CHAPTER 31: THE FACE; I USED TO LOVE,

Scene: Unknown Coastal Town – Mek's POV

It had been three weeks since he vanished.

Since Pete's father summoned him and spoke those venomous words:

> "You're ruining his legacy. Walk away if you truly love him."

And so, Mek did.

He left.

No goodbye. No trace. Just pain.

But in truth? He wasn't angry…

Not at first.

He was shattered.

But the more time passed—

The more he remembered Pete not showing up on time,

The more his own thoughts poisoned him—

> "What if Pete sent his father to say those things?"

"What if Pete didn't fight for me?"

"What if… I was never enough?"

Mek's heart turned stone.

And slowly, love twisted into bitterness.

He stopped checking his phone.

He blocked every number.

He built a wall so tall, not even memories could climb it.

Until the day he saw the news headline on a random café TV:

> "MAFIA HEIR P. VORAVIT VOWS TO BURN DOWN THE WORLD FOR LOST LOVER"

Mek stared.

His hands trembled.

> "Too late now, Pete... I'm not yours anymore."

---

Scene: Pete's POV – Two Cities Away

Pete hadn't slept.

Hadn't eaten right.

His men were turning every street, every alley.

But when he finally tracked Mek down—

When he stood outside that little flower shop by the sea—

He saw him.

Mek.

Smiling faintly as he handed a customer a bouquet.

Pete stepped forward, breath stuck in his throat.

> "Mek…"

Mek turned.

Eyes met.

And something cold passed between them.

> "What are you doing here?" Mek asked.

Pete froze. "I came to bring you home."

> "Home?" Mek scoffed. "You mean back to your mansion of lies?"

Pete's voice cracked. "I didn't know what my father said. I never—"

> "But you still didn't come for me."

Pete stepped closer. "I tried—"

> "You let me believe I didn't matter!"

Silence.

Mek's voice trembled.

> "You let your father crush me like I was nothing, Pete."

> "You left me standing alone when I thought you'd propose to me!"

Pete's eyes widened.

> "I was going to propose! That night—at the café—Mek, I waited! I had the ring!"

Mek looked away, jaw tight.

> "I don't believe in your love anymore."

Pete's voice dropped to a whisper.

> "Then I'll make you believe again."

> "Even if you hate me. Even if I have to fight your heart with mine."