A sleek black car slid to a halt at the Gala entrance, its surface gleaming beneath chandeliers that spilled light through the towering glass doors.
The door opened.
A man stepped out in a shining suit, his hair slicked neatly back. Every step was deliberate, exuding ownership as if the entire event existed solely for him.
The Vihokratana family had arrived.
The atmosphere shifted instantly. Voices dropped to whispers, gazes turned subtle, and respectful nods rippled through the crowd. The Vihokratanas were not just any family.
They were the most formidable name in the room, a presence that commanded silence before words. Their name screamed blood, power, and inevitability. No one dared cross them, unless they had a death wish.
Tay Tawan Vihokratana walked at the front, his dark suit stitched with authority itself.
By his side, his husband New Thitipoom, elegant yet unreadable, their linked arms the perfect balance of refinement and quiet intimidation.
Behind them, their sons.
William Jakrapatr Vihokratana, the eldest, carried himself with a stillness sharper than a blade, a man born to command without lifting a finger.
Santa Pongsapak Vihokratana, the younger, prowled with sharp eyes, scanning the room like a predator circling prey.
The crowd parted. But from across the hall, another family entered the stage with equal gravity.
The Srisangs.
If the Vihokratanas were shadow and steel, the Srisangs were fire and iron. Together, they were the city's twin pillars, two empires whose very names could crush opposition into dust. To stand against them was to bleed.
Force Jiratchapong Srisang led the way, his gaze dark, his sleek black suit molded with the weight of dominance. Even from afar, his aura pressed on the room.
Beside him walked Book Kasidet Srisang, his elegance laced with deceptive sweetness. Wine glass in hand, he wore a look of innocence that fooled no one. Beneath it was steel, sharpened and merciless.
No one dared to touch either family. To do so was to sign away one's life.
"Nice to see you here, Tay," Force greeted, extending a hand.
Tay's answering smile was polite but guarded as he clasped it. "Likewise, Force."
Behind them, Est Supha Srisang stood between his brothers, his calm mask stretched thin over the frantic rhythm of his heart.
Joong Archen stood at his left, broad shouldered, his protective aura impossible to miss.
Sky Wongravee at his right, sharp eyed, wearing his cynicism like armor.
Est adjusted his cufflinks, but his gaze betrayed him, slipping toward the man across the room.
William.
William Jakrapatr Vihokratana's expression revealed nothing.
His posture was straight, presence suffocating in its sheer intensity. His cold eyes flicked toward Est for the briefest second—not with warmth, not with curiosity, but with the detachment one reserved for a stranger.
Est swallowed, forcing his face into neutrality. He knew William. Or at least, the version told through whispers and warnings.
"William," Force said smoothly, offering a nod.
"You've grown into quite the man."
William returned the nod, his voice clipped, precise.
"Thank you, Uncle Force."
Book's laughter softened the silence, but only slightly. "It's not every day we see the Vihokratanas at such gatherings. New, you look stunning tonight."
New's lips curved faintly. "You flatter me, Book. But I'd say you and Force never fail to make an entrance yourselves."
The words danced like honey, but their undertone was iron. Politeness sharpened into rivalry.
"Est, isn't it?" William's voice finally cut in, level, detached.
Est's chin lifted. "Yes. William, right?"
"Right," William replied simply, his gaze already drifting away. Conversation over before it even began.
Tay's voice broke the pause. "Shall we take our seats? The night is only beginning."
They sat at the grand table, the air thick with unspoken intentions.
Force leaned forward, lacing his fingers. "It's good to finally sit together. We've... considered possibilities for some time."
Est's stomach tightened. He knew what "possibilities" meant.
New's tone was soft but decisive. "Our families have built trust over years. It's only natural we strengthen that bond—officially."
Joong's voice cut in, calm but edged like steel. "Strengthen? Sounds more like binding chains."
Sky's scoff followed, sharp and cold. "Or selling him off like he's a business asset."
"Sky." Force's warning carried weight, silencing him only for a beat.
Santa leaned forward, voice low, words deliberate. "It's not just business. It's stability. Both families know what's at stake in this city."
"Spoken like a true Vihokratana," Sky muttered under his breath.
William, still and composed, finally spoke. "I will follow what my parents decide." His voice was devoid of emotion, as though discussing a contract rather than a marriage.
Est's jaw clenched. His silence roared in his chest, but under the table Joong's hand brushed against his arm, a reminder to stay still.
Tay's gaze turned on him, firm but not unkind. "You're a smart young man. You understand the benefits, don't you?"
Est's lips curved in a polite smile that didn't reach his eyes. "I understand."
Sky broke, his voice sharp. "Do you? Because from here it looks like you're being stripped of your life. Does that sound like understanding, or obedience?"
Santa smirked faintly. "Sounds like something said by someone who doesn't understand how this world works."
Force exhaled, his tone controlled, smoothing cracks into civility. "There's no need to make this difficult. This union benefits both families. Surely, we all see that."
Joong leaned back, arms crossed, eyes like dark steel. His head tilted toward Est, whose mask of calm was splintering at the edges.
Est stared at his untouched plate, lips pressed tight. His thoughts screamed, but no words came.
Because this was no proposal.
It was a sentence.
A decision carved before he even stepped into the room.
'' FATED ''
© bbymintteuu || 2025
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( OG ) Fated ♡⃕ WilliamEst ⸯⸯ ᵍᵐᵐᵗᵛ
Fanfiction"Love was never part of the deal. But neither was breaking each other." In William Jakrapath's world, tradition isn't questioned, it's obeyed. As the heir to a powerful family, his marriage isn't about love. It's about duty. And his parents have alr...
