Silent Allure

chapter 8

Pete lay on his bed, the soft glow of his bedside lamp casting a warm light across the room. He couldn't shake the smile from his face as he replayed the day's events in his mind, each memory a cherished treasure.

The sensation of Vegas's lips on his own sent a flutter through his chest, a feeling of belonging washing over him like a gentle tide. Despite the challenges his disability presented, Vegas treated him with such kindness and affection, unlike anyone else before. Even his own mother, with her sharp words and disappointed glances, seemed a world away in that moment.

But as the joy of the day began to settle, a shadow of doubt crept into Pete's thoughts. What if this happiness was nothing but a fleeting dream, destined to vanish with the dawn? What if Vegas's affection was merely a facade, concealing cruel intentions beneath its surface?

Clutching his piggy plushie, a comforting presence in the darkness, Pete pushed aside those worries. Today had been a day of magic, a rare moment of light in a world often overshadowed by darkness. He chose to believe in the sincerity of Vegas's actions, in the genuine connection they shared.

With a contented sigh, Pete closed his eyes, allowing himself to drift into the realm of dreams.

Vegas leaned against the cold concrete wall of his basement, his eyes locked on the trembling figure before him. With a smirk playing on his lips, he spoke in a tone dripping with menace.

"So, your name's Jee, huh?" Vegas's voice was laced with a dark amusement that sent shivers down Jee's spine.

Jee's pleas for mercy fell on deaf ears as Vegas continued, his demeanor growing colder by the second. "Oh, I know you're innocent, alright. Innocent of everything except begging your girlfriend—or whatever she is to you—for money to fuel your drug habit."

Jee's fear was palpable as Vegas's expression darkened, his words carrying a weight that sent a chill through the room.

"Please, forgive me! I'll never ask her for money again, I swear! I'll leave her alone, just please, let me go!" Jee pleaded, desperation etched into every word.

But Vegas merely chuckled, the sound sending a shiver down Jee's spine. "I don't care if you see her again or not. What I do care about is the source of that money. Someone who doesn't deserve to be hurt by your recklessness."

As Vegas spoke, his thoughts turned to Pete, the boy who had suffered at the hands of Jee's greed and Pete's own mother's callousness. Anyone who dared to hurt Pete would face Vegas's wrath, a wrath that knew no mercy.

Vegas made itthat anyone who dared to bring harm to Pete would answer to him—and his rage was not to be taken lightly.

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The next morning, Pete found his mom sitting in the living room, surrounded by the smell of alcohol and cigarettes. She stumbled over to him, her breath heavy with sadness.

She reached out to him, signing that she was alone now and needed him. "Let's have a good relationship from now on, okay? I have lost everyone again and I only have you now, my son".

Pete knew better than to believe her empty promises. It wasn't the first time she'd said this when she had no one else. Without saying a word, he nodded, and she went back to her room.

Pete wondered how long this peace would last and if he'd ever get the love he craved from his mom.

Pete switched on the TV and was immediately bombarded with news about the Theerpanyakaun family, a name synonymous with wealth and power. He sighed, knowing all too well how this family seemed to have a hand in everything, their influence stretching far and wide.

As he read the scrolling text on the screen announcing the upcoming marriage of the second oldest son, Pete couldn't help but shake his head. It seemed absurd to him that the media would make such a fuss over the personal lives of the ultra-rich.

"Why do they even care about someone getting married?" Pete thought to himself, feeling a pang of resentment towards the world of the wealthy and privileged. In his eyes, the gap between their lives and his own seemed insurmountable, a reminder of the stark inequalities that divided society.

As Pete continued to read the captions on the TV screen, something caught his attention. The text mentioned that despite only having seen blurry pictures of the second oldest son from the Theerpanyakaun family, it was finally time to get a proper look at him.

A photo appeared on the screen, showing a man wearing glasses, his profile visible but slightly blurred. Pete's heart skipped a beat as he stared at the image, a feeling of recognition stirring within him.

"That man looks so much like Vegas," Pete thought to himself, his mind racing with questions. Could it really be him? The thought seemed impossible, but the resemblance was uncanny.

Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, Pete dismissed the idea of Vegas being connected to the wealthy family.
"What could Vegas possibly have to do with the wealthy Theerpanyakaun family?"It seemed too far-fetched. Turning off the TV, he decided to focus on his day ahead.

Heading to his flower shop, Pete immersed himself in the familiar routine of arranging blooms. The calming atmosphere of the shop offered him a welcome escape from the complexities of the outside world.