White Tulips and Daisies

CHAPTER THIRTY ONE

"Lord Arphus saved us. He brought us to the small island he owned. The three of us hid there . Than was unconscious for weeks. He was shot on the head but it was just a graze. I did my best to take care of him despite the limited resources we had. Lord Arphus travelled to the city and to the island multiple times using the only boat we had to gather medicines and necessities." Chat looked at Build. "He did his best to take care of us despite the danger."

Build listened, the pain and shock still visible in his eyes. He sat frozen, shoulders tense, as Wichapas settled beside him, gently running a hand up and down his back in quiet comfort. The silence between them was thick, heavy with emotion.

Than, sitting across from them, wore a look of confusion. His brows furrowed, eyes darting between their faces. He kept staring at Build, like he was reaching—desperately trying to grasp a memory just out of reach. But nothing came. Just fragments. Just a blank ache where something important used to be.

"Until I found out he was poisoned. He's been enduring the pain since we came to the island. I was so busy taking care of Than that I didn't notice something was wrong with him. When I found out, it was already incurable. He said Fah poisoned him in his own mansion and stole everything from him. When Than woke up, Lord Arphus was already gone. I had to bury him on the island. He was alone and lonely." Chat wiped his tears, reminiscing the hardship they all went through.

"They said Lord Arphus died during a car crash going to the funeral." Wichapas spoke.

"He planned it. When he realized he was being poisoned inside his house and all his subordinates betrayed him, he fled. To make Fah believe that he already died, he planned all of it. During the funeral, we are already going to the island."

Than heard his husband sniffing. He immediately looked at him and held his hand. Chat looked at him and smiled.

"I'm alright. Babe, remember when I told you that you have a little brother?" Chat looked at Build. "That's him. Our silly little brother."

Build broke down again, the tears returning with full force. A raw, helpless sob escaped his lips as he let his body collapse into Wichapas, who caught him without hesitation and wrapped him in a firm, protective embrace. Time seemed to blur as the pain spilled out of him in waves. Then, gently, he felt a hand begin to stroke his head—soft, steady, grounding. Slowly, Build lifted his gaze. Than was kneeling in front of him, eyes filled with something deep and tender. He looked at Build with quiet adoration, as if seeing something precious—something he didn't fully understand, but felt with his whole heart.

"How have you been? Sorry that Phi can not remember you. I can not remember anyone."

Without a second thought, he threw his arms around him, holding on as if letting go would break the world apart. The hug was fierce—almost crushing. Build couldn't speak. No words would come. His throat tightened, his chest heaved, and all he could do was cry—silent, shuddering sobs pouring from deep within, years of pain and hope colliding in that single embrace.

"Phi is sorry." Than kissed the top of his head.

The people around them watched with soft, relieved smiles. Joy and heartbreak intertwined in the room like a single thread. In the corner, Aunt Praya was held gently by Prem. The old woman was crying too with deep, wracking sobs that shook her small frame as years of sorrow spilled out all at once.

It took a few long minutes before Build's breathing steadied, before the storm inside him began to settle. Than extended a hand, and without a word, helped him to his feet. Chat stepped forward quietly, his expression tender. Wichapas rose beside them, standing close.

And then, without hesitation, Build turned to Chat and wrapped him in a tight embrace—just as fierce and heartfelt as the one before. Another piece of the past held in trembling arms.