Synopsis
My World is You
Julia Red, a bestselling romance author, has spent her career crafting tales of love she’s never experienced. Her fear of confronting her lack of romantic connection keeps her far from the spotlight and her adoring readers. When the pressure becomes unbearable, she escapes to Thailand, seeking solace in the unfamiliar and a chance to write with anonymity.
Amara Chen is a dazzling star in the world of business and entertainment. Constantly under the glare of cameras and the weight of expectations, she has built a career of fame but sacrificed meaningful relationships. Despite her success, loneliness gnaws at her heart—a vulnerability she’s kept hidden from the world.
Fate brings Julia and Amara together in Bangkok, where their worlds couldn’t seem more different. Language barriers and cultural divides create challenges, but their connection grows through shared moments, unspoken understanding, and the universal pull of love. As Julia finds herself inspired by Amara’s boldness, and Amara learns to embrace vulnerability through Julia’s quiet strength, they discover that love transcends words and borders. Together, they rewrite their lives, daring to believe in a story that’s more beautiful and complex than anything Julia has ever written.
Chapter 1: The Sweet Escape
[The Pull of Adventure]
On a quiet night, Julia sat at her desk, gazing out the window with a steaming cup of chai latte in hand. Her eyes drifted over the manuscript of her latest romance novel. With a decisive click, she sent the manuscript off to her editor. Swinging one foot on the edge of her chair, she glanced at the scenery outside. The freedom of finishing a book always came with a strange emptiness, a question of what now?
The soft ping of her laptop drew her attention back. Her heart gave a tiny leap—was it a reply from her editor? But when she glanced at the screen, her shoulders sagged. It was yet another email from her manager, Graham, urging her to attend a book launch event.
Julia sighed, her fingers hovering over the keyboard, debating whether to craft a polite excuse or ignore him entirely. She opted for the latter, clearing her screen and opening a search tab instead.
The cursor blinked, a silent question. Julia stared at it, her mind spinning with possibilities. She had been craving something different, something bold. On impulse, she typed: great travel destinations.
The search results flooded in, but one name stood out: Thailand. The article promised tropical beaches, vibrant markets, ornate temples, and cultural wonders. The images practically leapt from the screen—a kaleidoscope of colors and life. It was the perfect place to escape, to find inspiration, and to leave behind Graham’s incessant emails.
[An Unexpected Visitor]
Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Surprised, Julia checked the clock—7:47 pm. She hadn't ordered any food. Hoping it was a mistake, she paused, but the bell rang again.
Reluctantly, Julia approached the door and peeked through the peephole. Standing there, tall and unyielding, was Graham.
“Julia, I know you’re in there,” he called, his voice tinged with impatience.
Suppressing a groan, Julia opened the door. Graham stepped inside without invitation, his sharp eyes taking in the scene. He muttered under his breath, “What am I going to do with you, Julia? Ignoring my emails again?”
“I was about to reply,” she lied. “I just sent the manuscript.”
“That’s great,” he said, his tone laced with scepticism, “but I’m talking about the book launch. Your readers want to meet you. You can’t keep avoiding them.”
Julia sank into her couch, clutching a pillow as if it might shield her. “I don’t like crowds, Graham. And I don’t want to answer a hundred awkward questions.”
Graham’s gaze shifted to her laptop screen, where images of Thailand still glowed. His lips twitched into a knowing smirk. “Thailand, huh? Planning a getaway?”
Julia straightened. “Yes. I can’t do the book reading because I’m going on vacation. I need a break after finishing this book.”
Graham crossed his arms, his brow arched in doubt. “You? A vacation? You haven’t left this apartment in months.”
“Well, I’m leaving now,” Julia said firmly. “I’ve already made plans.”
“Plans?” Graham repeated, his tone dubious. “Sure. If you’re serious, fine. But promise me this: when you get back, you’ll attend the next book launch. Deal?”
Julia hesitated, weighing her options. Desperation won. “Fine. Deal.”
“And since I know you haven’t booked your flight yet, I’ll have your assistant handle it,” Graham added, already pulling out his phone. “Thirty days, Julia. Be back in time.”
With that, he left, the door clicking shut behind him. Julia slumped against the couch, relief washing over her.
[Dreams in Motion]
The quiet returned, and Julia wasted no time. She rushed back to her laptop, her fingers flying across the keys as she looked up apartments in Sukhumvit, a popular neighbourhood in Bangkok. It seemed perfect—cosmopolitan yet rich in culture. She noted travel requirements, including an international driver’s permit, and compiled a list of everything she’d need.
By the time she emailed her assistant with the details, exhaustion had crept in. She dozed off on the couch, her dreams filled with the vivid colors and chaotic charm of Thailand.
[The Countdown Begins]
Julia awoke to the shrill ring of her phone. Groaning, she fumbled for it, her voice groggy. “Hello?”
“Good morning, Miss Red,” her assistant said brightly. “I’ve confirmed your arrangements. Your travel documents are ready for pick-up at 3 PM. Bring your ID and passport.”
“Thanks, Kim,” Julia mumbled, sitting upright. “Everything I emailed—accommodation, car rental—it’s all set?”
“Yes. And your flight departs tomorrow morning at 10:45 AM. First-class, courtesy of Mr. Graham. He also asked me to remind you of the deal.”
Julia rolled her eyes. “Noted. Thanks again.”
As she ended the call, Julia stretched, her mind buzzing with anticipation. She skimmed the flight details on her phone, a giddy smile spreading across her face. For the first time in months, she felt truly alive.
[Packing Dreams]
Coffee in hand, Julia began pulling clothes from her wardrobe. Light, breathable fabrics for the tropical climate, comfortable shoes for exploring, and a notebook for capturing the stories she knew Thailand would inspire.
She glanced at the travel guide open on her desk, its pages brimming with the promise of adventure. For years, Julia had written about love and discovery in faraway places, but now it was her turn to live it.
Tomorrow, she thought, her heart fluttering with excitement. Tomorrow, her story would begin anew.
Chapter 2: Behind the Spotlight
[Under the Spotlight and Beyond]
The door creaked open, and Noi, Amara’s ever-efficient manager, stepped inside with her usual air of brisk professionalism. “Amara, this is your five-minute call. They're ready for you in the showroom.”
Amara, perched on a velvet chair before the expansive mirror, barely glanced up. Her reflection stared back at her with a mixture of weariness and resolve. “Can I have a moment alone?” she murmured to her stylist.
The stylist nodded, retreating quietly and leaving Amara to confront the woman in the mirror. She looked stunning—every detail polished to perfection, yet her eyes betrayed a deeper fatigue. The life of an actress and model wasn’t all glamour, and moments like these reminded her of the toll it sometimes took.
Her phone buzzed, pulling her from her thoughts. It was a message from her mother: "When will you visit? Sarai misses you so much."
A pang of guilt twisted in Amara’s chest. It had been weeks since she’d seen her family. Her hand hovered over the phone, debating a quick call, but the door opened again, and Noi poked her head in. “You ready, Amara?”
Amara inhaled deeply, set her phone down, and rose to her feet. “Ready,” she said, gathering the layers of her elegant dress. With a final glance at her reflection, she walked out, the exhaustion melting away into the mask of poise she wore so well.
[The Showroom Spotlight]
The showroom buzzed with activity as the photographer and a representative from Elegance Clothing welcomed her. Their smiles were warm, their gratitude genuine. Amara offered a graceful bow, her hands pressed together in thanks.
Stepping onto the center of the set, she flipped the layered hem of her gown with practised ease, her movements fluid and precise. The photographer’s camera clicked furiously, capturing every angle as Amara moved like a vision come to life.
Noi stood to the side, smirking as the photographer exclaimed, “Brilliant! Absolutely perfect!” The Elegance representative nodded in satisfaction, her eyes alight with admiration for Amara’s professionalism.
Every pose, every glance, was flawless, and even as fatigue weighed on her, Amara gave her best. Finally, the photographer lowered his camera. “That’s a wrap!”
Noi was at her side in an instant, slipping cozy slippers onto her feet as her assistant whisked away the towering heels. “You nailed it,” Noi said with a rare softness, snapping her fingers for the team to escort Amara back to the dressing room.
As they walked, Amara turned to Noi, her voice hopeful. “Can you let me know if I have any free time today? I’d like to take some personal time.”
Noi’s eyes narrowed in thought. “I’ll meet you in the dressing room to discuss,” she said before disappearing into the bustling set.
[A Moment of Connection]
Back in the dressing room, Amara had changed into casual jeans and a hoodie, tying her hair into a messy ponytail. When Noi arrived, scrolling through her iPad, Amara broached the subject again.
“I was thinking of visiting my family,” she said quietly, holding up her phone. “Mom’s been asking when I’ll come home.”
Noi looked up, her face softening. “Of course. I’ll check the schedule. You’ll have some time after this afternoon’s livestream. Just one day, though.”
Amara’s relief was palpable. “Thank you,” she said, her smile brighter than it had been all day.
Noi tousled a strand of Amara’s hair. “Come on, let’s get you ready for the livestream.”
[The Livestream Star]
The ride to the agency’s studio was a whirlwind of details. Noi briefed Amara on the new skincare product she’d be promoting, her voice calm and precise. By the time they arrived, Amara was focused, her exhaustion pushed to the back of her mind.
In the studio’s live room, her stylist worked magic, transforming Amara into an effortless embodiment of natural beauty. A sleek ponytail framed her face, her makeup light but flawless. Reviewing the script, Amara made a few notes, sipping water between adjustments.
At exactly 1:15 PM, the countdown began. “5, 4, 3, 2, 1… and we’re live!”
“Hi, everyone!” Amara greeted with a radiant smile, waving to her viewers. The numbers climbed rapidly—thousands of fans tuning in to watch their idol. Her voice was warm and engaging as she showcased the skincare line, her authenticity shining through. Every word felt personal, every smile genuine, and the audience hung on her every word.
Noi observed from the sidelines, pride flickering in her gaze. Amara had a gift—a charisma that made her fans feel seen, heard, and valued. Managing her wasn’t just a job; it was a privilege.
As the livestream wrapped up, Amara signed off with her signature heart-finger twist. “Thank you so much for watching! Love you all. See you next time!”
[A Long-Awaited Return]
Backstage, Amara’s assistant handed her a chai latte. Noi clapped her on the shoulder. “Amazing as always. That’s a wrap for the day.”
Amara beamed. “Does that mean I can head to my family now?”
Noi nodded. “Take the BMW. Would you like a driver?”
“No, thanks. I’ll drive myself,” Amara said, practically buzzing with excitement.
As she grabbed her phone and headed out, Noi called after her. “Be careful! And remember to avoid the media.”
Amara laughed over her shoulder. “I’ll be cool. Promise.”
Sliding into the driver’s seat, she glanced at her phone, a smile playing on her lips as she typed a quick message to her mom: "On my way."
For the first time in weeks, Amara felt truly at ease. The spotlight would wait. Today, she was just Amara, heading home.
Chapter 3: A New Horizon
[The First Step Into the Unknown]
The soft ping of the intercom pulled Julia from the light veil of sleep that had kept her company during the long flight. Blinking against the bright sunlight glittering through the plane’s window, she looked out at the sea of clouds, her heart thudding softly with anticipation. A soothing voice crackled through the speakers, cutting through the drone of the engines.
“Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. This is your captain speaking. We are now beginning our descent into Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi Airport. We expect to be on the ground in approximately 20 minutes. Please make sure your seat belts are fastened, your seat backs and tray tables are in their full upright positions, and all carry-on luggage is stowed. Cabin crew will be coming through the aisles to prepare for landing. Thank you for flying with us, and we hope you enjoy the rest of your journey.”
Julia swallowed hard, her fingers curling over the armrest. She wasn’t a seasoned traveller. The idea of being in a completely foreign land—Bangkok, of all places—had seemed daring when she booked the ticket. Now, as the realization solidified, it felt overwhelming.
Her stomach fluttered with a mix of exhilaration and anxiety. Her predictable life back home—cozy evenings, her meticulously planned routines—was light-years away. Yet here she was, about to step into the unknown. The very thought electrified her and terrified her in equal measure.
[City Beckons]
As the plane sliced through the clouds, the sprawling expanse of Bangkok emerged below. Towers of gleaming glass stood shoulder to shoulder with patches of green, the city stretching endlessly. Julia pressed her forehead against the cool window, transfixed by the vibrant chaos that lay ahead. This place would test her limits, she realized. It would force her out of her shell.
But wasn’t that the point of this journey?
Her thoughts spiralled as the cabin buzzed with activity. Passengers snapped their seat belts into place, stowed their belongings, and prepared for landing. Julia took a deep breath and stared out again at the cityscape. It was beautiful, sprawling, alive.
“Just breathe,” she whispered to herself.
The touchdown was smooth, the aircraft’s wheels kissing the tarmac with a gentle thud. The captain’s voice once again filled the cabin, but Julia hardly heard it. Her pulse quickened as the cabin doors opened, and the disembarking passengers began to shuffle forward. She stayed seated, letting the tide of travelers pass her by. She needed a moment to collect herself.
When she finally stepped out into the bustling terminal, the magnitude of it hit her. Everything was unfamiliar—the language flowing around her in musical cadences, the signs in elegant scripts, the subtle scents of spices and adventure. She felt adrift yet strangely grounded.
[The First Hurdle]
Immigration was a blur of queues and stamps. When it was her turn, Julia handed over her passport with a nervous smile, bracing for a moment of scrutiny. The officer glanced at it, stamped it, and waved her through with an efficiency that felt almost anticlimactic. She let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.
Grabbing her suitcase from the carousel after a brief moment of panic—it had taken longer to appear than she liked—she breezed through customs without issue. Her confidence surged, buoyed by the small victories.
And then, she stepped outside
[A City Unveiled]
The humid air hit her like a wave, thick and fragrant with the scent of street food and city life. Julia spotted her driver almost immediately, holding a sign with her name. He greeted her with a polite smile, taking her suitcase and motioning her toward a sleek car parked nearby.
“Thank you,” she murmured, slipping into the blessedly cool interior.
The city unfolded before her as the car wove through the labyrinthine streets. Motorbikes zipped through impossible gaps in traffic, and street vendors lined the sidewalks with carts brimming with colorful produce and sizzling skewers. The sheer energy of it all swept over her, a chaotic harmony unlike anything she had experienced. It wasn’t chaos—it was life.
[A Warm Welcome]
The car pulled up to her hotel in Sukhumvit, a polished oasis tucked amidst the urban sprawl. The doorman greeted her with a warm smile and an effortless efficiency, whisking her suitcase inside. Julia followed, taking in the gleaming lobby—a perfect marriage of modern design and traditional Thai accents.
“Good afternoon, Miss Red,” the concierge said, his English polished. “Welcome to Bangkok. We’ve been expecting you.”
She managed a smile, thankful that her booking went smoothly. Moments later, armed with a room key and a growing sense of curiosity, she was whisked away to her suite on the seventh floor.
[A Sanctuary Above the City]
The room was breathtaking—a blend of contemporary comfort and traditional elegance. Rich wooden furniture and vibrant silk accents filled the space, complemented by intricate artwork that whispered tales of a culture she had yet to understand. Julia walked to the window, looking out over the city she would call home for the next few days. It sparkled under the late-afternoon sun, bustling yet serene.
After thanking the concierge, she allowed herself to relax for the first time. Shoes off, she collapsed onto the plush bed, arms and legs spread wide as she stared at the ceiling. Relief washed over her like a tide, her earlier apprehension ebbing away.
[The Start of Something New]
As the minutes passed, a sense of contentment began to fill her. For the first time in a long while, Julia felt alive. She hadn’t just stepped onto foreign soil—she had stepped into a new chapter of her life. One where possibilities stretched infinitely before her, waiting to be explored.
Rolling onto her side, she gazed out the window at the city’s golden hues, wondering what stories awaited her in Bangkok’s vibrant heart.
"Tomorrow," she whispered to herself, "it all begins."
A Captivating LGBTQ+ Romance of Love Beyond Boundaries...
Immerse yourself in My World is You, a heartwarming LGBTQ+ romance about two women from opposite worlds who discover that love knows no borders. Julia Red, a reclusive romance author haunted by her own lack of romantic experience, escapes to Thailand to avoid the prying questions of her readers. Meanwhile, Amara Chen, a glamorous yet lonely public figure, struggles to find meaning beyond her career.
When their paths cross in Bangkok, sparks fly despite cultural differences and a language barrier. Together, Julia and Amara embark on an extraordinary journey of connection, learning that love transcends words and bridges the unlikeliest divides.
Perfect for fans of LGBTQ+ romance, multicultural love stories, and tales of self-discovery, My World is You is an emotional exploration of vulnerability, courage, and the transformative power of love.
This web novel is a serialized fiction published by Capetonian Poet. The author will release the chapters periodically, allowing readers to follow the story's progression.