42 Vows Beneath the Willow, Vows Under the Moon (2/2)

If the situation was laid in front of him, there was still no doubt he would go so far as against the heaven, against all he was taught, and against his own power. The biggest regret in his life was not giving his love to Tang Qilin. Rather, he regretted not being in his daughter's life.

What if others scorned her for being an orphan? What if there was no one to protect her when she was bullied? Was there at least one person who loved her or was she lonely all her life... like him?

From now on, he would make sure to protect her. They will live happily, both father and daughter.

Yue Shangwu wiped the single drop of tear off his face. He closed the window and the sight of the full moon disappeared at once.

There was one thing he kept from his daughter. Not only did he become blind, but his magic was fading.

He was no longer as powerful as he used to be, and with time, would lose it completely.

. . .

Li Wei sat under the willow tree alone. Deep inside, she felt unbearably guilty. She felt undeserving of her father's sacrifice. He had bet all his chips on her, the least she could do in return was to the same. There was no problem with her father, the issue was the woman who gave birth to her.

Tang Qilin let go of her life to be with her lover, abandoning her child and leaving her loving husband.

It was hard to admit it... she was similar to her mother. There was a saying, the fruit doesn't fall from the tree.

Why, why was she like her mother out of all people?

A rush of hatred filled her body. Li Wei hit her chest in anger with all her strength.

”Ahh!” She screamed into her hands so no sound could escape. When her voice was gone and she could no longer speak, she fell backwards onto the ground. Her chest was heaving heavily and her face scorching hot.

San'er, Hui, Li Fahrin, Yue Shangwu, and Khan Bojing... Li Wei knew she didn't deserve their kindness or love. She felt guilty, ashamed, and loathed herself. She was simply not good enough.

Her eyes glanced briefly on the half completed mark on her skin before fluttering back to the night sky. After a long while, the hopeless gaze of her eyes started to burn bright as if lit up by a sudden spark.

She was not alone, she never was. She has gotten this far already, retreat is not an option.

To jump high, one must crouch low. The more it hurts, the more she has to endure and stay strong.

She vowed to never be like her old self again... To be better than her mother. To love and cherish those around her. To be kind, thoughtful, and loyal.

She wouldn't die of regrets. Instead, each regret is inspiration for a new change. Where regrets lingered, flowers would bloom in its place.

Li Wei closed her eyes, finally feeling inner peace with herself in the calming night of the full moon.

To turn back time was her father's will. To keep her memories was... perhaps heaven's last gift.