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

CHAPTER 4 : The Beginning of a Plan

Knock! Knock! Knock!

As usual, the sound of knocking at dawn echoed at Thanida's door. She jolted awake from a haunting dream. In the dream, she saw herself in a large bird cage, unable to escape, deprived of freedom. In that dream, she saw her father standing not far away but gradually moving further and further away.

Thanida's heart raced after a night of uneasy sleep. The anxiety that never faded away continued to overwhelm her.

Thanida got up from bed. Her eyes scanned the room, still filled with silence and stillness, but her heart was in turmoil. Her hands trembled slightly as she walked to open the door.

"Miss Thanida," Manee, Nawin's close maid, stood at the door as she did every day. Her face was expressionless, showing no emotion.

"Is there something?"

"Mr. Nawin is waiting to meet you in the dining room."

"Alright, please allow me to prepare for a moment."

"Of course, Miss Thanida."

Thanida rolled her eyes slightly before closing the door. It had become a daily routine for her to wake up in the morning with Aunt Manee coming to wake her every morning, along with informing her that Mr. Nawin was waiting to meet. It was somewhat boring, but that was the only reason she could leave her bedroom.

She washed her face, her eyes, and prepared herself to meet Nawin. She knew well that each time he called for a meeting, there was always something serious to discuss, even if it was just during breakfast time.

In the dining room, the atmosphere remained quiet as usual. The long hardwood table was meticulously set with food, with Thanida's seat placed opposite to Nawin's.

Nawin was already seated. He wore a dark shirt, his appearance still elegant and exuding ownership. He glanced at her briefly before turning back to the food in front of him.

"Sit down," he said flatly.

The same words every day. Can't he greet with other words...

Thanida secretly complained in her heart before sitting down across from him. She didn't say anything out loud. Her feelings were still full of pressure. Although she was starting to get used to him controlling her life, the discomfort still hadn't gone away.

The atmosphere in the dining room was quite lonely. There was only the sound of cutlery as Nawin ate his food. After some time passed, he put down his spoon and looked up at Thanida.

"How do you feel about staying here?" Nawin asked unexpectedly.

Thanida was slightly surprised by this question, but remained silent for a moment. She tried to find an answer appropriate for the current situation, not wanting to say anything that might offend him, as that could affect her safety in this mansion.

"I'm... trying to adjust, sir," her voice was soft and sounded cautious.

Nawin looked at her face with a calm gaze, but full of consideration. "You should adjust as quickly as possible, because I don't think you'll be leaving here anytime soon."

His words made Thanida's heart sink. She tried to hide her reaction so the man in front of her wouldn't see the fear rising in her heart.

Ring!!!

At that moment, the sound of Nawin's mobile phone rang. He picked it up to look, before standing up quickly.

"I have to attend to an urgent matter," he said flatly. "Stay here. Don't go anywhere."

"Yes, sir."

Thanida nodded quietly. When he turned his back and walked out of the room, she exhaled slowly. The heavy feeling in her heart began to ease slightly, but it didn't completely disappear.

After Nawin left the mansion, Thanida spent time in her room quietly. But her mind was not at peace. She began to feel that waiting and facing what was happening was too much. She had to find a way out of this crazy situation once and for all.

That afternoon, she walked out to breathe some air on the balcony at the back of the mansion. She could see the beautiful garden lined with flowers and trees that were neatly arranged. The sound of the fountain in the garden was soft, creating momentary peace, but in her heart, she felt increasingly restless.

As she was standing and looking into the distance, she saw someone walking closer. His face was familiar to her because she often saw him every time she met Nawin.

Phum, the young man who was Nawin's follower, was responsible for the security of the mansion. His face looked sharp and fierce as usual, but today he seemed rushed and appeared to have something worrying him.

"Miss Thanida," Phum spoke as he approached her. "I apologize for disturbing you, but there's something you need to know."

Thanida turned to look at him with surprise. "What is it?"

Phum seemed to hesitate for a moment but then spoke in a soft voice as if afraid someone might overhear.

"Mr. Nawin is in danger. I think there are people in the mansion who are not loyal to him."

Phum's words made Thanida's heart race. "What do you mean?"

"I don't have clear evidence yet," Phum continued. "But something's not right. Some people in this mansion are secretly doing something dangerous to Mr. Nawin. I'm not sure who these people are, but it could be someone you never suspected."

Thanida looked at him with confusion. "Why are you telling me this? How can I help?"

Phum looked at Thanida with a serious gaze. "Because I think you might be the only one he can still trust... even if he doesn't show it."

Thump! Thump!

Thanida's heart beat faster. She had never thought that she would become someone Nawin had to rely on or even play an important role in saving his life.

"What should I do?" she asked softly.

"You should be careful too," Phum warned. "I don't know what they're going to do or when, but I'm sure something is about to happen. And it won't be good for Mr. Nawin, including you."

"How am I involved in this?"

"Because you're close to Mr. Nawin."

Thanida paused for a moment before nodding. "Thank you for telling me."

Phumturned and walked back, leaving Thanida standing with her own thoughts. Thecool breeze that blew past made her shiver. She knew well that from now on, everythingwould become more complicated. She might have to do things she never thoughtshe could do... or dare to do.