Hello everyone,

I'm back finally with another chapter. ^^

I'm sorry it took me so long to update. This chapter is longer than usual. It's 12741 words! 😲😲🤯🤯 I hope you won't get bored!

This chapter was edited by Grammarly only. Please, excuse my mistakes.

Your votes, comments and reviews are always welcomed and appreciated 🥰🥰

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Chaos broke loose in the couple of days that followed the arrest of Mrs Suthiluck. Somehow, the news of her arrest had leaked to the press, and all the members of Suthiluck family found themselves chased by reporters, asking questions about the reason behind the arrest of a notable member of the high society. Fortunately, nothing about Arthit or his incident seemed to have leaked, which meant that he was safe from the media for now. To protect his lover further, Kongphop decided to return to the villa until this mess was over. Naturally, their planed Hotpot party had to be postponed until further notice.

Though the date of his mother's first hearing was scheduled, Kongphop still hadn't decided yet whether he would go or not. It was hard on him to see his mother accused of inciting a crime against anyone, let alone his boyfriend!

Kongphop was sitting at his desk, browsing the net when his eldest sister knocked on the door before she entered.

"Kong, Grandpa had arrived. He's waiting for you downstairs." She said solemnly before she left without waiting for his reply.

The young man tensed upon hearing this. Though it was expected for his grandfather to come after the scandal that his mother's arrest had caused, Kongphop dreaded this visit.

His maternal grandfather was a mighty and ruthless man in the business world with aristocratic roots. The mere mention of his name would send cold shivers down the spine of the bravest men. And though the man had seemingly retired from public life, he still controlled his family and companies from behind the scenes with an iron fist. Notorious for his solid beliefs in keeping his blue-blood pure, it was an impossible miracle that the older man had allowed Mr Suthiluck, a man with humble roots, to marry his only daughter. Still, it seemed that Ukrit Ruangroj had taken a liking to Kerkkrai Suthiluck who had worked hard to be a successful businessman at a young age. Not only that but the old Ruangroj always expressed his love towards his son-in-law more than he did to his own two sons and favourited his children, especially Kongphop, more than theirs.

Kongphop let out a deep sigh as he braced himself for the upcoming battle of wills.

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"Good Evening, Grandpa, Uncles," Kongphop greeted his maternal relatives as he entered the living room.

His aged grandfather sat on the centre couch with his two sons flanking each of his sides. While Kerkkrai was sitting on the right-side couch and Kaew, Kik and their husbands sat on the left-side couch.

"What happened to you, Kongphop?" Ukrit asked with a frown, staring intensely at Kongphop's casted arm.

"I was shot, Grandpa," Kongphop replied impassively as he sat next to his father.

Ukrit raised a perfect eyebrow at his grandson who seemed unwilling to elaborate on the matter.

"Kerkkrai, what happened to your son?" the old man asked Mr Suthiluck instead. "And why wasn't I informed of this?"

"I'm sorry, Father," Kerkkrai replied. "Waen didn't want you to know. Kongphop was shot by a criminal who abducted and raped his boyfriend, Mr Arthit."

"Boyfriend? I thought you've already broken up with that man," Ukrit commented, looking at Kongphop. "You were about to marry a girl from a distinguished family. Then your mother said that you had postponed the wedding because you were helping a friend in need."

"Yes, that's true," Kongphop replied. "But during that time, I've realized the mistake that I was about to commit by marrying someone I don't love, so I called off the wedding and returned to P'Arthit."

"Umm...I see," Ukrit remarked, staring pointedly at the youngest member of the Suthiluck family.

It was no secret that the older man wasn't pleased with his grandson's relationship with a man who also was from a humble origin. But when he noticed his grandson's determination and since no offspring could result from this relationship, Ukrit decided to leave this matter to time; confident that his grandson would eventually get bored and pursue a relationship with a woman. And he was correct; ultimately Kongphop had ended that relationship and got engaged to a well-off girl, or so Ukrit had believed.

The old patrician sighed deeply.

"What the hell is going on in this family?" he asked curtly. "I've been out of the country for two years, and everything is plunged into chaos!"—he glared at his two sons before he looked in Kerkkrai and Kongphop's direction— "Tell me, Kerkkrai, why was my daughter arrested?"

Kerkkrai took a deep breath before he recounted the events that had took place in less than a year and led to this moment.

"And so Waen was arrested three days ago in preparation for her trial," Kerkkrai concluded his story.

Ukrit looked at his sons. "Did you two know about this?" he asked.

"No, Father," replied the eldest. "Neither of us have the slightest idea of what was happening to Waen or what she was up to."

"Because you two are nothing but useless YES men!" Ukrit roared angrily. "How do you hope to succeed me when you can't keep an eye on your sister? What a disappointment you two turned out to be!"

He then turned his attention to Kongphop, who had been silent the whole time.

"Tell me what happened between you and that man you claim to love," he said. "How and why did you two break up?"

Kongphop took a deep breath before he complied to his grandfather's request. He recounted everything that he knew so far from the day of his departure to Pattaya until this very moment.

The older man listened attentively to his grandson without interruption until the end. Then, a heavy silence shrouded the living room of the Suthiluck household as none of the presence dared to make a sound while the old patrician seemed to be lost in deep thoughts.

"I want to speak to you in private, Kong," the old man finally spoke.

"We can go to Dad's study," Kongphop said as he stood up and led the way to his father's study. The pivotal moment between him and his grandfather was nigh.

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"What is it, Grandpa?" Kongphop asked calmly as he sat with his grandfather alone in the study.

"What do you think of what your mother had done?" Asked Ukrit.

"I think it's disgusting," Kongphop said emotionlessly almost immediately.

Ukrit nodded. "Well, I can't blame her, though. She wanted to ensure your future!"

"Nothing can justify destroying a person's life in such a way," Kongphop said firmly before his grandfather could add more. "And besides, P'Arthit is my life; past, present and future!"

The older man sighed deeply. "So, you're still insisting on staying with that man, regardless of the consequences that this relationship will have on your status as the heir of your family," it was more of a statement than a question.

"My relationship is not a discussable or negotiable issue," Kongphop affirmed. "And as for my status as the heir to this family, I've already given it up."

Ukrit frowned. "What do you mean?"

"I've resigned from Siam Polimer," Kongphop informed. "And taken my inheritance from Dad upfront to start my own business. I don't owe anybody anything."

The older man's frown deepened as he stared at his grandson. "Does the rest of the family know?" he asked.

"Aside from my father, only P'Aat and P'Kaew knew. P'Aat, because he works in the company and P'Kaew because her husband had told her."

"And what do they think about this?" The old man asked.

"P'Aat is angry, though I can't see how this matter concerns him," Kongphop replied in an indifferent tone. "While P'Kaew is angry because she thinks that I have abandoned Dad."

Ukrit stared at his grandson with a disapproving expression on his face for a couple of moments before all of a sudden; he let out a resonating amused laugh. "You're as stubborn as your mother! You will do whatever you've set your mind onto, regardless of what others would think," he said before he smirked wickedly like an alligator. "Instead of starting your own business, why don't you come and work for me? I will pay you even more than your father used to pay! I may even make you my heir instead of my disappointing progeny."

"In exchange of what, Grandpa?" Kongphop asked.

"Whatever do you mean, Child?"

"I mean, what would I have to give up in exchange for working with you and being your heir?"

Ukrit smirked. "I see that you've learnt a lesson, Boy!" he said before his featured turned into a cold expression. "You do realize that even if you refused, I could force you to accept my offer. If I wanted, I could've done even worse than what your mother had done, and no one will ever know that I'm behind it!"

"I'm sure you could, Grandpa," Kongphop said flatly. "But I won't be careless twice. I know how to protect the one I love. Even if I have to take P'Arthit and leave this country forever, I will do it without hesitation."

Ukrit stared deeply into Kongphop's eyes, trying to assess whether his grandson was serious or not. Finding nothing but steel-like determination in the young man's dark orbs, Ukrit knew that Kongphop meant every word he had said.

"Well then," he said as he let out a dramatic sigh. "I suppose I have to no choice but to let you do whatever you want. I don't want to lose my favourite grandson over a trivial thing." With that, Ukrit stood up and was about to leave when Kongphop spoke.

"What are you going to do about my mother?"

Ukrit smirked at his grandson. "What do you mean?"

"You know exactly what I mean, Grandpa," Kongphop said, staring at the old man pointedly.

The older man laughed amusedly. "What do you want me to do?" he asked slyly, raising a taunting eyebrow, but Kongphop refused to dignify his grandfather's taunting with an answer.

Letting out a deep sigh, Ukrit shook his head. "I am quite disappointed at her actually. She was careless and foolish enough to do something such as this and get caught," he said, shrugging casually. "Let her bear the consequences of her actions. I'm not going to ruin my reputation as an outstanding member of society because of her recklessness, even if she is my beloved daughter." With that, the older man left, without waiting for a reply.

Kongphop let out a sigh before he too left the study and headed to his room. As soon as he closed the door behind him, his phone rang.

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Arthit watched with worry as his father sat entirely still in the living room with his eyes closed. His father had been in a severe foul mood for a few days that none had dared to even look him directly in the eyes. The only time his father had been this upset was after his mother's death. An involuntary shudder ran down Arthit's spine upon remembering what had almost happened then. Taking a deep breath, the young Rojnapat marched resolutely into the living room and sat next to his father.

"Dad," he called softly as if he was afraid to startle the older man.

Opening his eyes, Phet looked at his son and forced a small smile. "Arthit? Why aren't you asleep until now? What's wrong?" he asked.

"This should be my question, Dad," Arthit replied. "You've been very upset for a few days. Did something happen?"

Phet let out a deep sigh. "It's nothing that you should worry about, Son," he said. "Go to bed. We have to be in court tomorrow morning for the first hearing of your case."

"I'm worried about you," Arthit insisted. "Dad, you don't have to keep your problems to yourself. If something is troubling you, you can share it with me. I may not have the solution, but at least you'll feel much better if you talked about it."

Phet smiled softly at his son's words. "Alright," he said. "I'm upset because it turned out that the one who leaked the news about Mrs Suthiluck's arrest is one of the policemen who arrested her. He carelessly babbled about the arrest in front of a journalist. And given her family background, the whole station is on uproar because of it. The Prime Minister himself had come to the Station to ask about the case."

Arthit sighed in response. It was a messy situation, indeed.

"Are you in trouble, Dad?" he asked.

"No," Phet replied, shaking his head. "But I'm afraid that your case may be stopped or meddled in because of this scandal."—he let out a deep sigh—"Thank Goodness that that idiot policeman didn't know about the true reason behind the arrest, or your name would've been dragged into this circus."

Lowering his head, Arthit bit the inner of his lower lip, wondering why things always tend to become more complicated so suddenly.

"I was afraid that something like this would happen," Phet continued, snapping Arthit from his thoughts. "After you told me about Kongphop, I did a background check on him. When I learned that his mother is the daughter of a prestigious family, I became worried. I feared that you would get hurt."

"Is her family that important?" Arthit asked. He hadn't asked Kongphop much about his family or relatives, even after he had discovered that he was Mr Suthiluck's son by accident. He was satisfied with what his boyfriend had voluntarily shared with him.

Phet smiled bitterly. "Her father is a known tycoon in the business world," he replied. "Not to mention that he's of aristocratic ancestry. Those people have their own world and rules! I didn't want you to get involved with them in any way!"—he looked at his son before he asked—"Weren't you aware that Mrs Suthiluck is the daughter of the powerful businessman Ukrit Ruangroj?"

Arthit shook his head negatively. "I didn't ask," he said. "Because it didn't matter to me who Kong's relatives are."—he let out a deep sigh—"When I accidentally found out that Kongphop is the son and heir of Mr Suthiluck, I was angry at him for keeping such important info from me. I often teased him by calling him a prince, but I never realized that he is indeed from a rich family. He never acted like a spoiled rich boy. But after my discovery, I started to have doubts about whether we are suitable for each other. Then, my insecurities amplified tenfold when everyone in the company learned that he's Mr Suthiluck's son and pictures of us kissing circulated among the employees."—Phet's eyes widened at that, but he didn't comment, allowing his son to continue— "But after too much contemplation, I realized that none of this really mattered. I love Kongphop, and he loves me. Our families' status was never an issue between us."

Phet let out a defeated sigh. He wasn't surprised at his son's answer. On the contrary, he had anticipated it. After all, his son wasn't someone who cared about prestige or wealth. Phet could bet that Arthit was more worried whether his relationship with Kongphop would ruin the other man's life rather than being concerned about the dangers of venturing into the inner circles of the rich and famous.

The detective sighed. He had fought such fight with his in-laws once, except that the worst action his in-laws could've taken was to lock their strong-headed daughter in her room. The problem with Arthit and Kongphop was that they were unaware that they were playing with more dangerous and powerful people than his simple village-people in-laws.

Phet let out a deep sigh. He knew that they weren't living in a perfect and ideal world. And as a policeman, he had seen numerous of times how some rich and powerful families meddled in the police work, in attempt to incriminate others or save one of their own from the hands of justice.

"Do you know that your case was almost got shut down because of one phone call to the Police Commissioner?" he asked, looking at his son directly into the eyes.

"What?"

"Yes," Phet replied. "One of Kongphop's brothers-in-law complained to the Police Commissioner about Gun, and the whole case was put into a halt for a while. The Chief agreed to resume the investigation only when your boyfriend found out that that bastard Yu was hiding in one of their warehouses. Just imagine! A small complaint to the Police Commissioner and we almost lost the case. What would happen now that the Prime Minister is involved?!"

"Dad—"

"I'm not trying to discourage you, Arthit," Phet said. "You and Kongphop had sacrificed a lot to be with each other, which is admirable. But you two have to realize that it wouldn't be easy for the two of you to be together!"

Arthit stared at his father for a while before he nodded his head. "I know," he said softly, averting his gaze. "I realized that when I was forced to break up with Kongphop so I could spare him the pain of knowing what had happened to me and his mother's involvement in the whole matter. I realized that when he told me that he had to leave his father's company so we could be left in peace. But, Dad, my boyfriend had given up everything to be with me. I can't be less than him and cower away in fear that I might get hurt. I will fight to be with him, no matter what."—he looked determinedly at his father— "This is my final decision, Dad."

Phet smiled softly at his son. "Like mother, like son, I suppose. Your mother also went to great lengths so we could be together. She had actually proposed to me in front of the entire village!"

"She did what?" Arthit asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes," Phet affirmed. "Your grandfather didn't like the idea of his daughter dating a policeman. He said that I'd eventually make Rawee a young widow. We had fought for long to make him accept our love, but the older man was too stubborn. After my graduation, I was to start working in Bangkok. We weren't sure how we would continue our relationship, especially that your grandfather was already looking for a suitable suitor for Rawee. During the harvest festival, which was the last one I would attend before I start my career, Rawee, who was playing the role of Mae Phosop in the festival play, stood in front of the entire village and instead of saying her lines, she called my name in a loud voice and asked me to marry her."

"Really?" Arthit asked with a laugh.

"Yes," Phet said, smiling fondly at the memory. "I was so shocked, and your grandparents almost had a heart attack on the spot!"

"I don't think I would be able to do that!" Arthit commented softly.

"Is that so?" Phet asked, raising an eyebrow. "Then what is that video I've seen where a certain someone declared his relationship in front of his co-workers? Come to think of it; it wasn't the first time that you've declared your relationship with that man in public, was it?"

Arthit's cheeks heated up as he looked at his father's mischievous smirk. He cleared his throat. "I don't know what you're talking about!" he said defensively, gaining an amused laugh from his father.

A comfortable silence reigned above the two for a few minutes, before Arthit spoke.

"Dad, have you ever considered remarrying?" he asked.

Phet stared dumbfounded at his son, utterly shocked by the unexpected question. "Wha-why do you ask such a question all of a sudden?"

"Well," Arthit replied, running a hand through his hair. "It just that after mom's death, you never showed interest in having a relationship with another woman; maybe because you were busy raising me. But now—well, maybe you should try finding someone..." Arthit's voice trailed off, unsure of what he should say to his father. It came as a shock to him when Kiet told him about Siriporn's feelings towards his father. At first, Arthit had mixed feelings about the whole situation because he didn't like the idea of someone else taking his mother's place in the house. But the more he thought about it, the more he realized how lonely his father must have been after his mother's death. He realized that his father deserved to have someone in his life who would love and take care of him as well.

Phet stared at his son for a while, unsure of how he should respond. After his beloved wife's death, he had lost all hope in life. His older sister nagged him many times about remarrying, but he simply couldn't do it. He couldn't imagine anyone taking Rawee's place in his heart. He was satisfied with his son's presence in his life, but Arthit had grown up already and started his own life with his partner.

Phet let out a soft snort. He still couldn't see someone else taking the place of his late wife, but there were times when loneliness overwhelmed him, and he dared to wonder whether it was too late for him to find someone as well. But who would tolerate a fifty-two-year-old man with a stubborn and snarky personality such as his?

A particular face with a cheeky smile usually would flash in his mind out of the blue, but he would quickly shake his head, dismissing the mere thought of it. No, he definitely wasn't going that way! Not in a million years! NEVER!

"Dad?" Phet's train of thoughts thankfully was broken by his son's voice.

"Go to bed, Arthit," he said in a calm voice that didn't match the turmoil raging inside his soul. "A long and tiresome day is waiting for us tomorrow."

Nodding, Arthit bid his father the good night before he stood and headed upstairs.

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Kongphop frowned as he saw Mayuree's name flashing on his phone's screen, wondering if he should answer the call or ignore it. All connections between him and her had been cut off since their last talk in the hospital. So why was she calling him now?

Taking a deep breath, he pressed the accept button.

"Hello, Mayuree," he greeted.

"Hi, Kong. I'm sorry for calling at this hour," Mayuree said from the other side of the line. "But the truth I've been debating for a long time whether I should call you or not. I wasn't sure if my call would be welcomed."

"There is no need to apologize, Mayuree. You're welcomed to call whenever you like," Kongphop said. "Is something wrong? Do you need any help?"

"Well, actually," Mayuree said. "I just wanted to inquire about you. I know that we had left each other on bad terms, but this doesn't mean that I won't be concerned about you and your family. I heard that you've been in the hospital. Also, my mother and I were very shocked when we heard the news about Aunt Waen's arrest."

"Thank you for your concern," he replied cordially. "I'm fine."

"What about your mother? Why was she arrested?"

"It's a long story, Mayuree," Kongphop replied with a tired sigh. "I doubt you'll be interested to hear it."

Mayuree let out a deep sigh. "Is this how you want things between us to be, Kong?" she asked with an evident hurt in her voice. "You don't want even to entrust me with your troubles. Regardless of everything else, I'm your childhood friend. You can talk to me about your problems."

"I'm sorry, Mayuree. But this a private matter that concerns my family only. I can't disclose it to anyone, not even to my best friends."

"I see," Mayuree said disappointedly. "Well, if you ever need someone to lend you an ear, I'll be glad to listen."

"Thank you," Kongphop said tonelessly before he bade her good night and ended the call.

Letting out a deep sigh, he quickly opened his Line app and sent a message to his boyfriend.

Kongphop: P', are you asleep yet?

Arthit: Not yet.

As soon as Kongphop read the other man's reply, he video-called him.

"Good evening, P'," The younger man greeted enthusiastically with a big smile. Though only a couple of days had passed since his return to the villa, he was missing his boyfriend like crazy. "How are you?"

"I'm fine," Arthit replied, yawning cutely. "and you?"

"I'm fine now that I saw you," Kongphop said cheekily.

Arthit flushed in embarrassment at his boyfriend's reply before his gaze lifted from the phone and saw Knott, who was half-laying on the couch, trying hard not to laugh.

Clearing his throat, Arthit glared back to Kongphop. "Tacky!" he snapped at the younger man, earning a chortle in response.

"Maybe, but I know that you love it!" Kongphop teased.

Arthit heard a stifled chuckle coming from Knott.

"Oi, Knott!" he yelled. "Why are you here listening to a private call?"

"I'm your babysitter, remember. I can't leave you alone!" Knott replied teasingly.

Arthit pouted before he returned his attention to his waiting boyfriend. "Stop being cheesy!" He said in clear annoyance. "He's going to tease me until the day I die!" Kongphop and Knott laughed in response.

"Fine! Fine!" Knott said as his laughter died down. "You have 10 minutes!" With that, the bulky man stood up and left the room.

"Did you take your medications today?" the younger man asked.

"Yeah," Arthit replied. "Don't worry. Knott nags as much as you do! What about you? How is your arm?"

"I'm fine, P'," Kongphop replied with a smile. "I will go to the hospital to remove the cast tomorrow morning. But why are you still up, P'?" he asked. "Don't you have a court hearing in the morning?"

Arthit's expression dropped at the mention of the hearing before he shook his head. "I'm in my bed now," he replied. "You're still awake as well. What's wrong?"

"Nothing is wrong, P'," Kongphop replied. "I just miss you very much."

"You can always come back," Arthit suggested.

"I don't want to cause you any trouble, P'," Kongphop said. "You know that the media are chasing us like wolves after my mother's arrest."

"Will I see you in court tomorrow? After you're done with the hospital?" Arthit asked with a hopeful tone.

"I'm sorry, P'," Kongphop replied. "I fear that someone would link you to my mother's case and start chasing you as well."

Arthit frowned slightly. "Well, everyone will know eventually what your mother was arrested for," he stated.

"I know, but I prefer to keep you away from the clutches of the media as long as possible."

"As you wish," Arthit said uncertainly. If he was honest with himself, Arthit would want Kongphop to remain by his side regardless of the consequences but seeing how the younger man was worried about the media had made Arthit's insecurities about their future rose tenfold. He feared that the consequences of the scandal would indeed explode on Kongphop's face once the charges against his lover's mother were revealed. Remembering what his father had told him about Kongphop's background, Arthit honestly dreaded the price that his lover would pay once the truth was exposed.

Kongphop watched as apprehension and anxiety marred his lover's lovely eyes and face. He could only guess what was rampaging through Arthit's brain at the moment.

"P'," he spoke. "I know tomorrow will be difficult for you. But, please remember that once this is over, we will be free."

"Will we?" Arthit asked tonelessly.

"Yes, I promise," Kongphop replied. "We only have to get through this then we will be free to be together forever."

Arthit listened to his boyfriend's warm voice, feeling his nerves calming down a little. His lover's promise made his heart becoming lighter somehow. He knew that he could always rely on Kongphop's strength to get through any tribulated times. Arthit smiled warmly at the younger man. "I look forward to it," he said softly.

"Go to sleep, P'," Kongphop said. "Good Night."

"Good Night, Kongphop." With that, the call was ended.

Kongphop let out a deep sigh, feeling a little bit relieved. Hearing his boyfriend's voice and seeing his smile had soothed Kongphop's troubled soul and reassured him. Smiling to himself, Kongphop went to bed.

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Next Morning,

Arthit, accompanied by his father, Siriporn and Knott, entered the Ratchada Criminal Court with shaky nerves. Only this morning, he realized that he had to sit in front of a crowd of strange people, face the criminals who had raped him and answer questions about his own assault. Talking to the detectives was hard enough, but now he was about to be questioned by some lawyer who would be trying to discredit him and his testimony to free the criminals who had assaulted him.

Arthit felt his heartbeats accelerate inside his chest as he spotted Detective Gun standing in front of the reception desk, seemingly waiting for them.

As soon as he saw them, Gun approached Phet and the rest greeting them before he walked with them heading to the courtroom where Arthit's case was being held.

"How is the situation?" Phet asked cautiously. "Are there any media personnel?"

"No," Gun replied. "It seems that no one had connected the case with Mrs Suthiluck's arrest yet."

Phet shook his head. "I'm going to rip that idiot into pieces!" he grumbled under his breath.

Gun smiled. "Relax, P'," he said. "He's already been dishonourably dismissed from the force."

"Not enough!" Phet hissed. "Thanks to him, there will be a circus on the day of Mrs Suthiluck's hearing. What happened to Arthit will be known nationwide!"

"Well, about that," Gun said. "Orders came from above to move the hearing to the weekend. It will be made private so no one other than the people related to the case will be allowed into the courtroom, and no press will be admitted into the entire building on that day."

"They don't like to waste time, do they?" Phet commented.

"True, but it's beneficial for us as well," Gun replied. "We will be spared from the circus."

Phet simply snorted and rolled his eyes in response.

Gun smirked to himself before he turned his attention to Arthit, who looked very nervous. The detective's features softened, feeling pity for the younger man. As a detective in the Sexual Crimes department, he had seen first-hand the struggle that the victims of such crimes had gone through during the investigations and the trials as they were forced to recall the hell that they had gone through as they faced their assailants face to face in court while the lawyers of the defendants confronted them. Just as they were about to enter the courtroom, Gun placed an encouraging hand on Arthit's shoulder and smiled reassuringly.

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Em and Tew sat on Kongphop's bed, watching as the latter paced back and fro in front of them agitatedly. Since the commotion that his mother's arrest had created, Kongphop hadn't left the villa only rarely, so his friends became regular visitors to the Suthiluck estate. After accompanying him to the hospital to remove the cast, the two friends invited themselves in and had been here for three hours. But their friend was in another world since morning, staring at his watch and his mobile every second, before he suddenly stood up and started pacing.

"Kong, soon you'll dig a furrow in the floor and fall into the living room downstairs!" Tew spoke, breaking the tensed silence that hovered over the room.

Kongphop halted in his spot and glared at his friends. Since the morning, he was dead worried about Arthit's trial and what would happen during it. He was afraid of the effect that this trial might have on his lover's psychological health, especially that he would be required to face those bastards who had kidnapped and raped him in front of a crowd of people. If Kongphop weren't worried that the press would link Arthit's case to his mother's and consequently start to trouble his lover, he would've been the first to be by his lover's side in this day. It had taken him a lot of self-restraint to hold himself back from running to the courthouse, damn the consequences! And when his two friends invited themselves to his room after their return from the hospital, he couldn't send them away.

Shaking his head, Kongphop decided not to dignify his friends' mocking with a comment and resumed his pacing.

Em and Tew stared at each other before they sighed in defeat. It seemed that their friend would not speak or explain anything to them, no matter how much they bugged him.

"Tew, I think we shouldn't have left our jobs to drive him to the hospital!" Em complained in a low voice. "How ungrateful!"

"You think so?" Tew replied. "Look at him! I think he is in a desperate need of the company."

"Do you know where Wad and Oak are?" Em asked. "I haven't seen them in a while."

"Oak is on a business trip to Phuket. He'll return next week," Tew replied. "I called Wad this morning and invited him to come with us, but he said that he had a prior engagement that he couldn't cancel. He promised to come when he's done, though."

Em nodded in response as the two friends resumed watching their pacing friend.

"Tew, maybe we should leave," Em said after a couple of moments. "It's obvious that our presence isn't welcomed. Kongphop is barely acknowledging us."

"Aren't you curious about what is going on?" Tew responded. "He keeps checking the time, meaning that he's waiting for something to happen. I want to know what."

Em toured his gaze between Tew and Kongphop before he nodded his head. He too was dead curious to know what had put his best friend on pins and nails like this.

Suddenly, someone knocked on the door before they opened it.

"Wad!" Em exclaimed happily as their friend appeared from behind the door. "Welcome!"

Wad nodded his head, smiling slightly before his gaze turned to Kongphop. Em and Tew frowned, noting how Wad's expression hardened at their friend.

"We need to talk, Kongphop," the stoic man said in a demanding tone.

"About what?"

"I've been in court since morning," Wad replied, eyeing him pointedly. "To testify in P'Arthit's case."

Em and Tew exchanged shocked confused looks before they turned their questioning eyes towards Kongphop who blanched upon hearing Wad's words.

"P'Arthit's case?" Tew asked. "What does he mean, Kongphop?"

Kongphop fidgeted under his friends' intense gazes, uncertain of what should he say or do. He had forgotten entirely about Wad's involvement in Arthit's case. He sighed deeply, wondering how he could weasel out of this situation. However, the three men didn't seem that they would let him go without a proper explanation.

"How much do you know?" he asked Wad.

"Much but not enough," Wad replied. "I was present from the beginning of the hearing until the end."

"Why didn't you ask your boyfriend? He knows everything from the beginning!"

"I've asked him and already punished him for hiding such a huge matter from me," Wad said, folding his arms in front of his chest. "Now it's your turn to tell me what you know."

"Can somebody PLEASE tell us what is going on?" Tew asked impatiently.

Letting another deep sigh, Kongphop gestured for his friends to sit down before he started recounting everything that happened.

}{ }{ }{ }{ }{

Em closed his eyes as a couple of tears escaped them and slid down his cheek, while Tew stared in disbelieve at Kongphop, who had just finished narrating everything that had taken place in the span of the past two years. Neither of them could, nor wanted to, believe Kongphop's words. Wad, on the other hand, stared at his friend, feeling anger bubbling inside his heart, wishing he had strangled that bastard Kla or whatever his name was along with Onruang when he got the chance. His boyfriend only knew little bits of what had happened to their former Head Hazer that couldn't fill up the jigsaw that Wad had managed to connect some of its parts during the court session. However, after hearing Kongphop's side of the story, Wad was livid beyond limits; not only for his former Head Hazer's suffering but also for the pain that Kongphop was going through.

"Kong," The grim men were snapped from their dark thoughts at Tew's voice. "Since when did you know all of this?"

"P'Knott told me the story after Arthit's accident," Kongphop replied. "However, my mother's involvement has been only discovered recently."

"What are you going to do now?" Em asked.

Kongphop smiled sadly at his best friend. "I don't have much to do, do I?" he said sadly. "All I can do is to wait for the court proceedings."

"And you and P'Arthit?" Tew asked.

"Though, we're back together," Kongphop replied with a sigh. "I know that we're standing on shaky ground. This is all I can say, Tew."

The three friends shot their friend a sad look in response.

Suddenly, the uncomfortable silence that hovered over the four friends was cut short by the ringing of Kongphop's phone.

"Hello, P'," Kongphop eagerly answered upon seeing Knott's name flashing. "how is P'Arthit?"

Knott let out a deep sigh from the other end of the line. "He's not fine," he replied. "I think you should come."

"What happened in the court?"

"What happened isn't important," Knott said. "Arthit is in a bad mood. You're the only one who can snap him out of it!"

Kongphop bit his lower lip hesitantly. It wasn't that he didn't want to go to his lover, but he still feared what would happen if someone from the press got a whiff of Arthit's connection to his mother's case.

"Kongphop, are you coming?" Knott's voice snapped Kongphop from his thoughts.

"I—I'll see what I can do," With that, the younger man bid his senior goodbye and ended the call.

"What wrong, Kong?" Em asked agitatedly. "Did something happen?"

"P'Knott said that P'Arthit is in a bad mood. He wants me to go to him."

"No wonder," Wad said with a scoff.

"Wad, what happened in the court?" Kongphop asked. "Tell me everything!"

A while later, the gate of the Suthiluck villa opened, and a car bearing three young men passed through it followed by a man on his motorbike. A closer look to the third person sitting on the backseat of the car, anyone would notice the brand eyeshades that covered his eyes under the peak of his cap as if he was trying to hide his identity.

The car and motorbike parted ways as soon as they left the house, each going into the opposite direction.

}{ }{ }{ }{ }{

"Arthit," Knott said, placing a glass of fresh orange juice on the bedside table. "P'Siri made this for you."

Arthit, who was laying on the bed, stared at the glass without interest before he closed his eyes. "I don't want to drink anything."

"Arthit, I know that what happened in the court is beyond outrageous," Knott said as he sat on the edge of the bed. "But you shouldn't allow yourself to be upset like this."

"You talk as if you weren't there, Ai'Knott!" Arthit said bitterly.

The bulky man let out a deep sigh. He really couldn't blame his friend for being upset this much. The lawyer of that bastard Benz was an inch-away from reversing the roles of Arthit and Benz in the case. She had grilled him with questions and inquisitions as if he was the criminal and that bastard and his fiancée were the victims. But Arthit was extraordinarily confident and calm throughout the questioning, and his answers were convincing and irrefutable. His face showed nothing but absolute confidence during the entire session; only after they left the courtroom that Arthit's brave façade crumbled.

Knott understood, though. It was beyond hard for anyone to face those who raped him and actually had to defend himself against them in a court full of strangers.

"You've done well, Arthit," Knott encouraged softly. "It might seem unfair that you must go through this, but in the end, you must rest assured that justice will be served."

Arthit looked up at his friend and let out a soft snort. "I still have to appear in more sessions," he said. "and let us not forget the trial of Kong's mother. What would her lawyer do to me, I wonder?"

"Let's not think about this now, okay? Cheer up!" Knott said. "Do you want to eat lunch here or down with your father and P'Siri?"

"I'm tired," Arthit said as he pulled the covers up. "I want to sleep."

"Alright, sleep then," Knott said, standing up.

"I really miss Kongphop," Arthit whispered to himself as he snuggled deeper into the bed.

Knott simply smiled in response.

}{ }{ }{ }{ }{

In the meantime, Phet also was having a troubled time with his thoughts. It wasn't what happened during the hearing that bothered him, because he was used to hearing such crap from some lawyers all time, but rather what happened after the session that disturbed him.

FLASHBACK

They were on their way to the car after the session had ended when Phet got a call from one of his prosecutor friends, asking him to come to his office before leaving the court building.

The detective was shocked when he saw Mr Ukrit Ruangroj and his two sons in his friend's office, waiting for him. As soon as the formal introductions were exchanged, Phet's friend excused himself and left the office along with Ruangroj's sons, leaving Phet and Ukrit alone.

The two men sat opposite to each other and stared intensely into each other's eyes, each trying to probe into the other man's most inner thoughts.

"I suppose there is no sense in beating around the bush any longer," Ukrit finally broke the heavy silence. "I'm sure that both of us have places to go and more important things to do other than sit here and try to jab a hole into each other's forehead."

"I quite agree," Phet said emotionlessly. "So, what do you want from me, Mr Ruangroj?"

"First, I want to say that only recently I have learned of what my daughter had done to your son," Ukrit began. "You see, in the past two years I've been residing in China, thinking that I finally could handover the management of my empire and family affairs to my eldest son." —the old patrician sighed dramatically— "Unfortunately, it turned out that all my children are total disappointments. Anyhow, today I've attended the court session and heard exactly what happened. And regardless of my opinion on his relationship with Kongphop, what happened to your son is unforgivable. That's why as an apology for what my foolish daughter had caused, please accept this." With that, the old man took a piece of paper out of his jacket and placed it on top of the coffee table between them.

Phet stared at the cheque in front of him before he let out a scoff. "Is this the price you're offering me to drop the case?" he asked.

Ukrit's expression tightened for a split of a second before it relaxed and morphed into an amused smile. "Not at all, Detective Rojnapat. As I said, it's just a token of compensation."

Phet's expression hardened, and his eyes squinted in anger. "A compensation for what exactly?" he spat. "For kidnapping and raping my son? For the numerous times he had attempted suicide? For all the nightmares he had to endure in the aftermath of his assault? For the pain he had to bury inside of him because he didn't want to hurt the man he loved? For his life that had been wrecked? Or for the times I, as his father, almost lost my mind because of my worry over my son's health and sanity?" –Phet let out a bitter scoff— "Mr Ruangroj, your entire wealth cannot compensate for a fraction of what my son has gone through. And if you consider your children disappointments, then I assure you that I don't consider my son a disappointment! And I'm not going to sell out his life!"

Ukrit sighed. "Again, you misunderstand me, Detective Rojnapat. I'm only—"

"The only compensation you can offer me, sir, is your word that you won't interfere in the proceedings of this case and let justice takes its course," Phet cut off. "This is the only thing I want from you."

Ukrit Ruangroj smirked at the man in front of him. "And would you trust my word?"

"Yes," Phet replied confidently.

"And what would make you trust my word so much?" the old patrician asked slyly.

"I'm a detective, Mr Ruangroj," Phet replied. "It's my job to read people. Besides, everyone in the country knows that the word of Mr Ukrit Ruangroj is his law. Even if it were said in private, you wouldn't break a promise you've made."

Ukrit laughed amusedly upon hearing this. "I like you, Detective Rojnapat," he said as his laughter subsided. "Alright, if this is the compensation you want, then so be it. You have my word that I won't interfere in the proceedings of your son's case. But, for the sake of preserving my family's honour and reputation, I may be forced to pull some strings here and there. Don't worry," he said hastily upon seeing Phet's frown. "I won't interfere with the judgment of the case. My only concern is the media. I need to protect my family from them, that's all! I need to make sure that this case doesn't affect the rest of my family."

Phet merely nodded in response.

END OF FLASHBACK

"P'PHET!"

Phet jumped from his seat on the couch upon rudely being snapped from his thoughts by Siriporn's loud voice.

"What are you doing in there?" The psychiatrist grumbled as she stood at the entrance of the living room. "The bell is ringing for a while. Why aren't you answering it?"

Phet blinked several times, realizing that indeed the doorbell was ringing. "I didn't hear it," he said before he stood up to open the door.

Siriporn frowned, wondering what had gotten into Phet. One would think that he was upset from the events that took place during the trial, but as a police officer, he was used to the lawyers' tactics in court and their twisted ways with the witnesses. In fact, he seemed normal after they left the courtroom, but his mood darkened after he returned from the office of his prosecutor friend. Something profound had happened in that meeting that turned Phet's mood 180o, and Siriporn was dying to know what was it.

Minutes later, Phet returned to the living room, followed by Kongphop.

"Oh, N'Kong!" Siriporn exclaimed happily. "Long time no see! This house is certainly bleak without you!"

Phet rolled his eyes in annoyance. He wasn't sure why, but Siriporn's teenage attitude was getting into his nerves lately. "Siri, don't you have something on the stove?" he asked snappishly. "I'm warning you! If you burn my lunch, I'll kick you out of the house!"

Siriporn let out a soft snort as she gave the detective an 'I dare you' look before she turned around heading to the kitchen, leaving the two men together alone.

"Umm...P'Knott said that P'Arthit is in a bad mood," Kongphop said hesitantly. "And...my friend told me about what happened in the courtroom."

Phet shrugged indifferently in response but said nothing as he took a seat. Instead, he kept staring at the young man as if he wanted to say something but was uncertain.

"Is there something you want to say, Uncle?" Kongphop asked, feeling uncomfortable under Phet's intense gaze.

"No," the older man replied, shaking his head. "Arthit is in his room. Go!"

Nodding his head, Kongphop hurried upstairs to his lover's room.

}{ }{ }{ }{ }{

Em, Tew and Wad sat in the living room, staring at each other in complete silence, still unable to digest what Kongphop had revealed. To draw out any possible press who might be stalking the Suthiluck villa, Kongphop and Wad exchanged clothes and Wad acted as a decoy and rode with Em and Tew while Kongphop rode Wad's motorbike to his lover's house. After roaming around to lose any possible pursuers, the three went to Prem and Wad's apartment.

"AHH!" Em suddenly yelled, making his friends jump from fright. "I can't take it anymore! I can't believe that all of this had happened to P'Arthit and none of us knew about it!"

"None of us can believe it, Em," Tew said. "I can't even begin to imagine the pain that P'Arthit had gone through alone. It takes an exceptionally courage to live through such a trial."

"He wasn't living, Tew," Wad said solemnly. "He was dying daily with no one to turn to. That's why he kept attempting suicide."

"True," Tew said. "But at least those bastards are finally caught and being tried."

"I wonder how Kongphop had felt when he learnt about his mother's involvement in what happened to P'Arthit," Em said softly. "He must be devastated."

Tew nodded in agreement before he addressed Wad. "What should we do now?"

"There is nothing we can do," Wad replied. "Except to be there for P'Arthit and Kongphop whenever they need us."

Em and Tew nodded their heads in determination.

}{ }{ }{ }{ }{

Flutter-like touch caressed his check repeatedly, gently waking up Arthit from his nap. He turned around as he opened his eyes to be greeted by the lovely face of his boyfriend.

"Am I dreaming?" he asked softly.

"No, I'm truly here," Kongphop replied, looking down lovingly at his boyfriend. "P'Knott told me you're upset, so I came. How are you feeling?"

Arthit smiled back at the younger man. "I'm fine now that you're here," he said.

Kongphop let out a soft laugh at the other man's exceptional cheesiness. "Then, how about you get up, wash then we'll go downstairs to have lunch together?"

"What time is it?"

"3:30 PM."

"What?" Arthit asked as he rose into a sitting position. "And you still haven't eaten lunch?"

"Well, I was hoping to eat with you," Kongphop replied. "But you were so cute while you're sleeping, I didn't have the heart to wake you up."

Though Arthit shook his head in mock annoyance, his flushed face told a different story. Kongphop smiled amusedly as he watched his boyfriend rushed to the bathroom to cover up his blushing face.

"How is your arm now?" Arthit asked as the two sat in the kitchen, eating their lunch.

"It's fine," Kongphop replied with a smile.

"Weren't you afraid of the media to follow you when you came here?"

"Wad helped me out," Kongphop replied. "He lent me his clothes and motorbike while he left my house with Em and Tew disgusted in my clothes."

Arthit's face changed upon hearing Wad's name. He was stunned when Wad was called to the witness stand during the hearing. He didn't know that his former junior was involved in the case. And since he was present during the entire trial, Arthit was sure that Wad had become aware of what happened to him. Shaking his head, the older man pushed all those thoughts to the back of his mind. "Will you be staying tonight?" he asked.

"I have to go back," Kongphop replied forlornly. "I'm sorry, P'."

"It's alright," Arthit said, forcing a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "You're here now."

Kongphop smiled back, hoping that the two of them would be back together soon.

}{ }{ }{ }{ }{

Saturday Morning,

Kongphop took a deep breath as he adjusted his tie, getting ready to accompany his grandfather and father to court. Whether he liked it or not, it was his mother who was on trial today, and he must be present. The young man felt the bile rising in his stomach every time he remembered that he would see his boyfriend in the courtroom, taking the stand to testify against his mother. It was a situation that Kongphop wouldn't wish for his worst enemy!

He sincerely prayed to all the gods above for the day to pass without any unsightly scenes. He also prayed that his mother's lawyer wouldn't try and harass his boyfriend or else he wouldn't be responsible for his reaction. Kongphop let out a deep sigh, remembering the clash that took place at the lawyer's office a couple of days ago.

FLASHBACK

"The major problem is that Mrs Suthiluck had admitted giving money to Mr Onruang twice," the lawyer continued to explain her client's case to Ukrit, Kerkkrai and Kongphop. "She refused to back out of her confession, no matter how much I asked her to. Add to that, the police had managed to obtain a statement of Mrs Suthiluck's bank account, showing the date when she has given Mr Onruang the second million baht."

"But she didn't know what that man was using the money for," Ukrit commented.

"It doesn't matter," the lawyer replied. "Mrs Suthiluck had used her money to achieve a goal; that is to distance Mr Rojnapat from her son. The Judges will consider her actions as an incitement for the crime that had been committed."

"Then what do you suggest we do?"

The lawyer let out a deep sigh. "I was hoping to discredit Mr Onruang's testimony against Mrs Suthiluck and pass it as a grudge. But as I said, she refused to change her confession," she said. "Our best strategy now is to appeal to the Judges with the motivation behind Mrs Suthiluck's action."

"What do you mean?" Kongphop asked darkly.

The lawyer coughed nervously as she eyed the young man in front of her before she spoke. "We could turn the case into a public opinion case. Since Mrs Suthiluck had done what she did because she was worried about her son's future, I'm—"

"DON'T YOU EVEN DARE!" Kongphop roared angrily as he jumped up from his seat. "I WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO DRAG MY RELATIONSHIP INTO THE CASE OR TRY DEFAMING MY BOYFRIEND!"

"But your relationship is the core of the entire matter," the lawyer tried to reason. "Your mother wouldn't have gone to such length if not—"

"NOTHING CAN JUSTIFY RUINING A PERSON'S LIFE LIKE THIS!" Kongphop cut her off. "If all the mothers hired wanted criminals to get rid of their children's partners, no one will remain alive in this world!"

"Calm down, Kong," Ukrit spoke, looking directly at his grandson before he looked at the lawyer. "I won't allow any word of this to get out to the public," he warned. "You want to turn this into a public opinion case to make things easier for you, but at the same time, you forget that you will ruin my family's reputation in the process. My grandson here is trying to defend his lover, but I'm trying to defend my legacy and the legacy of my forefathers. I'm not going to jeopardize centuries of crystal-clear reputation to win a petty lawsuit, even if the accused is my daughter. You better find another strategy to defend my daughter, or we will find a more qualified and reliable lawyer." With that, he stood and left the office, followed by Kerkkrai and Kongphop.

END OF FLASHBACK

PING!

Kongphop was snapped from his thoughts by the sound of an incoming message. Checking his phone, he saw a message from Arthit.

Arthit: Good Morning.

               You're coming today to court, right?

Kongphop: Yes, P'.  See you there 😘

Arthit: 🤦🏻 This isn't a picnic, Kong!

               You do realize that I'm going to testify against your mother, right?

               How am I going to do that in front of you and your father?

Kongphop: P', we've talked about this already.  You just say what you know. 

                         It doesn't matter if it was my mother whom you're testifying against. 

                         She had done something wrong and must bear the consequences of her actions.

Arthit: Easy said than done! I'm not comfortable doing this!

Kongphop: Please, P'! 🙏🏻🙏🏻 

                        You have to do it. Otherwise, we won't be able to be together. 

                        I have done the impossible to be with you. Only this matter remains between us. 

                        Please, don't back on me now! 🙏🏻🙏🏻

Several minutes passed as Kongphop anxiously waited for his boyfriend's reply. Feeling agitated, Kongphop typed again.

Kongphop: P', I know things may become hard and unbearable. 

                         But, always remember that after all this lays our happy future together. Please, bear with it for now. 

                         I swear that I'm not going to give up on us, no matter what happens. 

                         When you stand in court, look at me and remember that I'm eagerly waiting for the day when we return to each other's arms. 

                         No matter what happens in the court today, please just bear with it for the sake of our future! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Arthit: Alright. I'll do my best. But, please forgive me, Kongphop. I'm really sorry.

Kongphop: There is nothing to apologize for, P'Arthit.

                         I love you 😘😘

Taking another deep breath, Kongphop checked his appearance for the last time before leaving his room.

}{ }{ }{ }{ }{

Just as the previous hearing, the courtroom that Arthit had entered was smaller than the usual spacious hall that they showed on TV. The room was more like an office room with a long desk at the end of the place for the Judges to sit behind, facing them were several chairs for the witnesses and the rest of the spectators. Another desk was at the left side where the defendant, namely Mrs Suthiluck, and her lawyer were sitting. Opposite to them was the prosecutor's desk. A highchair reserved for the witnesses was sandwiched between the Judges and prosecutor and overlooking the audience.

Arthit's eyes travelled to Mrs Suthiluck, who sat calmly on her chair with her head held high, staring with a bored expression on her face at the entrance. Arthit noticed that unlike Benz, his fiancée and the gangsters in the previous trial, the lady wasn't handcuffed. There wasn't even a police officer standing behind her to keep guard.

'Of course,' Arthit thought to himself, before he shook his head, pushing these irrelevant thoughts away. His eyes then gazed towards the spectators' seats. There weren't many people in the courtroom. All the present, which could be counted on the ten fingers, were those who had a strong connection to the case.

Arthit inhaled sharply as he spotted Kongphop along with his father and an older man taking their seats at the end of the front row, farthest from his and his father's seats. Arthit wasn't sure if his boyfriend had noticed him or not, but if he had, he didn't show it.

Taking another deep breath, Arthit looked ahead of him as the Judges entered the room.

}{ }{ }{ }{ }{

The session went on and on as the prosecutor tried to prove Mrs Suthiluck's guilt while her lawyer tried to prove the opposite as both parties questioned witnesses as such Benz, his fiancée and even Mrs Suthiluck herself; each was trying to prove their point of view in front of the Judges.

Suddenly, Mrs Suthiluck's lawyer asked for Arthit to be brought up as a witness.

Kongphop, for the first time since he entered the courtroom, tensed and looked in the direction of his boyfriend who stood up calmly and walked to the witness' chair.

"Calm down," he heard his grandfather saying in a low voice next to him. "She's only doing her job."

"But—"

"Don't you have confidence in your lover, Boy?" Ukrit asked as he turned his gaze towards his grandson. "Isn't he a man who can defend himself? Or did you fall in love with a baby?"

Kongphop couldn't stop the resenting frown that formed on his face or the anger that jumped from his eyes as he stared at his grandfather's teasing smirk. The young man had to bite on his tongue to stop himself from saying something disrespectful.

Ukrit's smirk widened upon seeing Kongphop's expression. "Let's consider this as a test from me," he said. "If your boyfriend managed to impress me, I will do whatever I can to allow you to be together. If not, then you'll have to leave him and return to your family."

"I've told you before that my relationship is not up for negotiation," Kongphop hissed.

"You can talk brave all you want, Kid," Ukrit remarked casually. "But you know that I can break up this so-called relationship any moment I want. So, you'd better pray that your boyfriend leaves an incredible impression on me." With that, the old man turned his attention back to the ongoing session.

}{ }{ }{ }{ }{

After stating his name, age and swearing the oath, Arthit sat on the witnesses' chair to be questioned. Mrs Suthiluck's lawyer started her questioning by asking him about his relationship with Kongphop and how it began.

Frowning slightly, Arthit replied though he wondered how this was even relevant to the case.

"Tell me, Mr Rojnapat, when did you inform your parents of your relationship with Mr Kongphop Suthiluck?" she asked.

"About five years into our relationship," Arthit replied.

"Isn't it strange that you waited five years until you told your parents about your relationship? If your relationship was serious, then why didn't you tell them earlier?"

Arthit thought for a moment; his eyes glancing in Kongphop's direction before he looked at the lawyer.

"When we started our relationship, we were students," he replied. "And since it was our first time to be in a relationship, we were still fumbling our way through it. That's why we never talked about introducing each other to our parents. The truth is we didn't talk about our families much during that period. But as we grew up, I couldn't take this step because I was afraid of what our parents would think or react if we came forward."

"So, you thought that at least one of your parents, if not both, would reject your relationship?" the lawyer asked with a smirk on her face.

"Yes, that's true," Arthit replied guiltily.

"Do you remember how Mrs Suthiluck received you when Mr Kongphop first introduced you to his parents?"

"Yes," Arthit replied. "She received me well."

"Would you please explain what you mean by 'She received you well'?"

"She welcomed me as she would welcome any guest coming to her house, I imagine."

"As she would welcome any guest coming to her house," the lawyer repeated. "But not as she would welcome her son's lover?"

Arthit stared at the woman, not sure if he was supposed to reply.

Shrugging, the lawyer moved to her next question. She asked him about the meeting between him and Mrs Suthiluck in front of Ocean Electric and what they conversed about.

"You said that when Mrs Suthiluck met you in front of the company you work in," the lawyer remarked as Arthit finished answering her question. "She asked you to leave her son because she was worried about his future as an heir to their family, but you refused. This refusal confuses me, Mr Arthit. You claim that you're in love with Mr Kongphop. Yet, you didn't seem worried about the effects of your relationship on his life and future. Would you care to explain why you refused to put an end to a relationship that would destroy the future of the person you love?"

Arthit stared at the lawyer, astonished at the audacity of her question before he looked over at where Kongphop was sitting. Taking a deep breath, he looked back at the lawyer.

"Through our relationship," he began with a steady and calm voice. "there have been many moments when I was more than willing to step away because I was worried about Kongphop's happiness and future. But each time,"—he stole a fond glance at Kongphop— "Kong would be the one who fought so we could stay together. He would always remind me how our love is important to us, how it can overcome any obstacle, how we can only be strong if we have each other. When Mrs Suthiluck demanded that I leave Kongphop for the sake of his future, I was willing to get out his life forever without any defiance until she flaunted her money in my face. At that moment, I realized how cheap she thought of my and Kongphop's feelings. With a single gesture, she had insulted all the beautiful memories that I've built with Kong for five years and degraded the priceless love that we shared. At that moment, I realized that all the love I shared with Kongphop was more precious than any success or accomplishments awaiting him away from me. I realized that all the trials or tribulations that we may have to face as a consequence of our love couldn't be compensated with a number on a cheque. And that's why I refused to leave Kongphop. Because neither of us will be truly happy nor successful without the other in his life."

A heavy silence reigned over the courtroom as the minds of all the present slowly digested Arthit's answer. Even the lawyer stared at him dumbfounded, not really expecting him to go to such length to explain his feelings. She had expected him to declare his undying love to Kongphop but what stunned her was that he had admitted his willingness to stepped out of his relationship with Kongphop if Mrs Suthiluck hadn't used the money card on him. The sincerity and honesty in his voice and eyes had made her feel ashamed of trying to depict him as a gold-digger, whom Mrs Suthiluck attempted to protect her son from.

Clearing her voice with a small cough, she moved to her next question with a shaky voice. "But you—you have broken up with Mr Kongphop a week after that..." she began, but she couldn't complete her question.

"Yes, I broke up with him because I didn't want him to know that his mother was behind my assault," he spoke, correctly guessing her question. "There was no way I could've hidden what happened to me from him if we stayed together. He would've forced me to go to the police and report the incident and at the end, he would discover that his mother, whom he loved to the point of worship, was behind everything."

The lawyer stared at him with defeated eyes before she excused herself from the Judges, saying that she had no further questions.

}{ }{ }{ }{ }{

Kongphop felt anger bubbling inside him as he listened to the lawyer's provocative questions. It was evident to him where she was heading towards, and he wanted nothing more than to stand and shut her the hell up. But, every time he was about to stand, his grandfather's iron grip squeezed his hand as if to warn him not to make a scene.

The lawyer's last question, however, had made his blood boil to the point that he turned his eyes to his grandfather.

"Let go of my hand, Grandfather," he hissed.

"Calm down and remain on your seat," Ukrit said; his eyes locked on Arthit ahead. "I want to listen to your boyfriend's answer."

Biting his lower lip in anger, Kongphop turned his attention to his lover.

To be honest, Kongphop didn't expect Arthit's answer to be so frank and open. His lover had a problem when speaking about his own feelings in front of others. The younger man had expected the other man to stammer or give a vague answer. But, Arthit shocked him to the core with his clear and direct response. Kongphop felt his heartbeats speeding as he listened to his boyfriend's heartfelt answer. Unconsciously, a warm, proud smile slowly crept to Kongphop's face.

}{ }{ }{ }{ }{

The session ended with the Judges setting a second one to pronounce their judgment after they studied and deliberated over the pieces of evidence presented to them.

As he walked out with his father and Siriporn, Arthit stole a glance at Kongphop who was walking a little bit behind his father and the old man he came in with. The two men were heading to Mrs Suthiluck and her lawyer to talk to her before she was taken back to the detention building.

Arthit sighed deeply. Though he wished it, he knew that he couldn't speak to Kongphop in front of everyone. Shaking his head, Arthit followed his father and Siriporn outside of the room.

}{ }{ }{ }{ }{

After his father and grandfather talked to his mother's lawyer, Kongphop followed the pair out of the courtroom in complete silence. He was still angry at the lawyer for trying to defame his boyfriend, but Arthit's reply had calmed him a little and stopped him from criticizing the woman in front of everyone.

Kongphop sighed as he left the court building, wishing he would catch a glimpse of his lover, but the other man seemed to have left the courtroom early.

As soon as he sat next to his grandfather inside the car, the old man turned to him. "What is the address of your boyfriend's house?" he asked.

Kongphop blinked several times in surprise at his grandfather's question. "Excuse me?"

"I'm assuming that you would want to stay with your boyfriend," Ukrit said tonelessly. "We can drive you there if you want." —a soft smile graced Kongphop's face— "Don't think I'm giving you my blessing," Ukrit said, noticing his grandson's smile. "I just don't want to see that scowl on your face anymore. I'm sick of it!"

"Thank you, Grandfather," Kongphop said. "But what about the press?"

"Don't worry about it," Ukrit replied. "I've taken care of the media and their annoying journalists for now. But that doesn't mean that you shouldn't be careful! If anyone notice you and that man, I will not help you at all! You hear?"

"Yes, Grandfather."

}{ }{ }{ }{ }{

Just as the previous session, Arthit's mood was gloomy. As soon as he reached home, he went upstairs to his bedroom where he threw himself on the bed. Knot, who met them in front of the house, followed him and let out a deep sigh. The bulky man wondered if he should call Kongphop and ask him to come over a second time, but then dismissed it. Arthit most likely would sulk again when the younger boy had to leave.

"Do you want to eat lunch?" Knott asked as he sat on the couch.

"No," Arthit replied.

"How was the session?" Knott asked.

"Please, Knott, don't ask," Arthit replied. "I don't want to talk about it."

"Was N'Kongphop there today?" Knott persisted.

"Of course. It's his mother's trial. He should be there," Arthit replied gloomily.

"Did you two talk?"

Arthit rose and glared at his friend. "Ai'Knott!" he snapped. "I told you I don't want to talk about it! Why are you bugging me so much?"

Knott chuckled amusedly. "Well, you're more fun when you're annoyed than when you're sulking," he teased. "Besides, I can't allow you to mope over spilt milk and fall into depression. Whatever happened in that session had already happened and done with. It's better if you let it go."

Arthit let out a defeated sigh as he slumped back into his bed. "I'm not sure if Kongphop and I would be able to be together again after today," he admitted.

Knott rolled his eyes. If he were paid every time he told his friend not to overthink about the future, he would be the wealthiest man on Earth by now. He couldn't believe how his friend was running in circles around himself like this with trivial issues. He was trying to think about a cynical comment to say when someone knocked on the door.

"P'Arthit, may I come in?" Kongphop's voice was heard from outside the room.

}{ }{ }{ }{ }{

"Are you sure you don't want to come with us tomorrow?" Arthit asked his boyfriend for the umpteenth time.

Two weeks passed since Kongphop returned living with him after the day of Mrs Suthiluck's first hearing. During these two weeks, the younger man refused to attend another court session with Arthit. Instead, he preferred to wait at home for Arthit and his father every time they had a court session. However, tomorrow's session was the last on Arthit's case, and the Judges finally would pass their judgments on Mrs Suthiluck, Benz, his fiancée and the rest of the offenders.

"Yes, P," Kongphop replied. "I don't want to go."

"But your mother—"

"P'!" Kongphop sharply cut him off. "Please, don't insist."

Arthit sighed before he sat next to his boyfriend on the bed. "Kong," he said. "Why don't you want to go to see your mother?"

Kongphop stared at the other man with sad eyes. "How can I go and see my mother standing in the court, P'?" he asked as tears trickled down his eyes. "Though I know that she deserves what the Judges will rule on her, she's still my mother. I can't bear to see my mother in that position, P'."

Letting out a deep sigh, Arthit wrapped his arms around his boyfriend and hugged him as the latter sobbed.

}{ }{ }{ }{ }{

The next day, Kongphop was in a bad mood since morning. He was silent as Arthit, Phet, and he ate their breakfast before the two left to attend the session. Taking a deep sigh, Kongphop busied himself with different house chores to distract his mind from thinking about his mother and what would happen to her today. After he was done with his chores, he started to prepare for lunch, though it was relatively early. The hours seemed to pass as if they were years until he heard the front door opening. Looking at the clock, Kongphop discovered that four hours had already passed.

"Hey," He dropped what he was doing and looked at the kitchen's entrance where Arthit stood.

"Hey," he replied.

"What are you doing?" Arthit asked.

"Lunch," Kongphop replied as he returned his attention to the pot in front of him.

"Isn't it early?"

"It's almost midday, P'," Kongphop commented, laughing lightly.

"Do you want me to help you?" Arthit asked, walking into the kitchen.

"No, I'm almost done,"

Arthit sat down on the small table, watching his boyfriend silently as he prepared their lunch. He was waiting for Kongphop to ask him about the trial, but the younger man didn't seem to be interested in knowing what sort of rule the Judges had passed on his mother or the rest of the culprits. After a while, when Kongphop stubbornly refused to say anything, Arthit decided to speak.

"Aren't you going to ask me about the trial?" he asked.

Kongphop halted what he was doing for a moment before he let out a deep sigh.

"What did the Judges rule?" he asked flatly.

"Your mother got three years in prison for inciting a crime," Arthit said in a low voice.

"And the rest?"

"Benz and the gang members were sentenced to life imprisonment without parole," Arthit replied. "Ms Jaturapattarapong got five years for aiding them."

Kongphop sighed deeply, trying to blink away the tears that pooled inside his eyes. Hearing that his mother would be spending time in prison for inciting the crime against his boyfriend had truly broken his heart.

Why would they be in such situation in the first place?

He didn't realize that his body was shaking as he sobbed silently until he felt warm arms embracing him from behind, and his boyfriend's forehead leaning on the back of his head.

"You can cry if you want," Arthit whispered. "I will be the one to wipe your tears."

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To Be Continued...

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Glossary:

Ukrit (M.): Supreme

Mae Phosop (F.): The spirit or soul of rice, the main staple of the Thai diet.

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Well, how was it?