SOLD TO THE MAFIA | SAILUBPON

CHAPTER 1

The sun hadn't risen yet when Pon awoke to the sound of footsteps shuffling outside his bedroom door.

His eyes fluttered open, heavy with exhaustion, but the weight in his chest was what truly made it hard to breathe. Today was the day where he will live with Sailub.

He lay there for a moment, staring at the cracked ceiling, trying to hold on to the last remnants of peace.

His small room, with its peeling wallpaper and mismatched furniture, had always been a refuge, a place where he could hide from the harsh realities of life. But not anymore. After today, this place would be nothing more than a memory.

A soft knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts as he glanced at the door still laying down on the bed.

"Pon? Are you awake?" His mother's voice was gentle, but it carried the same sadness he'd heard last night as her voice was still trembling her eyes still red from crying last night.

"I'm up," he called back, sitting up slowly. His muscles ached from yesterday's shift at the café, but the ache in his heart was worse.

He stood up from the comfortable bed shivering as his bare feet touched the cold floor, and began to get ready.

His wardrobe was sparse, just a few worn shirts and a pair of jeans he'd outgrown but still wore.

He chose the cleanest clothes he could find, brushing a hand through his messy hair. It didn't matter what he looked like. Nothing did anymore.

By the time he stepped into the main room, his mother was waiting for him. She had prepared a simple breakfast just rice and a fried egg but neither of them touched it. They sat in silence, the sound of rain still tapping softly against the roof.

"I wish things were different, I wish we were rich.." his mother said suddenly, breaking the quiet. Her hands were clasped tightly together, knuckles white. "If I could change this, I would."

"I know, it's okay Mom, you did your best for this family." Pon whispered. He didn't blame her. How could he? She had done what she thought was best for their family.

They sat like that for a few more minutes until a knock at the front door made them both jump.

Pon's heart sank. It was time.

His mother rose to answer it, and Pon followed, his legs feeling like lead. When she opened the door, a tall man in a black suit stood on the other side. He didn't look like a gangster his appearance was clean, professional, almost too polished but the hard set of his jaw and the coldness in his eyes gave him away.

"Thanapon Aiemkumchai?" the man asked, glancing at Pon.

Pon nodded. His voice felt stuck in his throat, so he didn't bother trying to speak.

The man stepped aside, revealing a sleek black car parked at the curb. "Come with me. Mr. Hemmawich is waiting." said the man as Pon's heart was beating fast and looked at his mom one last time.

Pon turned to his mother one last time. She pulled him into a tight hug, holding on as if she could stop him from leaving. "Be brave, Pon, please be a strong omega, if there are any emergencies or any news about you.. please tell me." she whispered against his hair. "Please, be brave."

"I will fight for you mom.. I will miss you." he promised, even though he didn't feel brave at all, he was just an omega who wishes he could stay strong.

With a final squeeze, she let him go, and Pon followed the man to the car. The door closed with a soft thud, sealing him inside.

The interior smelled of leather and something faintly spicy, and the windows were tinted so dark he couldn't see out. It felt like being trapped in a moving box.

The man climbed into the driver's seat, and without a word, the car pulled away from the curb. Pon watched his house disappear in the rearview mirror, the familiar sight shrinking until it was gone altogether.

They drove in silence, the city flashing by in a blur of lights and shadows. Pon tried to focus on the passing scenery, but his mind kept wandering to what lay ahead.

He didn't know what to expect. Hemmawich Sailub was a mystery man who wrapped in wealth and danger. People whispered about him in hushed tones, stories of power plays and ruthless ambition.

What would he want with someone like Pon? why? what was his reason or his motivation?

The car eventually pulled up to a large gate, which swung open to reveal a sprawling estate.

The driveway wound through manicured gardens, the kind Pon had only ever seen in magazines. The house itself was massive, all sleek lines and glass, looming like a fortress.

The driver parked in front of the entrance and opened Pon's door. "Go inside. Mr. Hemmawich is waiting."

Pon stepped out, his legs shaky, and walked up the marble steps. The front door opened before he could knock, revealing a woman dressed in black. She looked him up and down, her expression unreadable.

"This way," she said, leading him through the grand foyer as Pon went and observed the huge mansion.

The inside of the house was just as intimidating as the outside. High ceilings, modern art on the walls, and floors so polished Pon could see his reflection. It was cold, sterile. Nothing like home.

They stopped in front of a set of double doors. The woman pushed them open, gesturing for Pon to enter.

He stepped inside, heart hammering in his chest.

The room was large but dimly lit, with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the city. A single figure stood by the window, hands clasped behind his back. Even from a distance, Pon could feel the man's presence-commanding, imposing.

"Hemmawich?" Pon's voice came out small, almost a whisper.

The man turned, and for the first time, Pon saw him clearly. Hemmawich Sailub was tall, with sharp features and eyes that seemed to pierce right through him. He was dressed impeccably, every detail of his appearance calculated and precise.

"You're here," Hemmawich said, his voice deep and smooth. He took a step forward, his gaze never leaving Pon's face. "Good."

Pon's breath caught in his throat. He felt like prey caught in a predator's sights.

"Welcome to your new home, Pon," Hemmawich said, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Things are about to change and you're gonna start to follow my rules."

Pon could only nod, the weight of those words settling over him like a heavy shroud. Things were about to change, indeed and there was no going back.