Chapter 15 — From the Ruins, I Rise Brightly

The relationship between me and Co Ngon... officially began. Everything happens so naturally that no explanation is needed. We don't stick together like newlyweds. Still the best partners at work. It's just... between the gaps of work, countless small details appear... only the two of us understand. For example, when I stay up at night drawing drawings, there will always be a glass of hot milk on the table that he quietly puts down. For example, before each meeting, I will help you organize your speech, which you always get confused about. For example, in the empty elevator, we secretly held hands for a bit. Then before the door opened... quickly let go again. The chemistry goes without saying. Small but discreet joy. Makes every ordinary day... become sparkling. My villa is no longer a cold place where I am alone. Co Ngon's belongings began to appear little by little. His brush is next to mine. His shirt hangs next to my dress in the dressing room. His specialized books are next to my novels on the bookshelf. The house that I once cleaned until it was cold... was now filled with traces of a man. But this time, I didn't feel violated. Just feel warm. And peace of mind. It turns out, a "house"... doesn't matter how big it is or how expensive it is. It's a place where two souls understand each other, respect each other... and build together. That day, I received a letter from lawyer Tran. Yellow paper envelope, the type used in prisons. No name recorded. But the address stamp... is very clear. Prison No. 1 in the city. My heart sank slightly. I know… who the sender is. I held the letter and stood silently in the living room for a long time. Hesitating, not knowing whether to open it or not. Between me and Chu Khai... it's over. I don't want anything related to him... to disrupt my current peaceful life. Co Ngon walked out of the office and saw the letter and my expression. He didn't ask anything. Just come up behind me and gently hug me. Put your chin on my shoulder.

“Whatever is written inside… is just an echo of the past.”

His voice was gentle.

“The wind blew... then it dissipated.”

That statement... gave me courage. I am no longer the Wen Qing of before — the person who is easily hurt by the past. I opened the envelope. Take out the thin piece of paper inside, covered with words. It's Chu Khai's writing. Scribbled, confused, carrying a feeling of depression that cannot be hidden. There is no opening address. The content is also messy. He did not ask for forgiveness, nor did he curse me. Just like a mentally out of control person, babbling about life after prison. He said, every day he has nightmares. Dreaming about an empty mansion. Dreaming about the bloodline assessment. Dreaming of his mother's dull eyes after a stroke. Dreaming of Chu Le before disappearing... looking at him with resentful eyes. He said, only now did he understand. What he wanted... was never a child. What he wants... is just a tool to prove that he is better than others, to glorify his family. He said, he hates me. It's not because I made him lose everything. But because I made him see clearly... how stupid and pitiful he himself was. He said, his life is over. Writing this letter... is not to beg for anything. Just because in this world... the only person he has left can talk... it's me again. The person he personally hurt the most. At the end of the letter, he wrote: Wen Qing, if there is an afterlife... I hope we... never meet again. I finished reading. Very quiet inside. Doesn't hurt either. He's like a lackluster supporting character in a bloodthirsty novel. His story… I finished reading it. Then... forget it. I walked out to the balcony and lit the fire. The orange flame quickly swallowed the black letters. In the end, only a little gray ash remained. A wind blew... everything disappeared. Falling into the sky garden that I meticulously cared for. Become dust... nourish flowers and grass. Co Ngon is still standing behind me. He didn't say anything. Just when I turned around… gently hugged me. A warm hug... without words. Echoes of the past... will eventually disappear. And before my eyes... is beautiful sunlight and bright flowers blooming. My life... turned a long time ago. One year later.

"Van Mong Trach" officially opened.

The ceremony was solemn and majestic. City leaders, domestic and foreign media, architectural circles... were all present. Co Ngon and I, as the presiding architect, stood under the brightest lights. We talked about the design idea and the journey to create this place. Below, applause echoed loudly. I looked at the man next to me — in a neat suit, confident and shining. Then looked down at the audience, their eyes full of admiration. Emotions welled up in my heart. One year ago... I was just a woman who had just gotten out of a failed marriage with an unclear future. One year later... I stand here, as a successful architect, receiving recognition from everyone. Life… is magical. After the opening ceremony. The town officially opened. The stream of people poured in like waves. Voices of admiration and praise rang out everywhere. Every corner is crowded with people taking photos. Every detail, every idea in our designs... is discovered, loved, and spread. In the center, "Stairway to Heaven" as expected... became the hottest check-in point. The white spiral staircase... stands out against the blue sky. Beautiful like a work of art. Everyone lined up and walked up each step. At the bottom of the stairs, everyone spread their arms wide, embracing the sky. On everyone's face was a brilliant smile, blindingly happy. Co Ngon and I avoided the crowd, followed the internal path of the work area, and went straight to the highest point. It is the highest point of the entire town. The wind is very strong. Blowing up my hair, and the hem of my dress. I held onto the railing, looking down at the beautiful world we created with our own hands. Look at the people smiling, running, enjoying this place. An unprecedented feeling of happiness and contentment... filled my chest.

“It's beautiful.”

I said softly. From behind, Co Ngon gently hugged my waist. Place your chin on the crook of my neck. His voice carried a smile.

“We did it.”

We stood there for a long time. Quietly hugging each other, enjoying the moment of victory... belongs to only the two of them. Sunset gradually falls. Dyeing the sky into a brilliant red and yellow color. Suddenly, Co Ngon spoke softly in my ear.

“On Qing, close your eyes.”

I was a bit surprised, but still obediently followed. I felt him let me go. Then there was a very soft sound.

“Okay, open your eyes.”

I opened my eyes. Try Ngon is kneeling on one knee in front of me. In his hand was a small velvet box. My heart immediately started pounding. I thought... inside would be a diamond ring. But when he opened the box... I froze. Inside is not a ring. It's a key. The key is crafted from platinum. The handle is designed into our studio's logo. The two letters G and Y are intertwined, elegant and sophisticated. Co Ngon raised his head and looked at me. In his eyes, the sunset light mixed with an even brighter light — gentleness. His voice was deep, serious, full of sincerity.

“I don't want to use a ring… to hold you back.”

“I want to use a key… to open our future with you.”

“That villa is my castle.”

“This town is our creation.”

“And this key… opens the house we designed ourselves.”

“A place not only to live… but to create dreams together.”

“So, Wen Qing…”

“Do you agree to join me… in opening the next chapter of life?”

“Do you agree to become Co Ngon's only companion... for life?”

My tears… finally came out. Not because of pain. It's not because of self-pity. It's for happiness. Because of emotion. I looked at him — the person who pulled me out of the rubble... and gave me a sky of stars. I nodded vigorously. Tears fell non-stop.

“I agree.”

“Of course I agree.”

Standing up, put the unique key in the palm of my hand. Then hugged me tightly. We stood at the top of the "Stairway to Heaven", in the middle of the sea of burning sunset... and shared a deep kiss. Below our feet is the human dream we created ourselves. Overhead is the vast, new and endless sky. I finally found... my own "Van Mong". The past, the hatred, everything is closed. As for me — On Tinh. A truly happy life... has just begun.