Will He Really Never Abandon Her Again

"Oh?" (with a teasing arch of her brow)

"In the past, a lot of people laughed at me and called me useless," Grace said. "Even though I acted tough and argued with them, deep down, I was really hurt."

After a pause, she continued, "But you never laughed at me. You even stopped others from making fun of me. That's why I've always felt you're different from everyone else."

It's true.

The first time Grace met him, he was upright and righteous, driving her competitive cousin and frequent antagonist, Queenie Zhu, away when she tried to bully her.

From that moment on, he was planted deep in her heart, taking root and growing.

Colin Gu stared at her intently.

"But that one time, you didn't believe me," Grace said. "I finally convinced myself that it was all just wishful thinking. You didn't laugh at me because you're kind, or maybe because of my father's reputation. It wasn't because you saw me differently."

"I'm sorry," Colin Gu said, frowning.

So after that, I gave up on the idea of entering the palace... Saying I liked General Evan Xiao was just an excuse! If Princess Lynne Ling hadn't bullied me so much, making things difficult for Emperor Henry and the Empress Dowager, I wouldn't have participated in the competition at all.

Suddenly, Colin Gu reached out and pulled her into his arms.

Grace stiffened all over, but she didn't move.

"I'm sorry... I'm really sorry..." Colin Gu said. "I grew up in the palace, surrounded by schemes and betrayals between men and women. So... I've never truly, unconditionally trusted anyone before."

Grace said nothing.

"But I promise you, I will never doubt you again! I swear I won't let you get hurt ever again."

"Is it because I have a Spirit Root?" Grace asked.

Colin Gu shook his head, holding her even tighter.

Emperor Henry, can you promise me, no matter what happens, you'll never abandon me or leave me behind?

"Alright," Colin Gu said. "I promise."

As he spoke, he gazed at her with deep affection and leaned in for what could only be described as a scandalously romantic kiss.

Grace reached out and covered his mouth. "The Imperial Advisor's date hasn't passed yet. Emperor, it's better if you don't get too close to me. Consort Vivian's pregnancy is important."

Colin Gu grabbed her hand, kissed her palm, and smiled, "You really are a good Empress!"

Grace smiled shyly.

Her smile was breathtakingly beautiful, and every bit of it landed in Colin Gu's eyes, becoming a spell he could never break and would long for the rest of his life...

He couldn't hold back anymore. With dramatic flair, he gripped her shoulders, clearly about to steal a kiss.

Just then, Gavin Gao, Emperor Henry's trusted eunuch, walked in.

He whispered something in Colin Gu's ear. Colin Gu's expression changed. He stood up, said something to Grace, and left with Gavin Gao.

Grace let out a long sigh, watching his back, her eyes complicated.

In this life, she wasn't carrying someone else's child, hadn't been involved with another man (even if she had, Colin Gu wouldn't know), just one emperor and one empress, loving each other.

Will he really never abandon her again?

...

The next day, the snow was already knee-deep.

Hope and Claire said admiringly, "Miss, it really did snow for two days and nights... How did you know?"

Grace smiled faintly. "Now, I'm going out for a bit. If anyone comes looking for me, just say I went out alone to watch the snow. Don't follow me, and don't let anyone know where I went."