The old temple garden behind Chiang Mai’s riverfront was abandoned at night. The lanterns no longer lit up, the bells didn’t chime, and the stone statues watched over the silence like forgotten gods. The wind no longer rustled the prayer flags. The scent of incense had long faded from the air, leaving only earth, dust, and the echo of memories behind. It was a sacred place now hollowed out by time—a place the city had stopped noticing.

It was perfect.

That’s where they met.

Jay, Jack, ...