Chapter16: Protect tender happiness. A wild bear will never become tame.

Boonmi

Waking up from sleep, yesterday's events flashed through my mind in photographic frames. How that morning Nanook, with his genuine smile, had become a mad animal by nightfall. What will he say when he comes today?

While warming up breakfast, I arranged for Lei to come over to my house today to do her homework. Trey had planned the schedule so that in the first half of the day, I would be home to receive condolences, and closer to the evening, the techs and last night's boyfriend would show up at the house.

Sketching while eating, I completely lost track of time. The professor had assigned a series of works in which we were to depict the different states of people and their emotions. The nasty trill of the door lock distracted me from my work.

"Boonmi, I almost had an accident when I read the news! What are you going to do now? Will Uncle Chakan take you back to his place? Niran made a speech..." - Yelled the girl in search of me.

"Don't yell, go to the kitchen," I said, interrupting the stream of questions.

After briefly explaining that the news of Trey's death was fake, getting the girl drunk on coffee and showing her the work in progress on the project, we went to the workshop. After discussing with her what had happened in France, I perked up a bit. Girls are known to be more knowledgeable about relationships, jealousy, and other emotional issues. Talking about Bear's confession, about texting me like a teenager throughout the day yesterday, about my own thoughts and conversation with Trey. With the girl, I felt free.

Soon there was silence in the room, broken only by the creaking of pencils. As I transferred the drawings to paper, I pondered my own feelings and doubts. On the one hand, my friend's conclusions warmed my soul. It was always nice to know that the feelings of someone you liked were reciprocated. Lei had already prepared her easel when I heard her surprised sigh.

"Did something happen? Did you hurt yourself on the bracket?"

"There's this... I don't even know how to say this," she started to fumble, holding up her phone.

"Give it to me," I held out my hand to her gadget, "What surprised you so much?"

Better yet, the damn phone fell and shattered into thousands of shards along the way. The open page read:

"Vago Pattana made a drunken show of carrying off his lover Boonmi Sansiri in one of the restaurants. Reliably, it is not known if it was the heir of a construction corporation, but the restaurant where the incident took place is located near the guy's university. And judging from the photos on social media of Boonmi Sansiri and his friends, the clothes of the day match."

Returning to the search, it turned out that a lot more had happened during the morning than I had been warned about. Of course, I realized that Vago and I were public figures and keeping the relationship a secret would be difficult, but I hadn't expected it to progress like this, growing out of a scandal.

"What now? So they'll find out about us like this," I sighed.

"So the fact that Pattana gave a retraction on their website and now Vago and his fiancée are in the hospital didn't confuse you?"

"What do you mean?"

Flipping the page, Lei pointed me to the articles she had just talked about. My eyes widened as the information came in. How could anyone expect him to choose me?

Reading the official statement, tears of disappointment rolled from my eyes. No matter how much I was told about Umka's sympathy, about the falseness of the bride, he chose not to acknowledge the relationship, but to pretend to be dead...

"...My husband... ...Me as a bride... ...Exclusively a business relationship..."

Those phrases, spoken live on the air that had popped up in the references a few minutes ago, lodged heavy in my thoughts. Vago looked like a beaten animal, a pale face with dark bags under his eyes, a lost look, slumped shoulders. But what was most surprising was that he didn't deny the words he'd said.

"I guess that's the plan. Yes?" - I turned to my comforting friend.

"I don't know Boon, you better check with Vago directly."

Looking for a phone, I looked around the workshop.

"The subscriber's phone cannot be reached."

Trey!

"I just saw the news. Trey, what's going on?" - I reached my friend.

"Vago's been taken to the hospital for a checkup, that's all I know so far. I didn't know the reporters would be there, I was just getting there to find out what it all means."

"Basically nothing is going on, it's all just my problem. Let's cancel the whole thing, let it go on as it is, just call the police? I want to leave, please let me leave, please!" - Hysteria came over me at the realization of my own words.

"Boonmi, listen, just do everything according to the adjusted plan, and I swear to you, I'll fulfill my promise."

"I don't want to..." - I sobbed, interrupting my interlocutor.

However, Trey patiently, soothingly continued to speak, "You have to give me your word that you will stay safe. I don't know who posted those photos, or why Pattan's corporation issued a retraction. We're going to find out."

"You're just on their side, you don't care about my feelings. Of course, when the odds are that the Pattan family is behind my father's death, you can't go against the one you love. Let them just come and kill me, and you won't have to worry about protecting me," Lei hugged my shuddering shoulders tightly as I choked back tears and spewed my resentment at Trey.

"No matter what happens, no matter who's behind your father's death or threatening us now, I can protect you," I heard from the phone.

"Even if it's Vago or Raon?"

"Yes, even if it's Vago or his family members! You are a priority to me! Take care of yourself and don't do anything stupid. I'll call you later," the caller suddenly disconnected.

It was very painful. My heart was torn to pieces. How could I believe that someone as cold and cruel as Nanook could love me. As the classics say, first love is always tragic. Lei didn't say anything, wiping away my tears with her warm palm and hugging me tightly. Comfortably nestled in her arms, I continued to sob.

"Since Trey is there, he'll solve everything, everything will be okay, don't cry," the girl soothed me in a shaky voice.

"I want to go to sleep so this is all a scary dream."

"Let's go to my place? Order some food, buy some alcohol, and have a pajama party?"

"I'm not allowed to leave. Trey said I have to stay safe."

"So he didn't say exactly where you should stay safe."

"I'm being followed, who knows what they might do next. Especially since I'm supposed to be here in the middle of a plan."

"I saw a movie where a girl escaped her pursuers by hiding in a suitcase. "Why don't we shove you in there? I'll bring you home, run to the store and errands, get back quickly, quickly?"

"Sounds like a crazy idea," I stated, wiping my nose on her t-shirt, "But it's better than face to face with a bear."

"Let's go pack!"

It was crazy, the cramped suitcase, combined with Lei's obnoxious driving style. No one in the house paid attention to a girl leaving the house with a suitcase, which gave us quite a head start. By the time the bear discovered I was gone, I was sitting quietly on my friend's bed sipping a beer.

"Are you going to get hit hard when you get back?" - Lei inquired.

Her fears were justified, as the phone screen didn't go off for a second, calls and messages were coming in an endless stream.

"I don't know, Trey will definitely give a lecture about how important it is to be under his supervision, because that's the only way he'll be able to keep his promise to his parents," I smiled involuntarily, mimicking my friend's tone.

I'll have to apologize later, throwing a tantrum when he tries to solve my problems. Despite everything I said, he still says he's my friend. His friendship is worth a lot, I should talk to my uncle. Why am I always waiting for advice? I can make my own decisions. I'll give him the stock and let him work. My father earned it for me, so I can manage it myself.

"Oh, speak of the devil..." - Lei handed me the phone.

With a heavy sigh, I answered the phone, keeping my promise from yesterday.

"Boone, where are you?" - The concerned voice of a friend came over the speaker.

"What, did you complain already? Don't worry, like you asked, I'm safe," I tried to be defiant so as not to give away my condition.

"Why didn't you give me a warning? You know what the situation is..."

"You warn me about a lot of things? What difference does it make where I am? They found you a perfect Boono replacement, so let's go! We must save Pattana's honor and dignity, lest God forbid we tarnish his sterling reputation! Da Khun Pattana?!" - Just as I thought, Vago is with him, another reason to recruit a friend, traitors, "Why are you so quiet? Or do you think I can't put 2+2 together? One of them stopped calling, the other one is interested in me after a while, you two are together. Is Mrs. Pattana there too? Give her my regards!"

"Boonmi," came Vago's voice, "Hear me out, I really didn't know what was going on, Trey can confirm!"

"Vago, not even the geckos in the company basement dare to pee without your consent!"

"Boone, it's true, he found out from me, right after we talked," Trey was saying again.

Why is he indulging him? He's my friend and should be on my side.

"Tell me where you are, I'm very worried!" - anxious tone, gave hope again....

"Worried? That's weird, why would I be?" - I asked, hiding my tears.

His voice and intonation stirred my heart.

"Boonmi!" - and no, wrong, there's that bossy talk again when someone dares to cross the great and angry bear.

"All right. Let's all calm down. You can text me where you are. I'll send security. I promise I won't tell anyone," Trey pleaded.

"Hahaha! Consider me on an offsite plenary! And you take care of things so I can continue to live safely in my own home. Hi to the wives," I passed out quickly as the tears flowed harder and harder, curling into a lump in my throat.

"Got anything stronger than beer?" - I asked, burying my face into the pillow.

"I'll buy some on the way home. Surely I can leave you alone? Or do you want to come with me?"

"Yeah no, I'd rather stay here. But you be careful okay? Why don't I give you Trey's number?"

The longer I was alone, the more I felt sorry for myself. It seemed like all the injustices of the world were falling on me now. The neglectful Vago, the hypocritical Tana, the friend hiding her boyfriend, the shrimp at the night market that ended up on me, the solvent dripped on the canvas that showed up while I was working, and even the ice cream that fell on my sneaker when I was 12. That's where I burst into tears again.

By evening, Trey had sent me a plan of action and a link to a live feed from one of the cameras so I could watch and be prepared. Unable to tell Lei everything, I decided not to watch anything and asked Trey to let me know in advance when to expect a call. Around one o'clock in the morning, the cherished message arrived.

Fear enveloped me, if before, I was worried about my unrequited love for the bear, now I suddenly realized that Trey was in the house with a killer. The man who had killed my father and wanted to kill me. Vago was also in the house. The people I care about, even if I am angry with them, I want them in my life more than life. If something happens to one of them, what will I do?

Remembering everything Trey and Vago had told me yesterday, I tuned in to be strong and unemotional. How did I get into all this? Normal people meet criminals in court or prison, but not via video link, or in their own homes. I dread to imagine what Vago will do to them if Trey's assumptions are true. To England! As soon as it's over, I'll ask to study there! That's right! Uncle won't be able to refuse me, and enemies halfway around the world won't want to fly. I'll do it!

The moment of truth had arrived. Gathering my strength, I answered the phone with trembling hands. Pulling on a smile I started the conversation with a joke.

"If you call to say you splattered the couch, I'll kill you," I said, the first thing that came to mind.

It's a good thing I'm not home, a dozen heavily armed men stood around the center couch, Tong and a woman of venerable age. All pale, I could tell from the expression on her face that she was in a rage bordering on despair. How could such a beautiful and intelligent woman get involved in such a horrible story. Tong, on the other hand, was aiming right at the face of the guy who was stolen yesterday.

"Boon, you don't trust me that much? If I doubted for a moment, I wouldn't let them go any farther than the lawn. I'm calling to introduce you to your father's killer. This is Mrs. Supanai, you've already met Tong. We came to give you a present, but you left. It was a mess."

Seeing Trey content and calm, I came to my senses a little too.

"Oh, the son is just like his mother, zero manners, showing up uninvited, disturbing a guest.... Now, what do you want me to do? Give them to Pattana and let him take care of his own family. I beg you to execute them anywhere but the drawing room! I don't want the smell of blood in my house! Do you understand me?! All three of us are concerned! Vago, did you hear me?" - I wanted terribly to hear his voice, to know he was okay.

"Yes love, bloodshed outside the mansion," a thousand bombs exploded in my head.

"What's this all about?" - I heard the uninvited guest shout.

"How difficult it is for you to understand! Madam, I'm even disappointed! Trey, you explain everything, in the workshop you can take markers and a blackboard, draw pictures for clarity, but I have no time! You know, the students have a lot of homework. Have a good evening." - Quickly disconnecting, I looked at Lei, who had been sitting quietly in the chair the whole time.

"So what now? Do you think he's playing around by calling you his favorite? So many witnesses, I think the bear is serious," she pondered.

"I don't know anything anymore, let's just wait and see what happens. This man's words and actions don't match. How am I supposed to believe him? Can't we just watch the movie at all?"

When it was almost halfway through the movie, a text came from Vago.

"Babe, it went great, I have a surprise for you. Can I come to your place?"

No, I won't answer, I'll wait to see what he does. If he really cares about me, it won't be hard to find me. Lei didn't ask any more questions, just leaned against me and continued watching the movie, serving me snacks. Amazing girl, her unobtrusive support, not commenting on anything, not giving unsolicited advice, not lamenting, she was just there. The feeling of care and presence of an understanding person is priceless.

Toward the end of the movie, Trey startled me with his phone call, informing me that Vago had rewritten the killer's company in my name. My friend talked about safety and trust; in his opinion, he couldn't trust anyone but a bear to take care of me. All the next day I waited for at least a call from Umka, a text, something! But the phone was silent. Trey sent that I could be with my friends as long as I wanted, and there was no point in hiding anymore. Jung sent me a text with the coordinates of where the car would be parked in the parking lot. No one else cares about me. All social media and search engine gossip has been deleted.

I waited for Vago, except the man didn't care. He got what he wanted. He didn't need me, a wild bear, never to be tamed. Deciding to quench my despair and loneliness in alcohol, when I got home, I followed straight to my father's study. Choosing the prettiest bottles, I headed for the living room.

Mali had already returned from the weekend, and she was carrying snacks to me, sighing heavily. I fell asleep in a drunken frenzy and stayed on the couch. The morning sun was blinding my eyes. Looking around, I bitterly realized that I was still in the living room. Now, no one would take care of me, because Trey had left me too, he had love.

On the TV in the kitchen, where the housekeeper served me breakfast, my last name was being thrown around again. Company mergers, compensation, I don't understand anything about it, as long as it's about the official side of Sansiri, then it's another achievement of Niran. Turning off the sound, all I wanted to do was shower and get drunk again. There was no desire to be in reality.

"Hey, stop sleeping! Get up and join me in watching this fancy event, since my friend is such a pig and couldn't take me out!" - Lei shook me from wherever Lei had come from.

"What do you want?"

"Gossip Asia Express reported that one stupid boy decided to go on a bender, and he's not calling his friends! Soon Criss will be here to watch the auction and get drunk. You know it's a waste when your friend is single-handedly guzzling whiskey who's older than us!"

"I want to sleep!"

"Sleep in the living room by the TV!"

"Will you stay with me?"

"Pfft...".

By the time I had showered and regained at least a little bit of consciousness, a bacchanalia had already begun in my house, Lei and Criss choosing what to order, louder than an airport flight being announced. I've always enjoyed watching them argue, they're like spouses who have been married for decades. Giving in to each other is tantamount to losing the war.

"Oh, it's on! Let's see what's in fashion this season!" - Lei, who was pleased, gave in to her friend's order.

Going into the kitchen for a basket of fruit and glasses, I made the decision to abstract myself from what was happening on the screen, it was nothing more than another fashion show.

"Whoever appears on the screen, I'm just drinking..." - I said to myself, and after picking up more appetizers, I went back inside.

"Boon, they're saying that Pattan's subsidiary has joined Sansiri," Criss called out to me.

"You know I'm not good at this, totally don't care who joined where."

"They're all so pretty, and Vago is standing with Trey. Not with Tana," as I heard Lei's words, I involuntarily glanced at the screen.

It was so beautiful, so shiny, and so foreign. I sat with my back to the TV, showing my friends my disinterest.

"Sansiri Company is announced as the winner for plot N! Let's congratulate them!"

As if anyone expected a different outcome, Vago needed us to win and invest the capital funds, and his wife then got involved in the project, earning another plushie.

"Boonmi, them! They're kissing! In front of everyone!" - Lei yelled, standing up with her feet on the couch.

"What are you yelling, the public thinks they're a couple. It's normal..."

"Look at her! She's not making out with Umka!"

Turning my head, I decided it was a hallucination. My heart skipped beats, my breath was short, and shock stiffened my body. On the screen, Tana kissed Vien, and afterward the trio approached Trey and Vago, congratulating each other. What was this all about? How did they let this happen? Will a retraction come out tomorrow that Rattana was drugged and mistaken for a man? The six satisfied businessmen proceeded to the interview and photo area.

"How do you feel about what's going on?"

"Your fiancée kissing a strange man in front of everyone, is that the end of the relationship?"

"Mrs. Chaibancha is this revenge for your fiancé's gossip with Mr. Sansiri?"

"Mr. Pattana, please give a comment!"

I watched with bated breath as the man raised his hand, calling for silence.

"You may ask all your questions one by one," he said in a stern bass, instilling fear in those who heard him.

"Mr. Pattana, how do you feel, about Mrs. Rattana's act?"

"How should I feel about the fact that in a fit of joy she kissed her lawful wedded husband? I'm fine, she's free to show her emotions however she wants."

"Legal spouse? And you? She's your wife, isn't she?"

"No, my beloved spouse is waiting for me at home," Nanook said confidently, looking directly into the camera.

My friend's squeal could be heard for a three-block radius.