Duty in Name Only… when neither of them could do more than they already had.
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That evening, Kangsadan learned that Prapan, her father-in-law had flown to Singapore with Aunt Uma since the afternoon. Vishpan decided to take her out to dinner, hoping she would not burden her heart with family matters.
"Let's invite Grandma along too. I don't want her to feel lonely."
"I asked her already. She said we should go and enjoy ourselves," he replied with a small smile.
"What does that mean?"
"Well… who would want to be the third wheel between us?" He gazed into her eyes. "Grandma told me to hurry and give her a grandchild."
"What, really… Vice President?" she muttered teasingly.
He chuckled. "They're getting old. And I think they want to renew their friendship with Grandma Srinuan."
He drove himself so the driver could rest, and it was clear he wanted to talk privately.
"My father is going to see a specialist there — someone Aunt Uma knows. About… me," he said quietly.
She turned to him, waiting.
"Aunt Uma suggested that we fly to Sydney next week."
"For… what?" she asked.
"I can't have children."
"What?" she gasped.
"You saw this morning… what I'm dealing with," he said, the sorrow in his voice unmistakable.
"So that's why… you chose someone like me," she whispered, heart aching for him.
"You understand now, don't you?"
"Yes, I do…" she answered gently.
"It matters… you know. What happens between a husband and a wife."
"You were so selective with women all this time… I really don't understand."
"In time, you will," he said softly.
She placed her hand on his arm in comfort.
"A year isn't long. I'll be by your side."
"When the contract ends… you don't have to extend it."
"What?! Someone else is waiting for you?" she asked quietly.
"Who… Disaya? She wouldn't understand me," he replied in a defeated voice.
She reached forward and turned on the soft music, easing the heavy air between them.
At the hotel restaurant near his home, the hostess led them inside. Vishpan noticed a familiar young woman dining with an older man and another well-dressed lady. He immediately chose a table far away, clearly wishing to avoid conversation.
But then—
"Well, Vish, bringing your wife to dinner?"
"Yes, Uncle. This is Kangsadan," he said, greeting with a polite bow.
"Come, let me introduce you to Disaya's mother," the elder urged.
Kangsadan followed quietly, observing the awkwardness in Vishpan's eyes.
"Good evening, Aunt Rape, Daisy… This is my wife," he introduced, his arm around Kangsadan's waist.
"Please, join us," Disaya offered.
"Thank you, but perhaps next time."
Aunt Rapee smiled. "Vish, you should try Daisy's new gym. Bring Kangsadan along."
He nodded and excused them, returning to their own table.
"Who was that aunt?" Kangsadan finally asked.
"Not tonight… let's just eat."
She understood instantly — his life was entangled in more ways than he
wished to speak of.
He grew even quieter on the drive back. Music filled the silence until they arrived home.
"Are you sleeping on the sofa again tonight?" he asked gently after stepping out of the shower.
"Yes…"
"If it's not comfortable, there's a small room connected to mine. No one else will be staying here."
He led her to a room she had assumed was a storage space.
"So, you planned this from the start…"
"Perhaps," he replied simply.
"Rest early. I have a meeting in the morning."
"I… um…"
"What is it? If you don't want to stay here, it's alright. But the sofa may hurt your back."
"You're just going to let me stay here… doing nothing?"
"Who said you'd be doing nothing?"
He closed the door gently and returned to his room.
She remembered Grandma's words — 'Some snakes hide well…' Tomorrow, she would get answers.
When she woke, she didn't see him in bed. She entered the bathroom and gasped, covering her mouth. Vishpan was still in the bathtub, eyes closed… tears spilling silently down his face.
"Why are you here?" His voice was sharp, but the hurt underneath was unmistakable.
"I-I'm sorry," she whispered.
"Come here…!" He pulled her body toward his chest, and the towel she had wrapped around herself slipped away.
"Ah! What are you doing!" she cried out in shock.
"Look… what can I even do?" he said as he lifted her bare body and lowered her gently into the bathtub, settling himself over her as she lay back.
His face nuzzled into the valley of her breasts, making her body flush with a deep rosy heat.
"Why be shy?" he murmured softly. "You are my wife."
His hand slid slowly along the curve of her back before capturing her lips in a deep, consuming kiss. His rough cheek brushed downward, tracing a path that made her entire body tremble. Kangsada's breath hitched — her pulse raced wildly, and she could hardly remain still beneath his touch. The sensations overwhelmed her, sending shivers through her skin.
Soft cries escaped her lips, helpless and uncontrollable, and the sound only spurred him on as he let his mouth travel over her bare skin — skin he had barely ever tasted before.
"Please… help me reach climax, Bell," he whispered, voice thick with urgency and vulnerability.
His lips and fingers worked together with slow, attentive intention, coaxing her with a gentle but consuming tenderness. His movements were careful, patient, drawing her toward pleasure so complete she thought she might fall apart in his arms.
"D-Don't… please…" she gasped in fragments, her voice thready and trembling.
"I'll carry you to the bed," Vishpan whispered against her ear. He was trying — truly trying to share the moment with her in every way he could.
"No… I'm embarrassed," she stammered, cheeks burning.
"You say that…" he chuckled quietly, cupping her gaze with his eyes, "…but you were still making such sweet sounds."
"Who even… does this at this hour? It's embarrassing," she tried to protest.
"Morning is perfect," he countered easily. "It'll keep me clear-headed all day."
He silenced her again with his mouth, and she felt the heat in his breath — proof that he still had strength enough to continue as long as she allowed.
"I'm sorry…" his voice broke slightly. "This is all I can do."
"You've done your best," she answered gently. "As my husband… in name."
Her eyes met his eyes, filled with sorrow he could not hide. He continued slowly, patiently, guiding her hand and touch, teaching her how to please him without rushing. Even the inexperienced young woman could not help being swept along by the rhythm of his desire and her own growing response.
"Well… those sounds…" he teased, "…they nearly melted me." She flushed deep red.
"Get up now! You're going to be late. Everyone will wonder," she urged, pushing lightly at his chest, her body still aching from his weight and closeness.
"We'll continue tonight."
"Don't forget… you have to go to Disaya's gym," she reminded him.
"Then we'll practice… boxing together. There's a ring there," he said with a playful grin.
Before leaving, he kissed her again — deep and hungry — making her shiver and gasp softly. Then, in a low, aching voice, he added…
"Doing only this… as your husband in name… breaks my heart. I wish I could give you more."