Episode 19

The next morning, Vale woke up earlier than usual. He preceded the shy sun that was still peeking on the eastern horizon.

In a firm circle of strong hands, Vale repeatedly exhaled long breaths—softly, as if not wanting to disturb the deep sleep of the man who bore the title of husband.

Slowly, Vale examined every inch of the man's face. There was not a single flaw, Riu was the epitome of a perfect man. Moreover, he was not flawed, it was truly a stroke of luck to be his wife and to receive his love.

"Unfortunately ... your life is not as beautiful as your face. There are many scars and burdens that you have kept within yourself all this time." Vale thought to herself while still gazing at Riu's face.

Last night, she did hear many stories from him; about Jason taking advantage of Dilara's love because Miranda insisted on divorcing because she was tired of living in poverty, about Jason who loved Miranda deeply and was willing to do anything for her, and also about Jason who never expected Riu's presence.

'Papa has apologized. He said he regretted opposing when Mama was pregnant with me. And now, Papa is begging for three things from me, which are to free my siblings, not to take their assets, and lastly...to let you go. Papa asked me to at least grant two of those choices, but no, I will only grant one choice and it definitely won't be the last choice. Because in any circumstance, I will not let you go.'

'Don't say anything about Papa's request. I am convincing myself that his regret isn't just words. Vale, after all, Papa is my biological father. Whatever happens, I still have to love him, right? I can be disappointed, but I can't hate, right?'

The last sentence from Riu's story last night, which she then only responded to with a hug. Riu was not a weak man, it was natural for him to feel devastated when he knew that his presence was almost rejected. No matter how strong the heart and soul were, they would surely be shaken when experiencing that.

I don't know. What is Jason's heart made of, why is he capable of behaving like that. Moreover, he easily told everything to the person concerned. Regret that ended with a request, as if confirming that until now Riu's existence is not yet comparable to his two siblings.

Perhaps Jason's love for Miranda was as blind as Dilara's love for him. A love that ultimately led to foolishness and helplessness.

"Riu...don't ever feel alone again, I will always support you," Vale thought to herself while closing her eyes.

Her eyes started getting teary when she remembered Riu's expression from last night. She couldn't imagine if she were in that position, she might have given up long ago. Even if hurt by others, she could still be strong. But if it was her own family, there would be no more of those words.

"Why?"

Vale opened her eyes when she heard Riu's question. She didn't know when the man woke up.

"What are you thinking?" Riu asked again, gently wiping a tear from the corner of Vale's eye.

Vale took a deep breath, then held Riu's hand that was still on her cheek.

"Don't show your vulnerability from last night to anyone else. Just let me know. Let others perceive you as a strong, cold, and cruel man," she pleaded.

"Got it," Riu smiled. "But...it seems like you're forgetting something?" he continued.

"What?"

"You haven't responded to my declaration of love," Riu said.

Vale bit her lip momentarily, then answered Riu's statement. "It's still too early, I'm not sure yet if what I feel is love or not. But...if by any chance this is not love, in the future you can still force your love on me."

"Yes...yes...answer accepted. In the future, I won't just force love, but I will also force you to never feel ashamed in front of me again. Better, right?" Riu spoke, raising both eyebrows, increasing his handsomeness to near perfection.

Before Vale could answer, she was startled by Riu's gaze directed at her private area.

"What are you looking at?" she exclaimed.

"Seeing something that I should have seen since last night. You haven't forgotten our promise\, have you? If one day I am not paralyzed\, then I may___"

Quickly, Vale covered Riu's mouth with both hands. "You cheat. From the beginning, you weren't paralyzed, right? Enough, let's not talk about it anymore! I want to take a shower, get ready for work!"

Without hesitation, Vale got up and got off the bed. He left Riu lying there, still smiling at him.

However, a second later Vale's steps halted as his phone rang, indicating a new message. Afraid that it might be something important, Vale hurried to check it, only to find that it was his father who had sent the message.

'Vale, come home after work! Papa and Mama want to talk about something important, just with you.'

To be continued...

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