𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐞

Episode 60

Next morning, at the breakfast table...

The atmosphere in the Johnson mansion was as usual—calm yet distant. Mark, Maya Ma, Susan Ma, Phuwin, Dunk, Joong, and Pond sat together, having their meal. But despite sitting together, there was an unspoken tension hanging in the air.

Dunk hesitated for a moment before speaking, glancing at Mark.

"Uh... Dad?" he called out softly.

Mark, who had always treated Dunk like his own son, smiled at him warmly. "Yes, son? What is it?"

Dunk took a deep breath. "I got an offer from an art studio as an art teacher… I wanted to take it, if everyone is okay with it."

The room fell silent.

Maya Ma and Susan Ma’s faces lit up with joy. "Oh, Dunk! I never knew you were into art," Maya Ma said excitedly.

Mark nodded proudly. "Of course, son. If this makes you happy, then I fully support you!"

Just as Dunk was about to smile, a sharp, cold voice cut through the warmth.

"Bullshit."

Everyone turned to look at Joong, who was glaring at Dunk with an irritated expression.

"Why the hell do you need to do this?" Joong scoffed, putting his fork down. "If you're feeling so free, why not focus on house chores? At least they’ll be useful!"

Dunk’s smile faltered. "Joong…?"

Mark’s face darkened. "Joong! How dare you speak to your husband like this?"

Joong leaned back in his chair, his expression cold and unimpressed. "Dad, don’t you see how ridiculous this is? My husband—CEO Joong Johnson’s husband—working at a local art studio? That would be humiliating."

Dunk’s hands clenched under the table, his heart sinking at Joong’s words.

"Forget it, Dunk. You're not taking that job." Joong’s voice was firm, leaving no room for argument. "And where did this stupid idea even come from? It’s not like we need the money. I’ve given you everything—money, luxury—so why?"

Dunk opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, Phuwin’s voice rang out.

"Phi Joong, that’s enough."

Everyone turned toward Phuwin, who had remained quiet until now. His expression was serious. "Phi Dunk loves art. We both do. We dreamed of opening an art studio together, but life didn’t allow us to follow that dream. Now, if he has another chance, why are you stopping him?"

Pond, who had been watching the scene unfold, suddenly turned to Phuwin. His voice was sharp.

"What do you mean ‘we both’? Don’t tell me you’re also planning on taking some job?"

Phuwin hesitated but then nodded. "Yes, I am."

Pond slammed his hand on the table. "Phuwin, I’ve always listened to you. Whatever you wanted, I let you have it. But this—this is too much. You’re my husband, not some employee who needs to work!"

Joong scoffed. "Besides, you two never even finished college. Did this so-called art studio not care about education?"

Dunk looked up, his eyes filled with pain, but his voice was steady. "We did finish our degree. We completed it online."

Joong and Pond exchanged a glance before Joong’s voice rang through the room.

"I don’t care. You’re not doing this job. End of discussion."