Forget Me Not

Chipping Away

As the hours went by, Tine realized his presence at the family dinner was to avoid bringing shame to Thierry Renault's favorite nephew. The older man expected him to act in a specific way. Tine assumed "Uncle T" had never been refused by anyone. In unfamiliar territory, Tine preferred not to push boundaries. He had no friends here except for Mil, who seemed to enjoy introducing him to every family member.

"Can we talk?"

The night was almost over, and Tine couldn't be happier. He felt he'd played his part and could no longer stomach the forced smiles and camaraderie both Mil and his uncle had imposed on him.

Mil heard him but chose not to look, busy greeting a female guest while pulling Tine close. "It's almost over, Tine. Can't you be considerate for a few more minutes?"

Mil's tone reminded Tine of his uncle's earlier. "I didn't agree to come here to be your trophy husband!" Tine spat, grateful the music and lively chatter drowned his venomous words. But both Tine and Mil were certain the female guest heard, as she hastily excused herself.

Once the guest vanished into the crowd, Mil's brows knitted into a single line. He dragged Tine to the patio, away from prying ears. "Why are you being difficult? I thought we agreed on this."

"You haven't told your family the truth," Tine reiterated. He knew he sounded like a broken record but had to emphasize this before Mil or his uncle forgot. "Even your mother thinks I'm here as your fiancé. I did you a favor because I felt guilty about our last date, but this is too much! You're making me play a role without considering my feelings."

For a moment, Mil's expression was filled with guilt. But the attention of his whole family, his uncle, and his uncle's friends and associates blinded him, and he suddenly wanted to be selfish.

"Why can't it be me, huh?" he demanded.

Tine took a step back. "I beg your pardon?"

"What's that guy got that I don't? He looks so ordinary and unoriginal. I come from a well-educated family and have a successful uncle. They all love you, Tine. Why won't you give me a chance?"

Tine was speechless, standing there listening to Mil's words. If there had been any hidden admiration or past romance between them, those words---self-centered as they were---might have seemed romantic to others, albeit possessive. But there were no butterflies or racing heartbeat because he had never felt anything for Mil from the beginning. Even without Sarawat in his life, Tine knew Mil wasn't what he wanted.

"I want to go home."

It was a simple statement loaded with meaning. It could be interpreted in many ways, but between Tine and Mil, it only meant one thing---rejection.

Mil's expression darkened as Tine's words hung in the air. Desperation replaced the guilt in his eyes, and before Tine could react, Mil grabbed him roughly by the arms. "You can't just walk away from this, Tine," he hissed, his grip tightening.

"Let go of me, Mil!" Tine's voice wavered between anger and fear, but Mil didn't relent. Instead, he pulled Tine closer, attempting to force a kiss.

Instinct took over. Tine's fist connected with Mil's jaw, sending him stumbling backward. The shock in Mil's eyes mirrored Tine's own, but Tine stood his ground, breathing heavily. The punch seemed to sober Mil, and he held a hand to his face, eyes wide with remorse.

"Tine, I'm sorry. I didn't mean---"

"Save it," Tine cut him off, his voice cold and steady despite the turmoil inside. "I don't care for your apology. If you won't take me home, I'll find my own way."

With that, Tine turned and walked away, leaving Mil standing alone on the patio, the reality of his actions sinking in. Tine didn't look back, his mind set on getting away from the place and the people who had made him feel so out of place. The cool night air was a welcome contrast to the heated confrontation, and as he stepped out into the street, he felt a strange mix of relief and sadness.