I am Genlong, a woman born with an innate blend of beauty, wealth, and intelligence. My life was meticulously crafted, every detail meticulously planned to achieve perfection. I believed that nothing could shake the unwavering foundation upon which my existence rested, not even love. Yet, fate had other plans for me when I encountered my childhood friend—a girl named Aoey who, in her innocent and naive essence, had once infected me with head lice during our carefree youth. How could such a simplistic, unassuming girl ever hold sway over someone as sophisticated and discerning as myself? Perhaps it was the enchantment of her sweet, innocent eyes that captured my heart. I found myself bewildered by this sudden vulnerability towards a friend who should have remained just that—a cherished companion rather than an object of romantic desire. The very notion seemed absurd, even to me. The novel "Mate" by Chao Planoy explores the complexities of such unanticipated emotions and challenges the rigid constructs I had so carefully constructed in my life. It delves into the unexpected turns of fate that can disrupt one's meticulously planned existence and the internal turmoil that ensues when these disruptions occur. This expanded version maintains the essence of the original text while adding depth, context, and a broader narrative to create a more engaging and detailed story.