Pasco returned to his apartment that night, the confrontation with Debbie replaying in his mind. His heart felt heavy, burdened by the weight of her words. He had always been able to charm his way out of tough situations, but with Debbie, his charm had failed him.
Sitting at his desk, he flipped through old photos from his time at Bangkok University. The campus, with its sleek architecture and vibrant energy, had been his escape from the chaos of his personal life.
Pasco's Life in Bangkok
In Bangkok, Pasco had built a reputation for himself as a talented but emotionally detached architecture student. He had excelled academically, earning accolades for his modern and innovative designs. But outside the classroom, he lived a reckless life—parties, casual flings, and a circle of friends who cared more about appearances than substance.
One of those friends was Alex, a wealthy Thai classmate who had introduced Pasco to a lifestyle of excess. Alex was charming, manipulative, and always knew how to get what he wanted.
"You're too sentimental, Pasco," Alex had once said during a rooftop party overlooking the city. "Long-distance relationships never work. Just enjoy your life here."
Pasco had tried to follow Alex's advice, convincing himself that his feelings for Debbie would fade with time. But they never really did. Even as he dated other women and threw himself into his studies, there was always a part of him that wondered if he had made a mistake.
A New Face in Phnom Penh
Now, Alex was in Phnom Penh, and his arrival brought a ripple of tension. He had come to consult on a luxury real estate project and was eager to reconnect with Pasco.
"You've been hiding from me," Alex teased when they met for coffee. "What's going on with you?"
Pasco hesitated, unsure if he should mention Debbie. But Alex, ever perceptive, caught on.
"Let me guess," Alex said with a smirk. "This is about that girl you were obsessed with back in uni."
Pasco glared at him. "She's not just 'that girl.' Her name is Debbie."
"Debbie," Alex repeated thoughtfully. "You used to talk about her all the time. What happened?"
Pasco hesitated before replying. "I saw her again. She's… different now. Stronger. And there's someone else in her life."
Alex raised an eyebrow. "Someone else? That doesn't sound like the Pasco I know. When did you start losing battles?"
Pasco clenched his jaw. "This isn't a game, Alex."
Alex leaned back, his smirk fading slightly. "Well, if you want her back, you better figure out what you're willing to do. Otherwise, she'll just be another shadow in your life."
Debbie and Filex's Bond Deepens
Meanwhile, Debbie had started spending more time with Filex, who introduced her to his close friend, Rina.
Rina, a spirited journalist with an eye for detail, quickly bonded with Debbie. They often met at a small bookstore café, where Rina shared stories of her work uncovering social injustices in the city.
"You've got a fire in you, Debbie," Rina said one evening.
"You just need to trust yourself more."
Debbie smiled, grateful for the support. "It's been a long road, but I'm starting to feel like myself again."
Filex, sitting nearby with his sketchbook, glanced up and smiled. "That's because you're finally letting go of what's been holding you back."
Debbie hesitated, thinking of Pasco. She wasn't sure if she had truly let go, but Filex's presence made her believe it was possible.
The Unexpected Encounter
One evening, as Debbie walked through the city with Filex and Dara, she spotted Pasco and Alex at a street-side restaurant. Her heart skipped a beat, but she quickly composed herself.
Pasco saw her too. His eyes flicked to Filex, who walked beside her with an easy confidence.
Alex noticed the tension immediately. "That's her, isn't it?" he whispered to Pasco.
Pasco didn't reply, his gaze fixed on Debbie as she passed by without acknowledging him.
Alex chuckled. "Looks like she's moved on. Better act fast, old friend, or you'll lose her for good."
A Web of Connections
In the following days, Alex began to weave himself into Debbie's life in subtle ways. He visited the art market where Dara worked, commissioned a piece, and struck up conversations that felt casual but were clearly calculated. When Alex finally introduced himself to Debbie at a gallery event, she was caught off guard.
"You must be Debbie," Alex said smoothly. "Pasco's mentioned you."
Debbie stiffened, unsure how to respond. "I'm surprised he talks about me at all."
"Oh, he does," Alex said with a sly smile. "More than you'd think."
Filex, who had been nearby, stepped in. "And you are?"
"Alex," he said, extending a hand. "Pasco's old friend from Bangkok. Nice to meet you."
Filex didn't take the hand, his eyes narrowing slightly. He didn't trust Alex, and his ability to read emotions only confirmed his suspicion. Alex's charm masked something darker—a penchant for manipulation.
Setting the Stage
As the days unfolded, the tension between Pasco, Debbie, and Filex grew. Alex's presence added another layer of complexity, his motives unclear but clearly tied to stirring the pot. Debbie found herself at a crossroads, torn between the unresolved feelings for Pasco and the growing connection she felt with Filex. But she knew one thing for certain: she wouldn't let herself be a victim of her past anymore. The stage was set for a confrontation that would force everyone to confront their truths.