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

CHAPTER 7 : The Hidden Truth

A new morning arrived with soft sunlight filtering through the thin white curtains into Thanida's room. Although the rain had stopped, the coolness from the damp air still lingered.

Thanida rose from her bed after spending the entire night thinking about what Nawin had said the night before. His voice still echoed in her head, as if challenging her to uncover the secret he was hiding.

Thanida's bedroom was decorated simply yet luxuriously. The spacious area clearly displayed the wealth of the house's owner. She walked to the large mirror, looking at herself pensively. Her long hair was slightly disheveled from sleep, though only slightly. Soon she would have to prepare for the new day ahead.

Today, she planned to meet Phum again. Thanida's heart was heavy with worry and doubt. She needed answers, whether about Nawin or the truth hidden behind all the events in this mansion.

As Thanida walked to the dining room in the morning, the atmosphere in the mansion seemed quieter than usual. The long and luxurious hallway, decorated with deep red carpets and glittering chandeliers, gave a chilling feeling. She could sense the tension in the air, as if eyes were following her constantly.

When she reached the dining room, Nawin was sitting at the head of the table. His face remained calm and mysterious as usual. He was sipping coffee from a steaming cup, one hand holding a newspaper. Thanida stood still for a moment before deciding to sit down on the opposite side.

"It's a bit quiet this morning," Nawin said without looking up at her. His tone was soft but sharp.

"Yes, it is," Thanida replied briefly, looking around the room.

As Nawin put down the newspaper, his gaze fixed on Thanida. He looked at her as if trying to read her thoughts. She felt uncomfortable but tried to maintain her composure.

"Last night, I thought a lot about what you said," Thanida spoke up, trying to keep her voice steady.

Nawin smiled slightly at the corner of his mouth. "And what do you think?"

"I think you're hiding something from me," she said straightforwardly, despite her trembling heart.

Nawin chuckled softly. His voice was cold but full of amusement. "You're brave to think that. But sometimes, not knowing is better."

"But I want to know that secret," Thanida insisted, her eyes full of determination.

Nawin looked at her for another moment before nodding slightly. "If you think you're ready, I won't stop you. But remember, the truth you want to know might not be what you want to hear."

In the afternoon, Thanida arrived at Phum's office, located in the left wing of the mansion. The office was quiet, decorated with dark wood that gave a sense of solidity and stability. Light from the large window behind the desk shone in, making the atmosphere seem more solemn.

Phum was standing in the corner of the room, looking as if he had been waiting for her. As Thanida approached, he nodded for her to sit in the chair in front of the desk.

"You seem to have a lot of questions," Phum started the conversation in a calm voice.

"You said that Khun Nawin was hiding something, and today he confirmed it himself," Thanida spoke directly. The worry in her heart began to build up again.

Phum looked at Thanida silently before letting out a long sigh. "Yes, I think it's time you knew the truth."

"The truth about what?" Thanida asked, her voice full of confusion.

Phum leaned back against the desk. He looked tired and stressed. "About Khun Nawin's business... it's not as legitimate as you think. He's not just an ordinary real estate businessman. His business involves things that are darker and more dangerous than that."

"Actually, I kind of knew that."

Phum's words made Thanida feel as if her breath had stopped. She didn't expect to hear this.

"What do you mean?"

"Khun Nawin... he's involved with a large underground organization that conducts illegal businesses, whether it's money laundering or drug trafficking. There are rumors that Khun Nawin is also involved in human trafficking. Everything he does is completely illegal," Phum said in a firm voice.

"But you've been Khun Nawin's assistant for a long time. Didn't you suspect anything before this?"

"Actually, Khun Nawin only lets me handle the real estate company part. Beyond that, after work hours, Khun Nawin switches to using the group of men in black suits."

Thanida was too shocked to say anything. She felt as if her world was crumbling before her eyes. The face of Nawin, whom she once saw as a charming and stable man, had become the face of someone dangerous and hiding evil.

"I... I don't want to believe it," Thanida said in a faint voice. Her shock was clearly expressed on her face.

Phum nodded understandingly. "I know it's hard to believe, but you need to know the truth so you can protect yourself."

Thanida felt as if her world was spinning. Her thoughts were confused and chaotic. She didn't know what to do next. Everything she had believed about Nawin had turned out to be a complete illusion.

"What should I do?" Thanida asked in a voice tinged with despair.

Phum smiled sadly. "I can't tell you what to do, but I'll be by your side. I promise."

Thanidanodded slightly, although her heart was still full of doubt. She knew only onething: there was no turning back now. She had to move forward in thisfrightening reality, no matter how painful it might be.