𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐞

Episode 42

Thailand 📍

The Johnson mansion echoed with a peculiar silence, broken only by the clinking of silverware against porcelain. Breakfast was a subdued affair, a stark contrast to the usual boisterousness. Mark, engrossed in the morning paper, sipped his coffee, his face betraying no emotion. Maya and Susan, usually brimming with gossip, were exchanging whispered secrets about their upcoming fashion line launch.

Joong, meticulously dissecting his breakfast, noticed a shift in his brother. Pond, known for his stoicism, seemed unusually restless. His gaze flickered between Mark and his empty plate, his jaw clenched in a silent battle. Finally, Pond took a deep breath and spoke, his voice laced with an unfamiliar nervousness.

"Uhm, Dad," he began, his voice barely a whisper.

Mark lowered his paper, a hint of surprise flitting across his features. "Yes, Pond?"

"I… about Vanessa," Pond continued, his voice gaining strength. "I've been thinking about it, and..." He paused, taking another deep breath. "I'm ready to meet her."

The declaration hung in the air, heavy with unspoken emotions. Maya and Susan, their conversation forgotten, exchanged wide-eyed glances. A collective gasp escaped their lips, a mixture of shock and excitement. Mark, for once, seemed speechless. Joong, a flicker of confusion clouding his features, nevertheless offered a small, supportive smile.

"You're… ready?" Mark finally echoed, his voice tinged with disbelief.

"Yes," Pond said, his voice firm. "I think it's time."

A wave of emotions washed over the room. Mark, initially wary of pressuring Pond into anything, felt a surge of relief. The ruthless businessman persona his son had cultivated seemed to crack for a moment, revealing a flicker of vulnerability. Perhaps, the idea of marriage, of finding a connection, wasn't as repulsive to Pond as he'd previously thought.

Maya and Susan, their maternal instincts kicking in, practically radiated excitement. Visions of lavish weddings and adorable grandchildren danced in their heads. Joong, though surprised by Pond's sudden change of heart, was genuinely happy for his brother. Perhaps, he thought, witnessing Bright and Win's love had a greater impact on Pond than he'd realized.

"Well, this is wonderful news!" Susan exclaimed, clapping her hands with glee. "Finally, some wedding bells in the Johnson family!"

Maya, ever the pragmatist, chimed in, "Excellent, Pond. We'll have to set up a meeting with Mr. Adams right away. There's so much to plan!"

Pond, overwhelmed by the sudden flurry of activity, held up a placating hand. "Slow down, Mom," he said, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Let's just meet Vanessa first, see if there's any… connection, before we jump into planning anything."

Mark nodded, his voice filled with newfound understanding. "Of course, son. Absolutely. It's important to see if you two click before anything else."

A wave of relief washed over Pond. The initial pressure to commit had lessened, replaced by a sense of cautious optimism. Perhaps, just perhaps, this meeting with Vanessa wouldn't be a business deal after all. Perhaps, it could be the first step towards something more… a future filled with possibility, a future where even a hardened heart like his could find love. 
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Korea 📍

The aroma of freshly baked bread hung heavy in the air, a familiar comfort that filled Phuwin and Dunk's hearts with a sense of accomplishment.

Their once-humble bakery in South Korea had blossomed into a thriving cafe, a testament to their dedication and shared passion.

Across the cafe, perched on a stool by the window, sat their aunt. Her eyes, clouded with worry lines, followed every customer who entered, a silent plea etched on her face. Fourth's prolonged coma weighed heavily on her, a constant shadow that threatened to steal the joy from their lives.

Doctors, once optimistic, were now starting to lose hope. Yet, Phuwin and Dunk refused to give in. Their faith in Fourth's resilience remained unwavering. Every morning, they greeted the day with a renewed determination to create a life their brother would be proud of, a life they would share with him when he finally awoke.

Their aunt, bless her heart, tried her best to maintain a positive facade. Every day, she'd approach them, a hopeful glint in her eyes, and suggest visiting a new specialist, trying a new therapy.

Phuwin and Dunk, with gentle smiles, would assure her they were exploring all options.

This morning was no different. As Phuwin busied himself with taking orders, his aunt sidled up to him, her voice barely a whisper. "Phuwin," she began, "have you heard of Dr. Han? They say he works miracles with coma patients."

Phuwin paused, setting down the order pad. He knew the name. Dr. Han was a renowned specialist, his methods unconventional but his success rate undeniable. However, his treatments came at a hefty price, a price that would significantly strain their already stretched finances.

"We're looking into it, Aunt," Phuwin replied, offering a reassuring smile. He couldn't bear to see the hope flicker and die in her eyes.

Dunk, sensing the conversation, joined them. "We've contacted his clinic," he confirmed, placing a hand on their aunt's shoulder. "We're waiting to hear back."

Their aunt, though unconvinced, nodded slowly. "Alright, my dears," she sighed. "Just promise me you won't give up on Fourth."

Phuwin and Dunk exchanged a silent glance, their love for their brother and their aunt shining in their eyes. "Never, Aunt," they said in unison, their voices filled with unwavering determination.

As the cafe bustled with activity, Phuwin and Dunk continued their work, their smiles ever-present for their customers. But beneath the surface, a fire burned. They would do whatever it took to bring their brother back to them.

They would fight for their family, for their shared future, a future where laughter would once again fill their home, a future where Fourth would be by their side, savoring the warmth of their love and the delicious aroma of their success.

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