The banquet hall still echoed with music and chatter when one of the Hua elders leaned forward with a knowing smile.
"Since the engagement has been announced, perhaps the young couple should take a walk in the garden. Let them speak privately beneath Heaven's witness."
The suggestion was met with laughter and teasing approval. Hua Lian bowed her head politely, though inside her thoughts stirred. A private talk? This feels too much like a scene from my past life… except this time, it is not humiliation awaiting me.
Xu Han stood, offering his hand with impeccable courtesy.
"Miss Hua, may I?"
She placed her hand lightly in his, her expression composed, though her heart fluttered faintly at the steadiness of his grip.
The night air was cool, the moon a silver lantern above. Blossoms perfumed the courtyard as they strolled along a path lined with willows.
For a time, silence lingered, broken only by the whisper of the wind. Finally, Xu Han spoke.
"Many praised me tonight for making this match. But they do not know the truth, Miss Hua."
Hua Lian's brow arched. "And what truth is that, Young Master Xu?"
He stopped, turning toward her. His eyes, clear as polished jade, reflected the moonlight.
"The truth is… it is I who feel honored. In a world where many young ladies rely on gilded words and masks, you walk your own path with composure. You do not need others to shine — and that is precisely why you outshine them all."
Hua Lian's breath caught. Compliments were common in her circles, but his words carried no empty flattery — only quiet conviction.
"You saw me at the Spring Exhibition?" she asked softly.
"I did," Xu Han replied. "While others laughed or doubted, you simply drew your bow… and struck the center. Unshaken. That moment told me all I needed to know."
For the first time in this new life, warmth stirred in Hua Lian's chest — not the burning fire of revenge, but something gentler, unexpected.
Still, she masked it with her usual calm smile.
"You honor me, Young Master Xu. Yet… I am not so flawless as you think."
Xu Han's lips curved slightly.
"Flaws make a person real. What matters is the strength to rise again. And you, Miss Hua… are stronger than most men I have met."
Unbeknownst to them, beyond the garden wall, Zhao Rui stood hidden in the shadows. His fists were clenched so tightly his knuckles cracked. Watching Hua Lian — the woman he had once dismissed as worthless — now admired by a man greater than himself was like swallowing poison.
She was mine to mock, mine to abandon… and now she dares stand there, radiant before him? No. I will not allow it.
The silver moon bathed the garden, while envy festered in the dark.