The days that followed passed in a whirlwind of corporate restructuring, handling Lanh Kinh Thien's legal issues, and Madame Lam Uyen Nhu's return. The penthouse was no longer a cold, sterile place, but filled with the warmth of family, something Lanh Thien Phong had lost for far too long. Madame Lam Uyen Nhu, with a mother's gentle yet firm resolve, gradually healed the wounds in her son's heart, while also genuinely showing care for Ha An Nhien.
However, a new tension hung between Ha An Nhien and Lanh Thien Phong. His plea, "Stay with me," still echoed in her ears. She knew he needed her, but the freedom she had yearned for was also within reach. Their relationship had endured so much pain and damage; could it truly begin anew from scratch?
One evening, after all the major issues had been resolved, Lanh Thien Phong found Ha An Nhien in the library. He sat opposite her, his gaze deep, devoid of its former icy chill or despair.
"An Khang is scheduled to fly next week," he said, his voice calm. "Everything is ready for his new life abroad."
Ha An Nhien felt her heart clench. An Khang's freedom meant her freedom. But why didn't she feel the relief she had expected?
"What about you, Ha An Nhien?" Lanh Thien Phong asked, his voice suddenly becoming strangely tender. "Will you leave?"
Ha An Nhien looked into his eyes. In that moment, she saw not just the ruthless Lanh Thien Phong, but a heart aching for her, a lonely soul yearning for a anchor. She recalled his confession, that she was the "only light" in his hell.
She took a deep breath. "Do you regret it?" she asked, her voice trembling. "What you did to me?"
Lanh Thien Phong was silent for a moment. Then he slowly stood up, approached her, and knelt on one knee before her. Ha An Nhien was stunned. Was this the "Devil King" she knew?
"I'm sorry, Ha An Nhien," he said, his voice hoarse, filled with genuine remorse. He looked at her, his eyes brimming with anguish and sincerity. "I'm sorry for hurting you, for using you, for turning you into a tool for my blind revenge. I'm sorry for not knowing how to love. I'm sorry for turning your life into a living hell."
Ha An Nhien couldn't stop her tears. This apology, uttered by the man who had caused her so much pain, touched a deep place in her heart.
"But if there's another chance," Lanh Thien Phong continued, taking her hand and squeezing it tightly. "If you can forgive me, even just a little, please stay. Teach me how to love, Ha An Nhien. Stay and turn my hell into our paradise."
He looked up, his eyes filled with hope and vulnerability. "I love you, Ha An Nhien. I know it's late, I know it's wrong, but I love you."
This confession, resolute and heartfelt, struck Ha An Nhien's core. She had once hated him, feared him, but now, she realized she also loved him, madly, loving this complex and deeply wounded man.
Ha An Nhien leaned down, cupping his face. "I love you too, Lanh Thien Phong," she whispered, tears streaming down her face. "But you must promise me, there will never be any captivity or exploitation again. We will rebuild everything, from scratch."
Lanh Thien Phong nodded vigorously, his eyes shining brightly. He stood up, pulling her into a deep, tender kiss, filled with love and promise. This kiss was no longer that of a possessor, but of two hearts that had found each other amidst life's turbulent seas.
A New Dawn
The wedding was simple, intimate, held at the Lanh family villa, witnessed by Madame Lam Uyen Nhu and a few close relatives. Ha An Nhien, in her pure white wedding gown, was no longer the fragile girl of yesteryear but a strong, resilient woman, standing beside the man of her life.
Lanh Thien Phong, no longer the cold "Devil King," but a matured man who knew how to care and love. He still retained his decisiveness and power, but his gaze towards Ha An Nhien was always filled with tenderness and adoration.
He held her hand, leading her down a path strewn with rose petals. "From now on," he whispered, "every day for us will be a new dawn."
Ha An Nhien smiled, leaning her head on his shoulder.