BOUND BY SECRETS

"I will do it but not now"... Santa mumbled...eyes filled with tears

Just then Praew and joss arrived...

The air in the grand hall grew suffocating. Santa's trembling hands balled into fists, his heart pounding as every eye bore into him.

Niran stood tall, his piercing gaze demanding obedience.

“You're in no position to bargain,” Tong growled, his voice echoing across the marble walls.
“You think tears will change anything?”

Santa's voice trembled, but his resolve held firm. “I-I can't.”

A vein pulsed in Tong’s temple. “Can’t? Or won’t?”

“I…” Santa’s words faltered as the looming presence of his father bore down on him. Every fiber of Santa’s being wanted to scream, to plead. But this wasn’t the time for weakness.

The chains of fear had bound him for too long.

“You want me to kill your beloved?” Niran’s voice was low, deadly. “Is that what you’re asking for?”

“No!” Santa's voice cracked, and before he could stop himself, the words tumbled from his lips.

“I can't marry because I’m already married!”

Silence.....

The words hung heavy in the air, Every set of eyes widened in disbelief, the shock cutting through like a dagger.

Niran's brows furrowed, his cold facade momentarily cracking.

Tong's jaw clenched, the disbelief in his eyes quickly morphing into unfiltered rage.

Praew gasped.... Joss was shocked..

But it was Perth’s reaction that struck Santa the hardest. Even though he stood tall, his jaw tight, the slight widening of his eyes showed just how unprepared he was for Santa’s declaration.

“Wh-What did you say?” Tong’s voice was low, almost trembling.

Santa swallowed the lump in his throat, straightening his shoulders. His knees felt weak, but the strength in his voice remained unwavering.

“I’m already married,” he repeated, the words firm this time. “And I won’t betray my husband.”

A deadly silence followed.

“Who?” Niran’s voice cut through the room like ice. “Who did you marry without my consent?”

Santa’s lips parted, his heart hammering. He could feel Perth’s eyes on him, the silent plea lingering in the air. But there was no other choice.

Santa’s trembling gaze shifted to Perth.

“Him,” he whispered, barely audible. “I married Phi Perth.”

Gasps erupted from everyone and  Tong’s face twisted in shock, his fists trembling with barely contained fury.

“You…” Tong’s voice dripped with venom. “You dare stand here and claim that you married him?”

“I did.” Santa’s voice cracked, but the determination in his gaze didn’t waver. “Phi Perth is my husband.”

“Lies,” Niran spat, his face darkening. “A desperate, pathetic lie to avoid your responsibilities.”

“It’s the truth,” Santa insisted, his eyes welling with tears.

“We have registered our marriage. It's almost been six month's....There’s nothing you can do to change that.”

Perth took a step forward, his protective instincts flaring as he faced Niran and Tong. Though his heart pounded, his voice remained composed.

“Santa is telling the truth.”

The weight of Perth’s words sent another wave of shock through the room. Niran’s face twisted with disbelief, his fury barely contained.

“You fool,” Niran seethed. “You’ve not only disgraced this family, but you’ve destroyed everything we built.”

Santa stepped closer to Perth, his trembling fingers reaching for the comfort of his hand.

“I won’t let you control me anymore. Phi Emmy has nothing to do with this. Let her go.”

Niran’s eyes burned with fury, but Santa held his ground.

“This isn’t over,” Niran growled. “Not by a long shot.”

Perth’s grip on Santa’s hand tightened protectively, his jaw clenched.
“We’ll face whatever comes next. Together.”

Santa nodded, his tears falling freely. For once, the fear didn’t consume him. Because no matter what happened, he knew one thing for sure...

he wasn’t alone...

To be continued... 🖤🤍