom light and caught my reflection in the mirror. God, I looked awfulโdark circles carved deep under my eyes, cheeks sunken from the weight Iโd lost since depression sank its claws into me. My hair hung limp, framing a face I barely recognized.
โMomโs not looking her best, huh?โ
I said softly to Keiyw, forcing a weak smile. She trotted over, her tail wagging, and nuzzled my leg, demanding me to pet her. I obliged, her soft fur grounding me as I sank onto the cold marble floor, my back against the bathroom door.
She curled up against me, her warmth a small anchor in the suffocating quiet. โHow did I end up here?โ I whispered, the words slipping out like a reflex, echoing in my mind as they had every day since Iโd moved to this strange city.
One moment, I was building a life with herโher laughter filling our home, her touch promising forever, now, I was alone, surrounded by boxes and the echoes of a love that had slipped through my fingers.
She haunted me, sharp and unrelenting, reminding me of everything Iโd lost.
Keiywโs steady breathing grounded me, sheโd been my lifeline these past few months, her quiet presence a reminder that I wasnโt completely alone, even when it felt like the world had turned its back on me. As I sat there, the memories hit me like a wave, and how all I had left was my little dog, this empty โณhomeโณ, and the pieces of a life I was still trying to put back together.
โโโโ
Flashback
3 months ago
We picked mid-November for our wedding, right when Bangkokโs brutal heat finally eased and the city feels a little less like a sauna, with a breeze that makes everything seem lighter, like the whole place is taking a deep breath.
Patcha and my mom were the real heroes here, helping me with all the planning like it was their full time job. They sorted out the venue, and dealt with vendors like pros.
Faye, on the other hand, couldnโt care less about the wedding frenzy. She was more than happy to let Patcha and my mom handle everything, barely glancing at their plans. With a half-hearted nod or a distracted โSure, sounds good,โ sheโd go along with whatever I suggested, clearly more interested in scrolling through her phone than debating flower arrangements or cake flavors.
I was picturing something small and intimate, our closest friendโs and family - maybe a small dinner at some fancy restaurant. But Fayeโs family? They shut that idea down fast.
They were set on a wedding so grand it could grace the covers of Thailandโs magazines. For them, it wasnโt just about us tying the knot โ it was a statement, a chance to flaunt their daughterโs big day with all the elite society of Bangkok.
โFirst of all, let me congratulate both of you,โ Mr. Peraya said, warmly embracing us both. โYou took your time, my dear. I was starting to worry that Engfa might get tired of waiting for you,โ he teased, giving Faye a few playful pats on the back.
Faye rolled her eyes, which made me laugh. โFather, please, behave,โ she said in a mock-serious tone, taking my hand as we sat down in the grand living room of the Peraya mansion.
โWhat? Itโs the truth. Your mother thinks so too, donโt you, darling?โ Mrs. Peraya shook her head, chuckling. โLeave the girl alone,โ she said, then turned to us with a warm smile. โIโm so happy for both of you, my dears. You know weโll take care of everything financially.โ Mr. Peraya nodded in agreement with his wifeโs words, a warm smile spreading across his face.
To describe the Peraya family as merely wealthy would be a huge understatement; their influence stretched across Thailand, their name synonymous with power and prestige.
โRest assured, weโll take care of everything,โ he said reassuring us, his tone carried with confidence โYou two donโt need to worry about a single detail.โ
I hesitated for a moment, my fingers instinctively finding Fayeโs, her familiar warmth grounding me โHonestly,โ I ventured, my voice soft but confident, โIโd love something simplerโa small wedding, just for family and close friends.โ
As the words left my lips, I felt the weight of their gazes shift toward me, a mix of surprise and amusement flickering across their faces as if Iโd suggested something unthinkable.
โOr maybe not?...โ
Mr. Peraya let out a deep, hearty laugh that echoed through the grand room, his eyes twinkling with mischeaf. โOh, Engfa, my dear, thatโs simply out of the question,โ he said, his tone teasing but kind.โYouโre marrying the heiress to one of Thailandโs most distinguished families. A modest wedding was never the plan.โ He leaned back in his chair, clearly relishing the moment, while Faye squeezed my hand, her lips twitching with a suppressed smile.
Mrs. Peraya, elegant and composed, nodded in agreement, her gentle laughter softening the edges of her husbandโs declaration. โHeโs right, darling,โ she said, her gaze warm yet resolute as it settled on us. โThis wedding will be the event of the yearโa celebration of Fayeโs legacy and your union. Weโll spare no expense to make it unforgettable, an event that reflects the love you share and the pride we feel.โ Her words, though delivered with grace, carried an unspoken finality, as if the grandeur of the occasion had been decided long before Iโd dared to dream of simplicity.
โโโโ
In the end, my mom and Patcha were able to secure this gorgeous venue that could hold over 3000 guests. Iโll be honest, a wedding that huge wasnโt exactly my dream but if Faye was happy, so was I.
It was mid-August, just three months until the wedding, but lately, Iโd noticed Faye acting a little... off. The past two weekends, she said she โcouldnโtโ stay over at my place, which was weird because sheโs always been the one insisting our time together is non-negotiableโespecially now, with the wedding coming up. It was starting to mess with my head.
โI think itโs just wedding jitters,โ Aoom offered, her tone well-meaning but doing little to ease my growing anxiety. โMaybe she just needs some time alone before, you know, fully committing her life to you.โ
โBut what do you mean by โoffโ?โ Patcha interjected, raising an eyebrow. โNo offense Fa, but with all due respectโor lack ofโto your fiancรฉe, PโFayeโs always been a bit of a weirdo, if you ask me.โ She shrugged, unfazed by her own bluntness. โYou know itโs true.โ
Nessa nudged Patcha, a subtle warning that she was treading into delicate territory. โEasy Fa,โ Nessa said, her voice calm and measured. โAoomโs probably rightโitโs likely just nerves and work stress piling up. We all know PโFaye isnโt the easiest person to read.โ
โMaybe youโre right, but I donโt know... Sheโs been super weird about her phone lately. Every time Iโm around, she tucks it away like sheโs afraid Iโll see something I shouldnโt. The last time she stayed over at my place, I heard her get up in the middle of the night to answer a call. She always ignores calls after 10 p.m., even if theyโre work-related,โ I said, taking a sip of my coffee. โAnd...โ I sighed, embarrassed about what I was about to say. โThe last time we had sex was the night of our engagement,โ I whispered softly.
โWHAT?!โ the four of them shouted in unison, causing the entire cafรฉ to fall silent, with some customers shooting us judgmental looks.
โShhh!โ I hissed, waving them down.
Meena chimed in โHow is that even possible, Engfa? Thatโs it, Iโm done with the whole marriage thing. Sorry, babe, but our sex life matters more to me than some wedding thatโll leave us broke.โ Aoom gave her a death stare.
I laughed at Meenaโs comment. โBut is it because of you or her?โ Nessa asked in a low voice. โItโs her. Every time I try to initiate something, she stops me cold. She says sheโs too tired or just not in the mood, but this isnโt what Iโm used toโweโve always had amazing sexual chemistry, so I donโt understand whatโs going on.โ
โณYouโre telling me that on top of putting up with her awful personality, sheโs leaving you without sex, and youโre still going to marry her? Youโre seriously crazy,โ Patcha said, without lowering her voice, which made everyone turn to stare at us again.
I gave her a light smack on the shoulderโthis woman truly had no idea what discretion meant. โOuch!โ she complained. โI didnโt even hit you that hard, you drama queen,โ I said, rolling my eyes and teasing her.
โLook, Eng, Iโm not telling you to distrust her, but you know what they say: a jealous eye is rarely wrong,โ Meena said, jumping when Aoom pinched her arm. โOuch! Hey!โ Meena yelped. Aoom shook her head. โOr, you know, you could just talk to her instead of acting like some jealous maniac. Donโt listen to Meenaโsheโs clueless.โ
I sighed, staring into my coffee. โMaybe you guys are right, and like always, Iโm just making a big deal out of nothing.โ
โโโโ
After a brutally exhausting day at work, the kind that leaves your brain foggy and your shoulders knotted, I decided to surprise Faye at her apartment. Aoomโs words echoed in my mind: โTalk to her, that will help you relax.โ She was right.
Before heading to her place, I made a stop at a florist shop I knew near the city center. I stepped into the shop, greeted by the earthy scent of greenery and the soft hum of a cooler. Scanning the colorful buckets of flowers, my eyes landed on the perfect bouquet: a cluster of sunflowers, Fayeโs obsessed with sunflowersโ their faces wide and bright, like theyโd soaked up the sun just for her.
โThatโs the one,โ I said to the florist, a middle-aged woman with a kind smile, pointing at the arrangement. I handed over my card, paid, and carefully tucked the bouquet into the passenger seat of my car.
The traffic was a beast tonight, Bangkokโs streets a chaotic symphony of scooters, taxis, and neon signs that bled into the humid air. I gripped the wheel, my mind drifting to Fayeโweโd been apart too much lately, our schedules pulling us in opposite directions, and this surprise felt like a tether to draw us back together.
My next stop was her favorite Japanese restaurant, a tucked-away gem that she swears serves the best sushi in the city. Faye had introduced me to this place on our third date, her eyes sparkling as she described the โaddictive tasteโ of their rainbow rolls. I could still hear her laugh, see her chopsticks stealing a piece of sushi from my plate with a playful grin.
As I stepped inside, the familiar smell of soy sauce, ginger, and toasted sesame hitting me like a warm wave. The place was buzzing, with waitstaff gliding between tables and the soft clink of chopsticks against plates. I approached the hostess, menu in hand. โHey, can I get two of these rolls?โ I pointed to the menu, my voice steady but polite โ โTo go, please.โ The hostess nodded, jotting it down with a quick smile.
While I waited, I leaned against the counter, watching the sushi chefs work with precision, their knives flashing under the soft lighting. The takeout bag came quick, warm and promising, and I was back in my car, the sunflowers and sushi now sharing the passenger seat.
By the time I reached Fayeโs apartment complex, a sleek tower of glass and steel welcomed me. I handed my car keys to Phu, the familiar older valet, he greeted me with a warm smileโ โEvening, Miss Waraha, always a pleasure,โ he said, opening my car door with a gentle flourish.
โThanks, Phu,โ I replied, flashing a grin as I gathered the sunflowers and the takeout bag from the passenger seat. โHave a great night, okay?โ I called over my shoulder, giving him a wave as I headed for the entrance, my steps light despite the long day.
Fayeโs building was something elseโone of those places in Bangkok where wealth seemed to seep from every corner. The lobby alone was a spectacle: polished marble floors that gleamed under soft chandelier light, towering vases overflowing with fresh orchids, and a faint hum of classical music drifting from hidden speakers, giving the space an air of effortless sophistication, every detail screamed luxury, from the mirrored walls to the uniformed staff who moved with quiet efficiency.
I glided past the receptionist, Jiu, her familiar face always receiving me when I came to visit Faye. I gave her a quick nod and a half-bow, a small gesture of respectโโShall I announce you, Miss Waraha?โ she asked, her tone polite and warm as I pressed the elevator button for Fayeโs penthouseโthe very top floor, naturally.
โNah, Jiu, Itโs okay. Iโm trying to surprise PโFayeโณ I said with a playful wink and a smug grin, Jiu grinned back, and the elevator doors slid shut with a soft ding, carrying me up to the penthouse level in smooth, silent ascent.
When the doors opened on the top floor, the quiet was almost reverent, broken only by the distant hum of the city below. I walked to Fayeโs door, my purse a chaotic as always. โCome on, where are you?โ I muttered, fishing through the mess until my fingers closed around the small golden key sheโd given me months agoโ โGot you,โ I said, grinning as I inserted the key into the lock.
The lock clicked softly, and as the door swung open, the familiar scent of vanilla enveloped meโFayeโs scented candles, always burning, casting a warm, flickering glow across the entryway. It was her ritual, a way to soften the edges of a demanding day. I slipped off my shoes, stepping into the plush slippers I kept here, and noticed the apartmentโs silence.
It was dark, except for the candleโs flickering lights, and an unexpected stillness hung in the air. Either Faye was still at workโunlikely, given the hourโor she was in her bedroom, already asleep and oblivious to the world.
I flicked on the foyer lights, revealing the sleek elegance of her space. The kitchenโs black marble counter gleamed, and I set down the bouquet and takeout. I sank onto one of the stools at the counter, pulling out my phone to check the time:9:25 p.m.โณShe should be home by nowโณ, I thought to myself โโSheโs gotta be in her room,โ I muttered under my breath, shoving my phone back in my purse. โItโs way past her usual bedtime, and knowing her she wonโt pick up if I call or reply if I text her.โ
With the bouquet in one hand, the takeout bag in the other, and a grin spreading across my face, I walked up the stairs to Fayeโs bedroom. When I reached the second floor, a thin sliver of light spilled from under Fayeโs bedroom door, my shoulders loosenedโshe was still awake. I shifted the sunflowers, their petals brushing my fingers like a quiet nudge, and took a deep breath, my heart racing with excitement.
But as I stepped closer to the door, my feet froze. A soundโlow, muffled, but unmistakableโcut through the silence like a blade. My heart lurched, slamming against my ribs as a cold dread coiled in my gut. The smile Iโd been wearing shattered, replaced by a sickening wave of disbelief. I stood there, rooted to the spot, the flowers and takeout turning to lead in my trembling hands. No... this canโt be... The thought choked me, raw and jagged, as another soundโa voice, not hers aloneโslipped through the door. My breath hitched, the world collapsing into that unbearable noise. My hand hovered over the doorknob, torn between the urge to fling it open and the desperate hope that Iโd misheard, that this wasnโt Fayeโmy Fayeโbetraying everything we were.
End of Flashback
โโโโ
Keiywโs soft whimpers pierced through the fog of my thoughts, pulling me back to the dim glow of the bathroom. Her small eyes locked onto mine, wide with quiet concern, as if she could sense the weight crushing my chest. Tears came unbidden, spilling down my cheeks in silent streaks, soaking the worn fabric of my shirt. Keiyw scrambled closer, her tiny tongue darting out to lick the salt from my faceโa shaky chuckle escaped me, and I managed a frail smile, her sweet gesture a flicker of light in the haze of my grief.
โItโs okay, baby,โ I whispered, my voice barely holding it together. โLetโs get back to bed. Momโs got a long day tomorrow.โ I stroked her soft head, her fur grounding me as I rose from the cold floor. Each step toward my bedroom felt heavier, the silence of the apartment pressing against me like a living thing.
The bed loomed ahead, vast and empty, a stark reminder of the absence that haunted me since she left. And as if the universe itself felt my heartโs heaviness, a sudden downpour erupted outside, rain lashing against the windows with relentless fury, mirroring the sadness churning inside me.
I sank onto the bed, curling onto my side to face the balcony window. The rainโs steady rhythm blurred the city lights into a watery haze, each droplet a fleeting echo of the life I thought weโd share. Memories of her crept in uninvitedโher laugh, sharp and bright, the way her fingers brushed mine in those quiet moments, the promises weโd whispered under soft kisses.
Now, those memories were gone. The rain muffled the deafening silence of my bedroom, pulling me toward sleepโs fragile embrace. But as my eyes grew heavy, one question clawed at my mind, as persistent as the storm outside...Why?
The answer eluded me, slipping into the rain-soaked night, leaving only the weight of her absence and the faint warmth of Keiyw curled against my side.
โ๏ฝก โงหส๐ษหโง๏ฝก โ
Authorโs Note
Alright here we go, the first chapter of Temptation! This oneโs a prequel, giving you a peek into Engfaโs past, kind of heavy huh? lol
Iโm super excited to share this story with you guysโitโs close to my heart, and I hope you vibe with it as much as I do. Iโll try to keep the chapters coming as fast as I can, but not making any promises cuz writerโs block is a bitch. Still, Iโm happy to keep going, and having you along for the ride :)
Thank you for reading! -โฒโกโ-