Chapter 2

[2. Puffy eyes]

Kobsook Duangporn, CEO of Duangporn enterprises, parked his black Mercedes in the big porch of his mansion beside his son’s black Rolls-Royce and walked in through the front door. He was in his business suit that was still crisp and unwrinkled like in the morning and had a small black suitcase in his hands. His face looked pleasant as always and had a cheerful expression which he managed to wear, despite the numerous business affairs and the stress they impacted upon him.

Aroon stood panicked and confused in the living room because earlier his Dad had told him that he would be staying at office for night and would only come back home by next day morning. His arrival was unexpected. And what if he heard him yelling at Dae ? What if he realizes the things today ? No ! that shouldn’t happen.

"Hey Dad, You said you won't come today ? So are you coming for Grandma’s birthday party ?" Aroon asked with a smile.

"Hmm.., there was actually a meeting. But I cancelled it. I decided to come with you guys to the party. " Kobsook said walking in and placing his suitcase on the coffee table. Aroon felt angry. Not because his Dad is coming to the party but because, now they will be taking Dae along with them. He had actually thought to go to the party alone and later excuse his Dad that Dae was not feeling well, so he couldn't take him along with him to the party.

" Aroon..Where's Dae ?" Kobsook asked sitting down on one of the couch and stretching his hands and legs.

"Dae..? oh..he is in his room. I think he is sleeping. Should I call him? Are we going now itself ?" Aroon asked without giving his Dad any doubts.

"Yeah...let's go early then. And oh..where are the servants ?" Kobsook asked looking around and spotting no one.

"Oh...servants ? oh yes. They...they left only 10 minutes ago.", Aroon stammered. He had already dragged the two servants out of their house, the moment Kobsook left.

"Why? I told them to stay since I am not here. And then how were you going to have breakfast tomorrow ?"

" They will come tomorrow morning, Dad. Do you think I am still a little boy afraid to stay alone if you are not here ?"

" Uhmm..no. But I am afraid, you both will fight if nobody is here.", Kobsook said and stood up. Aroon slightly panicked inside. He understood that his Dad has already got some doubts. Who is the Judas ? Servants? But he is always careful to behave nicely to Dae in front of servants. Kobsook spoke dragging him out from his short trance. "Okay, let me go and take a quick shower. You call Dae and tell him to get ready." Then he was gone to his room.

Aroon walked upstairs to Dae's room to call him. He really don’t like seeing the younger’s face but anyway he has to pretend good in front of his father. His Dad don't know anything about him torturing Dae yet. He knows that he don't like Dae that much but he can never imagine him hurting Dae.

Earlier Aroon used to show all his hate towards Dae in front of his Dad but after Dae's mother's death, he started pretending like he has sympathy for Dae. His Dad now believes that his hate towards Dae has disappeared and now he is a good brother to Dae like in the past.

But sadly Kobsook don't know his son's real face. Aroon knows (thinks) that his Dad likes Dae more than him. Dae pretends like a really innocent kid. He is a respectful and an obedient son. He is also good at studies and school. Everybody likes him. But Aroon ? of course, everyone likes him too, especially girls in his college. But he was a constant headache to his father during his high school years. His grades were poor unlike Dae. He has created numerous troubles in his school. He has entered into fights with students and sometimes even teachers and his Dad had to rush to solve his problems. But he has never got a suspension or TC since his Dad, Kobsook Duangporn solves everything by throwing out money.

Anyway, now he is not like that. He is careful not to enter into unnecessary fights and troubles. He had to invite Dad to college only once when he entered into a pretty big fight with the college basketball team. And now he works hard and has scored a not so bad result in the last sems. But his result is nothing compared to all those A, Dae has scored now. Aroon again feels angry and frustrated thinking about that. But he just don't want his Dad to hate him. So he has to be extra careful with Dae when his Dad is around.

Aroon entered Dae's room and saw him crying, his eyes all red and puffy. "Why are you still crying? Stop acting. I know you are doing this to make dad hate me." He said in his cold voice.

"P'Aroon.., No I don't want Dad to hate you. My throat hurts." Dae said looking up at Aroon, rubbing his throat.

"Oh..! Really ? I am sorry. Did I hurt you..?", Aroon asked bending closer to the younger and putting a sorry face. The younger looked at him confused. Aroon chuckled. "Good to know that. And Kim Tanawat, do you think I care? No..I will never. So you better stop and wipe your tears. Dad is here. We are going for my Grandma's party. So get ready. And remember he is not your Dad. He is my Dad. So don't you dare address him as your Dad when speaking to me."

"AROON, I HATE YOU ! W..why can't you just k..kill me ? Please kill me already and end...this." Dae said sobbing.

"No. I won't let you die so easily. You should suffer for all that you have done to me. You will soon hate me more."

"pêe chaai, I don't know what I have done. I have never done something bad to you. Please tell me the reason for your hatred." Dae said, now sobbing and crying hard.

"You ! I am not your pêe chaai ( older brother). Don't call me that. Don't try to pretend innocent in front of me, like you pretend before Dad and everyone else. Now get ready. And be careful. If you tell a single word about me to Dad, you will suffer."

With that Aroon turned his heels and walked out of Dae's room. He went to his own room which is next to Dae's. Pulling his wardrobe open, he took out the clothes which he had previously selected to wear for the party. Then he started getting himself ready. He needs to look handsome even though it is just a small birthday celebration and only the relatives would come.

It’s long since he visited any of his Mom’s relatives. He is actually losing the connection. But that shouldn’t happen. Because Mother's relatives are all that he has as relatives. His Dad's father, mother and his only sister died. And his cousin's are not in good terms with him. Maybe because they are jealous of his wealth and popularity.

Kobsook grew up into a very rich and famous business man in a short period of time. They all would have never thought Kobsook would grow up his Dad's ordinary electronics company into international  levels. Also he started a textile company that became a great success. But still he is one of the most unlucky persons in the world. He lost his whole family. His Dad died of cardiac arrest. His first wife, Aroon’s Mother died in a car accident along with his Mom. Then he married Ying, Dae's Mother. She also died due to a heart attack. Now he is left alone with his only son, Aroon and stepson, Dae.

After he got ready, Aroon looked at the mirror and smiled. He looked handsome as always. But still he was frustrated about the fact that Dae is coming with them. 'Why is Dad persisting to take him to my Grandma's birthday party. He is no way related to our family. Doesn’t Dad have the common sense to think that he shouldn't take his second wife's son to his first wife's mother's birthday celebration ? And why he decided to come ? Earlier he was hesitant to even meet my mother's relatives after he married that little Devil's mother. And many of our relatives don't like Dae. Maybe they will pass some comment and he will probably start crying standing right there. Not like I care. But he will create a scene and embarrass me and Dad.'

" oh shit ! " Aroon scoffed out as he thought about the younger's puffy eyes. If his Dad notice it, It will become trouble for him. He need to do something about that. Soon he came up with an idea and walked downstairs to the kitchen.