Get __dirname to point to folder path rather than real path of sym-linked folder

How to get __dirname to point to the preserved path of the folder rather than the real path of the symlinked file when using npm link.

Scenario

Folder Setup

project
  |
  ---- moduleA
  |       |
  |       ---- moduleA.js
  |
  ---- app
       |
       --- node_modules

cd project/moduleA
npm link
cd project/app
npm link moduleA

Inside moduleA.js

__dirname -> /project/moduleA

However, the expected behavior is

__dirname -> /project/app/node_modules/moduleA

since npm link creates a sym-link that inserts the linked module in the node_modules folder hence simulating the experience of installing the module directly.

How can I get __dirname to point to the preserved path rather than the real path where the module is located?

NOTE: --preserve-symlinks command line option does not affect the value of __dirname