Read Imperfectly - Perfect :: Meeting Thanaya: Introducing Milo to Family

Rattanakorn Mansion,

Milo emerged from his room with a determined look on his face as he slung a bag over his shoulder. He made his way down the hallway, his footsteps echoing softly against the polished floors. As he descended the grand staircase, several servants noticed him and exchanged curious glances.

"Where are you going, sir?" one of the servants asked, stepping forward with a concerned expression.

"I'm going to college," Milo replied, his voice steady, though his heart raced with the anticipation of a brief taste of normalcy.

The servant hesitated, glancing around nervously. "Did the boss allow you, sir?"

Before Milo could respond, another servant approached, nodding in agreement. "Yes, he allowed him yesterday. So that means he can go."

The first servant relaxed slightly, nodding back. "Alright, I'll tell the driver to drop you off."

Milo shook his head, a small sigh escaping his lips. "No, thank you. I'll go by myself. I don't want any attention at college."

The servant looked uncertain, but Milo's earnest expression seemed to reassure him. "Don't worry, I won't run away. I just want to be myself," Milo added, a hint of vulnerability in his voice.

After a moment's hesitation, the servant nodded. "Alright, sir. Please be careful."

Milo gave a grateful nod and made his way to the front door. As he stepped outside, he felt a mixture of apprehension and relief. For a few hours, he would escape the oppressive atmosphere of the mansion and try to relax, at least for a few hours.

***

Siam Institute of Technology,

Som and Waan stood by the entrance of the college, their eyes scanning the crowd anxiously for any sign of Milo. The morning sun cast long shadows, and the bustle of students around them seemed distant as they focused on their wait.

Som noticed Waan's tension and gently took his hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Don't worry, he will come today," Som said softly, his voice filled with confidence.

Waan sighed, looking down at their joined hands. "I hope so. I really hope so."

Som turned to face Waan, his expression softening. "Hey, relax. Milo will be here, and everything will be fine." He leaned in, brushing a light kiss on Waan's lips.

Waan's eyes widened in shock, his heart pounding. "How could you kiss me?" he stammered, his face flushing with a mix of surprise and confusion.

Som smiled, pulling Waan closer. "Why can't I?" he asked playfully.

Waan shook his head, still flustered. "No, you cannot. We are... we are friends, not boyfriends."

Som's grip tightened slightly, his eyes locking onto Waan's. "Really? Are we really just friends?" he asked, his voice dropping to a whisper.

Waan blushed deeply, his resolve weakening under Som's gaze. Just as he was about to respond, he noticed a familiar figure approaching. "Milo!" he exclaimed, breaking away from Som.

Som turned, his smile widening as he saw Milo walking towards them. "Milo! Over here!" he called out, waving enthusiastically.

Milo approached, a small smile on his lips as he saw his friends waiting for him. "Hey, guys," he greeted, feeling a warmth in his chest at their obvious concern and the sense of normalcy they brought to his chaotic life.

Waan quickly composed himself, stepping forward to greet Milo with a relieved smile. "We're so glad you made it," he said, his earlier worries melting away.

Som stood beside him, still holding Waan's hand. "Yeah, we were starting to think you wouldn't come today," he teased lightly.

Milo chuckled, shaking his head. "Don't worry. I can come to college."

"Thank God," Waan said with relief.

Milo, Som, and Waan walked through the bustling entrance of the college, the familiar sights and sounds providing a brief respite from Milo's troubled thoughts. The campus was alive with students chatting, laughing, and hurrying to their classes. For a moment, Milo felt a sense of normalcy wash over him, but it was short-lived.

As they made their way towards their building, Milo's heart sank at the sight of King, his ex-boyfriend, standing with a group of friends. The memories of their time together, both the good and the painful, rushed back, making his heart ache.

King's eyes met Milo's, and instead of the warmth they once shared, Milo saw only irritation and disdain. As King walked past them, he sneered, "Bastard."

Waan bristled at the insult, his face reddening with anger. "That guy---" he began, but Som quickly placed a hand on his shoulder, stopping him.

"Ignore him," Som said firmly, his voice low but steady. "It's just a waste of time."

Milo took a deep breath, his emotions a tangled mess inside him. He appreciated Som's attempt to defuse the situation and nodded slightly. "Let's just get to class," he said, trying to focus on the present.

Som and Waan flanked Milo protectively as they continued walking, their presence a silent support. As they entered the college building, the tension began to ease slightly.

***

City Hospital,

Arhit was methodically packing all of Thanaya's belongings into a bag, ensuring nothing was left behind. As he reached for the last item, he grabbed a well-worn teddy bear with one ear missing. Thanaya, who had been quietly observing, perked up at the sight of her beloved toy.

"Uncle, I want to hold him," she said softly, her eyes brightening.

Arhit smiled warmly and handed the teddy bear to her. "Here you go, Miss Thanaya."

Just then, Kiet entered the room, accompanied by a doctor and two nurses. His presence was commanding, as always, but his gaze softened slightly when he saw his daughter clutching her teddy bear.

"Is everything packed?" Kiet asked, his voice steady.

Arhit nodded. "Yes, sir. Everything is ready."

"Good, then let's get going," Kiet said, gesturing for the nurses to assist Thanaya.

The nurses gently helped Thanaya into the wheelchair, ensuring she was comfortable. "My teddy," she said, holding out her hand for the one-eared teddy bear.

Arhit quickly handed the teddy bear to Thanaya, who hugged it close to her chest. Kiet's eyes lingered on the toy for a moment, a flicker of a memory flashing in his mind.

He recalled a night long ago, the same one-eared teddy bear lying on the ground, soaked in blood. The memory was vivid and unsettling, a reminder of a dark chapter in his life. He shook off the memory, focusing on the present.

"Alright, let's move," Kiet said, his voice firm as he pushed the memory aside.

The group made their way out of the hospital room, with Arhit carrying the packed bag and the nurses guiding Thanaya's wheelchair. Kiet walked beside his daughter.

***

Siam Institute of Technology, Cafeteria,

Milo, Som, and Waan sat at a corner table in the bustling cafeteria, the air filled with the chatter and laughter of other students. Their trays were filled with food, but Milo barely touched his, pushing it around absentmindedly with his fork.

Som noticed Milo's pale complexion and furrowed his brow with concern. "Milo, you look a little pale. Did something happen again?"

Milo's mind flashed back to the previous night's encounter with Kiet, the scary look on his face still vivid in his memory. He forced a small smile and shook his head. "Yeah, everything is okay," he continued, mumbling, "I should really get used to it. It's better for everyone."

Waan exchanged a worried glance with Som before turning back to Milo. "Are you sure you're okay?" he asked, his voice soft but insistent.

Milo nodded, trying to seem more convincing. "Yes, I'm fine."

Som wasn't convinced. "Is he really going to marry you?"

Milo's heart sank as he met Som's eyes. "Yes," he said quietly. "He said the wedding will be within next week. That means, in three days, I will be married to him." He felt a heavy weight in his chest as he spoke the words.

Waan looked at Milo with a mix of sympathy and disbelief. "Are you ready for this, Milo?"

Milo chuckled bitterly, the sound hollow. "Do I have any other option?" he asked rhetorically, his eyes downcast.

Som reached across the table, placing a hand on Milo's arm. "You always have options, Milo. We can help you."

Milo shook his head, tears threatening to spill. "No, I can't risk it. If I try to run or fight back, everyone will be in danger. I have to go through with this."

Som and Waan looked at each other with concern.

***

Rattanakorn Mansion, Evening,

Milo stepped through the grand entrance of the Rattanakorn mansion, the familiar opulence now a suffocating reminder of his impending fate. The servants immediately straightened up, their expressions a mixture of deference and curiosity.

"Welcome back, sir," one of the servants said, greeting him with a polite bow.

Milo managed a small nod in return. "Thank you. Has Mr. Kiet returned yet?"

The servant shook her head. "No, sir. The boss will be arriving before dinner."

Milo's heart rate quickened at the thought of facing Kiet again. He forced a polite smile. "Alright, thank you."

The servants resumed their duties as Milo made his way through the hallways, each step feeling heavier than the last. The mansion, with its grand decor and elegant furnishings, felt more like a gilded cage than a home.

He ascended the stairs to his room, the weight of the day pressing down on him.

Bedroom, later,

Milo sat at his desk with his textbooks and laptop. He was diligently working on his assignment, trying to focus despite the constant anxiety gnawing at him. As he glanced at the clock, he noticed it was already 9 p.m.

"Is he not coming tonight?" Milo mumbled to himself, a mix of relief and apprehension in his voice.

Just then, the door swung open, and Kiet entered the room, loosening his tie and removing his jacket. The sudden presence of Kiet made Milo jump to his feet, his heart racing.

Kiet sighed heavily, removing his shirt and walking towards the wardrobe. He noticed the scattered assignments on Milo's desk and raised an eyebrow, puzzled. "Did you go to college today?" he asked, his tone menacing.

Milo nodded nervously. "Yes."

Kiet's eyes narrowed, his aura growing more intimidating. "And with whose permission did you go?" He pulled out his pajamas, his expression hardening. "Didn't I tell you that you are not allowed to leave the house without my permission?"

Milo flinched, his voice trembling. "Just... just let me complete my studies."

Kiet sighed, walking closer to Milo, his bare chest glistening under the room's light. "So, which semester are you in?"

"Fourth semester," Milo replied, his fear evident.

Kiet calculated quickly. "That means two more years," he said, more to himself than to Milo.

He sighed again, too tired for further argument. "Fine, you can go to college, but that doesn't mean you can do whatever you want. Just remember that my eyes will always be on you. I will be observing your every step. Don't do anything that will frustrate me."

Milo nodded, feeling a slight relief. "Yes, thank you," he said softly.

Kiet noticed the relief in Milo's eyes and walked even closer, pulling Milo by the waist, their bodies inches apart. "Just be a good wife, Milo. You will live a peaceful life here," Kiet said, his voice low and threatening.

Milo swallowed hard, his body trembling slightly as he nodded again. "I understand," he whispered.

Kiet smirked, releasing Milo and turning towards the wardrobe to finish changing. Just then, a knock sounded at the door, breaking the tense silence.

"Boss, dinner is ready," the servant announced from the hallway.

Kiet glanced towards the door and then back at Milo, who was still standing, a mixture of fear and confusion on his face. Kiet began to button his shirt, his movements deliberate and precise.

"Let's go," Kiet said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "I need to introduce you to someone."

Milo nodded silently, trying to steady his nerves as he followed Kiet out of the room. As they entered the dining room, Milo noticed a small figure sitting at the dining table in a wheelchair. The child, a girl about eight years old, looked up at him with wide, curious eyes. Milo and the Thanaya stared at each other in mutual confusion.

Thanaya turned to Kiet, her voice filled with innocent curiosity. "Papa, who is he?"

Milo, caught off guard, mumbled in shock, "Papa?"

Kiet took a seat at the head of the table, his demeanor calm and authoritative. "Milo, take a seat," he said, gesturing to a chair beside him. Milo complied, still trying to process the new development.

Kiet turned to the servants and said, "Serve the dinner."

The servants quickly began to lay out the meal, moving efficiently and quietly. Kiet then looked at his daughter. "Thanaya, this is Milo. I am marrying him in three days."

Milo felt his heart skip a beat as he looked at Kiet, stunned. He had never guessed that Kiet had a daughter, much less one so young.

Thanaya's confusion deepened. "Marrying him. But papa, how can you marry a man?"

Kiet, unfazed, began to eat his dinner. "Why can't I?" he asked calmly.

"Because only men and women can marry each other," Thanaya said innocently.

He then glanced at Milo before continuing, "Thanaya, men can marry men too. There is nothing wrong with it. Now, have your dinner; you need to take your medicines."

Milo watched the interaction, noticing the warmth in Kiet's eyes as he spoke to Thanaya. This was a side of Kiet he had never seen before, a stark contrast to the ruthless man he had come to know. It left Milo feeling even more disoriented.

"I didn't know you were married before and had a child," Milo said quietly, still trying to make sense of everything.

Kiet listened but didn't look up from his plate. "Now you know," he replied simply.

Milo nodded, taking a tentative bite of his food. The atmosphere was heavy with unspoken emotions and the weight of new revelations. Thanaya, despite her confusion, began to eat her dinner, occasionally glancing at Milo with curiosity.

As the meal progressed, Milo couldn't help but steal glances at Kiet, trying to reconcile the warm, fatherly figure before him with the cold, menacing man he had seen the previous night. It was a strange, conflicting image that only deepened the mystery of Kiet's character.