Chapter1 Let's Get Married

Life is too short to love you in one, I promise to look for you in the next life.

William Shakespeare

 The sound of the sea waves echoed into Khun[1] Sam's luxurious beachfront house. The sunlight shining through the bedroom window gradually woke me up. Upon waking, I found that the person beside me was already gone. Looking at the clock, I saw it was just six in the morning, which surprised me. Khun Sam said she'd come here to relax and sleep all day and night without going anywhere. But now, all that was left was her traces on the bed.

Where had she gone?

I got out of bed wearing a long white shirt, still drowsy. As soon as I opened the door, I smelled the aroma of food from the kitchen downstairs. I raised an eyebrow slightly and slowly went down to see Khun Sam in the kitchen with an apron, looking busy. She was surely cooking something. Well, what else would you do in the kitchen? It was just surprising that the cook was a rich Mhom Luang[2], who had never touched anything in the kitchen since I'd known her.

"What are you doing?", I asked.

Khun Sam turned around with a sullen face and answered with a deadpan expression.

"I'm in the kitchen, so of course I'm cooking."

"That's why I'm asking. It's usually my job."

"I wanted to try making breakfast for you. But why is it so hard? This is even harder than negotiating to buy land in Sukhumvit for a new office." She frowned and turned off the stove. I walked over to look at her masterpiece and burst out laughing at the omelet that looked just like an Oreo cookie. It was both black and shriveled, not fluffy at all. "I'm so incompetent," she said.

"Well, a dog can't climb a tree like a monkey, you know? You're good at working, so just do your job. Let me handle the household chores."

"Why are you calling me a dog?"

"It was just a comparison!"

"I'm not doing it anymore. Let's just buy it," she said, about to throw the omelet she had made into the trash. But I stopped her and shook my head slowly.

"No way. After all your effort, I definitely have to try it."

"It doesn't even look edible."

"You've eaten things that didn't look edible before," I teased, raising my eyebrows. She looked at me and gradually broke into a knowing smile.

"That's true. I've eaten everything so far."

"So, this omelet is mine. There is no dish some rice can't fix."

She let me take the omelet. Even though she'd said she'd throw it away, when she saw that I was really going to eat it, she sat down and watched me with great anticipation. It was the feeling of someone who picked up a new hobby and waited to see how it'd turn out. I ate, smiled, and then looked at her and praised her like a love-struck fool.

"It's delicious."

"I just realized you're such a bullshit."

PPTTUUU!

I spit my food into her face. Khun Sam closed her eyes, slowly picked the rice grains off her face, and smiled angrily.

"What's with that? Why do people keep spitting their food on my face?"

"Well, you just called me 'a bullshit.'"

"Was that an insult? I was going to say liar, but it didn't fit the context."

"Just 'liar' is enough. I'm your girlfriend, remember?"

"My wife."

"What?"

"You're my wife[3], and I'm like your husband." Khun Sam smiled broadly and shyly tugged her hair behind her ear. "Why do I feel so empowered when I say that?"

"On what basis do you consider yourself as a husband and me as a wife?"

"Well, I'm the leader; you're the follower. I'm the breadwinner; you cook and care for me and our home. These are totally the roles of a husband and wife, and we're just like that."

"That's a bit too stereotypical. Why don't you also mention who's on top in bed?" I retorted, sticking out my neck and pouting. Khun Sam shrank her shoulders a bit and looked panicked.

"Are we going to use that as a criteria? That's nonsense."

"Let's say we sometimes switch roles. Last night, you were my wife."

"I like your pajamas."

"Don't change the subject. Heh." I snickered. Looking at the situation right now, I knew I had the upper hand. "I still have a question. Whose oversized men's shirt is this that you made me wear?"

"It's Kirk's."

Clank!

The spoon and fork in my hand dropped onto the plate as I wasn't prepared for that answer. Khun Sam looked at me and knitted her eyebrows.

"What's wrong? Why are you making that face?"

"He used to stay over at your place?"

"Yes."

"So, you and Khun Kirk..."

"Well, that's Kirk's bedroom. My bedroom is in another part of this villa. We always come here as a big family. Kirk also comes with us. He must've left his shirt in the closet, and you just happened to use it as your pajamas. Anyway, it looks so sexy and skimpy on you. Made me feel a tingle down there. I like it."

She kept talking, not caring that I was suspicious of Kirk. But from her explanation, I understood that even though they came together, they came as a big family and had their own bedroom. Though they used to date each other, it didn't work out. I still felt guilty, but I also love my Khun Sam. I couldn't let her be anyone else's, not even the kind-hearted Khun Kirk.

But what was that? Did she just say that she felt a tingle down there?

Suddenly, I felt a little mischievous, probably because I wanted to avoid the food in front of me. I slowly touched her leg with my foot under the table. Watching me eating, Khun Sam raised her eyebrows slightly when she felt something crawling up on her leg and asked.

"What are you doing?"

"I want to make you feel more tingle."

"Don't play with fire." She looked at me with her soft brown eyes full of emotion. Khun Sam was sensitive about this kind of thing. She knew exactly what I was trying to do. "You don't want to eat breakfast now, do you?"

"I'd rather eat you."

"Absolutely not."

"..."

"Because this time, I'm going to be the husband. We should clearly divide roles and responsibilities, like who should be in what position."

"I prefer to be the top, though."

"I also like licking you."

"Khun Sam!!!" I'd usually use alternative words in our dirty talks, but she seemed too straightforward.

"Why are you so loud, my dear?"

"Oh, please. Even I don't say it directly. But you said it with such a confidence. It's embarrassing."

"We've been dating for five years. Are there things to be embarrassed about? We've done all those things together."

"But you don't have to be that straightforward. Don't be like Jim. Speaking too directly can ruin the atmosphere."

"I thought we could talk about everything."

"These lewd words don't suit you at all. Just be yourself, and that's good for me," I said. Khun Sam shrugged before getting under the table. "What are you doing?" I asked.

"Picking up a spoon for you. You dropped it."

"It's fine. I'll pick it up myself."

That was too late. She'd already gone down there, and all I could do was sit still. But it wasn't until I realized she wasn't just picking up the spoon. She got under the table and pulled up my shirt. I was startled when she used her hand to lift up my knees and put them on her shoulders before using her mouth to do something naughty. My body felt weak. I tried to push her head away, but it seemed like the person with the poker face didn't budge at all.

"Khun Sam, I'm having breakfast right now."

"Let me have mine, too. While we are at it, pass me a plate of plain rice so that I can fix the taste."

"Are you making fun of me?!"

We've been together for five years, and many things have happened. But the heaviest of all for Khun Sam was undoubtedly the loss of her Grandmother due to a heart attack. This took a significant toll on her, causing her to lose her appetite, suffer from insomnia, and cry daily. She constantly blamed herself for not taking better care of her Grandmother. I was there by her side, crying with her, and trying to make her stop overthinking. Even though I knew I wasn't doing a great job, it was better than not trying. It was a tough time, but we managed to get through it. In the end, she eventually got better; time had healed her wounds so she wouldn't suffer again. The happiness returned to our relationship once more. It could be said that we went through thick and thin for many years.

But that didn't mean only we'd been leading a happy life. Over the past five years, many things had changed. Khun Nueng was dating someone younger, Jim had two kids, and Kate was still in the cycle of dating one person and breaking up with another, which was quite normal for a pretty woman in the entertainment industry. The last one, Tee, stopped being a playgirl for Yuki, a younger and attractive woman who captured her heart.

"I'm getting married,"

Tee announced during our monthly gathering, which was a rule in our group. No matter how busy we were, we had to find time to meet for the sake of our precious friendship. Everyone's eyes widened in shock, but they were also happy and excited at the news.

"Are you serious? You, of all people, are getting married?" Kate almost choked on her salmon, unwilling to believe what she'd just heard. "A playgirl like you is really settling down?

"What do you take me for? I'm tired of dating around. Now that I found the right person, I want to settle down."

"Congratulations, Tee," I said, smiling genuinely. Khun Sam glanced at me but didn't say anything but a curt reply.

"Yeah, congratulations."

"Can't you be a little more enthusiastic? She's your friend, remember?" Kate retorted, unimpressed by Khun Sam's lackluster response, which wasn't surprising. She was always like this.

"Do I need to bring pom-poms and dance?"

"What's with the sarcasm? Oh right, you're not getting married because of that promise you made with your Grandmother, huh?" Kate continued, causing Khun Sam to fall silent. But the most surprising one was Jim, who showed no signs of joy or resentment. She even rolled her eyes as if the news was annoying. This prompted Khun Sam to question her out of curiosity.

"Why are you so quiet today?"

"Do I need to bring pom-poms and dance with you?"

"Why are you copying my words? Say something else."

"I want to copy you."

"..."

"Ha-ha."

"Is she drunk? Isn't she usually the one who'd be most excited. Tee's getting married, you know!" Kate emphasized as if trying to stir up some Jim's excitement. We all looked at Jim, who took a sip of her drink, wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, and slammed the glass on the table.

"As for me, I'm getting a divorce."

"What?/Huh?/What the?"

We all exclaimed in unison. Even Khun Sam was taken aback. Jim shrugged as if it wasn't a big deal, mentioning it as casually as if she was talking about what she had for breakfast.

"Why? You're getting a divorce even though you already have two kids?" Tee asked in surprise while Kate nodded in agreement.

"Is it because of bad sex, your husband has another woman, or does your pussy have some problems?"

"What's that?" Khun Sam turned to ask Kate with a deadpan expression. "What does it have to do with a cat?"

"Sam, that's not the point. I was just saying... So, Jim, why are you getting a divorce?"

"I can't stand married life anymore," Jim answered, biting her cheek. The usually lively and loud woman was quieter than usual today, making the party feel a bit dull.

"What can't you stand?"

"I can't stand being with only one man!" Jim replied, her voice stern, seemingly more angry at herself than anything. "I don't know why I feel this way. He loves me; everything in bed is perfect, but I'm the problem."

"Jim... you bitch," Tee said, her voice trambled as if she was on the verge of tears. "So this kind of people does exist. I feel so sorry for your husband."

"Me too, but I feel sorry for myself right now because I know how I feel. Having two kids doesn't help at all... As you can see, I wouldn't have married if I hadn't been pregnant at the time. So, Tee, think carefully. Are you ready to get married? Do you really want to settle down?"

"Hey, why are you trying to make her waver? If you don't like being in a relationship, that's fine. But that doesn't apply with everyone," Kate scolded her friend, then waved her hand dismissively at Tee. "You don't have to listen to her. If you want to get married, go ahead. It's good being faithful with your partner. You've lived a playgirl life long enough. If you can settle down, do it. Look at Sam. She met Mon and settled down right away."

"She just hasn't met anyone else yet. Don't trust her too much, Mon. If she meets someone prettier than you, she'll leave."

Khun Sam grabbed a buttered toast from the table and threw it at Jim's face, causing her to fall back. Khun Sam's face was fierce, and her hand was about to grab a glass of water to throw at her friend, but I grabbed her arm first.

"Calm down, Khun Sam. She's just joking."

"I don't care if you want to get a divorce, but don't talk others into breaking up. That's not nice."

"C'mon, even if it's just buttered toast, it still hurts," Jim said, wiping the crumbs off her face. "I'm just warning Mon that people can change. I thought I could settle down with him when I got married. And look what happened? Now I'm sitting here, regretting it."

"Jim, you've ruined the mood." Tee pouted, crossing her arms and sighed. "I came here to celebrate with you all, and look what you've done."

"You're still on the fence, aren't you? I know it."

"No, but I'm just worried that you're being like this. Right now, we are more concerned about your feelings."

"No, I'm hating her right now." Khun Sam interrupted, causing Tee to glare at her.

"You should keep your mouth shut first, P.H.[4]"

"Let's just say I'm happy that you're getting married. But I've warned you, it's not fun at all. Having to live with the same person every day makes life incredibly boring. Plus, you have to listen to your baby crying whenever you're back home. It's annoying."

Today, Jim seemed to be way too strange. Everyone changed the topic to lighten the mood until we parted ways. On my way home with Khun Sam, we were all quiet, probably thinking about the same thing, which was what Jim had said. People changed, and that was the fact. I changed every day, so why would Khun Sam be different?

"My feelings won't change. Please believe me in this."

"Did you hear that?" I put my hand on my chest in surprise. I thought I was thinking to myself. Why did she respond as if she'd heard it?

"Hear what?"

"Nothing."

"I know you've been thinking about what Jim said. I'll never change. You're with me every day. You know me best. But the person who knows me better than anyone else is myself," Khun Sam spoke as if she was making a promise. I smiled and gently touched her arm.

"Yes, I believe in you. Seeing Jim like that makes me more sensitive about it. We have to trust our partner, right?"

"I like that word. "Partner", I mean." Khun Sam gave a faint smile as she drove on before continuing the conversation. "I can't think of anything that'd make my heart waver."

"Another person in our relationship, maybe?"

"That's Impossible. I've never liked or loved anyone other than you." She said in a serious expression. Hearing that, I blushed and raised my hand to scratch my cheek out of embarrassment.

"I've never liked or loved anyone other than you either."

"Our love's the most perfect among us. That's why I was so angry at Jim for saying that. If she wants to be a bad person, fine. But why did she have to stir up trouble in others' relationships?"

"She's just confused right now; don't mind her. It's pitiful even to see her unhappy like this." I pursed my lips tightly and sighed. "If one day you feel like Jim, please let me know, okay? I can't stand seeing you suffer like that."

"I've already told you that day will never come. I'll never change. What do I have to do to make you believe me?"

"I do believe you. But the only constant is change. I'm saying it just in case."

"What do I have to do to make you believe me?"

"I said I do believe you."

"What do I have to do to make you believe me?"

She repeated the same thing over and over as if spamming me with a message in real life. She always got what she wanted. So she kept insisting, repeatedly asking until I gave her the answer she wanted. I looked at her face, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. I'd already answered, but it didn't seem to satisfy her.

"You don't have to do anything. I've already told you that I believe in you."

"Since Grandmother's gone, and as a promise that we'll be together forever..."

"..."

"Let's get married."

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[1]"คุณ" or "Khun" is a polite honorific similar to Mr. / Ms. / Mrs. It's usually used before a name. For example, Khun Sam means Miss Sam. Regardless of how close they are, Mon will always call Sam 'Khun Sam' in the story as it has become her habit.

[2]"หม่อมหลวง" or "Mhom Luang" is a Thai royal rank/title. Usually put before a person's first name. We'll use its abbreviation, "M.L.," in this novel.

[3] In this novel, 'Wife' and 'Husband' here refer to their roles. Throughout the story, they use these terms to symbolize their roles in bed and often tease each other. The 'Husband' typically takes the top position, while the 'Wife' is usually at the bottom, despite both being female.

[4] In this scene, Tee calls Sam "หมอย" which literary means pubic hair in Thai. Her friends use the word "P.H." instead of "M.L." because "หมอย" (Mhoy - pubic hair) and "หม่อม" (Mhom [Luang] - Thai royal title) sound quite the same in Thai.