Creating Memories

Chapter Twenty Four

Pete stood in the bedroom, carefully checking the packed luggage for what felt like the tenth time. He wanted to make sure he had everything for their trip to Chiang Mai. The two-weeks vacation package in a villain Chiang Mai Vegas had won in the charity auction was stunning, and Pete couldn't wait to enjoy it with Vegas and the kids. He smiled to himself, imagining Venice and Seoul running around the spacious villa while he and Vegas relaxed. But just as he was about to zip up the final suitcase, he realized something strange.

It was too quiet.

Pete froze, his hand hovering over the zipper. He had left Venice and Seoul playing in the living room while he finished packing, but now, there was no noise—not a peep from the kids, not even the sound of Seoul's babbling.

"Venice? Seoul?" Pete called out as he hurried into the living room. It was empty. The toys scattered across the floor were the only evidence that the kids had been there at all. Even Seoul's stroller and baby bag were gone. Pete's heart skipped a beat. He quickly checked the hallway outside, but it was also empty.

"Where are they?" Pete muttered to himself, a hint of panic rising in his chest. He rushed through the hallway, going to the places in the main family mansion that Venice and Seoul to go with Madee, or their uncles, but there was no sign of them.

As he hurried down the hallway towards the main entrance, he finally spotted them. Venice was holding Tankhun's hand, and Tankhun was carrying Seoul, who seemed perfectly content in his arms. Relief flooded through Pete, but it was quickly replaced by confusion.

"Khun Noo? What's going on?" Pete asked as he jogged over to them. Pol was by the trunk of a car, folding the stroller and putting it inside, while Arm was gently helping Venice into a car seat.

Tankhun looked at Pete with a wide grin. "Ohh, Pete. It's nothing! I'm just taking the kids out for a little adventure."

Pete blinked. "But... but we have a flight to Chiang Mai in three hours! We need to leave in a few minutes, there's no time for this."

Tankhun chuckled, adjusting his hold on Seoul. "Pete, the kids aren't coming with you and Vegas."

"What?!" Pete's eyes widened in shock.

Tankhun beamed at him. "I'm kidnapping your children! You and Vegas are going to Chiang Mai alone, so I'm taking Venice and Seoul off your hands for a while. Consider this a gift."

Pete was speechless. He opened his mouth to protest, but nothing came out. Tankhun places Seoul in her seat. Venice waved at Pete from inside the car.

"Bye, Papa!" Venice called out cheerfully before Tankhun climbed into the car. He looks back at Pete, waves at him and shuts the door.

Pete was still trying to process what had just happened when Arm and Pol walked past him.

"Have a great vacation, Pete," Arm said with a smile, heading towards the driver's seat.

"Don't worry about the kids, man. We've got them covered," Pol added, giving Pete a reassuring pat on the shoulder before taking the front passenger seat.

The car started up and slowly drove away, leaving Pete standing there, dumbfounded. As the car disappeared down the street, Pete's phone rang. He fumbled to pull it out of his pocket, still in a daze. It was Vegas.

"Hey, are you ready?" Vegas' voice came through the line, sounding amused.

Pete let out a breathless laugh. "Did you... did you have something to do with Khun Noo kidnapping my children so we could go on this trip alone?"

"Maybe," Vegas replied with a mischievous tone.

Pete couldn't help but laugh. "You're unbelievable. But okay, come pick me up. I'm all alone now, thanks to your little plan."