Chapter Text
The late afternoon sun poured gently over the Panich estate, bathing the sprawling flower garden in a warm golden glow.
Roses and Bougainvilleas in soft pastel shades bloomed proudly along the stone pathways, their petals trembling slightly in the breeze as tall trees offered shade.
It was the kind of place that looked like it belonged in a painting. Peaceful, elegant and full of quiet life.
At the heart of the garden, a round white table had been set beneath a blooming pergola. Porcelain teacups, delicate and expensive, rested on matching saucers.
A crystal teapot caught the sunlight, refracting it into tiny rainbows.
Nittha Kannika Panich sat gracefully at the table, her posture straight yet relaxed.
She wore a soft lilac dress, her hair neatly pinned up, her expression warm as she listened to her friends chatting animatedly around her.
These were her yoga friends. Women of similar age, similar status and unfortunately, not always similar kindness.
Behind the garden doors, inside the house, Nunew stood quietly in the kitchen.
He carefully poured hot water into the teapot, the aroma of freshly brewed tea filling the air.
His movements were gentle and practiced, with soft hum of random song, as if every step had been rehearsed countless times.
He reached for a small jar of honey, hesitated for a second, then added an extra spoonful before slicing a lemon thinly.
Earlier that morning, his mother-in-law had mentioned casually, “My throat feels a little itchy today.”
That alone was enough.
Nunew smiled softly to himself as he stirred the tea. He insisted on making it personally, even though the maid had already offered.
“It’s alright, Auntie,” he had said politely, his voice calm and warm. “I’ll do it. You made the tea for the guests just now. This one is special for Khun Mae.”
Because he knew. Because he cared. He love his mother-in-law so much.
Because making tea for Zee’s mother felt natural, like breathing.
Nittha loved his tea. She always said it tasted gentler, as if it carried Nunew’s heart within it.
Holding the tray carefully, Nunew walked toward the garden.
As he neared the open doors, the sound of laughter and conversation drifted inside. He slowed unconsciously, pausing just before stepping out.
“Nittha, your garden is more beautiful every time I come,” one of the women said, fanning herself lightly. “You could host weddings here.”
Khun Nittha laughed. “Oh please. I can barely manage tea.”
“But imagine,” another chimed in, looking around dreamily, “Little children running around here. Your future grandchildren would be so lucky.”
Nunew’s steps slowed. Just a little.
He remained behind the half-open glass door, unseen, as the conversation drifted further.
“Yes,” the first woman added, smiling knowingly. “With Zee's Alpha's genes? Strong alpha bloodline, generation after generation. Such a shame…”
She took a sip of her tea, then continued, far too casually, “I heard your son-in-law cannot get pregnant. Poor you, Nittha. Such a strong family line and yet—no grandchild.”
The words landed quietly.
But to Nunew, they were loud enough to make his world stop.
The tray trembled in his hands.
He stood frozen, heart thudding painfully against his ribs. For a split second, he wondered if he had misheard.
But the silence that followed told him he hadn’t.
His heart ached in a way he had grown familiar with.
Quiet, sharp, humiliating.
He stared at the wooden floor beneath his feet, the reflection of sunlight blurring as his vision trembled.
Cannot get pregnant.
Such a shame.
Before the pain could fully swallow him, Nittha’s voice cut through the tension, firm, calm, unwavering.
“I never meddle in my son and son-in-law’s matters,” she said, her tone polite but edged with steel. “So I wish outsiders would do the same.”
The women stiffened.
“The time has not come yet,” Nittha continued evenly. “They can have a child anytime they want. If they want. And even if they don’t, that is their life.”
She scoop the sweet dessert and lifted her spoon, eyes steady.
“I do not love my son-in-law because I want an heir,” she said clearly. “I love him because he is lovely. He has a kind and gentle soul. And I will always love whoever my son loves.”
Silence fell heavily over the table.
No one spoke. No one laughed. No one dared to argue.
Behind the door, Nunew’s lips trembled.
Tears welled up, but he blinked them back stubbornly. He crouched down slowly, resting his forehead against his knees, hugging himself tightly as if trying to keep his heart from breaking apart.
Breathe, he told himself. Just breathe.
After a few minutes, long enough for the ache to dull into something manageable, he stood up again. He wiped his eyes, straightened his clothes and lifted the tray.
When he stepped into the garden, his expression was calm, polite, soft.
As if he had heard nothing at all.
“The tea, Khun Mae. I put some honey and lemon for soothing your throat,” Nunew said softly, placing the tray down. “Please be careful, it’s still warm.”
Nittha looked up at him.
Their eyes met.
She smiled at him with pure affection and hold his hand gently. “Thank you, dear. Just the way I like it.”
Nunew returned the smile, bowing his head slightly. “I’m glad.”
No one mentioned what had been said.
But some things lingered long after words disappeared.
That evening, the mansion was quiet.
The sky outside was deep navy, stars scattered faintly above. Nunew had already returned home earlier in the evening, exhaustion weighing heavily on his shoulders.
Zee, as usual, came back late from work.
The moment Zee stepped inside the house, the familiar scent of his omega wrapped around him. Soft, comforting, home.
“Nhu?” Zee called out.
“In the kitchen.” Nunew replied.
Zee loosened his tie, his tiredness melting away the moment he saw Nunew standing there. Without hesitation, he leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to Nunew’s lips.
“I’m home.”
“Welcome back, Hia,” Nunew said softly with a soft smile as he continue to scoop rice into the big bowl.
They sat together for dinner, the dishes simple but warm, food Nunew had cooked himself despite the long day.
Zee ate quietly at first, then looked up. He always did this. Always checked.
“How was your day today?”
Nunew paused briefly before answering. “I accompanied Khun Mae shopping for orchids. We stayed until evening since Khun Phor was busy all day.”
Zee nodded, chewing slowly.
His gaze lingered on Nunew longer than usual. He noticed the way Nunew kept his head lowered, the way his smile didn’t quite stay.
“Was it tiring?” Zee asked gently.
“A little,” Nunew replied. “But it’s fine.”
Zee didn’t press.
Not yet.
That night, the bedroom light remained on.
Nunew lay on his side, back facing Zee, body stiff despite the softness of the bed. Zee slipped under the covers, watching him quietly for a moment before sitting up.
He reached out, resting his hand on Nunew’s shoulder.
“Nhu, love,” Zee said softly. “May I talk to you?”
Nunew opened his eyes, then turned slowly to face him. Zee smiled faintly. He had known all along. Nunew hadn’t been asleep.
Zee gently helped him sit up, thumb brushing against Nunew’s cheek in a familiar, tender gesture.
“Your mind has been all over the place today,” Zee murmured. “Did something happen?”
Nunew avoided his eyes. “I’m okay, Hia.”
Zee studied him for a long moment, then sighed. He pulled Nunew into his arms, rubbing his back slowly.
“Lying makes your nose grow longer,” he teased softly. “I heard that somewhere.”
Nunew’s lips quivered.
"Mae called me after you left. She told me about her 'friends' and their wagging tongues."
That was all it took.
The mention of the afternoon broke Nunew’s composure. His lower lip trembled and his throat burned as he tried to swallow back the rising sob.
Zee didn't wait. He pulled Nunew into his chest, wrapping his strong arms around the smaller man. He began to rock them back and forth slowly, a soothing, rhythmic motion.
"I know it’s hard, Nhu. I know those words sting."
"I... I feel like I'm failing you," Nunew whispered into Zee's chest, his voice muffled. "Your family... the genes... I heard what they said." Nunew sobbed quietly, clinging to Zee’s shirt.
“They are just stupid strangers, Nhu,” Zee said firmly, pulling back just enough to look Nunew in the eye. He used his sleeve to gently wipe away a stray tear and a bit of snot, unbothered by anything other than his husband's pain.
“They know nothing about our life. They don't see the way you take care of me, or how hard you work, or the way you make this house a home. I didn't marry you for an heir. I married you because I love you. Then, now and forever. Just like our wedding vow.”
“And I love you so much. That’s the most important.” Zee said firmly. “My love for you are more than yesterday. More than tomorrow. Always.”
Zee pulled back slightly, wiping Nunew’s tears and sniffles with his sleeve without a care.
“Oh, my beautiful husband,” Zee murmured, kissing Nunew’s forehead.
Nunew finally looked up, his eyes glassy. "I think... I think I'm just stressed from the workload this week. It made everything feel heavier."
Zee smiled, relieved to see a spark of the real Nunew returning. "Work is work. But don't let those people get inside your head."
Nunew looked down at their joined hands, his voice dropping to a vulnerable whisper. "I know it’s impossible... the doctors said the chances are less than one percent, nearly zero. But everyday, Hia... I pray for a miracle to happen to us. Just once."
Zee squeezed his hand tightly, his heart breaking and swelling all at once. "It’s okay to hope, Nhu. But please listen to me. I believe other good things will happen to us. Life doesn't have to be defined by a child to be full. It could be anything. A new dream, a new journey together. As long as I have you, I have everything I need. Sooner or later, someday, in some form, we will be happy. Don't think too much, okay?"
Then Zee released his pheromones gently.
Warm. Musky. Sweet.
Nunew took a deep breath, the scent of Zee’s musk calming his racing heart. He leaned his head on Zee’s shoulder, finally feeling the tension leave his body.
"Thank you, Hia. For everything."
Zee kissed the top of his head. "Always, Nhu. Now, let's get some sleep. You have a big production meeting tomorrow, right?"
Nunew nodded, a small, genuine smile finally touching his lips as Zee tucked him in, promising a tomorrow that was defined by love, not expectations.