Chapter 3 The Secret in the Boy's Smile

Phupha's luxurious car pulled up in front of the grand mansion, sprawling before me like a private estate, embraced by high walls and lush trees. The atmosphere was serene, yet it held a gloomy undertone that sent a shiver through my heart.

'This is where I'll have to live for the next year, then,' I thought, clenching my fists.

A man in a black suit opened the car door. I stepped out onto the cool marble, my gaze sweeping across the surroundings, only to find that every inch of the place reflected its owner's immense wealth and luxurious taste.

Phupha led the way into the mansion. The interior was decorated with classic modern furniture in muted tones, looking dignified yet strangely lonely.

"Your room is on the top floor," Phupha said calmly, without turning to look at me. "I've already arranged your clothes. A maid will look after you."

I nodded without a word. The only thing I wanted was to go back to care for my father and to ensure that Nong Time was safe.

That's right... Nong Time. He was currently at my close friend 'Kaew's' house. I had entrusted her with looking after my son, claiming I had to go work temporarily out of town. Bringing Nong Time here was absolutely impossible, because if Phupha discovered the truth that Nong Time was his son, everything would collapse in an instant.

As I walked behind Phupha along the wide hallway, my eyes caught sight of a photograph placed on a table by the wall.

It was a picture of a boy, smiling brightly. His eyes were large and sparkling, with a mischievous glint. His dark hair was slightly wavy... and that smile... it eerily resembled Phupha's smile as a child.

My heart lurched. The image of Nong Time immediately superimposed itself in my mind.

'Who... is he?' I silently asked myself.

"That's my cousin's photo," Phupha said, as if reading my thoughts. He paused, gazing at the picture for a moment. The coldness in his eyes softened slightly. "He's a very cheerful child."

I nodded, trying to hide the guilt within me. It hurt to lie to Phupha about Nong Time, but I truly had no choice.

Upon reaching my room on the third floor, I saw that all necessary belongings were neatly arranged. New clothes hung in the closet, and the soft bed emitted a faint, pleasant scent, strikingly different from my tiny rental room.

"For one year from now, you are my wife in name," Phupha said in an emotionless tone. "Remember not to do anything beyond the contract, and most importantly... never think of betraying me."

His words made me feel as though my status was being re-emphasized. I wasn't a real wife, but merely a pawn in a game he had orchestrated.

I turned to look out the window. The bright lights of the big city shone far away, but they couldn't penetrate the darkness within my heart.

'Nong Time... Mommy will protect you,' I vowed to myself, as the image of my son's bright smile continued to linger in my thoughts. It was the only strength that allowed me to face this harsh reality.

And this was the beginning of our contractual marriage... a life full of secrets, pain, and the highest stakes I had ever faced.