||ᴄʀɪᴍsᴏɴ sᴇᴄʀᴇᴛs|| ᴘᴏɴᴅᴘʜᴜᴡɪɴ ғғ

2

Palm cautiously made his way toward the estate, his eyes scanning the surroundings. The security was intense—tall, muscular guards were posted at every corner, and there were layers of fences and walls, making it impossible to even get close to the mansion without being stopped. The place felt more like a fortress than a home, and Palm’s heart started to race with uncertainty. He couldn’t just walk in.

He pulled out his phone and dialed the number he’d been given. After a few rings, someone picked up on the other end.

“Hello, phi... I’ve arrived at the address you gave me, but I don’t know how I should enter. What should I do now?” Palm asked, trying to keep his voice steady despite the tension he felt.

The voice on the other end immediately replied with urgency. “Oh, you’ve arrived, Palm? Wait, wait—I’ll come get you. Don’t worry, I’ll take you inside,” the person said, sounding both surprised and hurried.

Palm waited, glancing around nervously at the armed guards patrolling the area. It felt surreal being there, standing at the entrance of a place that seemed impossible to enter. After a few tense minutes, the person he spoke to finally appeared.

Dressed in all black, with a cold, intimidating presence, the man approached Palm with long, confident strides. He looked dangerous, the kind of person who commanded respect without even trying. Palm swallowed nervously as the man stopped in front of him.

“Palm, come on, let’s get you inside. Hand me your luggage,” the man said, his voice firm but not unfriendly.

Palm blinked up at him. “No, no, Phii Joong, it’s okay—I can carry them.”

But Joong shook his head and grabbed the bags from Palm’s hands, refusing to let him carry them. “I’ll take them. Follow me.”

Palm had no choice but to follow Joong into the estate. As they walked, Palm’s eyes widened in shock. The mansion at the center of the estate was massive, surrounded by layers of walls and buildings that created concentric circles around it. It was like a labyrinth—only those on the inside could navigate it.

Palm’s thoughts raced as they continued deeper into the estate. How was his brother connected to all of this? What kind of life had Pond been living?

They finally entered the mansion, the grandeur of the place striking Palm even more. As they stepped inside, another man stood up from a nearby chair. His eyes filled with tears the moment he saw Palm.

“Pond!” the man called out, his voice thick with emotion as he took a few steps forward, his gaze fixed on Palm.

Palm, however, froze in confusion. “Huh?” He glanced back at Joong, not understanding the man’s reaction. “Why did he call me...?”

Joong quickly moved toward the man, gently placing a hand on his shoulder. “Dunk, calm down. This isn’t Pond.”

Joong’s voice was soft, trying to comfort the man, who was clearly overwhelmed with emotion. “Palm, this is Dunk... my husband.”

Palm nodded politely, bowing slightly. “Sawadee khap.”

Dunk blinked a few times, wiping his eyes and forcing a small, sad smile. “Sawadee khap, Palm... I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to... I just...”

Joong gave Dunk a reassuring look and softly said, “It’s okay. Go to our room and wait there, okay?”

Dunk nodded, casting one last glance at Palm before walking away, his sadness palpable. Palm watched him go, his heart heavy with questions. Who was this man? Why had he confused him with Pond?

Joong led Palm up a flight of stairs and down a long hallway, finally stopping in front of a large room. He opened the door and placed Palm’s bags inside. “Alright, Palm. This is your room from now on. Feel free to use anything you need. If you need anything else, just call me.”

Palm stepped inside, still taking in everything around him. It was surreal. The luxurious room, the heavy atmosphere—it all felt like a dream. Or perhaps a nightmare.

Joong turned to leave, but Palm called out after him. “Phi... wait.” He hesitated, his voice wavering. “Tell me about my brother. Where is he? Why hasn’t anyone told me anything? Why is everyone being so secretive?”

Joong paused, his hand resting on the door handle. He turned back to Palm with a serious expression. “I know you have a lot of questions, Palm, and I understand you’re confused. But just rest for now. After lunch, I’ll tell you everything. I promise. Please, trust me.”

Palm opened his mouth to protest, but something in Joong’s tone made him stop. There was a weight behind his words, a promise of something more. So, reluctantly, Palm nodded.

Joong gave him a small, reassuring nod before leaving the room, closing the door softly behind him. Palm stood there for a moment, his mind swirling with a thousand thoughts. What was going on? And where was Pond?

---

Any guesses about where Pond is?