Creating Memories

Chapter Twenty

Pete and Porsche sat on the garden bench, watching their children play in the yard. The boys were deep into their roles as knights, brandishing toy swords and running around, while Seoul, playing the princess, was sitting on a picnic mat and being guarded by four dragon-stuffed toys as the knights' enemies.

"Let's save the princess from the dragons!" Venice said, pointing his sword in Seoul's direction.

"Yes, sir!" Jax and Max shouted back, charging the toy dragons with a fierce battle cry.

Porsche smiled, feeling a warm contentment as he watched the scene unfold. He glanced over at Pete, who was leaning back, eyes sparkling with laughter and joy as he watched his own children. There was something different about him today, something Porsche couldn't quite put his finger on.

"You look happier, Pete," Porsche said suddenly.

Pete turned to look at him, a soft smile on his face. "Do I?"

"Yeah," Porsche nodded. "You're glowing. You seem livelier than when you first arrived at the mansion with the kids. It's like being with Vegas has done wonders for you."

Pete chuckled, a light blush tinting his cheeks. "I'm still me, but I have to agree. I am happier now."

"Is Vegas treating you well?" Porsche asked, genuine concern in his voice.

Pete's smile widened. "Yes, he is. Sometimes I can't believe this is the same Vegas who was a total psychopath. The one I fell in love with despite everything."

"The family war changed him," Porsche mused. "And maybe the loss of Khun Gun. Tay was a big help, tho."

Pete nodded. "Khun Tay is a good person. I'm grateful he was there for Vegas when he lost his memory. It's kind of like Som was for me. She helped me move on from Vegas."

"I remember," Porsche said. 

"There are times I do feel guilty for falling in love with Vegas again," Pete admitted. "But knowing Som, she'd support it and be happy for me. She always wanted what was best for me."

Porsche placed a reassuring hand on Pete's shoulder. "You deserve what you have with Vegas now. Don't doubt that."

Pete's eyes softened. "Thank you, Porsche. Actually, there's something I wanted to tell you." Pete paused, "Vegas asked me to live with him."

Porsche's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Really? That's a big step."

"I know," Pete said. "We've lost so much time together, and we're not getting any younger. But it feels too early to live together, and I don't want to leave the main family."

"You're not leaving the family," Porsche pointed out. "You're joining differently. As Vegas' partner, you'll still be part of us. And you might even become a co-leader of the minor family, like I did with the main family."

Pete thought about it, a contemplative look on his face. "Maybe you're right."

"Follow your heart, Pete," Porsche advised. "The main family will always respect and support your decision, no matter what."

"Thanks, Porsche," Pete said, his smile returning.

"Anytime," Porsche replied. "Now, I'm curious about something. Why does Seoul like cars and motorbikes lately?" Pete laughs and starts to explain Vegas' influence on his daughter.

As the conversation shifted, the sounds of the children's laughter and playful shouts filled the air, a perfect backdrop to the bond and understanding that had grown between Porsche and Pete as friends.

---

Vegas was in his office, surrounded by stacks of paperwork and the soft hum of his computer. The afternoon sun filtered through the blinds, casting long shadows across the room. He was deep in thought, reviewing the latest financial reports, when he heard a soft knock on the door.