BOUND BY SECRETS

The tense silence in the Pongsapak mansion was unbearable. Santa's heart pounded as the weight of Perth's accusations hung in the air.

Tong stood frozen, disbelief clouding his face. His father's sins had been laid bare - the death of his beloved elder brother and sister-in-law, planned by none other than Niran Pongsapak.

"Is it true?" Tong's voice trembled, his hands clenched into fists. "Did you really kill Pong and Anne?"

Niran's cold gaze bore into his son, devoid of remorse. "They stood in the way. For the family's power and legacy, sacrifices had to be made."

Santa tightened his hold on Emmy, who was still reeling from the revelation. Tears streamed down her face as she shook her head in denial.

"You're a monster," Tong spat, his eyes blazing with anger. "But I won't let you hurt my son!"

Niran's expression twisted into one of disdain. "If protecting this family means eliminating obstacles, then I will not hesitate."

His voice dropped dangerously low. "Even if that obstacle is your son."

Santa gasped, his legs trembling beneath him. Perth immediately stepped in front of him, his protective stance unwavering.

"U can never," Perth growled, his eyes locked on Niran.

Tong's eyes burned with unrelenting fury as he faced his father. The man he had once respected now stood as a cold-hearted murderer. The very foundation of the Pongsapak family was built on blood and betrayal.

"Is this how you’ve kept your throne?" Tong spat, his voice trembling with rage. "By destroying lives? By killing my brother?"

Niran's face twisted with disdain.

"Pong and Anne were foolish. They thought they could bring me down. But they underestimated the power of the Pongsapak name."

He took a step closer, his cold eyes narrowing. "And now, you will too if you stand in my way."

But before anyone could respond, the large wooden doors swung open. The sudden intrusion made everyone turn.

"Santa has to marry my son."

Jirawit's voice echoed through the grand hall as he entered, followed by Title, who wore a victorious smirk.

Behind them, several men in black suits filed in, their imposing presence adding to the suffocating atmosphere.

"Enough of these games," Jirawit said coldly. "A deal was made. The marriage will happen."

"No!" Tong barked, stepping forward. "I will not let my son marry into your vile family!"

Jirawit sneered. "You have no choice. Either Santa becomes my son-in-law, or there will be consequences. Think carefully, Tong."

At the signal of a subtle nod from Jirawit, his men moved closer, their expressions dark and unreadable. Santa clutched Perth's hand tightly, his chest heaving in fear.

"Don't you dare touch my son!" Tong roared, his protective instincts overriding his fear. In a burst of fury, he shoved Niran backward.

The older man stumbled, his eyes wide with shock. For the first time, Niran saw the defiance in Tong's eyes - the unwavering resolve of a father protecting his child.

"Stay away from Santa," Tong growled, his voice trembling with rage. "You will not lay a finger on him!"

Niran steadied himself, his face contorted in fury. But before he could retort, Title took a step forward, his eyes narrowing at Santa.

"You're coming with me," Title said, his voice low and threatening.

"Don't worry, darling," Title taunted. "You'll learn to accept your place soon enough."

"Like hell he is," Perth snarled.

In a swift motion, Perth pulled Santa behind him, shielding him from Title's looming presence. His jaw tightened, every muscle in his body tensed as the tension thickened.

"You'll have to go through me first," Perth declared, his glare locked onto Title.

The room was heavy with the threat of violence, the air thick with dread.

Santa's breath caught in his throat. But even in the face of looming danger, Perth stood tall - a silent vow of protection emanating from him.

And Santa knew, no matter what happened next, Perth would never let anyone harm him.

To be continued... 🖤🤍