The Perfect Bride – Tears Behind the Moonlight

“Tonight’s party… if you don’t want to come with me, that’s fine,” Date said calmly. “And about the dress—if you don’t like it, you don’t have to wear it. I’ll be waiting downstairs until half past six. If you don’t come by then, I’ll understand that you’ve chosen not to.”

He buried himself in some paperwork, but when he looked up, it was as though the moon itself had descended from the sky. She stood there—Daw—in the dress he had chosen, its beauty amplified by her presence. Without a word, he took her hand and led her out, silently declaring his affection in front of the flashing cameras. The press had long been hungry for news about him, as he had never before been linked to any woman.

At the ceremony, Date received an honor and an award. His gaze never left her, and when it came time to hold the prize, he gave it to Daw, not to his sister, nor to his childhood friend who had long harbored feelings for him and was determined to win his heart.

Elsewhere, Mahanadi also won a prize. But his eyes were caught—no, trapped—by Daw’s beauty. He approached her, lowering his voice to whisper his disappointment: she had not worn his gift, which to him would have been a clear sign of accepting his courtship.

During the party, Date’s sister, Cot, pulled him aside.
“I’m going to celebrate with Nam—Mahanadi—for his win. I’ll be back in Bangkok tomorrow.”

Date frowned. “Cot, do you think your relationship with Mahanadi is wise? He’s our only competitor in the market.”

Cot’s tone was casual, but her words were edged. “Don’t forget, Date, he was my oldest classmate and my only friend. I know how to keep business and personal matters apart.”

“I trust you completely,” Date replied, “but I don’t trust him. He steals clients through deceit. I don’t believe anyone should trust a man like that.”

Cot’s eyes hardened. “You’ve become good at interfering in other people’s lives.”

“I’m your brother,” he said firmly. “I don’t want you to be hurt.”

She shot back, “And I don’t want her to break your heart.”

Something in her voice made Date pause. “What do you mean?”

“Your new secretary,” Cot said coldly. “I don’t trust her. I know she’s scheming to win your heart. Her methods are… dangerous.”

“Daw isn’t like that,” Date replied. “I trust her as much as I trust you or Mother.”

Cot’s lips curled into a half-smile. “Keep thinking that—until the day comes when you regret it the most.”

Daw had overheard every word. Cot turned, saw her, and delivered a final, cutting insult: “If a mountain falls on you, even it won’t bear the weight.” She left, satisfied with the damage she had done. Every sharp word and icy glare came from Cot’s long-standing jealousy—because Mahanadi had once admired Daw.

Date approached Daw, reaching for her hand, but she stepped back.

“Excuse me, sir… I’d like to be alone.”

She walked away, tears burning her cheeks. Not for Cot’s cruel words, but for the life that had forced her into the company of those who played games without mercy, bending everything to the pursuit of power and wealth.

As she stepped out of the party, Mahanadi spotted her. He had been speaking with Cot—who had spent the evening trying to keep his attention—but when he saw Daw’s tear-streaked face, he left her mid-sentence.

He caught up to Daw and gently guided her to his car. “Cry as much as you need,” he said softly. “If it eases your heart, let it all out.”

And she did. Tears poured from her eyes, unstoppable. He sat beside her, saying nothing, just watching her with quiet pity.

Her phone kept lighting up with Date’s calls, but she ignored them all. She was lost in a tangle of emotions and uncertainty. Should she carry on, or walk away from everything? She didn’t know which path fate was leading her toward…

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