Chapter 9 — The day my Fiance asked me to marry both Sisters, I became Princess So

(SIDE STORY 2) Two years later. A heavy rain suddenly fell on the capital. The rain fell from dusk to midnight, each drop of rain tapping on the tiled roof of So Vuong's palace, mixing with the sound of the wind passing through the sea lane outside the yard. There was only one small light left in the room. The candlelight swayed, reflecting the silhouettes of two people sleeping on the bed. Suddenly, Tham Tri Y frowned slightly. Her fingertips unconsciously tightened the brocade blanket. Breathing also gradually became faster. It's that dream again. She stood in the middle of winter last year. Snow covered the entire lake surface. The cold wind hit my face and hurt like a knife. Behind is the Tieu family palace. Ahead is a cold icy lake. In her ear, Tieu Dien's voice was still as clear as yesterday.

"Tri Y, the thing I regret most in this life is letting Uyen Thanh be my concubine."

"If there is an afterlife..."

"The only person I love from beginning to end is Uyen Thanh."

Every single word. All like sharp blades. Tear her heart apart again. She bowed her head. Seeing myself again in my previous life. A body dressed in crimson red clothes. Head towards the ice lake. The ice underfoot made a cracking sound. Cold water overflowed. Swallow the ankle. Swallow the knee. Swallow the whole body. That cold seemed to penetrate to the marrow of my bones. Just as she was about to sink to the bottom of the lake, a hand suddenly grabbed her wrist. That hand was very warm. Didn't use any force. Just quietly pulled her back. In the white mist, she tried to raise her head. But before I could see that person's face clearly, the whole world fell into pieces. Tham Tri Y opened her eyes in surprise. Her forehead was beaded with sweat. My hands are cold. Breathing heavily as if running a very long distance. Outside the window, the sound of rain continued to fall. Next to him, So Vuong was also awake. He did not ask her what she had just dreamed about. Nor did he ask why her face was pale. Just sat up quietly. Pull the thin blanket to cover her shoulders. Then pour a cup of hot tea and put it in her hand. Her fingertips were still cold. So Vuong gently closed his hand and covered her hand. The temperature from his palm slowly transmitted. Not fast. But enough to dispel the remaining cold in the dream. The two of them sat like that for a long time. No one spoke up. There was only the sound of rain outside on the porch. And the scent of incense wafted in the room. A moment later, Tham Tri Y slightly raised his head. Her eyes fell on So Vuong's calm face. She suddenly remembered the past two years. He has never promised anything so big. But every time she stayed up late reading, he would quietly replace the candle with a new one. Whenever she forgot to bring her cloak, he always remembered to replace her. Every time she returned to the palace, the person waiting at the door was always him. Cold winter day. Or a hot summer day. They have never changed at all. There is someone who loves me. It's not necessary to say a lot. But let her feel. No matter when you turn around. That person is still there. The corners of Tham Tri Y's eyes were slightly red. She slowly leaned her head on So Vuong's shoulder. This is the first time. It was she who took the initiative to approach him like that. Her voice was very soft. So soft that it almost melted into the sound of the rain.

"I... am not afraid anymore."

So Vuong tilted his head to look at her. His eyes were as gentle as the surface of a spring lake. He did not ask her why she was afraid. Nor did she ask what she dreamed about. Just gently hold her hand a little tighter. Then gently said: Three very short words. It made Tham Tri Y's eye sockets suddenly hot. She smiled. For the first time in many years. There is no more resentment in her heart. No more regrets. No more wondering. If that year... If that day... If in a previous life... Because she knows. Everything is over. Someone worth waiting for. Right next door. The next morning. The rain has stopped. The early summer sunlight penetrated the clouds and fell into the garden of the So residence. Begonias bloomed all over the yard. The pink rose petals gently sway in the wind. Tham Tri Y and So Vuong walked under the trees. The wind blew. A begonia petal slowly fell. So Vuong raised his hand. Take that flower petal. He looked at it for a moment then gently placed it in her palm. The corners of Tham Tri Y's lips slowly curved up. That smile was very light. But also very bright. It's no longer the forced smile of years of patience. It's no longer the smile that hid the pain of the past life. It was the smile of someone who had truly come out of winter. She raised her head to look at the clear blue sky. Look again at the maritime route in front of you. Suddenly remembered the begonia tree in the palace that year. Also under that tree. She had seen with her own eyes the person she loved betraying her. Also from that moment. Her destiny took a different path. Begonias witness betrayal. Begonia flowers witness happiness again. She gently clasped the flower petals in her hand. Turn your head to look at the person standing next to you. So Vuong's eyes were still as gentle as the time he reached out to her in the main hall. The two looked at each other and smiled. No more promises needed. Because it's been a long time. Every day is peaceful. These are all the most beautiful promises. (COMPLETE STORY)