Beyond Boundaries: Love and Sacrifice

Chapter 7: The Boundaries of Family and Self

Phuwin sat alone in his study, the letter still clutched in his hand, its words haunting him. "You may think you've escaped, but family ties are not easily severed." The phrase rang in his mind, stirring up memories he'd tried to bury, painful reminders of a life he'd once fought to escape. His family had always controlled him, binding him with expectations and fear.

He glanced at a photo on his desk, one of the twins grinning up at him on their last birthday, their innocent faces filling him with both hope and dread. He knew he'd do anything to protect them, even if it meant facing the people he'd tried so hard to leave behind.

Just then, Gemini walked in, his expression softening when he saw Phuwin's face. "It's happening again, isn't it?"

Phuwin nodded, handing the letter to Gemini, who read it with a grim look. "They're trying to pull me back," Phuwin murmured, his voice shaking slightly. "I thought I was free, but they're still trying to control me—even if it means endangering my children."

Gemini placed a reassuring hand on Phuwin's shoulder. "We're in this together. I'll reach out to some contacts who might have insight into your family's recent activities. We need to understand what they're planning before we make any moves."

Phuwin took a deep breath, steadying himself. "I won't run again. I've built a life here, one that's mine and safe for my children. If they think they can scare me into submission, they're wrong."

"Good," Gemini replied, a determined gleam in his eyes. "We'll protect what's ours."

As he left the study, Phuwin felt a renewed sense of determination. He had overcome too much to let his family drag him back into their control. He would face whatever came, no matter the cost.

At the same time, Pond was grappling with his own family's expectations. Another dinner with Mya's family had only intensified his resentment. His parents had continued hinting at their "hopes" for him and Mya, and Mya herself had spent the entire evening monopolizing his attention, practically ignoring his attempts to steer the conversation elsewhere.

He stormed out of his parents' house, exasperated by their relentless insistence that Mya was the perfect match for him. His phone buzzed with a text from her.

"Pond, why did you leave so suddenly? We were having such a nice time with your family!"

He let out a frustrated sigh, not even bothering to reply. This wasn't the life he wanted. His family had always cared about appearances, about aligning themselves with "respectable" people who could bring honor to the family name. Mya fit their mold perfectly, but to him, she was a stranger—someone with whom he shared nothing of substance.

In his frustration, Pond dialed Joong's number. He needed to talk to someone who would understand, someone who wouldn't judge or try to control him.

"Hey, Pond," Joong answered, his voice warm. "Everything okay?"

Pond let out a long breath. "Not really. My family keeps pushing me toward Mya, and it's driving me crazy. I can't even go home without feeling like I'm under attack."

"Mya?" Joong's tone was laced with disgust. "She's the last person you need in your life right now. And you know Dunk and I have never liked her attitude. She's just... all wrong for you."

Pond chuckled, grateful for Joong's honesty. "I know. And it doesn't help that she's always complaining about me 'ignoring' her."

Dunk chimed in on the line, having been listening nearby. "Maybe it's time you set some boundaries with your family. They've been pushing you around long enough. You don't owe them your happiness."