Pathapee could tell from Wadi’s manners and behavior that she had been raised well. Her complexion was radiant, her figure delicate and endearing, and her appearance beautiful, to the point that she could easily be the daughter of a distinguished family. However, when he drove the luxury car with the replaced tire to the address his Chao-nai had given, Kon Hin realized that he had underestimated her.
The golden lettering on the gate bearing the family name told Kon Hin that this young lady was not just wealthy but also from an esteemed lineage. A family whose name alone would be recognized as old and honorable.
“P’Hin is here.”
The beautiful young woman who stepped out to greet him had a relieved expression on her face. She flashed a sweet smile, one that would surely make many young men’s hearts flutter. As a mere worker, Kon Hin swallowed the lump in his throat and returned the smile politely.
“I’m sorry for taking so long to bring the car,” he apologized.
“No, no, P’Hin. You don’t have to apologize to me. On the contrary, I should be thanking you so much for bringing the car back. Since I started driving myself, I’ve never experienced anything like that. When the car shook and the tires made that noise, I thought my heart was going to fall out of my chest,” Wadi explained hurriedly, her face still showing signs of shock from what had just happened.
The person following behind her chuckled.
“Looks like you were so shaken, you were almost crying,” Tul teased, his voice soft as he playfully lowered his head.
“At that moment, I really couldn’t think straight. Suddenly, the car shook, and I smelled something burning,” Wadi continued.
Additionally, she was stuck in the middle of a red light. A motorcyclist passing by knocked on the window, tapping on the rear tire. Wadi was so scared that she didn’t even dare to roll the window down. Then, when she tried to steer the car to the side of the road, she was honked at again. It was even worse when she got out and smelled the burning rubber, only to find that the tire was completely flat. Her heart sank to her stomach.
The people nearby who came to help told her that it was a good thing she decided to stop because if she had driven on, who knew if the tire would have exploded. The storyteller still sounded shaken, her sweet voice trembling with fear, which made Tul smile reassuringly.
“It’s okay now, Wadi. You were really brave to stay calm. I’m glad you decided to call me,” Tul said warmly, his words easing her into a slow smile. She raised her hand and bowed.
“Thank you so much, P’Tul.”
“Are you tired of thanking me yet?” Tul teased with a playful smile, hoping to cheer her up, and it made Wadi’s cheeks flush with embarrassment.
“If you’re not tired of hearing it, then let me thank you one more time,” she said.
“Well, if you’re going to thank me, then I’m not tired of hearing it,” Tul laughed, his eyes sparkling, which made Wadi lower her head shyly.
The way the two young people behaved, as if they were a newly dating couple, made Kon Hin lower his head, pretending to inspect the luxury car to make sure nothing was damaged, though his ears still caught every word.
Kon Hin knew that right now, he had to behave as though he were invisible—unheard, unseen, and not to say anything unless ordered. However, it was Wadi who suddenly turned to him, lifting her hand in a bow.
“Thank you so much, P’Hin. I’m really sorry that I caused you trouble,” she said gratefully.
Kon Hin jolted, looking up to meet her gaze, but his eyes drifted towards the golden-brown eyes.
“No, it’s my duty. Um, and you don’t need to call me ‘P’Hin.’ Just ‘Hin’ is fine.”
“That’s not possible. P’Tul said you and he are the same age. I can’t just call you by your name,” she said with a sincere smile, making Kon Hin speechless. He met his employer’s eyes, asking for approval, but the golden-brown eyes were calm, devoid of emotion, and immediately softened once Wadi turned to look.
“Can I call you that, P’Hin?” she asked.
“Heh, what are you asking me for? If Hin agrees, I have no problem with it,” Tul teased, his smile widening as he added, “…Anyway…”
Snap.
Kon Hin’s body stiffened, his name no different than a mere formality, when his employer stepped forward and wrapped an arm around his neck. He turned and smiled brightly as he said...
“I’ve never seen Hin as just a house worker. I’d be happy if Wadi sees me as an older brother.”
The words, though sweet, carried a deeper meaning—suggesting that he was more than just a worker, more than just a servant. It hinted at something beyond that. For Kon Hin though, it felt like sweet words laced with poison, stabbing at his heart.
P’Tul introducing him meant that Wadi was now allowed to know more about him—taking another step closer to learning about his true self.
When Tul tightened his embrace, Kon Hin lowered his head even further, sensing that another woman’s gaze was on him with curiosity, watching the closeness with keen interest. The sharp pang in his chest grew stronger, forcing his head down even more.
Hin was afraid of women’s intuition.
“That’s so nice,” Wadi said, softly admiring.
Kon Hin stiffened further, trying not to reveal anything out of the ordinary. But when he saw his employer with someone else, he was afraid he might unconsciously... reveal something inappropriate.
"What's so great about it?" But Tul seemed unconcerned about anyone finding out, unwilling to release his hold on Kon Hin.
“Well, it's nice to always have someone you're close with around. I envy that,” Wadi said with a genuine smile, her eyes innocent and pure.
"Is it really that great?"
"Yes, having a close friend who even lives in the same house must be wonderful," she added, unaware that this closeness had a deeper meaning. The beautiful woman spoke with a sincere smile and clear eyes.
"For me, it’s great. When I was younger, I never had to fight for the toys because Kon Hin was bigger than the other kids. They used to say I had a protector," Tul said, chuckling lightly, which prompted the listener to laugh along in interest.
“Like a hero, huh?”
“Haha, something like that. So, Kon Hin, do you think it’s good growing up together? Am I someone who needs a hero to protect me?”
The question turned back to Kon Hin, causing him to startle slightly. He looked up into his employer's eyes, who raised an eyebrow, looking at him with an almost teasing expression.
No, I’m not a hero. If I were, I wouldn’t have let you get kidnapped for ransom and turned from a little angel into someone with such a scary gaze. The thought ran through Hin's mind, and he kept silent, simply pulling his employer’s hand off his neck and speaking seriously.
“P’Tul, please don’t joke. There’s no hero who’s as dirty as me, and I’m just a houseworker. I’m only doing my duty to take care of you.”
Sigh “What annoys me is that you always put yourself down,” Tul sighed, irritated, before turning back to smile warmly at the owner’s daughter.
"As you can see, Wadi, this guy keeps seeing me as his employer," Tul said with a slight chuckle.
The young woman smiled widely, looking at both Tul and Kon Hin with interest, though she didn't dare ask anything more.
"Well, let's see Wadi off then. We'll leave after that. You two go ahead," Tul added, preparing to leave.
"Wait, P'Tul. Would you like to have dinner with us first? Um, Khun Mother knows about this and asked me to invite... P'Hin as well," Wadi quickly interjected before anyone could leave, her eyes bright with hope. Kon Hin turned to look at his employer, awaiting a decision.
Normally, P'Tul would probably refuse, especially with an invitation from a woman. But...
"Sure, if it's not too much trouble for you, Wadi, and your family, I'll accept the invitation," Tul said, smiling warmly.
Kon Hin could sense the change, even without anyone shouting in his ear.
Though Kon Hin had been invited to join the table with his employer, he knew his own position too well to accept. Wadi might not think much of it, but Kon Hin was certain others would see it as inappropriate. So, he politely declined and chose to dine with the kitchen staff instead.
Having a meal with the household workers was a way to learn many things.
One thing he noticed was that Miss Napawadi wasn’t just beautiful; she was also highly capable. Not only was she skilled in academics, but she could also manage household tasks, even preparing royal dishes. She was fluent in three languages and had won a piano competition. What Kon Hin wanted to know the most though was her true personality.
Outward appearances can be crafted, but one’s character cannot be hidden from those who see them every day, like the household workers. He had never seen anyone manage it except for P'Tul, and the answer he received left him silent.
"Miss Wadi is a kind-hearted person," the woman said with a gentle smile.
"She’s always been respectful to the elders, asking why she bows to the workers. She’s done that since she was little. Oh, you’ll have to ask Auntie, her nanny. She raised her from a young age, and that’s why Miss Wadi is so sweet."
Pathapee already knew that if he wanted to learn about anyone in the house, the kitchen was the best place to gather information. It’s where the gossip about the employer gathered. What he learned were only positive things about Miss Napawadi though. Combined with his personal admiration, he could confidently say she was a well-rounded young woman.
Still though, what he didn’t know was what his employer was thinking.
The young man could sense the different behavior from his employer, but deep down, he wasn’t sure if his employer was genuinely interested or had some other intention. This thought made him uneasy, especially when he wondered... if the car hadn’t broken down today, would he have learned more about Miss Wadi?
The question remained tightly in his mind, even as he drove back to Metthanun.
"Why didn’t you stay at the table?" The voice beside him asked flatly.
"It wouldn’t have been appropriate," Kon Hin responded.
The answer was clear.
"Who decides if it’s appropriate or not? I do," Tul's words seemed sweet, but Kon Hin understood.
"You’re more annoyed with Miss Wadi’s mother than anything," Kon Hin replied.
The listener fell silent for a moment, and the speaker himself braced for the anger he expected for meddling in his employer's affairs.
But after a brief pause, laughter rang out, accompanied by a smile that showed Tul was in a good mood.
How good?
"Well, you're not wrong. The mother is incredibly annoying."
Tul straightforwardly admitted that throughout the meal, he had to endure Miss Wadi's mother gossiping about others, talking about how things were in this house and that house, and how no one was as good as herself. Even though Tul had already discovered that this family wasn’t as wealthy as they portrayed, with their old wealth likely running low. At first, he was surprised that this woman let her daughter be close to someone with no inheritance. However, after the conversation during dinner, he realized that this woman was aiming higher than that.
Yes, the old family wealth had been passed down to Tinn, but the wealth created by his father still belonged to his father, and would grow into a fortune far greater than when his grandmother was still alive. Then Tul was the eldest son, trusted by his father to help with the family business even while still in school. That’s why he understood the question when it came up…
“Right now, Tul, you’re the efficient assistant to Khun Trai, right?"
Wadi's mother must have been hoping for the inheritance his father would pass on to him in the future.
The other party probably didn’t realize that the one his father truly cared for was his younger brother, not him.
But still, it was clever to take the risk and bring her daughter into a situation with uncertain rewards.
I’m disgusted, to be honest.
Although this mindset benefited Tul, it didn’t change his disgust toward women like her.
On the contrary, throughout the entire meal, the mixed-heritage young man had to keep his irritation hidden, masking his annoyance so no one would know how fed up he was with people like this. He even found himself mildly irritated by how Kon Hin had turned down the invitation.
Tul knew that if Kon Hin joined the table, all attention would likely shift to him, accompanied by dismissive comments. However, it was more enjoyable to defend the fact that Kon Hin was his, rather than listen to nonsense.
The thought that a man like Tul only cared about his own feelings, until...
"But not with Miss Wadi, right?"
Thud.
"You’re not annoyed with Miss Wadi."
Kon Hin had guessed his thoughts perfectly.
"She’s better than what I’ve encountered before."
What Tul had noticed about Napawadi was the old blood that ran through her veins, which, if he wanted to rise up and stand on equal footing with others like the Metthanun family, required someone by his side. He needed someone who stood out enough to outshine the other half of his Western heritage, and Wadi was a perfect fit.
That was all he thought at first. Now though, he was quite interested.
This woman was different from his own mother. He had known that from the first time he saw her, and he wasn’t disgusted when they were together from the start. It became even more apparent when Wadi raised her hands in a wai to Kon Hin and spoke to him as if speaking to him—something entirely unnecessary. It made Tul’s perception of the woman shift slightly.
Tul hadn’t yet concluded that Wadi was distinct, but she was within the range where he didn’t feel burdened to please her.
“Of course, Khun Tul is pleased.”
Having to listen to a judgment made on his behalf like this though made Tul start to feel irritated.
"Are you jealous of me or what?"
The question silenced the driver, who could only respond with, "I wouldn’t dare, sir."
"Good! You’d better know your place. If I approve, I’ll say so myself. There’s no need for you to decide for me like this."
"Yes, sir."
Ai Hin fell silent, while the speaker turned his gaze outside the window. In truth though, he was looking at the reflection of his close aide focusing intently on driving, even while asking himself what he was dissatisfied about—was it because Ai Hin was being overly nosy or because Hin was... too calm?
Tul’s irritation grew even further when his half-brother, Tinn, ran out to greet him the moment he stepped out of the car. The boy’s handsome face radiated joy, his usually disdainful eyes sparkling with happiness. He leaped to embrace him from behind and spoke in a spoke in a selfish manner:
"Where did Phii Tul go? Why are you so late?"
"I went to help a friend. Her car broke down."
"Oh well, never mind her. I’ve been waiting for you for so long! I finished playing several rounds of the game and you still haven’t come. I was about to call you!"
The mixed-heritage boy continued to smile widely, reaching out to ruffle his younger brother’s hair, even though his sharp eyes gleamed with displeasure at having to follow someone else's orders, especially from the beloved grandchild of the person who had just passed away.
"Why do you want me to hurry back? Is there something going on?" the older brother asked, smiling, though he had a strange premonition.
"Good news, Phii Tul!"
Tinn was always expressive with his face. Whenever something happened, it was clear from his expression. If he was happy, it showed, and if he disliked someone, he would say so directly.
Since coming back to Thailand for the funeral, he had looked displeased the whole time he had to follow others' instructions. He hadn’t gone out to play either. Today though was different. The boy was clearly happy about something.
"What’s going on? Is there something I’ve missed out on?"
The boy smiled widely and responded with extreme satisfaction. "I get to return to live in Thailand!"
Since Khun Yaa passed away, this was the most unexpected thing. To the point that Tul unconsciously clenched his fist tightly, widened his eyes, and stared at the person he least wanted to see with a sharp, glinting gaze.
However, the younger brother didn’t notice, continuing to recount what he had overheard from the household staff.
“I heard that Father and Mother are talking about not sending me back to study there anymore.”
"Why?"
"I don’t know, but that’s so awesome! I get to stay here and see P'Tul every day too,” the younger brother said with the excitement of a younger sibling who idolizes his elder brother.
But for the elder brother… I’ve never wanted to see you!!!
The young man buried this thought deep within his heart, put on a kind smile, and laughed.
"That’s great. I also want you to stay at home, Tinn. It’s hard being away, and I wouldn’t have to fly back and forth to see you anymore, right?"
“Yessss!” Tinn exclaimed with sheer delight, having already hoped to return to live at home, no longer being alone in a foreign country.
However, that wasn’t such a good idea when shared with the eldest brother. Tul turned back to look at the large mansion with an icy gaze.
"You’re already dead, yet you still manage to inspire your replacement to remain an obstacle in my life?"
I planned to let this kid go, but it seems I can’t let him stay.
A look in Tul’s eyes caused the one person who understood everything... to feel burdened.
~~~
"Is this your university, Phii Tul? It’s amazing!"
Kon Hin felt uneasy as he watched the youngest Khun-chai of Metthanun looking at their building with wide eyes, clearly excited to be out and about after being confined to the house since the reading of the will.
What he was worried about, however, was... another Khun-chai. The person who wouldn’t say what he planned to do, but whose slight smile, seemingly relaxed, betrayed something terrifying—
How could Kon Hin not see through it?
"I heard you wanted to go sightseeing. I don’t have classes today, only a meeting, so I’ll show you around, Tinn." The older brother said kindly, leading his younger brother into the large building and accepting the greetings of juniors.
The constant stream of students and staff greeting Phii Tul made Tinn look at the workers with curiosity.
"Does everyone know Phii Tul here, Kon Hin?"
"Khun Tul is the president, Khun. Not only the students, but even the professors know him," Kon Hin answered politely.
Perhaps he was worrying too much, but he remained vigilant against the danger the Chao-nai might bring to the younger Khun-chai.
Kon Hin didn’t want Khun Tul to harm the only precious thing left.
"Is this Phii Tul’s younger sibling? Wow, he’s handsome, just like his older brother!"
"Haha, are you secretly complimenting me?"
"No, no! It’s not a secret, I’m complimenting you outright!"
Kon Hin may have been worrying too much, because once they entered the meeting room, and everyone saw the handsome young boy following the student president, the girls immediately surrounded him, chattering excitedly, clearly interested in Tinn. He, for his part, was pleased to be the center of attention.
“What is your name, little one?”
“Tinn.”
“Would you like some snacks, Tinn? I have plenty.”
“What do you have?”
“What would you like to eat, Tinn? Just tell me, and I’ll go buy it for you.”
If Khun Tul was surrounded by girls because of his charm, Khun Tinn also seemed to have a future not unlike that.
“Meeting, just a meeting,” Tul interjected with a chuckle, causing the girls to glare at him with great displeasure.
“Well, go ahead with your meeting then! Can I reserve your little brother for myself? When he grows up, he can be my boyfriend, okay?”
“No, I don’t want you.” Tinn interjected.
Silence.
Kon Hin almost raised his hand to rub his temples as Khun Tinn, the youngest of the Metthanun family, showed his power by rejecting her immediately, leaving the questioner embarrassed. She could only glance around, wondering if she had gone too far. Tinn wasn’t having any of it. Tul slowly shook his head, warning his younger brother with a serious tone.
“Answer her properly, Tinn.”
“I said no. Mother doesn’t let me be with people who don’t have money.”
Silence.
The entire conference room was so silent that if a needle had dropped, it would have been heard by everyone. Every pair of eyes turned to look at Tul, and when Kon Hin saw the situation deteriorating, he felt his head about to explode. Although Tinn did not intend to harm anyone, he had been fed certain ideas by his mother since childhood. However, Kon Hin did not want Tul to exploit this trait of his younger brother for his own benefit, and he soon deduced what the other party wanted.
How could he let Tinn get into trouble?
If the younger sibling got into trouble, Rasa—whose concern for appearances surpassed everything—would not hesitate to transfer her son to another school. Especially if someone whispered suggestions into her ear.
Kon Hin quickly stood up.
“I think Tinn must be bored. How about I take him to visit the other side? That way, we won’t disturb the meeting.” He spoke quickly, placing his hands on the younger brother’s shoulders.
Turning to the mixed-heritage young man who continued to feign a stunned expression, as though he had never expected his younger brother to utter such rude words, Kon Hin saw Tul nod quickly.
“Let’s go... Tinn, we need to talk when we get home.”
“What about, P’Tul?” Tinn replied, “I’m telling the truth. Mom said you like to associate with the lower classes.”
“Let’s go now, Tinn. I’ll be your companion.”
Before the younger sibling’s arrogant disdain caused any further issues, Kon Hin hurriedly pushed him out of the room with a worried expression. That prompted another individual, who had been silent all this time, to rise as well.
“I’ll go with you... Without me, the president will probably be much happier.”
Ai’Rob!
Pathapee could tell the situation was getting worse. Nakrob still teased his Chao-nai, but it seemed that today, Tul wasn’t going to hold a grudge. Instead, he merely gave a small smile and nodded.
“Yeah, take good care of my little brother.”
Though surprised, Kon Hin thought that taking the willful child away from here would be the best way to solve the problem.
~~~
Little did he know, it would only create more trouble. The problem arose when he went to the restroom and left his younger Khun-chai with his close friend at the restaurant for just a few minutes.
“You dare insult my brother, you bloody fucking cur!!!”
The adolescent boy, caught in a storm of youthful impulsiveness, leaped at a man far larger than him, shouting the most vulgar insult imaginable in front of the entire restaurant. Kon Hin, returning just in time to witness the scene, could only widen his eyes in shock.
“Go to hell!!!”
What kind of madness is happening here!?!
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