BOUGHT EVERYTHING EXCEPT YOU

Chapter One: The Meeting

Present Day

Their bodies pressed together, slick with sweat and heat, moving in perfect rhythm. Vin's breath caught in his throat as Than's movements grew more urgent.

"Ahh, babe, you're going to... so de...ep," Vin moaned, his fingers digging into Than's shoulders.

Than's tongue traced a path along Vin's lips before he captured them in an intense kiss. Saliva glistened as they parted, and Than's mouth traveled down Vin's neck, across his chest, leaving a trail of heat wherever he touched. His thrusts grew deeper, more demanding, his breathing ragged against Vin's skin.

"But I know you like it," Than whispered, his voice husky, "when I go deep inside of you."

Vin's smile was breathless, his eyes dark with desire. "Aghh, yeahhh, I know. Yeah, go dee...per."

Than's hand found Vin's hair, gripping firmly as he drove deeper, faster. Vin's moans filled the room, his body arching to meet each powerful thrust.

"I'm close," Than gasped against Vin's ear. "I'm so close."

"Me too," Vin's voice cracked. "Agghhhhhhh—"

"Let's come at the same time," Than urged, his rhythm faltering as he neared his peak.

They crashed together, their bodies shuddering in unison, cries of pleasure mingling in the air. For a long moment, neither moved, wrapped in the aftermath of their passion.

Than's lips found Vin's again, soft and tender this time, his tongue tracing a gentle path.

"Ohh... that was good," Than breathed, still fighting for air. "I love you so much, baby."

Vin's laugh was warm and tired. "I love you too, babe."

Than propped himself up on one elbow, a gentle smile playing at his lips. "What's that smile for?"

Vin's eyes sparkled. "Nothing. Just thinking about how we met... everything we've been through. Who would have thought we'd end up together?"

"That's true," Than chuckled, brushing a strand of hair from Vin's forehead. "But maybe Mali was right. We really are soulmates."

"Yeah, she was."

Than's expression grew serious. "Vin?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you for being in my life. Without you, I might still be living in darkness." He paused, his voice softening. "It's been three years... and I want to make it official." He reached for the nightstand drawer, then hesitated, meeting Vin's eyes. "Would you marry me? Officially?"

Vin's eyes widened, his hand flying to his mouth. "Oh my gosh... yeah, yes! I would, in every lifetime I get."

Than's face broke into pure joy as he pulled Vin into a tight embrace. "Thank you. I love you so much."

"I love you too."

Than pulled back, grinning. "I guess we have a wedding to plan now. I finally believe I 'bought everything except you.'"

They both dissolved into laughter, tangled together in the warm afterglow of love and joy.

---

Three Years Earlier

The morning sun streamed through the windows of a modest house, painting golden patterns across the kitchen floor. Vin moved with practiced ease, scrambling eggs and flipping pancakes while humming softly to himself.

"Mali! Peem! Come down for breakfast!" he called up the stairs.

Soft footsteps padded down the wooden steps, and two young faces appeared—a girl of about seven with bright, curious eyes, and a young man in his early twenties with a gentle smile.

"Good morning, Phi Vin," Mali said in her sweet voice, her hair still slightly mussed from sleep.

Vin's heart swelled at the sight of her. "Good morning, Nong Mali." He patted her head affectionately, and she beamed up at him.

"Good morning, Phi Vin," Peem added, settling into his chair.

"Good morning. Do you have any classes today?"

Peem considered the question while reaching for toast. "Hmm, yeah, in the afternoon. But I can still help out at the restaurant in the morning."

Vin's brow furrowed with concern. "You need to stay away from the restaurant and focus on your studies. Your exams are coming up soon, and you'll be in your third year."

Peem shrugged with a sheepish grin. "I know, but I still want to help. What's wrong with reading at the restaurant? It's totally fine."

Vin couldn't help but smile at his younger brother's stubbornness. "Okay then. But you have to drop Mali at school today, understood?"

"Of course." Peem turned to Mali, his voice gentle. "Finish your breakfast on time so you won't be late."

Mali nodded solemnly, and Vin watched them both with a warmth that filled his chest—these two were his whole world, and he would do anything to protect them.

---

Meanwhile, across the city, Than woke in a bedroom so large it echoed. He dressed methodically—crisp white shirt, tailored black suit, expensive watch—his face a careful mask of composure. Downstairs, his personal assistant, Keng, waited with tablet in hand.

"Good morning, sir."

Than nodded curtly. "What are my schedule for today?"

He ate breakfast—though mostly just coffee, pushing aside the elaborate spread the kitchen staff had prepared—while Keng outlined the day's meetings, calls, and deadlines.

"Any progress on the research I requested?"

⁷quick. I'm done with breakfast. Let's leave."

Keng glanced at the barely touched plate but said nothing, following his boss to the waiting car.

In the back seat, Than stared out the window. "Make sure we go to Auntie Sai's place today."

"Of course, sir. I'll add it to your schedule."

---

At "Taste of Delight," Vin's small but beloved restaurant, the morning bustle was already underway. Vin supervised the setup with his brother and their small team of coworkers, directing them with the quiet authority of someone who loved his work.

After the front of house was ready, Vin retreated to the kitchen. He tied on his apron and began preparing the day's meals—appetizers first, then desserts, his movements fluid and practiced. The aromas of herbs, spices, and simmering broths filled the air.

Peem appeared in the kitchen doorway, his expression apologetic.

"Phi Vin?"

"Yes, Peem?"

"I have an impromptu class this afternoon. I won't be able to help much."

Vin wiped his hands on his apron and smiled. "That's fine. You can leave now. You've already helped plenty today. Don't worry, I won't be mad." He softened his voice. "Okay?"

Peem's face lit with relief. "Okay. Thanks, Phi Vin."

He hurried out, and Vin returned to his work, losing himself in the familiar rhythm of chopping, stirring, and tasting. Customers came and went, and the hours slipped by.

---

By four in the afternoon, Than was deep in his office, reviewing documents with Keng hovering nearby.

"What is it?" Than asked without looking up.

"The research results are in, sir."

"Good. Let me see." Than took the tablet, scanning the data with sharp eyes. A slow, predatory smile spread across his face. "This is profitable. I want to seal this deal as soon as possible. Then my father will realize I'm not as weak as he thinks." He glanced up. "Have you spoken to the owner?"

"Yes, sir, but he still refuses. I haven't been to the location myself yet, but I have the details of the surrounding area. I'll handle it as soon as possible." Keng checked his watch. "And, sir, we should leave now to make it to Auntie Sai's place."

Than nodded. "I'll meet you at the car. Wait—" He stopped Keng with a gesture. "Have you found the person I asked you to look into?"

"Not yet, sir. I'm still investigating. Since that night, he hasn't returned to the club. I would have found him, but it was a masked party. My people are still looking."

"Make it quick." Than's mind drifted to the words he couldn't forget: "Why do your eyes look so sad and pained?"

"Sir?" Keng's voice broke through his reverie. "Sir!"

Than blinked. "Yes?"

"We should leave now."

"Fine. Let's go."

But at Auntie Sai's house, there was no answer. Than stood on the doorstep, irritation flickering across his face.

"She's not here," Keng observed unnecessarily.

"Clearly." Than turned back to the car. "Let's head back."

---

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows as Vin began closing up "Taste of Delight." His back ached, and his shoulders were tight, but the satisfaction of a good day's work warmed him.

"Phi Vin!" Mali's joyful voice rang through the restaurant.

"Darling!" Vin opened his arms wide, and she ran into them. "I missed you so much."

"I missed you too!" She giggled as he tickled her.

Peem followed more slowly, his expression shifting as he studied his brother's face. "Phi Vin, is something wrong?"

"Why do you say that?"

"Nothing, you just look stressed and annoyed."

Vin sighed, his smile fading. He glanced at Mali, then back at his brother. "Mali, would you go play for a while?"

"Okay!" She skipped off without a second thought.

Once she was out of earshot, Vin's shoulders sagged. "It's 'TK Enterprise.' They called again today about their deal."

"And what did you say?"

"My answer remains the same: 'No.'" Vin's voice was firm but tired. "This place means everything to me."

Peem moved closer, resting a comforting hand on his brother's arm. "You're doing the right thing."

But before Vin could respond, voices drifted in from the front. Strange voices—not their regular customers.

They went to investigate.

---

Vin stepped through the kitchen door, and the world stopped.

A man stood near the entrance—tall, impeccably dressed, with sharp features and eyes like cold steel. But something behind those eyes caught Vin's attention. Something that looked like pain.

Their gazes locked, and for a frozen moment, nothing else existed.

"I presume you are the head chef here," the man said, his voice cool and controlled.

Vin forced himself to look away. "Yes, sir, I am. What would you like to order?"

"I'll have your signature meal."

"Of course. It'll be ready in ten minutes."

The man's eyes drifted to Mali, who had reappeared and was watching him with open curiosity. "Get her anything she wants. The bill's on me."

Vin quickly scooped Mali up. "Oh, she's my—"

"I didn't ask who she was." The man's glare was sharp, cutting off Vin's words.

But Mali was undeterred. She planted her hands on her hips, staring up at him with surprising boldness. "Hey, mister! Don't talk to my dad like that."

For just a moment, the cold mask cracked. The man's lips twitched into something that might have been a smile. "Cutie, sorry about that. You were entertaining me earlier. I thought you might like a sweet treat."

Mali's eyes widened. "My name is Mali!" She promptly abandoned Vin to sit beside the mysterious stranger, chattering away about her day and her favorite desserts.

Vin retreated to the kitchen, his heart pounding for reasons he didn't understand.

---

The meal was perfection. Than took a bite of the khao soi, and his eyes closed involuntarily.

"This tastes magical," he said, the words escaping before he could stop them. "This is the best khao soi I've ever tasted."

Vin's face lit up—a genuine, radiant smile that transformed his features. "Thank you very much, sir."

Than looked away, unnerved by the warmth spreading through his chest. "So, you own this restaurant?"

"I guess I do." Vin hesitated. "Can I say something, sir?"

Than braced himself. "Go ahead."

"Why do your eyes look so sad and pained?"

Those words. Than's breath caught. He'd heard those exact words before, at a masked club, from a stranger whose face he couldn't remember. His heart raced.Vin seemed to sense his expression and says please excuse me, sir."

He disappeared into the kitchen, and Than sat frozen, his mind reeling.

Keng appeared at his side with his tablet. "Sir, I just found out something. This restaurant is the one that's been refusing to sell us the land."

Than's eyes snapped to the kitchen door, his shock rapidly turning to something else entirely.

Why do your eyes look so sad and pained?

The words echoed in his mind, and he knew, with sudden certainty, that this was no coincidence.

---