Summer House

Chapter Twelve

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Chapter Twelve

- Suthiluck's Residence -

The elaborately decorated ballroom was draped in reams of white and pink satin. The scent of lilies filled the air and the guests chattered amongst themselves. The newly engaged couple were dressed in their own traditional engagement robs, greeting and socializing with their guests. Mirae, though dressed in a fine pink and purple robe, looked stunning as the bride-to-be with her hair pulled back from her heart-shaped face. Chris on the other hand, looked more than happy, parading around with Mirae by his side in a simple deep blue and yellow robe.

Derek Suthiluck, the head director of a high fashion modeling agency, stood at the far end of the room, with his elegantly dressed wife by his side, smiling and bowing to the guests as they passed by.

Arthit could see the uncanny resemblance between the elderly man and his first son. Their eyes both held the same dark mystery about them.

Kongpob Suthiluck remained hidden in the shadows standing at the far end of the room, dressed in a stylish cream colored opened collared tailored suit minus the tie along with a pair of expensive shades to cover his eyes. His hair fell unruly over his shades. He was too focused staring at his father that he was oblivious to the stares he received from all the young women at the party.

Disappointed that Kongpob had brought him to a party in which he refused to make himself known, Arthit felt cheated, uncomfortable and he wanted to leave. Aside from that, he had lost Tay the moment they entered the room. He hoped he was around somewhere, remaining out of trouble.

Don't worry, Arthit. I'm around, watching. You just continue doing what you're doing. If you're bored hanging onto him, take a walk around.

Shit, I forgot about the mind-reading thing. Arthit cursed in his head, before answering Tay back. What makes you think I'm hanging onto him?

Look at where your arm is.

Arthit knew Tay was right. The problem was with Kongpob. He hadn't let go of his arm since the moment they entered the building.

These humans, they're too involved with themselves.

Arthit looked around to notice that he too had caught some attention from some of the female and to his surprise, male lookers as well. One man approached him and offered him a glass of champagne and he kindly declined him. Kongpob who hadn't been paying attention to him, didn't take notice until Arthit removed his arm from him.

"Where are you going?" Kongpob asked urgently as he came from behind, gently taking Arthit's arm as if he belonged to him. Arthit started to feel a little uncomfortable when he caught the eyes of the onlookers, staring in their direction and whispering to themselves. He looked up at Kongpob and smiled innocently. "I was looking for Tay."

"Why?"

Yeah, why, Arthit? Arthit heard Tay question him in his mind, his smirk evident in his tone.

"I...well. I'm a little concerned for him."

Oh, really?

Arthit fought the urge to snap at Tay's teasing tone. He needed to get used to hearing Tay inside his head and Tay needed to learn how to stay out of it.

Sorry. I'm out. But if you keep thinking about me like that, I can't control it.

Get out!

"I'm sure he could handle himself," Kongpob said, guiding Arthit towards Chris and Mirae who approached them from the opposite end.

Chris hurried over to take his brother's arm and led them outside the room, ordering the guards to shut the door behind them. And then, they were alone in the grand hallway. It was just the four of them, looking at each other in awkward silence.

Mirae inclined her head towards Arthit who quickly returned the same courtesy.

Chris, whose hand was still around his older brother, said with a smile, "I'm glad you came."

Kongpob displayed a warm smile and said, "I'm glad for the both of you." He looked over to Mirae who automatically looked down as if she couldn't bear to face him.

Arthit didn't understand their relationship, but she could tell that Mirae had liked Kongpob long before she liked his younger brother.

"Arthit, you look amazing," Chris remarked, coming over to place both hands on Arthit's shoulders and spinning him around to observe him fully.

"Kong, you got him all made up. He looks very handsome in a suit!" he let out a low whistle and then pouted. "I'm jealous."

"Hey, you have your fiancée to worry about," Kongpob scolded him, slightly scowling.

Chris chuckled and went over to Mirae, placing an arm around her shoulder and holding her close to him. "Yeah, I'm lucky."

Arthit admired the way Chris held Mirae, and the way he looked into her eyes. It was so full of love and admiration that he felt envious of never having felt such adoration during his short life.

At that moment, Kongpob decided to introduce them. "Arthit. This is Mirae, Chris's fiancée and Mirae, this is Arthit," he paused as to think about it, "a friend of mine."

"Pleasure. How long have you two known each other?" Mirae asked with a gentle smile.

Both Arthit and Kongpob looked at each other in question.

Chris cut in to answer for them. "Ever since he got to the summer house. Kongpob met Arthit there. Arthit lives close by. Anyway, I was thinking, let's go catch some fresh air outside in the back of the house."

They all agreed and followed Chris toward the back of the house, leading them down a corridor full of family portraits of Derek Suthiluck, his wife, Chris and Kayla. Kongpob's solo portraits were nowhere to be found and he wasn't included in any of the family portraits.