I Love You Till Kingdom Come

Chapter 12

Vegas' Pov

As soon as we stepped into Kang Chen's mansion, the scent of opulent furniture enveloped us. Kang Chen sat regally in a red velvet chair, flanked by two imposing bodyguards who held their guns as firmly as statues.

At sixty, he still radiated the vigour of a man capable of taking on twenty opponents simultaneously. His salt-and-pepper hair was swept back with a touch of elegance, and golden chains draped around his neck like trophies of a long and storied life.

A wave of nostalgia hit me, recalling my first visit here with Pa, and I felt a faint sting of emotion at the corners of my eyes.

As we approached, flanked by his stoic bodyguards, he rose gracefully from his chair like a king ascending his throne. We bowed slightly in respect, and with a warm smile, he moved toward me and embraced me affectionately as if welcoming an old friend into his home.

"Vegas, my boy! Long time no see...."

"Khun Chen..." I patted his back to show my appreciation. After we released our hug, Kinn and Porsche stepped forward to introduce themselves. Meeting him for the first time, they extended their hands, and Khun Chen shook them warmly, welcoming them with a firm and friendly grip.

"Khun Kinn and Khun Porsche...." Khun Chen greeted them back.

"It's our pleasure to meet you..." Kinn expressed his gratitude with a gesture of thanks, his hands conveying his appreciation.

"It's a pleasure to meet the head of the major family and his boyfriend, who now controls the minor family instead of its rightful heir..." His voice dripped with sarcasm.

Kinn and Porsche disregarded his comment. Khun Chen motioned toward the specially arranged chairs, and we took our seats.

"Vegas, how have you been? I heard you’re in a relationship." He said, winking at me with a warm smile.

With me, he always behaved like a genuinely down-to-earth friend, disregarding formalities despite the years between us.

He’s the one who showed me that the idea of parents being good friends to their children- something I had never believed because I had never experienced it- could indeed be true.

"Yes, Khun Chen..."

"I'm happy for you, Vegas. Finally, you found love. You look happy... What's his name by the way?"

"Pete..."

"You should have brought him along,"- Khun Chen said with a laugh- "I was curious to see the person who made this dangerous boy fall in love.”

"He's taking care of my brothers at home..."

"Mmmm... The child your father couldn't see.... I’m sorry for your loss, Vegas. Your father was a valuable business partner, but fell short as a parent.” I could detect real concern in his voice.

"Thank you for your concern, Khun Chen." I mean it.

“Kai kept me informed about you. I instructed him firmly not to visit you because of specific reasons.” I knew what he meant. He carefully avoided mentioning it directly to prevent any irritation during the meeting.

He was a better person than both my father and his brother.

I always admired how he treated his bodyguards, especially since my father, whom I loved more than anything, couldn't show the same affection to his own child who was desperate for his love and care.

"How's Korn doing?" Khun Chen looked at Kinn.

"He's doing good, Khun Chen."

"He should be... now that his brother is no longer around to add to his stress." He talked in his usual funny tone.