Content Warning: This work is intended for mature (NC17) audiences. If you are younger, please kindly leave this site.
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After Tinn had been abroad for one week, on one evening, a French restaurant was transformed into the venue for a birthday celebration. Guests gradually arrived at the event, and no matter where one looked, familiar faces could often be seen.
In the society news section, the eldest son of Metthanun, who accompanied his stepmother as her escort, smirked scornfully before replacing it almost immediately with a polite and gentle smile.
"P’Tul."
Tul smiled in acknowledgment of the person standing at the entrance... Wadi,
the daughter of the event's host, who stood waiting specifically to greet this family.
"Khun Auntie, greetings."
The moment Napawadi saw the mixed-heritage young man in a designer suit, the young woman gave a pleasant smile. Her already sweet and beautiful face became even more charming.
However, she did not forget to first greet Rasa, lifting her hands in a graceful phanom wai, prompting the woman beside Tul to ask in a kindly tone, "Greetings, Wadi. And where is the host?"
"Mother is greeting guests over there."
The slender figure responded in a pleasing voice before glancing at the tall man who appeared increasingly handsome in his tailored suit, not the student uniform she usually saw him in. Her smooth cheeks flushed pink, and as she recalled their last meeting, her slender hands unconsciously clenched tightly together with nervousness.
"Greetings, P’Tul."
"Greetings, Wadi," the young man replied in a warm tone, his eyes gentle, almost tender, making the listener lower her gaze shyly.
Wadi wished to speak with him more, but Rasa's gaze, which did not look away from the pair, made her hastily stammer in a quick voice,
"This way, Khun Auntie Rasa. I will take you to see my Mother."
"No need, dear. You stay and chat with Tul instead; I’ll go on my own," Rasa said, shaking her head while continuing to observe the two young people with satisfaction.
After all, if the Metthanun family were to form an alliance with Napawadi’s family, which came from noble lineage, it would indeed be a favorable match.
Unfortunately, Tinn was too young.
Of course, as a mother, she naturally wished the best for her biological son. However, considering their ages, the stepchild was more suitable. Still no matter—so long as Tul remained obedient, loved and respected her no less than a biological mother—no, more than that foreign woman with light-colored eyes who abandoned her child—there would be no harm in allowing Tul to have a good partner.
Thus, Rasa smiled sweetly and spoke kindly, "Tul, stay and talk with Nong. I’ll be going now... Come along, follow me."
"Oh! P'Hin!"
At that moment, Wadi noticed for the first time that the pair wasn’t alone at the event. Another man, dressed neatly though not as polished as Tul, was present. It was undoubtedly the same man who had once driven her home. Startled, she let out an exclamation upon seeing him this late.
Kon Hin, holding the gift box, forced a smile.
"Greetings, Khun Wadi."
"Greetings, P'Hin. I apologize for not greeting you earlier."
With her soft voice, the young woman did not hesitate to phanom wai the man, who was merely known as a worker. That made Pathapee even more disheartened.
He glanced at the lady of the house, whose face briefly darkened before relaxing as she remarked, "Wadi, you don’t need to phanom wai Hin, dear."
"But... yes, ma'am," the slender figure almost argued, ready to explain that the man had once helped her.
However, she closed her mouth, understanding the atmosphere. She realized that P’Tul's gentle mother was as class-conscious as her own biological mother. The simplest course of action was to comply for now, while deciding on her actions privately later. The beautiful young woman gazed at Kon Hin with an apologetic expression, which only made Pathapee feel even more self-pitying.
"Follow me," she ordered.
"Yes, ma’am," Kon Hin replied, walking after the lady to another corner of the event.
His sharp eyes lowered, fully aware that he did not belong at this gathering. This was a place for Khun Tul, not for someone like Kon Hin. He glanced at his employer, who was engrossed in conversation with the beautiful young woman, his eyes filled with melancholy.
"Even if Nong Wadi treats you kindly, don’t let it make you overstep your place," Rasa remarked firmly, her gaze stern and displeased.
"I wouldn't dare think so, ma'am," Kon Hin replied.
Rasa shot him a sharp, malicious glance, prompting Kon Hin to meet her eyes steadily, affirming that he harbored no thoughts toward the beautiful young lady.
Only then did she nod slowly, adjust her expression, and walk off with a sweet smile toward the host of the event, whispering softly, "Good! Those two are perfectly matched."
Rasa glanced at her stepson and the young woman, who was dressed more elegantly than usual. While her knee-length dress didn't reveal as much as other women’s attire at the event, it exuded nobility and delicacy. She appeared like a petite princess that anyone would want to protect. Now, however, that princess's gaze was fixed on only one man in the room.
One glance was enough for Rasa to know that Wadi liked her stepson.
At first, it was just a suspicion, but Rasa had been certain ever since Tul informed her he had been invited to the birthday celebration for which she herself had received an invitation long ago. Her friend had invited her and her husband, but who would have thought they'd send their daughter to personally invite Tul as well?
That alone revealed that the family was quite taken with Tul.
Fine. Take him, then. Little did they know that Tul's position was merely that of a stepping stone for Tinn. All of Metthanun’s wealth belonged to Tinn. If anyone thought they could touch the family's fortune through Tul, they were dreaming.
Such foolish thinking from someone who had no idea that the so-called stepping stone was plotting to crush her own son into the ground.
"Yes, indeed. They are perfectly matched," Kon Hin echoed.
Kon Hin politely acknowledged, drawing a satisfied smile from the listener, who then moved on to greet the host of the event with an excessively jubilant tone. This left the porter with no choice but to glance back at his true Chao-nai, who just days ago had said…
"I only need you."
The young man gave a sorrowful smile.
It’s impossible.
Kon Hin tightened his grip on the gift box, his sharp eyes focused solely on the pair who stood out amidst the crowd, as if a spotlight illuminated only them.
Khun Tul possessed not only a handsome face and commanding presence but was also the eldest son of a prominent business family. Meanwhile, Khun Wadi shone brightly as the only daughter of an old and respected lineage.
One was dashing, the other radiant.
What pairing could be more fitting?
Even while standing in the same place, breathing the same air, Pathapee could feel that the two of them existed in a world far removed from his. Simply standing together, exchanging smiles, made Kon Hin withdraw further into the shadows... that was where he truly belonged.
Don’t think about anything, Kon Hin. Be satisfied that you can support Khun Tul’s endeavors in the future. Don’t dream of standing at his side.
The master often said he needed Kon Hin to watch his back. Thus, he had grown accustomed to trailing behind Khun Tul at such events, learning to recede into the darkness, stepping back so that all eyes could focus solely on Khun Tul.
If Khun Tul and Khun Wadi were prince and princess, then Khun Tul and he could only ever be… light and shadow.
"Khun Wadi must apologize to P’Tul for the discourtesy of inviting you over the phone."
As the workers of the Metthanun household walked out of earshot, Napawadi turned to speak to the mixed-heritage young man, who replied with a slight smile and a playful tone.
"Apologizing again, are you?"
"Excuse me?" The beautiful woman blinked in confusion.
"Well, if Wadi isn’t apologizing, you’re thanking me instead. You could say something else, you know," Tul teased, his voice laced with laughter, causing the young woman to blush deeply and mumble under her breath.
"But I want to apologize."
Tul smiled knowingly.
"Then there’s no need to apologize anymore. If anything, I should be the one thanking both Wadi and Khun Auntie for honoring me with this invitation."
"Mother really wanted you to come, P’Tul. Ever since the day you helped me with the car, she hasn’t stopped asking about you," Wadi admitted, her cheeks lightly flushed. She was well aware of how much her mother admired the man beside her, even more openly than she did. Her mother had persistently urged her to invite him to the event. Now that he was standing before her, fully aware of this truth, she couldn’t help but feel self-conscious.
Initially, Wadi had asked her mother to extend the invitation herself, feeling embarrassed about deliberately reaching out to him. However, after repeated insistence, she finally relented and made the call. During that conversation, her hands trembled as she spoke. The moment she heard his deep voice accepting the invitation, her feet shuffled nervously while she racked her brain for the right words, despite having rehearsed them beforehand. When P’Tul agreed to attend, her palms became clammy, and her cheeks flushed so noticeably that even the maid teased her about her rosy complexion.
Deep down, Wadi knew it wasn’t just her mother who was fond of this man. She herself was beginning to… give him her heart.
Thus, standing beside this tall and handsome young man made her heart race, her palms growing clammy with nervous sweat. Each glance she stole at him required a surge of courage, leaving her biting her lips unconsciously several times.
Now, after catching a fleeting glimpse of his golden-brown eyes, she quickly averted her gaze, focusing instead on her tightly clasped hands.
The man’s warm smile only made her more flustered.
"Regarding the car, I was happy to help," Tul said. "If there’s ever anything else you need, Wadi, please don’t hesitate to tell me. I’d be glad to assist."
Tul's charismatic face became even more appealing as his sharp eyes softened with gentleness. His deep, smooth voice held an unmistakable warmth, enough to stir the heart of a young woman unaccustomed to being close to men.
Wadi took a deep breath, summoning her courage, before finally replying, "Then I will trouble P’Tul in the future."
Even uttering such words made her tremble, and his smile only magnified her embarrassment in a way she couldn’t explain. Feeling exposed, as though admitting she would call on him, Wadi quickly changed the topic.
"Please convey my thanks to P'Kon Hin as well. I’m not sure if I’ll have the chance to thank him personally."
Her expression noticeably dimmed at this mention, which piqued Tul’s interest.
Tul found this young woman intriguing.
Women around him often used Kon Hin as a bridge to reach him. Napawadi was different though. Something about her told him that she didn’t see Kon Hin merely as a servant but as a friend deserving respect. Moreover, while most people around Tul were preoccupied with the Metthanun family name, Napawadi came from a similarly distinguished lineage, where wealth was inconsequential.
Tul felt that Wadi saw him for who he truly was, rather than his fortune, and that allowed him to remain close to her without feeling repulsed.
Moreover, her unassuming demeanor was rather captivating.
“There’s no need to thank me,” Tul said with a faint smile. “As my mother mentioned, Kon Hin is just a worker in the household.”
His listener fell silent for a moment, glancing up at him uncertainly before asking, “But isn’t P'Kon Hin an important friend of P’Tul?”
This time, Tul was the one to grow quiet, listening to her soft voice as she carefully continued.
“It’s not that I don’t consider others who aren’t P’Tul’s friends important. It’s just that Wadi dislikes people who insist on judging someone’s worth based on their position. Wadi respects individuals for who they are. Is it so strange for Wadi to want to phanom wai someone she feels deserves respect?” Finishing her words, Wadi offered a faint, dry smile.
The young man remained silent for a long moment before his lips curved into a smile.
It was a compelling smile, and his gaze this time was more open than ever before.
“No, Wadi. You’re not wrong. I just didn’t expect to meet someone like you.”
Her expression faltered, and she asked hesitantly, “Is that not a good thing?”
Their eyes locked in an unbroken connection until Tul slowly shook his head, his sharp features softening further with tenderness.
"Not at all," Tul replied, his voice calm. "I just didn’t think I’d meet someone like myself. I also phanom wai from Auntie the cook to Uncle the driver. Don’t tell anyone though—I don’t want to get scolded."
The young man winked playfully, causing his listener to quickly avert her gaze.
Whether it was because P’Tul was a kind man who didn’t care about rank or status, or because of the playful manner he exhibited, Wadi found her hands gripping each other more tightly as her heart raced.
“I won’t tell anyone,” she promised softly.
“Then it’s a secret,” he said with a teasing tone.
The beautiful young woman peeked up at him adorably, biting her lip in shyness before agreeing, “Yes, it’s a secret. Ah!”
Suddenly, she froze. His sharp-featured face leaned close to her ear without warning, warm breath brushing against her cheek. Her wide eyes grew even larger, her heart thundering as if it might stop when his soft, soothing voice whispered near her ear.
“Then this is our secret, alright?”
Blush!
The princess of the moment turned beet red, and the blush seemed to spread across her entire body from the unexpected closeness. The clean, fresh scent of him lingered at the tip of her nose, and his towering figure now seemed even larger in proximity. The warmth of his breath brushing against her bare skin left her completely immobilized.
At that moment, Wadi realized just how large P’Tul was, how strong he seemed, and what kind of man could make her hold her breath entirely.
Tul watched her with a gentle smile, stepping back slowly and glancing around the event, seemingly giving her time to compose herself.
“Wadi, you need to welcome other guests, don’t you?”
“Ah, yes, yes!” she stammered.
“Aw, then I guess I can’t keep the princess of the event here with me all night,” Tul remarked with a touch of regret.
“P’Tul, don’t say that! Wadi isn’t a princess,” she replied, shaking her head quickly, unable to accept the compliment. Looking around at the event filled with beautiful women, many of whom were the daughters of her mother’s friends and dressed to impress, she added, “There are so many beautiful women here who deserve that title more.”
Tul tilted his head slightly, his tone uncertain as he questioned, “Do you think the word ‘princess’ should be reserved for the most beautiful woman at the event?”
“Well, it should be, shouldn’t it?” Wadi responded, tilting her face up to meet his gaze.
Tul scratched his cheek, looking slightly flustered as he averted his eyes and muttered softly, “Then calling you ‘princess’ is perfectly accurate, isn’t it?”
“Ah!” Even though Wadi had a faint inkling of his meaning, when his sharp eyes turned back to hers, her heart raced uncontrollably. She felt the weight of his sincerity and seriousness, which caused her chest to tighten with emotion.
“Well, it’s because I think… Wadi is the most beautiful woman here,” he confessed.
Napawadi felt heat gathering on her face. Though she had often heard men compliment her beauty or cuteness, she had always sensed that their words were mere formalities. But this time, coming from this handsome, charming man, who looked almost nervous while giving her such a compliment, the words struck differently.
It made her feel that his compliment... came from the heart.
The heart of the innocent young woman seemed to fall into a deep pit from which she could not prevent it.
Her flushed face and the way her gaze was fixed solely on Tul discouraged any other man from stepping in to compete for her attention, as they knew they would only lose utterly to the mixed-heritage man. Similarly, many of the women gave up their hopes, for Tul’s sharp eyes were focused solely on the delicate beauty of Wadi’s profile, never straying.
The image of the two young people seemed to suggest that they were falling for each other. Yet, who could have known that within Tul’s golden-brown eyes, which appeared bashful moments ago, lay a deep satisfaction?
Although Tul had no intention of becoming intimate with any woman, it did not mean he would reject a companion who matched his stature—especially someone as gentle-natured as Napawadi.
Napawadi had just been called away in another direction, after being held back (willingly) for a good while to chat with this handsome, prominent guest. Only then did Tul finally have time to observe his surroundings.
He felt rather pleased when he noticed occasional glances cast his way from others, as it meant he was being noticed.
Right now, the mixed-heritage young man may still have to hide in his father’s shadow, but not for long. He will move forward in a way that no one can stop him.
This thought made Tul sweep his gaze over the many women subtly vying for his attention, though without much irritation. His sharp eyes scanned the room as he wondered whether he should insert himself into a conversation to network or make an impression on someone important. However, his gaze stopped on one person.
While everyone else was immersed in enjoying the fine cuisine or engaging with high-level peers, Tul noticed a familiar figure standing quietly, tucked away in a corner of the building.
Though Kon Hin was a tall man with undeniably handsome features befitting the archetype of a true Thai gentleman, he had somehow made himself blend seamlessly into the wall with an almost astonishing skill.
No one passing by stopped to look at Kon Hin—except Tul.
It was peculiar how Tul could sense the other man's presence with just a single glance. Thus, his tall frame moved with long strides, cutting across the event to reach the other man. He used a polite smile to sidestep conversations until he stopped before the wall where Kon Hin stood. Turning to lean casually against it, Tul wore an easy smile, as though savoring the atmosphere, before his lips moved.
“What are you doing?”
“Awaiting orders from Khun Mother, sir,” Kon Hin replied softly, his gaze fixed on the lady of the house, who was laughing heartily and drawing laughter from others.
“She’s showing off like that—she doesn’t care to give you any orders now,” Tul chuckled. Though his laugh sounded warm and pleasant, how could his trusted aide not detect the undertone of scorn?
“Even after banishing her son overseas.”
“Khun Tul, sir…”
“What is it?” Tul responded in a relaxed tone.
"You really will not contact Khun Tinn, will you?" Kon Hin asked uncertainly, fearing the other might become angry.
“I haven’t reached out myself, but that doesn’t mean I’ve let him out of my sight.”
This answer made Kon Hin feel relieved. Even though the other party always said he hated his younger brother, deep down, Kon Hin believed that his Chao-nai was attached to Khun Tinn. At the very least, that boy was of the same blood family?
However, because of their differing perspectives, Kon Hin could not see the scheming smile that graced Tul’s lips as he crossed his arms.
Ai Hin wants me to be kind to Ai Tinn. In that case, he doesn't need to know about this.
Naturally, Tul kept watch over Tinn, but he would do everything to destroy him, just as Tinn's grandmother had destroyed him.
This was something Tul did not share with his close confidant, as he was tired of hearing Hin’s pleas. Right now, everything was proceeding as he desired, to the point that he did not want to hear anything that required empathy.
Tul abruptly changed the subject. "You don't have to shrink up against the wall like that."
"I should stay here, sir."
"But you're my confidant." Tul retorted, glancing briefly before turning his gaze back to the event. Then, with a voice deeper and more resolute than before, he declared:
"One day, I will stand in a position where no one can ignore me, and you must stand by my side."
Kon Hin remained silent because he did not dare to interpret his Chao-nai's words. He did not want to let his heart waver or jump to conclusions, but his mind could not stop his heart, which thumped wildly as blood coursed through it. His gaze dropped to the tips of his shoes while he listened to the deep, steady voice that continued:
"You won't have to hide in the corners of buildings. You won't have to follow the commands of my stepmother. No one will be able to touch you. No one will be able to dismiss you. You will stand by my side with pride."
That was what Tul believed, and perhaps because of this sense of comfort, his hands rested naturally at his sides before clasping behind his back. He extended a fingertip to touch the one standing in the shadow of the building and felt the subtle flinch. After a brief moment though, his confidant extended a hand toward him, and they clasped tightly.
"Remember this: I can eliminate anyone, but not you."
Clasp.
Kon Hin squeezed his Chao-nai's hand in response.
“Heh.”
The force of the squeeze made Tul smirk, knowing the other trusted him completely. It was effortless to use a confidant who offered both body and soul. But no—at the moment the young man spoke those words, it wasn’t an act of pretense to impress Wadi. It wasn’t a fabricated story to appease his stepmother or a performance to earn respect from others. He didn’t know when it started, but the words he spoke to Ai Hin always seemed to come from a place of sincerity.
The mixed-heritage young man could even envision the future—a day when he would possess everything, with Kon Hin standing steadfast by his side. However, Tul didn’t realize that this vision stemmed from his feelings for the one person who mattered most in his heart. He wasn’t ready to acknowledge anything beyond his desire for revenge.
He didn’t even realize that everything he had just said meant someone had already held his heart all along.
He didn’t know, but he tightened his grip on Kon Hin’s hand, silently reminding himself that the other was still here.
“P’Tul, here you are! Father has been asking for you. Would you be able to speak with him?”
Suddenly, the princess of the event stepped closer, her sweet smile prompting the fingertips that touched to separate immediately. Tul straightened up, moving to stand beside Napawadi and donning the mask of a gentle man.
“Don’t tell me I’ve been marked,” he teased.
“What?”
“I mean, I was talking to his beautiful daughter for so long,” the young man replied playfully, making the listener shake her head.
“Oh, P’Tul, Father isn’t that strict,” she replied with a laugh.
“If Wadi promises to help me if he’s displeased, then I’m happy,” the mixed-heritage young man said with a chuckle.
Then he gestured for the lady to lead the way. Before she could go, his sharp eyes flickered to the person standing in the shadow, then he turned back to smile at Napawadi, who didn’t even notice Kon Hin.
He would use anything and every method to get what he desired!
While one man stepped into the light and became the center of attention for everyone, the other remained hidden in the shadows, almost as though he didn’t exist. However, this shadow was more important than anything else, because without the shadow, Tul’s light could never shine.
Two men who seemed to inhabit different worlds, yet the fragile connection between them was stronger than anything, because they... could not be separated.
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