Marriage for Revenge

"Tell him he can't go out in that crop top!" Lam's voice echoed through the grand Jamornhum mansion.

Park glanced at Dunk, who was already half out the door, crop top in place and full of confidence. Park gave Lam a helpless look that practically screamed, "Why me?"

"You can't go out in those clothes, honey. You look too yummy for hungry eyes," Park said gently.

Dunk grinned and leaned in to kiss Park's cheek. "You're the best dad in the world. I'll be back around two or three. Sleep well!"

He waved dramatically in front of Lam, who looked on in disbelief.

"Who's the father here, you or him?" Lam snapped.

"Come on, Lam. We were the same at his age," Park said as they walked inside.

"Yes, but back then we didn't have enemies. We were just college kids fighting for faculty pride before stepping into the underground business," Lam countered, turning serious. "You understand my worries, right? I'm not stopping his independence-I just want him safe."

"Then don't stop him," Forth's voice entered from the living room.

"Forth! At least take my side," Lam pleaded.

Forth smirked. "He's a Jamornhum. Everyone knows not to mess with us."

"Who are you asking for help? He sent his own son to Japan for a dangerous job without thinking." Beam added, following Forth.

"Keep quiet, Beam. Our blood won't spill. And if it does-the floor will burn." Forth took Park out with him.

Just then, Boom tried to sneak out the side door. Lam caught him by the ear."How old are you, sneaking out at 10 p.m.?"

"It's a freshers' party, Uncle! How would it look if the head hazer didn't attend? What would I say-'I'm grounded'?" Boom mimicked.

"Boy, remember who I am. Just go back to your room."

"But I asked for permission!" Boom insisted.

"From who?" Lam raised a brow.

"Uncle Park and Uncle Forth."

"What about your fathers?"

"Uncle Park said he'd talk to his brother." Boom was ready.

Lam flicked his forehead. "He is your father too."

"I never said he isn't. Thanks, Uncle Lam!" Boom pecked his cheek, waved to Beam, and ran out as he spotted Park and Forth returning.

"Boom's too cute to be head hazer," Beam said.

"So was P' Arthit. And Boom has our blood-he was born for it. But why are you even discussing this?" Park said proudly.

"He just left for a party. Your blood runs wild in them." Lam muttered.

"That's not fair! You let Boom go easily, but my baby Dunk had to beg," Park pouted.

"First, Dunk never begs. Second, Forth and you gave him permission, if you forget."

"I didn't!" Forth threw up his hands.

"Thanks for the permission, uncles!" Boom shouted as he sped off.

"They're fooling us now," Lam sighed.

"Let them enjoy. Don't raise your BP Lam." Forth said.

But Lam stared at the door long after the others left. A pit formed in his stomach. Karma always came back-he just