章 20: propose {edited}
Vesna's eyes were fixed on the ring inside the black velvet box that lay open on the table before her. It was made of white gold with small, dark rocks embedded around its circumference. She then looked at Ziyan who was casually eating a pastry. Over the course of time she had known this man, Vesna had come to realize that this man had a particular fondness for sweet things
"Is this how people propose nowadays?" she asked, though there was amusement in her voice.
"Did you want me to get on my knees?" Ziyan asked.
Vesna arched an eyebrow, her voice playful as she replied, "Would you?"
Ziyan put down his pastry, wiping his fingers with a napkin before picking up the velvet box. Vesna watched with curiosity as he rose from his seat. He took a few steps towards her, his cane clicking against the polished floor. Once or twice, his leg brushed against the table, causing him to stumble slightly. Vesna's lips curled into a subtle smile.
Finally, Ziyan stopped in front of her. He didn't get on one knee as she had suggested, but instead, he held out his hand, palm open, waiting. Vesna smiled, placing her hand in his. His fingers were warm and gentle. He carefully slid the ring onto her finger.
Instead of letting her go, he jerked her hand, pulling her close as he leaned down. Vesna's eyes widened slightly when she noticed how close their cases were. "Do you really think you can mess with me, Vesna?"
Vesna froze, hearing his question. "Did he figure out something?"
Noticing her reaction, Ziyan lips curved slightly. He leaned down further, bringing his lips close to her ear.
"I might be blind, little girl, but I am not stupid," he whispered, making Vesna shudder but it was not due to fear. Fear wasn't something Vesna knew. It was something else, something that Vesna had sworn never to feel again.
"If you already knew, why did you play along with me?" Vesna asked, not moving nor pulling her hand away.
Ziyan pulled back and shrugged, "Because I am bored and got nothing better to do."
Of course, he left out the part where he was dreading going on blind dates and finding the 'perfect' daughter-in-law for his family. Although Vesna had played him and she played him so well, he didn't even realize it until he met her here in the Xiao Villa, she was someone he knew and surprisingly, he did not hate her like he should have after finding out the truth.
"Can I trust you, Vesna?" he suddenly asked.
"You are asking someone who schemed against you if you trust her?" she quirked an eyebrow, a hint of bewilderment visible in her voice.
"You didn't scheme against me, you made me part of your scheme. There is a difference," he pointed out before asking again. "so, can I trust you?"
Vesna stood up and tilted her head to look up at him. "You can trust me with your life." And it was no lie.
"Why?" he questioned.
"Because you did not hurt me," she whispered, her voice so low it was barely audible.
"And the Xiao did?" he asked, though he already had an answer to her question.
"More than you can imagine,"
Ziyan raised his hand and touched her cheek, feeling the warmth of her skin. Vesna was slightly taken aback by his action but she did not move away. Instead, she looked into the glasses which hid his eyes behind. She could not help but feel the intensity of his gaze, making her question if he was really blind.
Ziyan gazed down at the woman, taking in her face through his slightly blurred vision. "Then do what you want. I'll stand right by your side."
"Why?" This time, it was her turn to ask this question.
"Because you are the woman I chose," he answered truthfully. "Our relationship might not be founded on love, but I will be there for you as your husband. Whatever we face, you won't have to face it alone."
As his words sank in, Vesna felt an unexpected surge of emotions. Her heart began to race and along with it came a familiar pain, sharp and insistent, radiating from the spot where she had once been stabbed.
She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself.
"There was someone once who told me something similar. He promised to stand by my side, to support me no matter what." Vesna paused, her hand unconsciously moving to her chest, fingers ghosting over the invisible scar. "In the end, he was the one who stabbed me. Right here."
Ziyan's expression hardened, his jaw clenching at her words. "Tell me who he is. I'll find him for you. I'll make him regret ever messing with my person."
A cold glint appeared in Vesna's eyes, her voice hardening to match. "He is mine to deal with."
The corner of Ziyan's mouth quirked up in a small, satisfied smile. "He had really chosen the right person," he thought to himself.
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