A Marriage Built on Lies” (Chapter 3)

“This place was never meant to feel like home.”

After saying that, Thais went to sleep.

At midnight, soft footsteps approached his room. The door slowly opened. The man inside saw Thais sleeping peacefully. He walked quietly to the study table and sat on the chair.

It was Arthit.

He was still wearing his black suit. He took out a cigarette box from his pocket, lit one, and looked at Thais in silence.

...Arthit’s POV...

...Few Days Before the Marriage...

“What is wrong with you?!” Grandma Jade shouted. “Why don’t you understand? He is with you for money. He doesn’t love you!”

“Don’t talk like that, Grandma. Aroon loves me,” Arthit replied coldly. “He is the male model of Suwan Group.”

“You stupid boy! He already left you once—for money!”

“That’s a lie,” Arthit said firmly. “Grandpa made that story. I don’t believe it.”

Without looking back, Arthit walked out.

Suddenly, Grandma Jade collapsed.

Servant Yai rushed forward, held her, and immediately called Secretary Ploy.

...At the Orphanage...

“How are you, Madam Jade?” Father Adam asked politely.

“Not good,” she replied. “Arthit never listens to me when it comes to that bastard. I want Arthit and Thais to get married as soon as possible.”

She paused, then continued, “You know why my late husband, Decha, didn’t want anyone to know about Thais. But now… I think it’s time.”

“I understand, Madam Jade,” Adam said. “Decha sir did everything to protect Thais. After he passed away, I promised his parents I would take care of him. You know the consequences if anything happens to him.”

“You don’t need to remind me,” Jade said. “Thais is my grandson too.”

At that moment, Thais entered the room.

“Father Adam, you called me?”

“Yes,” Adam said. “This is Madam Jade.”

Thais bowed slightly. “Hello, Madam Jade.”

She immediately hugged him.

“You don’t have to call me Madam. Call me Grandma.”

Thais looked at Adam for permission. Adam nodded.

“Okay… Grandma.”

“Good,” she smiled. “The wedding will be next Friday.”

She left.

Thais stood there, confused.

“Father… whose wedding?”

“Yours,” Adam replied.

“What?!”

“Yes. You are going to marry Madam Jade’s grandson.”

Thais was shocked.

“I know how you feel,” Adam continued. “But we don’t have another choice. The orphanage has no funding. In a few weeks, we won’t have food or resources. The children will suffer.”

He took a deep breath.

“Madam Jade said if you marry her grandson, she will take care of everything. But I won’t force you. The decision is yours.”

He left.

Thais went to his room and sat on the bed. His heart felt heavy. Tears rolled down his cheeks.

“How can I get married…? I’m only 20… and to a man…”

He had never even thought about love or marriage. All he ever wanted was to grow up and earn money for the orphanage.

“Why me…?”

The door opened.

“Thais! What happened?” Jack rushed in and hugged him.

Thais told him everything.

“What the hell?!” Jack shouted. “How can Father do this? You can’t get married! I’ll talk to him!”

“Jack,” Adam’s voice interrupted. “Don’t shout. The children can hear you.”

“How can you do this?!” Jack said angrily. “He’s too young!”

“Mind your words,” Adam replied firmly. “And don’t raise your voice in front of me. I’m doing this for his own good.”

After hearing that, Jack left the room silently.

Adam hugged Thais. “I’m doing this for your future. I hope you understand.”

Thais wiped his tears.

“…Okay, Father. I will get married.”

But deep inside…

He felt something break.

...At Arthit’s Office...

Arthit was sitting in his cabin. Aroon was sitting on his lap.

Suddenly, his phone rang.

“Master, get ready for your marriage,” Secretary Ploy said.

“What?” Arthit stood up angrily. “What are you saying?”

“It has been decided by Madam Jade.”

“Tell Grandma to stay at home. I’m coming.”

He cut the call and walked out.

Aroon tried to stop him, but Arthit didn’t look back.

...At Arthit’s House...

“What the hell, Grandma?!” Arthit shouted. “You know very well I don’t want to get married! Then where did this idea come from?”

“I know that,” she said calmly. “But you have to get married. That’s my decision.”

“What if I say no?” Arthit asked.

“You know I like Aroon,” he added. “If I marry, I will marry him.”

“No,” she said firmly. “Not in this lifetime. Not while I’m alive. He will never enter this house.”

“Fine,” Arthit said coldly. “Then do whatever you want. I’m not marrying anyone.”

He walked out.

Suddenly—

Grandma Jade collapsed again.

“Madam Jade!” Yai and Ploy shouted.

“Call the ambulance!”

Hearing them, Arthit rushed back inside.

...At the Hospital...

After an hour, the doctor came out.

“She is stable. It was a mild attack, but we must be careful.”

Doctor Kom, a family relative, looked at Arthit seriously.

“Her blood pressure is unstable. If this happens again, it could be dangerous. Take care of her.”

Arthit nodded and went inside.

Holding her hand, he whispered, “Why, Grandma…? You are my only family. I can’t lose you.”

She slowly opened her eyes.

“Then… marry Thais…”

Arthit froze.

“If you don’t want to lose me… marry him.”

He wanted to refuse.

But he couldn’t.

“…Okay,” he said quietly. “I’ll do it.”

She smiled.

Later

“Are you sure this is right, Madam Jade?” Ploy asked.

“This is the only way,” Jade said. “Even if I threaten him with money or property, he won’t listen. This is the only way to make him agree.”

“But what if he finds out the truth?” Yai asked.

“He won’t,” she said firmly.

“But, You shouldn’t risk your health like this Aunt Jade,” Doctor Kom said as he entered.

"Oh, my sweetheart nephew is here, Thank you so much for helping kom,"Grandma Jade said while looking at Doctor kom.

" It's alright Aunt but, don't you think that, if you force them into it, it will only make them suffer", doctor kom said with concern tone.

“I know,” she replied. “But this is for Arthit. Once he meets Thais… he will change.”

...At Aroon’s Condo...

“Kulap, find every detail about Thais. I want everything within an hour,” Arthit said over the phone.

“Yes, sir.”

After ending the call with his secretary, Kulap, Arthit sat on the edge of the bed, lost in thought.

The bathroom door opened softly.

Aroon stepped out.

Drops of water trailed down from his damp hair, falling onto his bare neck. He was wearing one of Arthit’s shirts—slightly oversized, the top buttons left undone.

He walked slowly toward him.

Arthit’s eyes followed him, unblinking.

Aroon stopped right in front of him, then leaned in and sat beside him on the bed.

“Still thinking about it?” he asked softly.

Without waiting for an answer, Aroon’s hand reached out, gently touching Arthit’s shoulder… then sliding up to his neck.

Slow. Careful.

He leaned closer.

Their faces inches apart.

Aroon’s fingers moved to Arthit’s shirt, slowly unbuttoning it, one by one… his gaze never leaving Arthit’s eyes.

Then, without breaking that gaze—

He leaned in and kissed him.

Soft at first.