Chapter 28 — Unclosed Profile

The following weeks passed in a busy but happy atmosphere of wedding preparations. Thao Vy and Bao Nam decided to hold a simple ceremony in a small garden on the outskirts of the city, inviting only family and closest friends, just as both wanted.

"I want to prepare some of the wedding decorations myself," Thao Vy told Bao Nam during an evening where they both planned the details together. "I think white chrysanthemums will be very suitable, both simple and meaningful of purity and sincerity."

"I think that's a great idea," Bao Nam replied, smiling in approval. "You've always had exquisite taste."

Together, they made a guest list, not too many but full of really important people - both families, Minh Duc, Mr. Sau, Mr. Hai, and a few close colleagues at the assessment center and the investigation team.

One weekend afternoon, Bao Nam's family went to Thao Vy's house according to the traditional alley night custom. His parents, simple and gentle people, brought with them a simple basket of country gifts but full of sincere affection.

"I heard Nam tell a lot about you," Bao Nam's mother said, holding Thao Vy's hand tightly with affectionate eyes. "I really admire the resilience and courage you have shown throughout your journey to seek justice for your father."

"Thank you," Thao Vy replied, feeling the sincere warmth from her new family. "I promise to always respect and take good care of Mr. Nam."

The two families sat and chatted intimately all afternoon, discussing traditional procedures for the upcoming wedding. The warm, sincere atmosphere made Thao Vy clearly feel that she had not only found a good husband, but also had a new, loving family to cherish and bond with.

That weekend, Thao Vy spent time preparing a portion of the party table decorations herself. Even though she is not a skilled professional, she wanted to personally contribute a part of her effort and emotion to the important day of her life.

"You did it very beautifully," Mrs. Hoa commented when she saw her daughter meticulously completing every small detail, her eyes filled with pride. "I never thought that one day I would see my daughter happy and radiant like this."

"I am where I am today thanks to my mother and father who always watch over and support me," Thao Vy replied, turning around and hugging her mother tightly, tears of happiness rolling down her cheeks.

A week before the wedding, Minh Duc, Mr. Sau and Mr. Hai stopped by to help Thao Vy and Bao Nam prepare the garden where the wedding was held. The atmosphere was bustling and warm as everyone hung lanterns, arranged tables and chairs, and decorated each small corner of the garden according to the simple but sophisticated idea that the bride and groom had planned.

"Miss Vy really has an eye for aesthetics," Mr. Hai commented, looking at the garden that was gradually being beautifully decorated. "This space is really suitable for a cozy, meaningful wedding."

"Thank you for coming to help," Thao Vy replied, smiling, still constantly arranging white chrysanthemums along the path.

Minh Duc, while hanging the lantern, did not forget to tease Bao Nam. "Are you mentally prepared, Mr. Nam? I heard that on wedding days, the groom is often more nervous than the bride."

"I've been mentally preparing for a long time," Bao Nam replied, laughing at the teasing, his eyes never leaving. Thao Vy is engrossed in the decoration work in the distance. "This is the moment I look forward to most in my life."

In the afternoon, when the decoration work was largely completed, the whole group sat down to rest, enjoy cool drinks under the shade of a tree, and review the memories they had spent together throughout the arduous but also extremely meaningful investigation journey.

"I still remember vividly the first night I met Ms. Vy at the crime scene," Mr. Sau said, his voice full of nostalgia. "None of us could have imagined at that time that that journey would lead to a happy wedding like this."

The whole group laughed together, a warm, intimate atmosphere spread throughout the small garden, marking one of the most memorable afternoons between friendships that had been forged through many of the harshest challenges.

The night before the wedding, Mrs. Hoa called Thao Vy into her room and gave her a small old box. “This is the gift I wanted to give you on your wedding day,” she said, her voice filled with emotion. Opening the box, Thao Vy saw a simple but sophisticated necklace, a piece of jewelry that Mrs. Hoa always kept carefully.

"This is the necklace your father gave me on our wedding day," Mrs. Hoa explained, her eyes filling with tears. "I want you to wear it on your wedding day, as a way for your dad, even though he can't be there in person, to still be present and witness this happy moment of yours."

Thao Vy hugged her mother tightly, tears overflowing uncontrollably. “Thank you, Mom,” she said, her voice choked with deep emotion. "I will cherish this gift for the rest of my life."

Wearing the necklace around her neck, Thao Vy felt a sacred connection with her father, as if he was truly present, blessing the new happy journey she was about to embark on. That night, she slept with a heart filled with peace, ready for the most important day of her life.

At the same time, at his home, Bao Nam is also experiencing similar emotions. His father, sitting next to his son in the small living room, shared heartfelt advice before the big day. “You have chosen a wonderful wife,” he said, his voice filled with pride. "You should always cherish and protect her, just like you have done all this time."

"I promise, dad," Bao Nam replied, his voice firm. "Thao Vy deserves all the best, and I will spend my life giving it to her."

His mother also contributed, her eyes full of affection. "I believe that you two will have a happy, lasting marriage, based on the foundation of love and mutual respect that I have clearly seen all along."

Bao Nam sat quietly with his family, his heart filled with gratitude for the sincere blessings, and at the same time he could not hide his nervousness and anticipation for the important moment that was about to happen tomorrow - the day he officially became the partner of the woman he loved and admired most in his life.

Before going to bed, Bao Nam opened his phone and sent Thao Vy a short but emotional message: "Tomorrow, I will wait for you at the end of the flower aisle. I love you, and I can't wait to officially call you my wife." A few minutes later, she texted back: "Me too. Good night, my fiance." He smiled, put down the phone, his heart filled with happiness with the prospect of a bright future waiting for both of them.

The last night before the wedding day passed gently and peacefully for both of them, each in their own space, but their hearts beat as one, ready for the moment to officially tie their lives together in the presence of family and closest friends.

Early the next morning, Thao Vy woke up before the alarm bell rang, the morning sunlight shining through the window dyed the small room yellow. She lay there for a while, letting the feeling of nervousness and happiness permeate every moment, before jumping up and starting to prepare for the most important day of her life.

Mrs. Hoa got up early and busily prepared everything with the thoughtfulness and meticulousness of a mother preparing to marry her daughter. "Are you awake?" she asked, her eyes filled with emotion as she saw her daughter walk out of the room. "Today is your big day, Thao Vy."

"I know, mom," Thao Vy replied, her voice could not hide both excitement and happiness. "I'm ready."

The makeup and hairdressing team arrived early to prepare the bride, the small room was filled with a bustling atmosphere, laughter mixed with gentle music coming from the small speaker. Mrs. Hoa sat next to her, observing each stage of her daughter's makeup with eyes that couldn't hide her pride and emotion.

"You are so beautiful, Thao Vy," she said as she saw her daughter's image gradually complete in the mirror, her pure white wedding dress highlighting the bride's radiant beauty. "I've never seen you so beautiful before."

"Thank you, mom," Thao Vy replied, smiling, gently touching the necklace her mother gave her and wearing it around her neck, clearly feeling her father's spiritual presence in this sacred moment. She took a deep breath, preparing herself for the most important and happiest turning point in her life that was about to happen in just a few hours.