A Heart's Promise Beneath The Night [E-Book on MEB]

CHAPTER 2: An Unfamiliar New World

The luxurious car drove through the darkness of the night. The road stretched out endlessly, with only occasional streetlights illuminating the way. Rain continued to fall steadily, and the rhythmic sound of windshield wipers filled the air. In the silent passenger compartment, Thanida sat quietly next to Nawin, her gaze fixed on the world outside, as if trying to avoid eye contact with him.

Nawin, the young man sitting beside her, leaned back against the seat in a relaxed posture. He had sharp features, well-styled short black hair, and eyes that exuded authority. Nawin was extremely confident, and that feeling radiated around him. Thanida could feel the pressure from him without even having to look.

"Don't worry," Nawin said, breaking the silence.

"..."

"You'll be fine if you obey me."

Thanida turned to look at him with displeasure, but she didn't respond. She didn't know what to say and didn't want to have any issues with him in this situation.

Shortly after, the luxurious car arrived at a large mansion set amidst expansive gardens. A tall iron fence covered with green vines stretched along the perimeter. The mansion was striking—a luxurious European-style house with classic interior decor. Light shone from within through large windows, as if guiding her into an unfamiliar world.

The mansion's main door was opened by a bodyguard dressed in a black suit with a stern demeanor. The man bowed slightly in greeting before gesturing for Nawin and Thanida to enter.

"Wow..."

As she stepped inside, Thanida encountered a breathtaking luxury that made her gasp softly. The interior was spacious, covered with deep red carpets. Large windows were draped with luxurious velvet curtains. Tables and chairs were made of polished oak, and crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceilings. Everything spoke of the status and power of this place's owner.

Thanida looked around in astonishment. This place was larger than anything she had ever seen in her life. She felt as if she had fallen into an unfamiliar world—a world of power and wealth. But at the same time, she felt isolated and apprehensive.

"Follow me."

"Yes."

Nawin ordered quietly, but his voice was full of authority. He led her up the wide staircase that extended to the upper floor. Thanida followed him without a word. She had no choice but to do as he said.

The stairs were made of beautifully varnished hardwood, making each of her steps echo slightly. When they reached the second floor, Nawin led the new visitor to a room located in the middle of the hallway.

"This is your room," Nawin said as he opened the wide door. The room inside was larger than she had expected and luxuriously decorated. A large white bed stood in the center of the room, and thick cream-colored curtains neatly covered the windows.

Thanida stood at the doorway, looking around silently. She didn't know how to feel right now. This place was beautiful, true, but it gave a cold and lifeless feeling.

"You will stay here until the debt is paid," Nawin said in a cool tone.

"..." Thanida remained silent, saying nothing.

"Don't think about running away, and don't think about playing tricks. Otherwise, the results might not be as pretty as you think."

Thanida tried to swallow her fear. "I understand."

Nawin nodded slightly before walking out of the room, leaving Thanida alone in the beautiful but desolate room. She slumped down on the large bed, looking up at the high ceiling. Her mind was filled with confused thoughts.

That night, time passed slowly. Thanida couldn't sleep. She kept thinking about her father and the situation she was facing now. She felt worried about the future, not knowing how long she would have to be in this situation and how she could survive this tense situation. She lay thinking like that until she inadvertently fell asleep.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

The sound of knocking on the door rang out late the next morning. Thanida startled awake from her thoughts. She got up from the bed and went to open the door, finding a woman standing there. She was a woman of about 30 with a calm face, wearing a simple but neat maid's uniform.

"Miss Thanida," she said in a polite tone. "My name is Manee. I'm a housekeeper here. I'll take you to breakfast."

Thanida nodded slightly and followed Manee out of the room, through the long and silent corridor down to the large dining room on the ground floor.

The dining room was large and luxurious, like other parts of the mansion. A long dining table stood in the center of the room, with dishes meticulously prepared. Nawin sat at the head of table, wearing a sleek black suit as usual. He glanced at her briefly before turning his attention to the food in front of him.

"Sit down," Nawin said in a calm voice, looking at the seat opposite him.

Thanida sat down as ordered, although she felt very uncomfortable inside. She wasn't used to sitting at the dining table with such a powerful and cold man.

"Relax a bit. You're not a prisoner here," Nawin said as he scooped food onto his own plate. "But remember that I'm your creditor."

Thanida felt the pressure floating in the air. Although he spoke in a calm voice, every word he said continued to create a sense of fear in her heart.

The atmosphere at breakfast was silent. Thanida ate only a little, while Nawin seemed to pay little attention to her. He finished breakfast quickly and got up from the table without saying anything more, leaving her sitting alone in the large, lonely dining room.

Sigh...

Thanida let out a big sigh when she saw Nawin was out of sight. She wasn't sure how long she could endure living in this mansion.