Forever (Mine II)

Chapter 27

The Unbearable Truth

The day had finally arrived. Vegas had promised he would be home today, and the anticipation in the air was palpable. Kim had dressed Venice and Leiah in their finest clothes, their excitement contagious as they eagerly awaited their father's return. Kim himself had taken extra care with his appearance, wanting everything to be perfect for Vegas's homecoming.

The morning passed in a whirlwind of preparations. Kim cooked Vegas’s favorite dishes, cleaned the house meticulously, and decorated the living room with balloons and streamers. The kids laughter and joy filling the house.

As the hours ticked by, Kim's excitement grew. He had tried calling Vegas several times, but each call went unanswered. Yesterday had been the same, but Kim had brushed it off, thinking Vegas was planning a surprise.

When the doorbell rang, Kim's heart leaped. He hurried to the door, his children in tow, expecting to see Vegas standing there with his trademark grin. But as the door swung open, his smile faltered.

Standing in the doorway were his brothers, Kinn and Tankhun. Their expressions were somber, a stark contrast to the festive atmosphere Kim had created.

"Khun, Kinn," Kim greeted them, confusion knitting his brows. "What are you doing here? Is something wrong?"

Kinn stepped forward, his eyes filled with sorrow. "Kim, can we talk alone?"

A sense of foreboding washed over Kim, but he nodded, handing Venice and Leiah to Tankhun's guards. He led Kinn to a quiet room, his mind racing with possibilities.

Once inside, Kinn and Tankhun exchanged a look of profound sadness. They seemed at a loss for words, each struggling to find a way to break the news.

"Kim," Tankhun began, his voice trembling, "you have to be strong for what we're about to say."

Kim's heart pounded in his chest. "What happened? Why are you scaring me? Just tell me."

"It's Vegas,"khunsaid, his voice barely above a whisper. "He's... he's missing. We got the information day before yesterday."

Kim's breath caught in his throat. "Missing? What do you mean missing?"

Khun took a deep breath, steadying himself. "Today, we received news... that he's dead."

Kim's world shattered. He shook his head vehemently, backing away from his brothers. "No. No, that's a lie. Someone is trying to spread lies. I won't believe it."

"We thought so too," Tankhun said, tears streaming down his face. "But it's true, Kim. We confirmed it."

Kim didn't respond. He stood there, too silent, his mind refusing to process the words. The room seemed to close in on him, the festive decorations now mocking his grief.

"I need to be alone," Kim said finally, his voice devoid of emotion. "Please, leave."

"Kim, you shouldn't be alone right now," Khun pleaded.

"I said leave!" Kim shouted, his voice breaking. He pushed his brothers towards the door and slammed it shut behind them.

With trembling hands, Kim picked up his children, holding them close as tears streamed down his face. He kissed their faces, his heart breaking with every sob.

"Dad will come back soon," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. "Don't trust them, okay? They're lying. Vegas will come to us."

Venice and Leiah, sensing their father's distress, clung to him, their innocent eyes filled with confusion.

Kim rocked them gently, his own tears mingling with theirs. "Vegas will come back," he repeated, more to convince himself than his children. "He promised. He will come back."

As the hours dragged on, Kim’s mind replayed every moment of his relationship with Vegas. He remembered their first meeting, the way Vegas had looked at him with those intense eyes. He remembered their first kiss, their first fight, and the way they always made up, their love stronger than ever.

The memories flooded his mind, bringing both comfort and pain. He thought of the nights they had stayed up late, talking about their dreams for the future. Vegas had always been so sure, so confident that they would have a happy life together. Now, those dreams felt shattered beyond repair.

Kim's thoughts were interrupted by Venice's small voice. "Papa, Daddy?"

Kim forced a smile, his heart breaking anew. "Daddy will come back soon, my love. Don’t worry. He’ll come back to us."

As night fell, Kim struggled to keep himself composed for the sake of his children. He put them to bed, reading their favorite story and tucking them in tightly. Once they were asleep, he allowed himself to break down completely.

He cried until he had no more tears left, his body racked with sobs. The pain was unbearable, the loss too immense. He felt as though a part of him had been ripped away, leaving a gaping hole in his heart.

The next morning, Kim woke up wit h swollen eyes and a heavy heart. He knew he had to keep going, for the sake of Venice and Leiah. He had to be strong, even though he felt anything but.

He wanted to believe that Vegas would walk through the door any moment, smiling and saying it had all been a terrible mistake.