ARRANGED MARRIAGE (REVISED VERSION)

Chapter 1

Promises and Paths

"Mom? I'm sorry, but I don't want to do this..." Win's voice trembled as he spoke, tears welling in his eyes. He felt a storm of emotions brewing within him, each wave crashing harder than the last.

"Win, you know you need to do this," his mother replied softly, wrapping her arms around him in a comforting embrace. "For our company and for your grandpa. He's sick right now, and time is running out. Please, make your grandpa happy one last time."

Win leaned into her, overwhelmed by the weight of expectation.

EARLIER THAT DAY

Win had been summoned to his family's mansion shortly after arriving home from university. His mother had mentioned a visitor from another company, and he initially assumed it was a routine partnership discussion. He was blissfully unaware of the life-altering news that awaited him.

Once inside his room, he took a moment to pamper himself, hoping to shake off the fatigue of the day. After a brief shower and changing into comfortable clothes, he heard a soft knock at his door.

"Sir Win, your mom is calling you. The visitors are already here," the maid informed him.

"Okay, I'll be down in a minute," Win replied, straightening up and brushing his hair back with his fingers.

As he made his way down the grand staircase, he spotted the familiar figures of Mr. and Mrs. Chivaaree, friends of the family. A warm smile crossed his face.

"How are you, Mrs. and Mr. Chivaaree?" he greeted them.

"We're fine, Win. You're looking so good, huh," Mrs. Chivaaree responded with a beaming smile.

"Oh, I'm fine too, Mrs. Chivaaree. Let's head to the dining room first; I'd hate for the food to get cold," he suggested, ushering them ahead.

Once in the kitchen, Mr. Chivaaree offered a polite apology for his son's tardiness due to traffic. Win's mind wandered. He remembered Bright, the Chivaaree's son who had been living in Canada. They had never been close, as they had drifted apart during childhood.

After a short wait, Bright arrived at the mansion, greeted by a maid who led him to the dining room.

"Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Opas-iamkajorn. Sorry for being late; the traffic was terrible," he said, his voice tinged with exhaustion.

"Not a problem at all. Sit down, let's eat," Mrs. Opas-iamkajorn replied warmly.

Bright took the seat beside Win, who merely nodded in greeting before diving into the meal. The air was thick with an unspoken tension, but they all focused on the food, as though it could alleviate the weight of the conversation to come.

After the meal, they moved to Win's father's office. Win's heart raced as he sat down, the anticipation gnawing at him.

"Win, you're going to marry Bright," his father announced suddenly, sending a jolt of shock through the room.

"What?! Are you serious?" Win's voice cracked, disbelief washing over him.

His mother squeezed his hand, trying to offer comfort amidst the turmoil. "You both need to understand—this is for the good of our families."

"Why? This is insane! We're both men!" Win protested, his voice rising in pitch.

"I know, but times have changed, Win. Love can take many forms. This isn't just about you two; it's about our families," his mother countered gently.

Bright, seated beside Win, appeared equally stunned. "As if I have a choice..." he muttered, the weight of his own resignation heavy in the air.

The parents continued to discuss the wedding plans, the logistics, and the importance of fulfilling their late grandfather's promises, while Win and Bright sat in silence, absorbing the overwhelming reality.

After the Chivaarees left, Win turned to his mother in desperation. "Mom, can we talk?" he pleaded.

They sat together on the edge of his bed, Win's heart aching. "I'm really not okay with this," he admitted, his voice shaking.

"Win, please understand that this is for our family's future," she urged, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Your grandpa is sick, and this would mean the world to him."

Win felt crushed, his dreams and desires overshadowed by duty. "You know I love you, right? But this feels... wrong," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

"You need to take a rest now. Tomorrow is Saturday, and you should meet Bright," she instructed gently, rising to leave.

Defeated, Win lay back on his bed, staring at the ceiling. "I think I'm going to go crazy," he muttered to himself, the gravity of his predicament pressing down on him.

Meanwhile, at the Chivaaree household, Bright was grappling with his own thoughts. He wanted to avoid his parents, but his mother called him from downstairs.

"Bright..." she began, her tone serious.

"What is it again, Mom? I'm really not in the mood," he replied, fatigue coloring his voice.

"I know, but this is Win's number. Please call him. You two need to meet tomorrow to discuss the wedding plans," she instructed before retreating with his father.

Sighing, Bright felt the absurdity of his situation. He picked up his phone, knowing he wasn't the only one trapped in this arrangement.

In his room, he lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling as thoughts swirled in his mind. "Should I call him?" he wondered, finally deciding he had no choice.

Phone Call

"Hello, this is me, Bright," he said when Win picked up.

"Oh, where did you get my number?" Win sounded surprised.

"From my mom. I know you're also shocked by this, and I'm sorry," Bright replied, his tone softening.

"No, we're both stuck in this," Win said, a hint of resignation in his voice.

"Anyway, let's meet tomorrow. We need to talk about everything," Bright suggested.

"Yeah, okay. Just send me the location," Win replied, trying to sound agreeable.

"Okay," Bright said before ending the call.

After hanging up, exhaustion washed over him, and Bright drifted off to sleep, his mind still racing with the implications of their arranged marriage. The weight of their shared future loomed over them both, casting shadows of uncertainty on paths they never intended to walk.