Once And Always

Chapter 21

Hello!

I'm starting to have headaches because of these characters. 😆

As I've mention on the previous chapter, the Tee in this story is very very innocent and his mindset was for a young man living in a village far removed from the worldliness of  the sophisticated high society.

Even some characters are too innocent I can't believe them. 😜

This is a long chaotic chapter for you guys.

Enjoy reading!

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"Good afternoon, my dear," Prama said cheerfully, patting the edge of the bed beside him. "Come sit down. Your visit last night with Tae has restored my health beyond belief. Now, tell me more about your wedding plans."

Tee sat down beside him. "Truthfully, it's all very confusing, Uncle Prama. Mr. Pawat has just told me Khun Luang Tae packed the things from his study this morning and has moved back to Khon Kaen."

"I know," Prama said, smiling. "He came in to see me before he left and told me he'd decided to do it 'for the sake of appearances.' The less time he spends in close proximity to you, the less chance there is for any further gossip."

"So that's why he left," Tee said, his worried expression clearing.

Laughter shook Prama's shoulders as he nodded. "My child, I think this is the first time in his life that Tae has ever made a concession to propriety! It irked him to do it, but he did it anyway. You have a decidedly good influence on him," Prama finished merrily. "Perhaps you can teach him next to stop scoffing at principles."

Tee smiled back at him, relieved and quite suddenly very happy. "I'm afraid I don't know anything about the wedding arrangements," he admitted, "except that it's to take place in a big temple here in Bangkok."

"Tae is taking care of everything. He took his secretary with him to Khon Kaen, along with the main staff from here, so they can make the preparations. After the ceremony, a wedding celebration will take place at Khon Kaen for your close friends and some of the villagers. I believe the invitation list and the invitations are already in the process of being prepared. So you have nothing to do except remain here and enjoy everyone's surprise when they realize you are well and truly to be Khun Luang Tee Kreepolrerk."

Tee dismissed that and hesitantly brought up something that was much more important to him. "The night you were so very ill, you mentioned something about my mother and you—something you had intended to tell me."

Prama turned his head away, gazing out the window, and Tee said quickly, "You needn't tell me if it will upset you to speak of it."

"It's not that," he said, slowly returning his gaze to his face. "I know how understanding and sensible you are, but you're still very young. You loved your father, probably as much as you loved your mother. Once I tell you what I have to say, you might begin to think of me as an interloper in their marriage, although I swear to you I never communicated with your Mae after she married your Pho. Nong'Tee," he explained miserably, "I'm trying to tell you I don't want you to despise me, and I fear you might when you hear the story."

Tee took his hand in his and said gently, "How could I possibly despise someone with the good sense to love my mother?"

Prama looked down at his hand and his voice was choked with emotion. "You inherited your mother's heart as well, do you know that?" When Tee remained silent, his gaze returned to the windows and he began the story of his involvement with Ice. Not until he was done did he look at Tee again, and when he did he saw no condemnation in the boy's eyes, only sorrow and compassion. "So you see," he finished, "I loved her with all my heart. I loved her and I cut her out of my life when she was the only thing worth living for."