Magnus

Background color
Font
Font size
Line height

The lights of my mirror shone brightly upon my face, exposing all of my acne and complexion. I sighed as I placed a slimy, moist face mask and patted the sheet on my cheeks. A knock came at my door and it was Mom who opened the door, "Hey sweetie." I smiled at her, looking through the mirror of my vanity, "Hey mom, what's up?"

"Have you seen the news?"

I looked at her confused and grabbed my phone to search for what had happened. The first trending topic was: One of Thailand's richest billionaires has passed at the age of 75. I scrolled a bit to read it was Pakorn who passed on the night before. I looked at her and she says, "He passed in his sleep. And, most of the execs and heads of departments of the hospital are expected to attend. You have to go as well since you're engaged to Ren Aira." I slumped in my seat as I asked, "I can't get out of this one?"

Mom shook her head and said, "Unfortunately, no darling. Get dressed and eat breakfast please." I nodded and she closed the door as she left. I stood from my seat and went to my closet to find an appropriate black dress and black, sheer tights for the occasion. I settled on a short-sleeved, puffy A-line black dress. I slid on a white headband with black and white closed-toe, mary jane heels. I applied my usual natural makeup and wore my dad's necklace—along with my engagement ring.

I skipped breakfast and mom and I went straight to the car with Uncle Ken. He greeted, "Good morning, Ms. Nova."

I smiled, "Good morning, thank you for opening the door." He nodded and stepped to the side to let me walk into the car. As mom sat in the front returning calls, I rested my chin upon the palm of my hand, wondering about what today would be like. The only funeral I went to was dad's and it was very private and intimate.

Soon enough, we lined up in the driveway, leading to the entrance of the funeral service. There were many expensive cars and photographers in the front, taking pictures of whoever would appear. My phone pinged and I looked to see Ren asking if I was at the site. I quickly texted him back and I said to mom, "Ren's here."

"Ok, you should walk with him. I'll walk beside the Aira's."

Uncle Ken drove up to the red carpet and a valet opened our doors for us. Immediately, cameras started taking pictures of us as I stepped out with the valet's assistance. Mom sneaked her arm around mine and we began walking the luxurious plush carpet. If I hadn't known any better, I would've thought I was at a red carpet-premiere.

As soon as we made it through the glass doors, my eyes began surveying the room to find Ren. Nonetheless, he found me before I settled my eyes on him. He calls out to my right, "Nova!" I quickly turn to the sound of his voice and felt some relief and led mom to them. His parents greeted me with the usual kiss on the cheek and Mom greeted Ren with a hug. Ren stood beside me as our parents spoke. He went to hold my hand and I smiled at him as we waited. I heard Ren's mother say, "Well, I heard his heir will be here. I guess it will be announced today when he gives his eulogy. I heard he's Ren's age, or close to it." My eyes peeked at Ren and asked, "Do you know who he is?"

"I've only met him in passing. I didn't learn his name," he said. Chairman Aira looked behind and asked, "Well, let's go inside shall we?" I nodded and Chairman Aira took his wife's hand, my mom followed after the couple, and Ren and I followed behind her. We walked together inside the entrance of the viewing, hearing more snaps of cameras and tiny flashes. A person in a black suit hands each of us a pamphlet of Pakorn, whispering, "Thank you for coming."

We accepted the pamphlets and walked up to the center stage where Pakorn's vigil was to offer our respect. After our parents bowed, Ren let me bow first, my knees touching the satin carpet. I kneeled on the ground with my hands together and recited a silent prayer before Ren helped me stand back up. We waited until he finished before letting the next person in line get a chance to offer their respects. I looked to my left and saw Gorya and Kaning at the side of the beautiful displays we'd made the night before. I smiled at them when we made eye contact before Ren led me to the seating area.

"I want to talk to them for a sec–"

Ren stops me and says, "Later... There are people we should greet, you should introduce yourself and make some friends." I frowned a little as he rubbed his thumb against my hand. I looked back at them and Kaning shot me a silent smile as I walked farther away with Ren.

There were many people I didn't know and couldn't recognize in the room. A couple approaches us, with fake smiles plastered on their faces. I clutched closer to Ren's side and he asks me, "Are you ok?" I only smiled and took my hand off from his upper arm, unable to answer since the couple stopped in front of us. One of the men came forward with his hand extended towards Ren, "Mr. Aira." He had a black suit, similar to everyone's attire, and slick-gelled hair. He seemed in his 30s or so and was a little shorter than Ren's height. It seemed like he didn't acknowledge me, despite being at Ren's side.

"Hello," Ren says as he shook his hand. "I don't know if you remember me but I'm Romsak Saengkaew, I am a part of the financial department of Aira–"

"Hello," she says as she bows her head and places her hands in front of her face in greeting.
I looked at the woman next to Romsak, she was pretty and had an off-shoulder, long-sleeved black dress, and a low, slick bun. Her neck was ordained with a simple necklace with diamond earrings to match. I plastered my smile on as I did the same greeting, "Hello." She glances at Ren and Romsak and asks me, "Do you want to come and sit with my friends? You know, let the men talk their business?" I tilted my head, slightly uncomfortable by her statement but, peeked at Ren to see he was immersed in conversation and swallowed my gut, "Sure." I looked back before I left his side and he glanced at me, raising his eyebrows and I nodded to reassure him.

"Great! We're over here." She leads us to where her group sat, a corner away from the center. Two ladies were sitting in the chairs with fancy cashmere black dresses and elegant accessories.

I looked down at my puffy dress and felt underdressed. One of them looked at my hair and said, "That's a cute headband." I touched my hair and bowed my head, "Thank you, I'm Nova."

Low-bun clapped her hands, "My apologies, I didn't introduce myself. I am Ranida Somsak and this is Leena Birchirvit–" she points to a woman with burgundy hair, glamorous manicured hands, and that metropolitan, elitist disposition. "This is my good friend Kanchana Pongthananikorn."

I bowed my head in greeting as they both did as well. Ranida took my hand and pointed towards the chair next to her, "You should sit." I smiled and sat, smoothing my dress to cover my butt as I sat on the clear, plastic chair.

"So, if you don't mind me asking...how old are you?"

I blinked, slightly perplexed at the question and I said, "I am 17, I will turn 18 in a few weeks."
Leena ticks her tongue, "I was 15 when I was arranged from my first husband. I'm 30 now, but if the marriage doesn't work..." She leans in closer and whispers, "Just leave and take the alimony. I'm in my third marriage, but he's a darling. I'll check back with you if it ends up working out." She winks at me before saying, "I can't believe they're still doing that outdated tradition."
"At least she was paired with someone her age, I know someone who was arranged with someone 15 years older than her. Poor girl," Ranida whispered. I gasped, "15 years?!"

Kanchana asked, "Who? Mai?"

Ranida shook her head and touched her hand, "No, Sera. You know the one that emigrated to the States with her husband."

"Oh my god...", Kanchana says. I looked between them and asked, "Well, how are your marriages working out?"

Ranida laughs putting her silky hands against her chest, touching her diamond necklace, "Oh honey, nowadays people don't marry for love. I have 3 kids with my husband to fulfill my duty as his wife and that's it. We just show up to parties and conventions and pretend. We even sleep in separate rooms."

"If you don't love him...why do you stay?" I asked.

"For convenience. Plus, I wish I was like Leena darling. My family isn't as progressive if you know what I mean." I slowly sat back in my chair, as they continued gossiping amongst themselves. Is that what it would be like if I got married to Ren? I'll just be his child bearer Kanchana touched my hand as the other two were talking about something or someone in front of us. "Don't be too sad sweetie. Those two are just scaring you. I have a different experience with marriage."
I listened as she continued, "I met my husband by chance. I didn't come from a rich or well-known family."

"We met at a cafe I was working at as a server. He was there to buy coffee and I guess my beauty swept him away." Kanchana's features were of natural beauty, with lush lips and starry eyes. I smiled as she pats my hand, "He gave me his number on a little piece of paper and wrote his name. I never heard of him before because he was a part of the elites. I was so nervous about meeting him...but, he turned out to be the best man I'd ever known. He is a diamond in the rough."

"Your love story could be a book."

Kanchana smiled and let go of my hand, "I am lucky indeed."

A flurry of voices and cameras clicked as Thyme and Lita entered. I snuck a look at Gorya behind me and saw she held an uncomfortable expression. Thyme looked tense as Lita held all the smiles for the two of them. Ranida leaned in close to me and whispered, "This was a sudden one. Do you know P'Roslyn set up the engagement the week before her son's birthday?"
"Really? That is sudden, but not unheard of. Do you know–"

I muffled out their voices as I kept watching Thyme and Lita interact with other attendees at the entrance. From the outside looking in, they seemed like a handsome couple. But, would that be enough to hide Thyme's longing stare across the room?

A man in a black suit approached the podium to the side of the casket and pats the mic to test that it worked. He leaned closer to the mic and cleared his throat, "Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen. Allow us to start the eulogy." As people went to sit in their seats I silently waved at my newfound friends and walked to the right side of the room. I see Ren talking to MJ and Kavin.

I sat next to him and he immediately held my hand. A few of Pakorn's close friends came up to say a few words, a good number of tears were shed and his wife who he just married a year ago, had to be guided down the stage.

The same person from before went up to the podium and said, "Now we will hear the last statement from Pakorn's heir and grandson." Everyone's eyes and ears piqued interest as they looked around the room for the man who would inherit Pakorn's empire. A figure coming in from the back stepped onto the platform. My phone started ringing in my bag and I let go of Ren's hand to quickly dive into my bag. I looked at the screen and realized it was a random alarm. I silenced my phone, embarrassed at the intrusion, and put it in my bag.

"Hello everyone," the heir said. I paused as I latched my bag closed. I've heard of that voice before. I slowly looked up and saw Magnus in the black suit speaking into the mic. Why is he there? He nervously smiles as he continued, "I'm Magnus Anantachai, I am Pakorn's only grandson. I am to inherit TN Group." A few whispers erupt in the room as I stared at Magnus. He looked different even though I hadn't seen him in a few months.

Magnus was taller than I expected, he looked good in his black suit. His hair was slightly trimmed and he looked dashing. I felt slightly blind sighted he was here and he was the grandson of probably the most important business sector of Thailand.

"I know everyone here is questioning my expertise and my age. I am young, but my grandfather sent me to America to greatly understand the inner workings of his company and how to become an effective leader. But," he adjusts his posture before saying, "I am not here to explain myself."

He looked around the room and carried himself with more composure and confidence, "My grandfather was important to each and of you in some way or another. He moved to change Thailand's economy in more ways than one."

Magnus looked at the casket as he said, "He stepped up as my father figure after my father died. He took care of me when I needed someone the most." My eyes prickled at the sides as I listened to him talk about his grandfather. He seemed nervous, his hand gripping the wood of the podium, his handkerchief wiping away the sweat that accumulated due to his anxiety and the hot spotlights. His lost expression reminded me of when Dad died, and I had to speak in front of a crowd–not as grand as this but, big enough that I couldn't recognize half of the people who attended. I picked at my thumb and chewed my lip as I listened to Magnus, I felt a warm hand cover mine and looked to my right to see Ren offering me a comforting smile that effectively distracted me.

Magnus blinked away any moisture from his eyes, and smiled at the crowd, "He was not only the mind behind TN Group, but he was also an advisor...to many of you sitting in this room. He has a legacy that will live on and, I intend to keep it alive for as long as I am able." Magnus's eyes settles in my direction and I blinked as I listened, "Thank you for coming." He looks to the right at the casket, "Thank you, grandfather," and says a prayer before stepping down and bowing to the floor. We all bowed our heads, hands together, and fingers touching our foreheads. He slowly stood up and stepped off the stage.

My eyes couldn't leave him as he walked off and in the opposite direction of us. Kavin's chin and forearms rest on my chair as he watched attendees swarming around the heir of TN Group. "I wonder who is his advisor," Kavin said. MJ gave him a side-eye, "Why? Are you thinking of infiltrating TN Group and becoming a lobbyist?"

Kavin shrugged, "Not a bad idea...I think my parents wouldn't mind a slight change in my career." He nodded towards his parents speaking to Magnus, his father's hand resting upon Magnus's shoulder. Ren asked, "You really didn't know he was the heir as well?" Kavin sighed as he straightened himself, "Dad had an inkling but, he thought it would just be one of the investors or someone from TN Group's board. Did you Thyme?"

Thyme shrugged as well, "I had no idea. Maybe my mom did but, she never mentioned anything." Lita asked, "Did you guys know him?"

"Not really, we went to the same primary school but, I didn't know he was back in Thailand. After the passing of his father, he disappeared," Kavin explained. I looked down as MJ reads from his phone, "He's studying at Harvard, Business School. Went to Standford for undergrad and he was granted an early graduation at 20 years old last year."

Ren mumbled, "Hmm, he's impressive. So he's older than us by a few years." Thyme ticked his tongue, "He got in through connections." Kavin smirked and pushed his shoulder, "You act like you don't use your mother's influence for your own benefit." Thyme looked away as the others chuckled at him. Ren looked at me and pulled at the skirt of my dress, "Are you okay?" He whispered closer, "I know funerals are hard for you." He leaned back, looking at me concerned and worried. I shook my head, "I'm ok, I promise." I pointed towards the door and said, "I'll go out for a minute, I feel stuffy."

He stood from his chair, "Do you want me to.."

I shook my head and laid my hand on top of his chest, "You don't have to get up, I just want to be alone. I'll be back, I won't be long." I quickly hurried away towards the exit as Ren slowly sat and looked at his friends who were just as confused as he was.

I walked out of the room and stopped to look at where the exit was. The entrance to the building was filled with reporters and paparazzi, as well as bystanders wanting a peek at which celebrities were in attendance. I spot a staircase and walked past a few people, running up the stairs. I don't know where it led me but I found myself in a dark corner with a red 'EXIT' sign blaring at me. I pushed the door open and instantly felt the light breeze of the night. I took a deep breath as a temporary cure for my ailing shoulders. Now that I was outside, I felt a thousand times better. I walked towards the railing and gripped the metal bars, bending down to stretch my back. My head met my hands as I delicately laid them against them, Magnus is Pakorn's grandson?

Rage or anger wasn't the right emotion I was feeling. We weren't really friends, but also not really strangers at the same time. Why should I get mad at him for keeping his identity? It makes sense why he kept it a secret from me, we don't know each other.

The door to the terrace opened and Gorya appeared. I stood up and waved as she waved back, "Hey."

She smiled and stood next to me, "Why are you here?" I sighed, "I just felt uncomfortable. I don't know, after dad's funeral...it's been hard for me. I don't know how mom can do it."

Gorya said, "She's probably not as visual and vocal about it."

My lips puckered at the side, "Maybe," My ring tapped against the metal to fill the silence as I thought about Magnus. Gorya sighed, "Well, I just realized how much of an outcast I really am."

"What do you mean?"

"Well...everybody seems to know each other. P'Ren told me that Thailand's rich amounts to 1% so, it makes sense. Seeing Thyme with Lita and mingling with people made me realize we had nothing in common."

I asked her, "Just because he's rich?"

She only nodded and I turned to her, "Gorya, you shouldn't be thinking that way. That's all for show. You know he likes you."

"I think Lita already found herself in the group. She fits in, better than I did."

"You may think that but, there's this woman I met who–."

She ignored me as she straightens her posture and says, "You know, it's better to stay within the class you were put in. I will never be like this, like you guys."

My eyelids falter as I asked, "What do you mean? I've been your best friend for two years. I never saw you as anything less than yourself, Gorya."

"Because I go to the same school as you. That's what brought us together. You're telling me that you'd hang out with a person as poor as me, with a run-down house, and with no generational wealth?"

I scoff and say, "Yes."

Gorya's shoulders slump, "No you wouldn't–"

"Gorya–"

"–And that's fine Nova. Before I started hanging out with you guys...you know what my thoughts were about the rich. I wouldn't go out of my way to hang out with F4 and all these people," Gorya says, looking away from me.

I stepped back and said, "You think I'm a shallow person? The reason why I want to become friends with you is that I was just as much an outcast as you. I came back to Thailand after disappearing for 7 years, having no friends, and just like you I don't know any of these people."

Gorya argued, "You will never know how it feels to live in poverty. I mean you're bunched into the same class and prestige. Your mom is Thailand's #1 neurosurgeon–"

I interrupted her as I closed my eyes, "Please. I don't want to argue with you. I know that Thyme and Lita are making you feel like you're not worthy to be with us but, it's not true. I will never know what's like to be in your shoes. I'm sorry if I carried myself as if I

You are reading the story above: TeenFic.Net