Creating Memories

Chapter Eighteen

Pete, Venice, Seoul, and Vegas arrived at the temple, the tranquil air filled with the scent of incense. It was a significant visit for Pete and Vegas as a couple, their first time together to see Som.

Pete felt a flutter of anxiety in his chest, his steps hesitant. Vegas sensed his unease and squeezed his hand gently. "It'll be fine, Pete," Vegas reassured him softly. "We're here together."

As they neared the entrance, Venice and Seoul sat down on the steps, engrossed in a picture book they had brought along. The vibrant illustrations held their attention, providing a moment of peace.

Pete and Vegas approached the shrine where Som is, their expressions turning solemn. They let go of each other's hand before they put it together in a prayer and bowed deeply, showing their respect. Pete took a deep breath, glancing around the serene surroundings before he began to speak.

"Hello, Som," Pete's voice was steady but filled with emotion, "I've come to visit you with our children and Vegas. Vegas and I are together now and everything is going well between us." He paused, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I want to thank you for the years we spent together. I'm grateful every day that I got to be your husband and that we have our beautiful children."

Pete continued. "I hope you're happy for us, Som. I promise to do my best for our children, to make sure they know how much you loved them." Pete then proceeds to pray quietly.

Vegas speaks in his gentle voice. "Som, thank you for taking care of Pete and loving him all those years. I know how much you meant to him and to your children." He took a deep breath, his eyes closing briefly as he recalled Som's words to him. "I remember you once told me you'd love Pete enough for both of us. Now, it's my turn to love him enough for both of us. I'll do everything I can to make him and the children happy and safe."

Vegas looked at Pete, who is now looking at him. Pete smiled at him, a mixture of gratitude and love in his eyes. They finished their prayer, bowing once more before stepping back.

Venice and Seoul looked up from their picture book as Pete and Vegas approached. "Are we going to the zoo now, Daddy?" Venice asked, her eyes bright.

"Yes, buddy," Vegas replied, as he held his hand out for Venice. Pete picked up Seoul while Venice stood up and held onto Vegas' hand.

With their hearts a little lighter, they left the temple as a family, ready to cherish the day ahead.

---

Pete walked briskly down the dimly lit corridor of the mansion, his boots echoing against the marble floors. He was on his way to the armory to check on Pol, who had been on duty that day. As he passed by one of the rooms, he overheard voices inside, catching snippets of a conversation that made him pause.

"P'Pete's so privileged," one of the bodyguards was saying. "He's got his own room, can be with his kids anytime he wants, and the nanny is paid for by the main family. And now, he's dating the minor family head. Can you believe it?"

Another guard chimed in, his tone dripping with disbelief. "I can't believe Khun Vegas downgraded from Khun Tay to Pete. It's like trading gold for copper."

The guards murmured in agreement, their voices blending into a chorus of disdain. "Maybe that's why Pete's got all those privileges," a third guard speculated. "I heard that Khun Vegas had an eye on him all along. Even before Khun Tay. And Pete's taking advantage of it. I wouldn't be surprised if Pete is the reason Khun Tay and Khun Vegas broke up."

Pete's face tightened with anger. Without a second thought, he slammed the door open. The guards jumped, their conversations cutting off abruptly as they turned to face him.