LAST CHRISTMAS I GAVE YOU MY HEART

Chapter 4: A calculated risk

'Kinn are you crazy?' 'You can't possibly think up something like this.' Both his mom and aunt protested.

'This is the only way. I have to protect the company and its people.'

'But I can't allow my son to do something like this.' Leah argued.

'Mom, didn't you always tell me with great power comes great responsibility. I have to be responsible and the world will know that we have separated amicably due to incompatibility and irreconcilable differences. It would be fine.'

'Those words about power and responsibility I read it in some comics I won't let my son sacrifice like this.' Leah looked bewildered.

'It's the only way Leah' Mr. Korn interrupted.

'How can you say that. He is our son.'

'I know he is our son. I am damn proud of him. He knows what he is doing. Just one thing we need to vet the probable candidates fast'

'I can't believe you are ok with this ridiculous idea.'

'Please mum. Everything will be fine. Trust me. It's a calculated risk but we have to take it.' Kinn hugged Leah

'I will take care of the vetting. Find me the candidates first.' Tankhun said.

Right then one of Pete's subordinates knocked. He was allowed to enter. He handed a personnel file to Tankhun and said, 'Someone downstairs left it for you Sir.'

'Oh. Ok I will deal with it later.'

'What is it?' Korn asked

'It's just a background check for the kid I picked up in the park. He needs a job. I will do it later.' He drops the file in the table.

Everybody knows Tankhun's habit of picking people to help them. Pete was one of his first.

Kinn picks up the folder goes through it. 

'He looks like the perfect candidate.' He murmurs.

'What?!'

 'Are you crazy?' 

'Impossible.' 

'Kinn think about.' 

'No way.' 

'Don't be impulsive.' 

'We don't know him.' 

'You can't be that reckless.' 

There was an uproar all around the room. Only Korn remained quiet.

Kinn raised his hands to silent them.

'I don't need a husband. I need a subordinate to follow me. I want someone loyal who will be grateful to me. I need to keep up the fiasco for one year then I will terminate the contract. All he needs to do is stay here and appear in official and social gatherings with me, rest of the time he could be Hia Khun's page boy for all I care.'

'But he is just nineteen.' Tankhun protested

'Eighteen years eleven months four days to be exact.' Khun said coldly. 'He is older than eighteen that's all it takes.'

'Do you think anyone will believe it.' Leah tried one last time to dissuade Kinn.

'Why not mom? Everyone came to know about my relationship six months ago. So, he was already eighteen then. No harm no foul. And as for the media they would love a Cinderella story for their gossip column. Also, he used to work in one of the bars I regularly visit. So, you see its perfect.'

'Will he agree?' Korn asked

'Of course, he will. He needs money. I doubt he would disagree to anything at this point. Pete read aloud the file.' Kinn retorted without any emotion.

Pete took the file and started reading:

'Name: Porsche Pachara Kittisawasd

DOB: 20th January 2004

Father: (deceased 2008). Firefighter. Killed in the line of duty while saving two kids from a burning building.

Mother: Namphueng Kittisawasd. Nurse. Retired. Age 45 years. Single handed raised her two sons until five years ago when she was detected with Multiple Sclerosis and was slowly losing her mobility.

Siblings: Porchay Pitchaya Kittisawasd. Age 14 years. High school student.

Degree: High school graduate. Dropped out of regular school to help earn for his family since he was 14. Managed to pass high school with distinction in online mode.

Career: Worked multiple jobs since 14. Presently working at Yok's diner during the day. La costa bar at night. Works at parties as waiter for extra tips. Lost his job at La costa last night.

He wasn't able to pay for electricity bills for two months and his brother's school fees is also pending due to the mounting medical bills. Even the medical attention his mother is receiving isn't even one-third of what she needs right now.'

Pete stopped. He felt really bad for the kid. He also comes from a humble background. He understands Porsche's struggles. He was lucky that Tankhun found him when he was just 10. But Porsche he was all alone and fighting not to mention had a lot of responsibilities.

Pete's train of thought was broken by Kinn. 'See told you he won't say no.'

Pete can't recognize this version of Kinn. He was never overly emotional but he is a good man. But this is downright cold and cruel. Taking advantage of a boy like this. Well, everyone processes things differently. Not to mention the boy's life will turn better because one thing he knows about the Theerapanyakuns it's that they keep their word.