Chapter 7 — The Second Proposal

Every word she spoke felt like a sharpened blade, piercing the most vulnerable part of my heart. I stared at the photograph of my younger brother, his face twisted in terror, then thought of Luc Trach’s cold, detached gaze—the look of a man who despised complications above all else. I was trapped in a painful crossroads. Rage, disappointment, agony, and inner turmoil surged through my chest like a violent storm. My original family, that swamp I had spent my life trying to crawl out of, had finally been turned into a weapon by her, thrust directly into my weakness.

The three days that followed were the most agonizing of my life. Vuong Le Binh’s words were like a curse, playing on an infinite loop in my mind. On one side was my own flesh and blood, my younger brother. On the other was the man for whom I had just begun to develop genuine feelings. How could I choose? Should I tell Luc Trach? No, I couldn't bring myself to do it. I couldn't imagine how he would look at me once he knew I had a brother addicted to gambling. I feared seeing disappointment and disgust in his eyes. The fragile trust and warmth we had worked so hard to build would crumble in an instant. Vuong Le Binh was right; he loathed trouble. And I—along with my family—was a monumental disaster. Leaving him and taking the money to save my brother seemed like the only option. Yet, my heart ached at the thought. The mere idea of losing him forever felt as though a piece of my soul was being carved out, leaving a void that made it impossible to breathe. The night Luc Trach returned, I didn't sleep at all. As dawn approached, I finally made my decision. I walked into the study where he was processing emails. He looked up, slightly surprised.

"So early?" he asked.

"Luc Trach..." I took a deep breath, trying to steady my voice. "We need to talk."

He stopped what he was doing and looked at me. I hadn't taken Vuong Le Binh's money, nor did I choose to hide the truth. I chose to be honest. "I have a brother... he owes a massive amount of money."

I calmly recounted everything, including how Vuong Le Binh was using this to blackmail me. I spoke slowly and clearly, as if telling someone else's story. With every word, my heart grew heavier. When I finished, I looked him directly in the eyes. "This is my own problem. I will find a way to solve it myself. I won't let it involve the Luc family. If you can't accept this... we can end this relationship right now, according to our original agreement. I... I can leave."

As I spoke those last words, my voice trembled. A long silence filled the study. Luc Trach simply stared at me, his face expressionless. His eyes were as deep as the ocean, revealing nothing. Each passing second felt like a century. My heart began to grow cold. Surely, he cared. How could a prestigious family ever accept someone with a background like mine? I had been too naive. I gave a self-deprecating smile and turned to leave. Just as I turned my back, a warm hand suddenly caught my wrist. I turned back to face his deep gaze. He stood up, walked toward me, and took my hand in his. His voice was low but firm, every word striking my heart.

"You are my wife now. Your problems are my problems."

I froze, unable to believe my ears. Looking at him, tears suddenly spilled over. All my insecurity, my desperation, and my loneliness were shattered by his words in an instant. He didn't despise me. He didn't blame me. He didn't even hesitate. He chose to stand by me. Luc Trach reached out, his fingertips gently wiping away the tears on my face. His movements were a bit clumsy, yet more tender than anything I had ever known.

"Don't be afraid. I'm here."

He pulled me into his arms. The embrace was steady and warm, carrying a strength that offered pure peace. I leaned against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. All the grievances and fears I had suppressed for so long finally found an outlet. I burst into tears. What he gave me was trust and support far beyond my imagination. This feeling was more precious than any promise. In that moment, our relationship changed completely.

Luc Trach’s efficiency exceeded my wildest dreams. He didn't ask how much my brother owed or who the creditors were. He simply made a single phone call, giving instructions in a calm, measured voice. The next day, I received a call from Chu Hao. On the other end, his voice was filled with a terror-stricken confusion, as if he had just escaped death. He said the creditors had suddenly become different people. Not only did they wipe out his entire debt, but they also very politely escorted him to a flight back home. Before he left, the scarred leader warned him that if he ever stepped into a casino again, the consequences would be far worse than just losing a leg. I knew this was Luc Trach's handiwork. He didn't just throw money into a bottomless pit; he pulled the problem out by the roots and gave Chu Hao a lesson he would never forget.

I was truly grateful from the bottom of my heart. After dealing with the external mess, Luc Trach turned his attention inward. That evening, he called both me and Vuong Le Binh into the study. This was the first time since he had woken up that the three of us sat together so seriously. The atmosphere was so heavy it was almost suffocating.

"Mother," Luc Trach spoke first, breaking the silence. Vuong Le Binh felt a pang of guilt, not daring to look him in the eye. "Chu Tuyet is the wife I have chosen. No matter what her past is or what her family is like, that will not change. I hope you can respect my choice, and respect her as well."