Soulful (TayNew)

Part - 1

Author Pov:-

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New’s world had shattered, seemingly overnight. Just seventeen and already having lost everything, he often felt as though he was wandering through a fog of confusion and grief. His parents, who had been his entire life, were now gone, their death the result of what many whispered wasn’t an accident. He could still remember the day of the crash—the phone call, the news that left him hollow, and the uneasy stares of everyone who seemed to know something he didn’t. The authorities had said it was an accident, but the undercurrent of suspicion still lingered.

It was Mr. Vihokratana, his father’s best friend, who had reached out to him after the tragedy. In a strange way, New was grateful. Without Mr. Vihokratana, he would have been completely alone. Moving into the Vihokratana house, however, wasn’t as easy as it seemed. It felt too big, too unfamiliar, and too distant from the world he had known. His room was beautifully furnished, but it didn’t feel like home. The walls were decorated with elegant artwork, the kind that whispered wealth and status, but none of it provided comfort. The house was silent most of the time, with only the hushed footsteps of the staff to remind him that he wasn’t alone.

There was one thing that kept him on edge—the absence of the Vihokratanas' only son, Tay Tawan. From what New had heard, Tay was away on business, managing some overseas operations for the family. Even though they had never met, New couldn’t help but feel a strange tension whenever Tay’s name was mentioned. He imagined what Tay might be like—successful, probably very handsome, with the same quiet authority his father carried.

Days passed, and New slowly started to adjust to his new life. He often found himself walking around the estate, exploring the vast gardens and the luxurious interior of the house. It felt strange to be surrounded by so much wealth, when not long ago, he had lived a simple life with his parents. Everything had changed, and New couldn’t shake the feeling that something even bigger was on the horizon. He just didn’t know what.

One evening, Mr. Vihokratana called New to his study. The room smelled of rich mahogany and leather, with shelves of old books lining the walls. New had grown used to these formal meetings with Tay’s father, but something about this one felt different.

“New,” Mr. Vihokratana began, his voice steady but serious, “there’s something important we need to discuss.”

New nodded, trying to read the older man’s expression. He had always been kind to New, but there was a sternness in his eyes tonight.

“I’ve been looking into the matter of your father’s company,” he continued. “There’s a very real threat that it could fall into the hands of the people responsible for your parents’ deaths.”

New’s heart skipped a beat. The idea that his parents had been murdered still felt surreal, but Mr. Vihokratana had never minced words when it came to the truth. His father’s company was all that was left of his family’s legacy, and the thought of it being taken over by those responsible for his loss was unbearable.

“There is a way to prevent this,” Mr. Vihokratana said, pausing for a moment as though choosing his next words carefully. “But it requires a serious commitment from both you and Tay.”

New’s stomach tightened. “What do you mean?”

Mr. Vihokratana’s gaze softened slightly. “The only way to secure the company’s future—and protect it from falling into the wrong hands—is for you and Tay to marry.”

New blinked, his mind struggling to catch up with what he had just heard. “M-married? To Tay?”

“Yes,” Mr. Vihokratana confirmed, his voice calm. “I know this is sudden, but it’s the best way to ensure that the company stays within the family. Tay will inherit the business, and you will be protected as his husband.”