SOLD TO THE MAFIA | SAILUBPON

PROLOGUE

The rain was relentless, soaking Pon Thanapon to the bone as he trudged down the narrow alleyway that led to his family's small home.

The streets were quiet, save for the occasional splash of water as a car sped by in the distance. Pon pulled his thin jacket tighter around himself, though it did little to shield him from the cold. His feet ached from standing all day at the café, and the damp chill only made the ache worse.

When he reached the front door-a flimsy thing that creaked on its hinges-he hesitated, taking a moment to catch his breath. He didn't want his mother to worry. Pon forced a tired smile onto his face and pushed the door open.

"Mom, I'm home," he called softly, slipping off his shoes by the door. The familiar scent of incense and herbs greeted him, bringing a fleeting sense of comfort.

he looked at his mother who was sitting at the small wooden table in the corner, her hands folded tightly in her lap. She didn't look up.

The single lightbulb hanging from the ceiling cast harsh shadows across her face, accentuating the lines of worry etched into her features.

"Mom?" Pon frowned, stepping closer. "Are you okay?" he asked as he looked very concerned and felt a pain in his heart.

She finally looked up, her eyes rimmed with red. Pon's stomach twisted. She'd been crying, Pon felt more sad seeing his mother in that state.

"Sit down, Pon," she said, her voice strained and barely above a whisper, Pon knew she did something that hurts both her and him.

Pon obeyed, lowering himself onto the floor across from her. His legs trembled slightly from exhaustion, but the concern on his mother's face kept him alert.

"What happened?" he asked feeling scared, nervous and curious, trying to keep his voice steady.

For a long moment, she said nothing. The rain filled the silence, pattering against the roof like a warning. Then, with a shaky breath, she spoke.

"Pon... we've sold you to Mr. Hemmawich." she said as her voice was shaking trying not to cry and sob in front of Pon.

Pon blinked, the words not registering at first. "What?" he replied as he felt confused, scared and didn't know what to do or say.

Her lips trembled. "We had no choice. The debts are too much. If we didn't accept his offer..." She trailed off, shaking her head. "We would have lost everything."

The room seemed to tilt. Pon gripped the edge of the table, his mind reeling. "Mr. Hemmawich? Sailub Hemmawich?"

She nodded, guilt etched deep in her features.

Pon's heart raced. Sailub Hemmawich was a name whispered in fear and awe. He was more than just wealthy-he was untouchable. Powerful. Dangerous. The leader of the Pit Babe Gang, a man who controlled everything and everyone around him.

"Why... why would he want me?" Pon's voice cracked, confusion and fear bleeding into every word.

"He asked for you specifically," his mother whispered. "I don't know why. But the deal... it's done."

Pon felt a chill run down his spine. He wanted to ask more, to scream that this couldn't be real, but the look in his mother's eyes silenced him. There was no way out.

"When do I have to go?" he asked, his voice hollow.

"Tomorrow."

The word hung in the air, heavy and suffocating. Pon nodded slowly, swallowing the lump in his throat.

"I'm sorry," his mother said, tears spilling down her cheeks. "I'm so sorry, Pon."

"It's okay," Pon lied, forcing a weak smile. "I understand."

But he didn't. He couldn't. All he knew was that tomorrow, everything would change. Tomorrow, he would leave behind the life he had fought so hard to hold onto. And tomorrow, he would belong to Hemmawich Sailub.

As the rain continued to fall outside, Pon stared at the flickering light above, wondering if he would ever see his home again.