The Way to a Man's Heart

Chapter 18

A/N: The image above does not belong to me. It belongs to the person who uploaded it on the internet.

Third Person POV

"Papa! No!" Dome tried to stop his father but it was too late.

Mr. Ratthanaphast had also seen Tae walk into the restaurant and waved to Tae, saying, "Tae! Come and join us! We're celebrating my birthday today!"

Before Tae could reach their table, Dome sprung up from his chair and ran towards the gents.

Dome swung the door of the gents wide open and rushed inside, promptly running into someone's hard chest.

"Dome!"

"Pavel! What are you doing here???

"What do you mean what am I doing here? What are YOU doing here?"

"I'm here with my parents to celebrate my father's birthday. How about you? Are you on a date with anyone this evening?"

"No, Dome, ever since Khaotung ditched me I have always eaten alone, either in my studio or in restaurants. I read about this newly opened restaurant on the internet and decided to check it out this evening. But wait, why do you look so pale and frightened? Why is your whole body shaking? Come here, let me hold you to calm you down."

Wrong move. Dome broke down and cried into Pavel's chest.

"What is happening, Dome?" Pavel asked gently.

"I ... I  ... I need your help," Dome was still sobbing.

"Tell me how I can help you," Pavel was all ears.

"Can you pretend to be my boyfriend just for tonight?"

"What???" Pavel let go of Dome in shock.

"Listen, Pavel. Let me explain." Dome said tearfully. "Tae came into the restaurant just now."

"The guy who came to see you at our building the other evening?"

"Yes."

"What is he to you? Why is he having this effect on you?"

"He is my ex-boyfriend."

"I figured as much." Pavel said under his breath.

"What?"

"Nothing. Go on. So tell me why you want me to be your boyfriend."

"Not actual boyfriend! Just pretend boyfriend! And just for tonight!"

"Okay, okay, just pretend boyfriend, and just for tonight. Now tell me why."

"My father invited him to join us at our table but I know that he is here with his new boyfriend."

"Did you know before tonight that he has a new boyfriend?"

"No! I thought all this time he was still trying to get back together with me, that bloody bastard!"

"Did you get to see who this bloody bastard's new boyfriend is?"

"Yes! What is your boss' name?"

"Why do you want to know?"

"Because he is my ex-boyfriend's new boyfriend!!!"

"Tee??? My boss Tee??? Holy shit!"

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In the meantime, back at Mr. Ratthanaphast's table, Tae had brought Tee with him to join them.

Tae had introduced Tee to Dome's father and Dome's father invited Tee to join his birthday celebration. Tae had explained that he had been to Tee's company building which Mr. Ratthanaphast knew was owned by Tae's father. Tae informed Mr. Ratthanaphast that he had gone to see Tee about the renewal of his lease contract. Mr. Ratthanaphast was pleased to meet Tee and told him to join the group.

"The more the merrier," Mr. Ratthanaphast said with a chuckle, unaware that his son was in a right state inside the gents.

"Let's order ahead of Dome," Mr. Ratthanaphast said when a uniformed waiter came to their table. "He just went to the gents. He will be back soon. In fact, here he is now. Wait, what in heaven's name."

Everybody looked in the direction of Pavel and Dome walking towards them.

Pavel had his arms draped lovingly across Dome's shoulder.