40- Visaknu’s Family

Monica took a deep breath, trying to steady herself before stepping out of the bathroom. Just then, her phone rang—Visakun. She exhaled smoothly and answered.

"Hello?"

"Honey, are you busy?"

"Oh… yes, I just have some free time."

"It's 12, we are gonna be late dear. I'm in front of your office to take you to lunch with my parents."

"You're already here?"

"Just arrived!"

"Okay, give me five minutes."

"Sure!"

As the call ended, the CEO sat back down, still unsettled by the news.

—

Virak lounged on the sofa in the villa's living room, his mid-20s frame relaxed despite a small wound on his left temple and shards of glass embedded in his forearm. 

He scrolled through his phone, seemingly unfazed by the injuries.

The door swung open, and Visak stepped in, guiding Monica inside.

"Virak! Mind your manners—the guest is here," he scolded.

Virak glanced up, then sat straighter as Monica approached, a bouquet of fresh flowers in her hands.

"Hello, Virak," she greeted with a warm smile.

"Hello, sister," he replied, setting his phone aside and making a move to stand.

She stopped him with a gentle gesture. "It's alright. Stay seated." She handed him the flowers.

"Thank you so much," he said, bringing them to his nose, inhaling their fragrance with a smile.

"Are you getting better? How's your injury?"

"It's… nothing. Just a small scratch," he shrugged.

From the kitchen, a woman stepped out—Madam Nary. Monica immediately straightened, offering a polite greeting.

"Good afternoon, Madam. How are you?"

Madam Nary's expression softened with warmth. "I'm wonderful! Monica, I told you, call me Mom. And call him Dad, too."

Monica smiled, her heart swelling at the gesture. They exchanged a brief embrace before taking their seats.

"Yes, Mom," Monica replied.

"How are your feet now, dear? Is that ok, you healed?" Nary asked.

"Yes, I am ok now. No worries" said Monica.

"Great! We're preparing the dishes,"

"I'd love to help—"

"No, no, just rest. I heard you've been working hard and just got home from the office."

"Yes, Mom."

"Where's Dad?" Visak asked.

"In the study."

"I'll go see him," he said before leaving.

A housemaid approached, setting a glass of water in front of Monica as she settled across from Virak.

Nary glanced at Virak and said, "Have a talk with her first. I'll finish up in the kitchen, Monic!"

"Yes, Mom," Monica replied. Virak just nodded.

As Nary rose and headed to the kitchen, Monica turned to her housemate with a grateful smile. "Thanks."

Virak studied her sister's face with concern. "You don't look well today. Has work been overwhelming?"

Monica took a sip of water, setting the glass down before answering. "Yes! Somehow."

"Is your brother's case still ongoing?"

"You've been following the news?"

"I have! And my parents care about you too. They're worried they won't get to call you their in-law."

They both laughed before An chimed in, "You know, my two older sisters live abroad and rarely visit. I mostly live with Visak… hmm."

"Are you bored? What have you been up to lately?"

"Mom and Dad wanted me to join the new F&B business, but I didn't. You know I love tech—I'm going to start my own company."

"Oh? Doing what?"

"Technology, service, and security!" Virak declared with enthusiasm. "These days, almost every house has cameras. There's a lot of money in that business… trust me."

Monica nodded, offering a small smile.

"Have you worked in that field before?" she asked.

"I have! But my dad never trusted me. Ever since the accident… he still treats me like a kid."

Monica sighed. "You have to be careful. Drinking and driving—it's not just reckless, it's irresponsible."

"Yes, yes, I know." Virak waved it off, then hesitated, deep in thought.

"Sister."

Monica glanced at him. "Yes?"

"I like you. You're sincere. My brother… he truly loved you. I don't know how to put it, but… he would do anything to keep you in your position."

Monica stiffened. "What are you saying? I can't get it—"

"I mean, your brother's situation… it puts a strain on your family, doesn't it?"

"No need to worry! My family and I can handle our own matters," Monica said firmly.

Virak nodded, though concern lingered in her eyes. "Good. But I'm worried about my brother."

Monica frowned. "Why?"

"He might cross the line and interfere with your family's affairs."

"Virak!"

Before anything more could be said, Visaknu descended the stairs, accompanied by an elderly man—Mr. Yen, their father.

Monica and Virak turned toward them. Without hesitation, Monica stood, offering a respectful salute.

"Hello, daughter," the old man greeted.

She inclined her head. "Good afternoon, Dad."

Visak's gaze settled on Virak, unreadable, heavy with unspoken words. Silence stretched between them.

Then, Madam Nary appeared in the doorway, her voice breaking the moment. "Come to the table. The food is ready."

"Yes!" replied all of them.

—

As the five of them gathered around the lunch table, the elderly man at the head cleared his throat before speaking.

"Mom and I have enlisted a wedding preparation service," Yen announced. "There's no need to worry. We understand that Mr. Heng hasn't been through this before—you're his first child to get married."

Monica smiled. "Thank you, Dad and mom."

Madam Nary nodded approvingly. "Once everything is arranged, we'll need to meet with your parents to finalize the date."

"I'll talk to my mom and dad soon," Monica assured her.

"Good." Yen hesitated for a moment before continuing. "By the way, I heard from Visak… about Saroath. I mean, the woman who passed. It seems she was murdered, and her son is looking into it. I know this must be difficult for you. I'm truly sorry."

"Yes, Mom talked with Dad and Visak," Nary said. "If... in case you two decide to move in with us for now, and then move out after the wedding... but your dad won't go for it, right?"

Monica smiled and nodded. "Yes, but don't worry. My dad just wants the best for me, but now that the investigation is progressing and the killer will be caught soon, he's more at ease."

The room brightened with smiles and laughter. Virak grinned. "So, that means your dad will let you move in now?"

Visak chuckled, his parents waiting eagerly for Monica's reply. She shook her head gently. Nary's smile faded slightly.

"That's okay. It won't be long. Once you're married and the case is over, you two will be living together soon anyway." Nary said.

Monica smiled warmly. "Yes, thank you to both of you for understanding."

Nary paused, a thought crossing her mind. "And what about your mother... your biological mother's side?"

Monica responded, her tone light but tinged with concern, 

"Oh, they're fine with us. But my mom's a bit worried since Aunt Saroath passed. She doesn't want us married so soon after everything. And I'm planning to figure out who secretly set up that camera on my brother."

The room grew heavy with the weight of her words. A somber hush fell over the family, the air thick with unease. Virak stood frozen, Visak's gaze dropped, while Nary and Yen exchanged a quiet look.

"Your brother?" Yen asked, his voice careful.

"Yes, Dara."

"I see," Yen replied, his tone soft. "But he's not a legal son. I'm sorry to say."

Monica nodded, a sad smile on her lips. "I know. Everyone sees him that way… but it's okay."

Yen hesitated, then spoke again, his voice warm but worried. "Daughter, please don't misunderstand me. I don't mean to disrespect him. He is your brother, no doubt. It's just… I fear this might affect your wedding plans with Visak."

Monica's gaze met Visak's and Virak's, then returned to Yen. "Don't worry about that," she said gently. " Since his mother's death, he's alone. I can't leave him to feel isolated."

Visak and Virak nodded in quiet agreement, while Nary and Yen exchanged knowing smiles, offering their silent support. Monica's lips curved into a small but determined smile.

"Madam Dalin wasn't my mother, but she treated me like her own. Dara and I share the same father—he's my brother, and I should treat him as such."

"You're such a kind soul, daughter," Mr. Yen said, his voice filled with pride. "I'm honored to have you as my daughter-in-law."

Monica smiled warmly, nodding in acknowledgment of the compliment. They continued their meal, the conversation flowing easily around the table.

***