Chapter 8 — A Stranger's Bride

He was wearing pajamas, his hair was still a little wet. "What are you thinking?" – He asked. “Think about what I just said.” “Regret it?” “No.” – I shook my head – “It just… needs time to digest.” “I understand.” – He sat next to me – “Noan Noan, I won't force you.” “I know.” “If you feel pressured, we can be friends first.” “No!” – I blurted out. “Nothing?” “I don't want to be friends.” “So what do you want?” “I want…” – I took a deep breath – “I want to try loving you.” His eyes lit up. “Really?” “Really.” “Noan Noan…” – He raised his hand to gently caress my cheek – “I'm really happy.” “Me too.” “So… can I kiss you?” My face turned red. “Okay?” – He asked again. I nodded slightly. He leaned down and kissed me. The kiss was very gentle. Completely different from the hustle and bustle of Giang Thanh. When we let go, we both laughed. “How does it feel?” – He asked. “Very good.” “So… let's try again?” “Yes.” This time, the kiss was deeper. My heart was pounding. But not because of worry. It's for happiness. After that, Co Han Da hugged me. "Noan Noan, I'm really grateful for marrying you." "Me too." "I will make you happy." "I believe in you." "I love you." I hesitated a bit, then replied: "I also... like you." Even though she hadn't said the word "love", Co Han Da was still very satisfied. "Like is enough." – He laughed – “Love can build gradually.” “Yes.” “So… shall we go to bed?” “Okay.” This is the first time we are truly intimate with each other. Even though we haven't reached the final step yet. But... my heart has truly opened to him. But just that much... was enough to make me blush and my heart skip a beat. Lying in Co Han Da's arms, I feel very safe. Very warm. "Co Han Da." “Yes?” “Thank you for marrying me.” “Thank you for agreeing to be my wife.” “Good night.” “Good night… my beloved.” Hearing the three words “my beloved,” a stream of sweet emotions rose in my heart. Maybe... this is the feeling of love. 9 A week after getting married, Co Han Da said he wanted to take me to meet his family. "Family?" – I'm a bit worried. "Your grandmother." "Is it just your grandmother?" "There are also a few cousins." "Do they know we're married?" "Know." "What's their reaction?" "They're very curious." "Curious about what?" "Curious about which woman made you marry so quickly." I became even more nervous. "What if they don't like you?" "They will." – Co Han Da held my hand – "Because the most important thing is that I like you." "But..." "Noan Noan, don't worry. They are all very nice people." "...Yes." On weekends, Co Han Da drove me to his grandmother's house. The car turned into a luxury villa area that I had never seen. Each villa is as beautiful as a miniature castle. "Does your grandmother live here?" – I asked. “Yes.” “Houses here are very expensive, right?” “It's normal.” The car stopped in front of the largest villa in the area. European-style architecture, including flower gardens and fountains. It's no different from a villa in a movie. "Co Han Da, who are you?" – I asked. “What do you mean?” “My house, my grandmother's house, both of them don't look like what a normal investor can own.” “Noan Noan, there are some things... I will tell you later.” “Why can't I say it now?” “Because it's not time.” “When is the 'time'?” “When you really love me.” I don't understand what you mean. But don't ask more. As soon as he entered the villa, an old woman greeted him. She looked very noble, her hair was white but her spirit was extremely clear. "Grandma." – Co Han Da stepped forward and hugged her. "Han Da, you're finally home." – She smiled, then turned to look at me – “This is Noan Noan, right?” “Hello, grandma.” – I was a bit timid. “Good boy, come inside quickly.” – She gently took my hand – “Let me take a closer look at you

"We walked into the living room. The room was very spacious, decorated extremely splendidly. But not at all ostentatious. But full of charm. "It's so beautiful." – She held my hand – “No wonder Han Da is so anxious to get married.” “Grandma, don't tease me…” – Co Han Da felt a bit embarrassed. “You're not teasing, you're telling the truth.” – She looked at me affectionately – “Noan Noan, did Han Da bully you?” “No, he treats you very well.” “That's good.” – She nodded with satisfaction – “If he dares to bully you in the future, just tell me. I will handle it for you." "Grandma..." - Co Han Da was helpless. I laughed. Grandma is so cute. "Ah, where are the others?" – Co Han Da asked. “They are in the garden.” – She replied – “Come on, let me take you two out to meet everyone.” We went to the garden behind the villa. In the garden there were about seven or eight people chatting happily. There were both men and women, ranging in age from about twenty to thirty. Seeing us coming, everyone stopped their conversation. "Mac Han! I finally brought my sister-in-law here!” — a girl happily ran over. “Everyone, this is my cousin, Co Tieu Vu.” — Co Han Da introduced. “Hello sister-in-law!” — Co Tieu Vu was extremely enthusiastic, "We've been looking forward to meeting you for a long time!" "Hello everyone." — I'm a bit nervous.