Creating Memories

Chapter Twenty One

Pete and Vegas stepped into the opulent, dimly lit restaurant, where the scent of expensive cuisine mingled with the quiet hum of soft music. The polished marble floors reflected the ambient lights, and the entire place oozed sophistication. Pete's heart pounded in his chest, a mix of anticipation and anxiety building as he prepared to meet Berm and Thida, Som's parents.

The couple approached the receptionist, who greeted them with a warm smile. "Good evening, gentlemen. Do you have a reservation?"

"Yes," Pete replied, trying to keep his voice steady. "Under the name Suwannarat."

The receptionist check the list and told them where the room is. She nodded at the waiter and the waiter gestured towards a set of double doors. "Right this way, please."

As they walked, Vegas gently squeezed Pete's hand, drawing him to a halt. Pete turned to face him, meeting his concerned gaze. "Are you sure about this?" Vegas asked, his voice low and sincere. 

Pete took a deep breath, nodding slowly. "I need to do this, Vegas. I want to hear what they have to say."

Vegas studied him for a moment, then sighed. "All right, but I'll be outside and wait for you. If anything happens, call me, and I'll be there in an instant."

"Thanks," Pete said, offering a small, appreciative smile. "But I think everything will be fine."

Vegas nodded, his expression softening. "Okay."

With that, they resumed walking, and the waiter led Pete to one of the private rooms on the side of the restaurant. Vegas gave Pete one last reassuring nod before heading to one of the tables a few feet away from the room. Pete steeled himself before the receptionist opened the door for him. Pete went in and the receptionist closed the door. There sitting are Berm and Thida, their expressions unreadable.

"Hello, Khun Berm, Khun Thida" Pete greeted them, his voice polite but guarded. He took the seat across them.

Thida sighs. "I was so surprised to see you at the charity event. I never imagined you'd be there." Thida took a sip of her drink.

"Vegas invited me as his plus one. His brother, Macau, had another commitment." Pete said.

Berm leaned forward, curiosity evident in his gaze. "What brings you to Bangkok?"

"I'm working as a bodyguard for the eldest son of the Theerapanyakul family."

Thida's eyes widened in recognition. "You mean Khun Tankhun Theerapanyakul? Vegas' cousin?"

"Yes," Pete confirmed, a faint smile playing on his lips. "I've been with the Theerapanyakuls since I was eighteen, but I left the family after five years. But now, I'm back."

Thida leaned in, her voice softening with concern. "Who's taking care of your child on the island? What was his name? Venice?"

Pete's expression faltered, caught off guard by the question. "Som and I have two children," he said quietly. "Venice and Seoul. Som passed away after giving birth to Seoul. That's why I decided to bring them to Bangkok." He hesitated, then continued while looking at Thida, "I sent you a message about Som's death and Seoul's existence, but I never heard back from you."

Berm glanced at Thida, who looked pained. "That day, Thida only managed to read about Som's death before she passed out and broke her phone," Berm explained.

"Can we see a picture of the children?" Thida asks.

Pete hesitated, then pulled out his phone. He scrolled through his photos and handed the phone to Thida. "This is Venice and Seoul," he said, his voice tinged with pride. The photo showed two young children playing, their faces alight with joy.