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Chapter 18 - Aftermath

[Theerapanyakul Estate - Medical Wing]

Rain sat wrapped in a blanket, trembling uncontrollably. Dr. Siriporn examined him gently while Pete held his hand.

"Physically, you're dehydrated and exhausted. The bruises will fade," the doctor said. "But Rain, I'm more worried about your mental state."

Rain didn't respond. He felt numb, disconnected from his body.

Prapai stood in the doorway, his eyes never leaving Rain. When they'd gotten him off that rooftop, Rain had collapsed. Now, hours later, he still hadn't spoken.

"Rain?" Pete's voice was soft. "Can you hear me?"

Slowly, Rain nodded.

"You're safe now. Phayu can't reach you here. Do you understand?"

Another nod, but Rain's eyes remained distant.

Dr. Siriporn pulled Pete aside. "He's in shock. Dissociating. It's a trauma response. He needs time, patience, and professional help."

"Whatever he needs," Prapai said immediately.

After the doctor left, Prapai approached Rain carefully. "Rain? It's Pai. Can I sit with you?"

Rain's eyes finally focused on him. "You came," he whispered, voice hoarse.

"Of course I came. I never stopped looking." Prapai sat beside him. "I'm so sorry it took four days. I'm so sorry—"

"He broke me," Rain interrupted, tears starting. "Phi, he broke something inside me. I don't know if I can fix it."

"You don't have to fix it alone," Prapai promised. "We'll help you. All of us. For as long as it takes."

Rain leaned into Prapai's embrace and finally, finally let himself cry.

[Meanwhile - Psychiatric Facility]

Phayu sat in a locked room, his wrists bandaged. They'd found him on the rooftop after Rain left, standing at the railing, contemplating his own jump.

Kinn and Porsche sat across from him now, their expressions unreadable.

"Did you mean to kill him?" Kinn asked quietly.

"No!" Phayu's voice broke. "I loved him. I love him. I just wanted—"

"Wanted what? To own him? Control him?" Porsche's voice was harsh. "Phayu, you raped him. Repeatedly. You held him prisoner. That's not love."

"I was protecting him—"

"From what? Freedom? Happiness? Yourself?" Kinn leaned forward. "Phayu, you're our son. But what you did—there's no excuse. No justification."

"Are you disowning me?" Phayu asked, his voice small.

"No. But you're staying here for intensive treatment. And when you're released—if you're released—you will never contact Rain again. Do you understand?"

Phayu closed his eyes. "Can I... can I at least know if he's okay?"

"That's not your right anymore," Porsche said firmly. "You lost the right to know anything about Rain the moment you decided to hurt him."

Phayu's shoulders shook with sobs. "I'm a monster."

"Yes," Kinn agreed. "But maybe, with help, you can become something better. For yourself, not for Rain."

After they left, Phayu stared at the ceiling, finally understanding what he'd become.

And knowing he'd destroyed the only person he'd ever loved.

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