Rules and Rebellion (Chapter 5)

The sound of running water filled the room.

Arthit stood still, staring at the closed bathroom door.

No one had ever talked to him like that.

No one.

And yet—

That boy…

He ran a hand through his hair and turned away.

“Ridiculous.”

A few minutes later, the bathroom door opened.

Thais stepped out, avoiding Arthit’s gaze.

The room fell into an uncomfortable silence.

“Come downstairs,” Arthit said.

“For what?” Thais asked.

“Breakfast.”

“I don’t want to eat.”

Arthit’s expression didn’t change.

“I don’t want people to think I starve a mouse in my house.”

Thais frowned. He wanted to argue—

But his stomach betrayed him.

He hadn’t eaten since last night.

“…Fine.”

...Dining Hall...

The table was filled with food.

Too much food.

Thais stopped for a moment, stunned.

Back at the orphanage, even three meals a day were a privilege.

This world… was never meant for me.

He hesitated before sitting down.

Servant Yai stepped forward with a warm smile.

“Did you sleep well, Mr. Thais?”

“Yes, Uncle Yai,” Thais replied gently.

For a second—

Arthit paused.

The same person who argued with him just now…

Was smiling so easily at someone else.

Yai then turned to Arthit.

“Good morning, Master.”

He bowed slightly.

Arthit gave a small nod.

After the food was served, Arthit waved his hand.

The servants quietly left the room.

Silence returned.

“If you’re living in this house, you will follow some rules,” Arthit said calmly, his eyes on his plate.

Thais looked up.

“You will not interfere in my life. I will not interfere in yours.”

He paused.

“This marriage is only for show.”

His voice turned colder.

“I don’t like you. I married you because Grandma forced me. That’s all.”

Each word landed heavily.

Something tightened in Thais’s chest.

He already knew this.

But hearing it directly…

Still hurt.

Thais leaned back slightly.

Then—

He smirked.

“Do you think I’m dying to marry you… Uncle?”

The word hung in the air.

Arthit froze.

“What did you just call me?” His voice turned sharp.

Thais met his gaze without hesitation.

“I called you ‘uncle.’ You’re ten years older than me, aren’t you? That makes you an uncle.”

A dangerous silence filled the room.

Thais continued, his tone calm but provoking—

“I like your first rule, though. I don’t want to interfere in a mad dog’s life either.”

He tilted his head slightly.

“Old dogs are dangerous. They bite.”

A faint sound escaped from Yai—almost like a suppressed laugh.

That was enough.

Arthit’s chair scraped loudly as he stood up.

In one step, he reached Thais—

And grabbed his hand, pulling him up.

“Say that again,” Arthit said, his voice low and dangerous.

Thais didn’t flinch.

He looked straight into Arthit’s eyes.

“Do you think I’m afraid to?”

The room fell completely silent.

Tension thickened in the air.

“Master—” Yai stepped forward carefully.

But before he could finish—

Thais pulled his hand free.

“Uncle Yai, thank you for the breakfast,” he said calmly.

“I’m leaving.”

Without looking back—

He walked out.

Arthit stood there.

Still.

His jaw tight.

His eyes dark.

Watching him leave.

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