CHAPTER 10

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Sailub's day had been relentless. Meetings stacked back-to-back, endless paperwork piling up on his sleek mahogany desk, and calls that never seemed to end.

The company's expansion project was in full swing, and every detail required his attention.

Despite the chaos, his thoughts drifted to Pon wondering how he was feeling after his recent recovery.

He leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples as he glanced at the clock. It was nearing lunchtime, and he considered taking a short break.

Just as he reached for his phone, a soft knock on the door interrupted him.

"Come on in," Sailub called, expecting his assistant.

Instead, Pavel entered, holding a clipboard. "Boss, one more thing before your next meeting..."

Sailub sighed, nodding for Pavel to continue. He buried himself back into the documents, unaware of the surprise waiting just outside his office building.

Meanwhile, Pon stood outside the towering glass structure of Sailub's office, balancing a neatly packed bento box filled with food he had made earlier that morning.

The vibrant, homemade dishes were arranged meticulously, each item reflecting the care and love Pon had put into it.

Pon adjusted his hoodie, trying to keep a low profile.

He didn't want to draw attention but hoped to surprise Sailub with the lunch.

He smiled at the thought of Sailub's reaction, imagining the surprise and delight on his husband's face.

As he stepped inside the lobby, the receptionist gave him a warm smile. Pon introduced himself shyly, explaining that he was here to see Sailub.

"Oh! You're Mr. Thanapon?" the receptionist asked, eyes wide with recognition.

Before Pon could respond, a buzz of excitement rippled through the room. Whispers spread like wildfire.

Within minutes, reporters and paparazzi seemed to materialize out of nowhere. Cameras flashed, and questions were shouted from every direction.

"Mr. Thanapon! Over here!"

"How long have you and Sailub been together?"

"What's the secret to your marriage?"

"Are you planning to start a family soon?"

Pon froze, overwhelmed by the sudden onslaught. He hadn't expected this level of attention.

His heart pounded as he clutched the bento box tightly, trying to shield himself from the barrage of questions and flashing lights.

Upstairs, Sailub was wrapping up his final meeting when his phone buzzed with a text from Pavel.

Pavel: "Boss, you might want to come down. Pon's here... and so are the paparazzi."

Sailub's eyes widened, and without a second thought, he stood up, excusing himself from the room.

He took long strides toward the elevator, hitting the button impatiently. His mind raced, worried about how Pon was handling the unexpected attention.

The elevator doors opened, and Sailub stepped out into the chaotic scene in the lobby.

His eyes scanned the crowd until he spotted Pon, standing near the reception desk, looking flustered and cornered by reporters.

"Enough! Stop bothering my Wife!" Sailub's voice boomed, he screamed sternly silencing the room.

The crowd parted as Sailub made his way to Pon, his presence commanding and protective. He placed a firm hand on Pon's shoulder, pulling him close.

"This is a private matter. You're all crossing a line," Sailub said coldly, glaring at the reporters.

Security moved in, escorting the paparazzi and reporters out of the building. The lobby gradually quieted, leaving Sailub and Pon alone.

Sailub turned to Pon, concern etched on his face. "Are you okay?"

Pon nodded slowly, his eyes still wide with shock. "I... I just wanted to surprise you with lunch." He held up the bento box, his hands trembling slightly.

Sailub's expression softened. He gently took the box from Pon's hands, setting it down on a nearby table before pulling Pon into a tight embrace.

"You didn't have to go through all this trouble," Sailub murmured, his voice low and comforting. "But thank you."

Pon buried his face in Sailub's chest, finding solace in his husband's warmth. "I didn't mean to cause a scene..."

"You didn't," Sailub reassured him. "They're the ones who crossed the line. Let's go upstairs, okay?"

Pon nodded, feeling safer with Sailub by his side.

Once they were back in Sailub's office, the door securely closed, Sailub guided Pon to the small seating area by the window.

He opened the bento box, revealing the beautifully arranged food.

"You really outdid yourself," Sailub said, smiling as he took in the colorful array.

Pon blushed, watching as Sailub took a bite. "I just wanted to do something nice for you."

Sailub reached out, lacing his fingers with Pon's. "You did. This means a lot to me."

They ate together, the tension from earlier slowly melting away.

Sailub stole glances at Pon, marveling at how thoughtful and caring his husband was.

As they finished their meal, Sailub leaned back, pulling Pon into his lap.

"Thank you for today, love. But next time, maybe give me a heads-up?"

Pon giggled, resting his head on Sailub's shoulder. "I'll think about it."

Sailub chuckled, kissing Pon's temple. "I'm lucky to have you."

And in that quiet moment, amid the chaos of their lives, they found peace in each other's arms.

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