Only You Can Break My Rules (รักนี้…มีไว้ให้คุณคนเดียว)

The night was deep and quiet. A slender woman stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, wrapped in a sheer white robe that left little to the imagination — the curve of her chest spilling from a black lace bra barely concealed beneath. Her right hand gently swirled a wine glass, while her sharp gaze stared out over the city skyline through the glass, eyes full of emptiness. With a long sigh, she whispered to herself, “This city… it’s exhausting.” Then, without hesitation, she tipped the glass back and finished it in one go. Her name was Layya — 29 years old, a driven financial planner working in the stock market. She had poured everything into her career, and as for love or men? Zero. Completely irrelevant. ⸻ Incoming Call Milan: “Hello, bestie! What are you up to right now?” came the chirpy voice as soon as the call connected. Layya: “Drinking. Same as always,” she replied flatly, picking up the bottle and peering inside. “Empty again… great.” Milan: “What’s empty?” Layya: “The wine. What else? Anyway, why are you calling?” Milan: “Oh, right! Remember when I mentioned that travel buddy thing? You can’t go to Europe alone! It’s dangerous for a woman to travel by herself. If I didn’t have an important family thing, I’d be going with you. But don’t worry—I’ve already changed the name on your ticket. The person I’m sending is totally reliable. I promise he’ll take good care of you. He’ll be at your condo tomorrow morning to pick you up.” Layya: “Wait… travel buddy? What? Say that again, Milan?” Her voice was calm, but her mind was already spinning—what is this girl up to now? Milan: “Trust me, bestie! You’re gonna thank me for this. Okay, gotta go—Mom’s calling!” Beep… beep… beep. The call abruptly ended, leaving Layya in total confusion. She tried calling back, but all she got was: “The number you have dialed is not available…” ⸻ The Next Morning | 9:00 AM Ding-dong! Ding-dong! “Mmm… who the hell’s ringing this early…?” Grumbling, Layya got up with messy hair, dragging herself to the door. Standing outside was a tall, well-built man in a white T-shirt, jeans, and a dark brown jacket—ready for a trip. His eyes locked onto her and didn’t budge. Layya: “Who are you here to see?” she asked, suspicion in her voice. The Man: “I’m here for Miss Layya. You hired me as your travel companion.” Layya: “Oh… that’s you. What’s your name again?” The Man: “Rich,” he said, offering a gentle smile. Layya: “Well then, come in. I’m not ready yet. Didn’t expect you to show up this early—we’re flying late tonight.” She chuckled softly and stepped aside to let him in. Rich: “Thank you. I’ll just wait here on the couch.” He took a seat, glancing around the tidy, peaceful room. Everything was neat. Welcoming. He thought to himself: “She’s this beautiful and still single? I need to give it my all—this is my very first client.” ⸻ Rich — 30 years old, a sociology master’s student. His thesis: “Why are modern women choosing to stay single instead of being in relationships?” To gather real-life data, he launched a travel-companion service. And Layya? She was his first client. Milan, Layya’s close friend—and Rich’s cousin—was the mastermind behind this little setup. ⸻ One Month Earlier Rich: “Please, Milan! This is for my master’s thesis. If I don’t graduate, Dad’s gonna kill me. Don’t you feel sorry for your handsome little cousin?” He was begging with everything he had. Milan: “And where am I supposed to find a single woman that fits your ‘profile’?” Rich: “Dad said if I graduate, he’ll hand over that 100-rai beachfront land! You wanted to build a resort, right? I’ll split it with you. Half and half!” Milan’s eyes lit up. Milan: “I do know someone. Completely single. Leave it to me, dear cousin. Just don’t forget about that land.” She grinned, mischief gleaming in her eyes. ⸻ 12:00 PM | Layya’s Condo As Rich waited on the sofa, he chuckled to himself. “Milan is amazing. Found me a stunning, single woman like this… and didn’t even introduce her to me earlier!” At that moment, Layya walked out of her bedroom. She wore a crisp white shirt tucked into fitted jeans. Her soft waves flowed down her back, and the faint scent of perfume followed her. Layya: “Sorry to keep you waiting. Are you hungry?” She tossed a few things into her bag, unaware Rich was momentarily speechless. “How can a woman be this gorgeous and cool?” he thought. Rich: “Uh… I’m good. Not hungry yet.” He fumbled with his words, still a little dazed. Layya then came out with a large suitcase and slipped on a pair of glossy black heels, boosting her confidence in one clean step. Rich: “Let me help you with that!” He rushed forward to take the suitcase from her. “How has she done everything alone all this time?” he wondered, admiring her quietly. Layya: “It’s not that heavy, but thank you.” She smiled sweetly and gave a small nod. Layya: “Let’s go. We’ll eat at the airport.” Rich nodded and followed her out the door.