Narrator's PoV
Somchai, the fisherman, was selling fish in the market when a man in a cloak approached him . He looked at the man, and he understood what it meant to just look at his face.
'' Chaiyot.'' He called Chaiyot, who were helping him unload the fish from the boat. Chaiyot quickly made his way over, a look of concern on his face as he saw the man in the cloak. He often sees this man talking to the old man but never questions their connection with the man, but he can't help but wonder who this man is. He also always notices mysterious people around them whenever this man is around; they may not be noticeable, but Chaiyot has this ability to differentiate these people from the rest of the villagers. It was a skill he had, but he never knew where he learned such skill in observing people, and it made him wary of anyone who seemed out of place in their small community.
''How's he? Why is he helping you with the fish? '' The man in a cloak asks with concern in his voice.
''I can't say no to him; he is a determined child, General Saint, and I can't say no to him. I can see this young man once lived on purpose, and losing his memory won't erase his nature of being a smart and hardworking man.'' Somchai replied with a slight smile, knowing that the general's question was more out of curiosity than suspicion. "He may not remember his past, but his actions speak volumes about the kind of person he is," Somchai added, grateful for the young man's help and determination.
General Sait sighed, knowing that Kirk was really determined even before, and it added to his admiration for the man he secretly loves. He smiled upon looking in Kirk's direction. He blushed when Chaiyot or Kirk smiled at him, considering his presence.
You never failed to impress, Kirk Saint thought.
''Until now, you never told me who this man is,'' Somchai asked. General Saint chuckled. "He's just a man with a mysterious past and a heart of gold." Somchai nodded, understanding that some things are better left unsaid.
If this man knew who he was making fish lift, he might lose his mind; it's better he doesn't know. Saint thought to himself.
Saint takes a brown pouch inside his sleeve and secretly hands it to Somchai. "Consider it a token of my appreciation for your discretion and for helping me take care of Chaiyot," Saint whispered. Somchai's eyes widened in surprise, grateful for the unexpected gift from the mysterious general. But when he opened the pouch, shocked by its contents, he gave it back to him.
'' I can't accept this, general saint; this is too much.'' Somchai said, giving back the few pounds of gold inside the pouch. Accepting this will make him and his wife indebted to Saint in a way that he could never repay. Saint smiled warmly at Somchai's refusal, understanding the man's reluctance to accept such a generous gift. "I appreciate your integrity, Somchai. Please consider this as a gift," Saint replied, insisting that Somchai keep the gold as a token of their friendship and mutual respect.
''But this is too much; I can even buy the whole village with this amount of gold,'' Somchai protested, feeling overwhelmed by the generosity. Saint chuckled, placing a hand on Somchai's shoulder. "You and your son, when he was still alive and working for me as a Soldier, have always been loyal friends and allies. Consider it a token of my gratitude for all that you have done," he said reassuringly.
Somchai sighed, not able to refuse anymore the gift that the general has given him, wondering what his wife and Chaiyot reaction will be when they find out about the unexpected wealth. But he knew deep down that Saint's gesture was genuine and heartfelt, a testament to their enduring bond. But it is still not clear why the general would give such an amount for just taking care of the stranger, a young man. What would be Chaiyot's identity to make it this worth a gift?
Rebecca's POV
''Freen! '' I shouted as the guards were almost dragging us out of the place, but I couldn't leave Freen here if danger was lurking.
''Irin, what about Freen? Are you leaving her here? '' I couldn't bear the thought of abandoning my friend, especially when she needed me the most. Despite the chaos and urgency of the situation, I am not leaving her here, not now that I realize that she was the main reason I accepted my father's offer to go back to my mother's place.
I kicked the guard who was annoyingly dragging me away from the room and ran where Freen was. Thanks to Irin for helping me by blocking and pulling the guards away from me, I was able to reach Freen just when I opened the door. I saw the beauty of an angel. I didn't waste time, as I was dying to do this earlier if not for Irin's annoying timing.
I was panting from running away from the guards, looking into Freen's eyes. She really is the flower girl. I grabbed her neck, wasted no time, and kissed her aggressively, but she wouldn't respond. I was annoyed by her reaction, so I bit her lower lips. She groaned in pain, which made her involuntarily open her mouth, which gave me the opportunity to kiss her more passionately.
I smirked when she finally decided to reciprocate my kiss, her hands finding their way to my hair as she pulled me closer. The guards' footsteps grew louder, but I couldn't bring myself to stop kissing Freen, the girl who had captivated me from the moment I laid eyes on her.
Oh god, I don't want this to end.
Our hands are all over our bodies. I was more turned on when she pushed me against the door that opened upon impact, but it only added to my excitement as I deepened the kiss, savoring every moment with her. The guards finally reached us, knocking behind us again.
Ugh, Irin and her timing. I glared at the woman in front of me when she stopped kissing because of Irin's knock.
Annoying.
''Rebecca!! Get out of there now, or I will tell the guards to break the door!! '' Urgh, for the love of God, what is it with my father again?
Irin gave me an apologetic look before quickly opening the door. I reluctantly followed to go out, holding tightly Freen's hand with me.
My father's jaw tightened upon seeing me, and his eyes filled with anger. "Rebecca, how many times do I have to tell you to stay away from that girl?" he bellowed. I knew this was going to be another long lecture about the dangers of associating with Freen.
''Everyone was worried and alert about what happened outside Lord Nop's residence while you were with this woman, playing hide and seek. What is wrong with you? I understand you being sentimental towards this woman during the party earlier, but this doesn't make sense. You need to be more careful with your actions and who you associate with, especially in public places like Lord Nop's Resident. Your safety and reputation are at stake, so please think before you act impulsively. '' He paused, contemplating what to say to not make it more bulgar, and he continued''
You should be thankful that Lord Nop offered his kindness by lending us assistance in guarding you and giving you his carriage to give you a lift as a replacement for our carriage, which was attacked by some crazy individuals. Remember, not everyone is as generous as him, so be mindful of your behavior and show gratitude towards those who help you. It's important to maintain good relationships with people, especially in high society circles like this one. '' My father's words echoed in my mind . Again, he is not concerned about his reputation or status among the elite.
I tightened my grip on Freen's hand.
''You are not concerned about my safety; you are only concerned about your own image,'' I shouted back to him, feeling a mix of frustration and disappointment.
''You ungrateful child! ''
''''เบคก้า!! ''I heard my mother shout. Who is now crying and pleading with my father to stop?
My sight turned black because of the impact of his slap; my face was almost twisted because of pain.
'' I have worked hard to provide for you and give you the best opportunities in life,'' my father retorted, his face turning red with anger. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself before responding. "I appreciate everything you have done for me, but I also deserve to be treated with respect," I said firmly, meeting his gaze with determination. "I will not sacrifice my well-being for the sake of your reputation." My father tried to slap me again, but this time Freen intervened, grabbing his arm before he could make contact.
''โปรด!! ''('' please!! -'' ) Freen said firmly, standing between us. ''อย่าทำร้ายเธอนะ ฉันจะไปแล้ว แค่อย่าทำร้ายเธอ'' (''Don't hurt her. I'm leaving. Just don't hurt her.'') I can see Freen's pleading eyes saying those words I don't understand.
My father glared at both of us. '' Bring her home. '' He commanded the guards, and they dragged me away, but I tried to stay with Freen, but my heart sank when I let go of my hand. I refused to let go, but she forcefully let go of my hand.
''ฉันเสียใจ''
''No. Don't do this..''
''ปล่อยฉันนะ'' No, those words again.