𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐞

Episode 40

Four years had spun by,

in Thailand, a different story was unfolding. Mark Johnson, Joong and Pond's father, sat in his opulent office, a frown creasing his brow. His secretary, her voice clipped and efficient, announced the arrival of Mr. Adams, a prominent American businessman.

A glint of curiosity flickered in Mark's eyes. He ushered Mr. Adams in, his booming voice a stark contrast to the visitor's reserved demeanor. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Mr. Adams launched into the purpose of his visit.

"Mr. Johnson," he began, his voice laced with a slight accent, "I'm here today to discuss a potential… partnership."

Mark's eyebrows shot up. "Partnership?" he echoed, leaning back in his chair. "Interesting. Please, elaborate."

Mr. Adams cleared his throat, his gaze flitting around the room before settling back on Mark. "It concerns my daughter, Vanessa," he revealed. "She's a brilliant young woman, about to graduate with a degree in business."

Mark nodded, intrigued by the sudden shift in conversation. "And?"

"And," Mr. Adams continued, his voice dropping a notch lower, "I believe she and your son, Pond, would make a perfect match."

Mark's surprise was evident. Pond, his once carefree son, now a ruthless businessman, a perfect match? A skeptical chuckle escaped his lips. "Pond?" he repeated, the name tasting foreign on his tongue.

"Yes, Pond," Mr. Adams confirmed. "He's been running your company with remarkable skill. My daughter is equally ambitious, and together, they could achieve great things."

Mark steepled his fingers, his mind racing. The idea of an arranged marriage, a concept he'd always scoffed at, now held a strange allure. It could secure the future of his business, a future Pond seemed determined to build.

"Mr. Adams," Mark finally said, his voice measured, "I appreciate your proposition. However, such a decision cannot be made lightly. Especially when it involves my son's happiness."

Mr. Adams nodded, a flicker of understanding in his eyes. "Of course, Mr. Johnson. I wouldn't expect anything less. But perhaps a conversation between you and Pond wouldn't hurt?"

Mark sighed, the weight of the situation settling on his shoulders. "Perhaps not," he conceded. "But you understand, I need to talk to Pond first. See where he stands on this."

A satisfied smile spread across Mr. Adams' face. "Absolutely," he agreed. "I wouldn't want to pressure anyone into such a commitment."

As Mr. Adams rose to leave, a silent question hung in the air. Would Pond, consumed by his relentless pursuit of success, be open to the idea of love, or would this potential partnership be built solely on business interests? Only time would tell what the future held for Pond, and whether love, like a forgotten melody, could find a way back into his life.
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The Johnson family dinner was a rare occurrence these days. Mark, at the head of the table, beamed with pride as he surveyed his sons. Joong and Pond, once carefree boys, now exuded an aura of power and control. Their business ventures had skyrocketed, turning Johnson Industries into a titan of the industry.

"Boys," Mark boomed, his voice filled with satisfaction, "you've both done an incredible job. Johnson Industries is reaching new heights every day!"

Joong and Pond offered curt nods, their expressions unreadable. Years of relentless pursuit of success had honed their features, sharpening their jaws and etching lines of worry around their eyes. While their business acumen was undeniable, a hollowness lurked beneath the surface, a darkness that only they understood.

Mark, oblivious to the internal struggles of his sons, continued. "Speaking of growth," he said, lowering his voice a touch, "I had a rather interesting meeting today. Mr. Adams, a prominent businessman from the States, was in my office."

Susan and Maya, their eyes sparkling with curiosity, leaned forward. Mark enjoyed a good audience.

"It seems Mr. Adams has a lovely daughter, Vanessa," Mark continued, a sly grin spreading across his face. "A brilliant young woman, apparently. And he believes she and Pond would make a perfect match."

A collective gasp filled the room. Susan and Maya exchanged excited glances, their maternal instincts kicking in. Marriage? Grandchildren? Their faces practically beamed with anticipation.

Pond, however, remained stoic. He set down his fork with a clink, his piercing gaze fixed on the empty plate before him. The news hung in the air, heavy with unspoken emotions.

Mark, misinterpreting Pond's silence as contemplation, pressed on. "Think about it, Pond," he boomed. "The Adamses are a powerful family. A marriage like this would solidify our position, open new doors…"

Mark rattled on, painting a picture of a future built on wealth and power. But with each word, a storm brewed within Pond. The ruthless businessman persona he'd carefully crafted threatened to crumble, revealing the raw ache beneath.

Finally, Pond pushed his chair back, the sound scraping harshly against the floor. His voice, when he spoke, was a low rumble, devoid of warmth. "Dad," he said, his eyes glacial, "I appreciate the proposition. But…"

He hesitated, the weight of the unsaid words heavy on his tongue. How could he explain the emptiness that marriage to a stranger held for him? How could he admit to the ghost that haunted his heart, a ghost named Phuwin?

"But?" Mark prompted, his brow furrowing in confusion.

Pond closed his eyes briefly, gathering his composure. He couldn't reveal his secrets, not here, not now. But he couldn't simply accept this proposal either.

"I need some time to think about it," he said finally, his voice regaining its cold edge. "This is a big decision, and I don't want to rush into anything."

Mark, though disappointed by the lack of immediate enthusiasm, could understand. "Of course, son," he said, clapping Pond on the shoulder with forced joviality. "Take your time. I wouldn't want to pressure you into anything."

Relief washed over Pond. He had bought himself some time, a precious commodity in the whirlwind of his life. But as he retreated into the silence of his thoughts, a gnawing question remained. Could he ever find love again? Or was he destined to be forever haunted by the past, a prisoner in his own gilded cage?

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