Your Pov,

"I promise you, (Y/n). I will definitely come back to you no matter what and once I do, let's get married, alright?" he said.

Those were his last words.

That he'd come back to me.

I watched him turn his back on me and started to leave. I reached out my hand towards him to stop him, knowing all too well about what's going to happen if he goes, "No...don't go...please!"

But no matter how I try and reach out towards him with everything I have, I knew I will never be able to reach him again.

He was never coming back.

"Edward!!"

Suddenly, my eyes snapped opened and I found myself lying in my bed with my right hand outstretched in the air as if I was reaching out for something. No, not something. I was reaching out for him again.

Hahh...another dream again.

My vision started to go blurry from the tears making its way into my eyes and I let out a deep sigh, slowly sitting up on the bed as I peeled the sheets off of me and hid my face in my hand for a moment to wipe my tears away. As I do so, the ring on my left finger caught my attention and I pulled my hand away to take a good look at the ring he's placed on my hand. Another wave of sadness starts to take over me once again as I watched the beautifully engraved patterns of the moon on my ring with his voice echoing in my mind.

"I promise you, (Y/n). I will definitely come back to you no matter what and once I do, let's get married, alright?"

More tears started to escape from my eyes as I continued to watch the ring and just like that, all I can think about is him. "Liar...You never came back," I mumbled and wiped my tears away, reminding myself that I can't cry. Not today at least. I looked out at the window, watching the rays of sunshine slowly made its way into my room. Five years. It's been five years since I heard the dreadful news of his death. And no matter how people told me how long has that been, I still couldn't move on. I still miss him every single day like I always did.

And call me silly, call me stubborn, a part of me still strongly refuses to believe that he was gone. "Edward, you must still be out there somewhere, right?" I mumbled in the silent room, holding onto my necklace where it holds the other pair of my ring which belongs to him. A matching ring to mine, his ring has beautiful patterns of the sun perfectly engraved on it, reminding me of his radiating, bright smile that always brings a smile onto my face no matter what.

How I miss that smile...

"(Y/n)? Are you awake, dear?" a voice from outside of my room interrupted my thoughts and I quickly wiped the traces of my tears away, not wanting anyone to see me cry especially when today's my brother, Loen's wedding rehearsal. "Yes, you can come in, Carlotta," I answered to our family's head maid, Carlotta, after taking a deep breathe to collect myself. Carlotta opened the door and came into my room with a bright smile on her face and I couldn't help but smiled back at her cheerful self.

"Good morning, dear. Did you sleep well?" Carlotta asked, walking up to me just as I put the sheets back in its place, making it look tidy. "Good morning to you too, Carlotta. And yes, I did sleep well. Thank you for asking. Did you sleep well as well?" I asked and Carlotta chuckled, "Yes, dear. I did. You're going out to join the duke's family for breakfast today, yes?" she asked putting the towels she brought for me on a table while her words reminded me about what I had planned to do this morning. Ah, that's right. Edward's grandmother and the Dowager Duchess, Granny Eliza, has invited me to join her for breakfast today.

"Yes, that's right. Have you told my father and brother that I won't be joining them for breakfast today?" I asked and Carlotta smiled, giving me a nod. "I have and oh, Mr. (L/n) told me to tell you to be back on time to welcome the Evans family," she said and I nodded, opening my wardrobe to pick a dress to visit Granny before I take a bath, "Alright. Please let him know that I will be sure to get back on time to greet the Evans. After all, today's the day my beloved brother and my best friend finally have their wedding rehearsal," I said and Carlotta nodded, sighing happily. Carlotta's been with us ever since I was little and I can tell why she's in good spirits lately. She's feeling very happy for my brother who was getting married tomorrow. This kind, beautiful woman has adored me, Loen and Edward ever since we were little and I couldn't imagine how our lives would have been if she wasn't a part of it.

Later, Carlotta went to prepare the bath for me while I took out the dress I am wearing to visit Granny. I went into the bath as soon as Carlotta finished preparing the bath for me, not wanting to be late. I put on the dress and quickly sat down in front of my dressing table, combing my hair quickly and not bothering to style it since I didn't like styling my hair much.

(A/n: Your first dress will look like this, but a little bit longer since the story takes place in the Victorian Era. But you can also imagine yourself wearing something else if you don't like these one.

P. S. This images do not belong to me)

(or)

A soft knock came onto my door just as I was doing a light make up on my face and I glanced at my brother, Loen, from the mirror who was standing at my doorway with his arms crossed and with his signature grin on his face.

"Well, well, if it isn't the future groom-to-be standing at my door? What brings you here, brother?" I asked playfully, giving him a smile as a greeting while Loen rolled his eyes and walked into my room. I still can't believe he and my best friend, Lyra Evans, are going to get married by tomorrow. "Are you going to visit the Castillos again today?" Loen asked, making me smile as I nodded. "Yeah. Don't worry, I will be back on time to greet my best friend who is going to be my sister-in-law by tomorrow and her family," I said and Loen chuckled, crossing his arms once again.

"I know you will, (nickname). I am just here to give you a head-ups that father has his eyes landed on some guy again," he said, making my eyes widened as I froze at his words. No. Not again. "Oh no. Please don't tell me he's thinking about introducing me to whoever his eyes have landed on," I said, finishing my makeup hesitantly as I turned to face my brother who shrugged his shoulders in response. "I don't know. I am just giving you a head-ups just in case if that was the case. You know he's doing those because he just wants you to have a better life with someone out there. I mean I know how you feel about it, but you can't also blame him for that," Loen said and I sighed, grabbing my purse. Ever since I heard that Edward was dead five years ago, I have no intention of getting married with someone else that's not him...Not when I keep wishing that it was Edward instead. My heart was still longing out for him even after hearing what happened.

I noticed Loen looking at the ring on my finger from the corner of my eyes with a look of sympathy on his face, but said nothing as he watched me continued to get ready to go out. "(Y/n), listen. I know you have no intention of getting married after what happened and it's completely fine if you say no this time as well. But, maybe give some thoughts about it, okay? For father's sake. No pressure," Loen said, gently putting a hand on my shoulder as I turned back to him. I know it's probably selfish of me to keep saying no when what my father wants is for me to be happy with someone again and have a better life. I sighed and gave Loen a weak smile. "Fine. I will give some thoughts about it for father's sake...But that doesn't mean I will get married right away, alright? I am only considering it like you said," I said firmly and Loen chuckled, holding his hands in the air, "Yes, ma'am."

I laughed and rolled my eyes at his playful side before walking towards the door. "Alright. I am off to see Granny then. I will see you when I am back," I said and waved at him before I started heading towards the stairs. I smiled and nodded at a few servants who greeted me just as I descend down the stairs. "Ah, good morning, my lady, heading towards the duke's house again, perhaps?" our manor's butler, Mr. Harson, asked giving me a quick bow as a greeting when he saw me coming down the stairs. Like Carlotta, he's been with us ever since I was young as well.

"Good morning, Mr. Harson. And yes, I am heading out right now. Have you prepared the carriage for me?"

"All done, my lady. It's just outside waiting for you. I hope you have a good time with her grace today as always," Mr. Harson said, opening the front door for me which made me smile at him in gratitude. "Thank you, Mr. Harson. You're the best. I'll see you when I am back," I said and waved at him before heading outside towards the carriage that's waiting for me. I climbed into the carriage and closed the door behind me. Once I was seated properly, I heard the driver cracked the reins and I listened to the relaxing 'clip-clop' sound from the horse's hooves as I looked out the window. That sound reminds me of the good old days when he was still here.

Flashback,

The little nine years old me was sitting in my room, reading one of my favorite novels quietly when the door of my room suddenly slammed opened along with someone yelling my name, causing me to jump. "(Y/n), are you here?!"

I looked up to see my best friend, Edward, standing there and looking at me with a boyish playful grin on his face. "Edward? What's wrong?" I asked, closing the book I was reading as I walked up to where he was standing. The jet haired boy in front of me smiled brightly as he held his hands on his hip. "I came to get you, of course," he said, making me confused. "Me? Why??" I questioned and Edward pouted playfully at my words.

"It's a beautiful day outside and you're here sitting in your room alone with a book. You should be outside and playing with me today," Edward said, still pouting and I blinked at his words for a second before I chuckled. "Okay. Okay. I am sorry. I thought everyone was busy today, so I decided to just stay in my room. But now that you're here, I am definitely not going to read anymore so...why don't we go play at somewhere?" I said and Edward's ocean blue eyes sparkled with happiness at my words.

"Now, that's the spirit! Come on, I have something to show you today," he said and grabbed my hand before he raced out of my room, dragging me along with him. And before I knew it, the two of us were running down the hallways towards the stairs. "U-Uh, Edward where are we going?!" I asked, still running with Edward who grinned at me as we continued to run.

"It's a secret! But I promise you're going to love it because I'm taking you to a very special place today!" he said just as we ran pass by my brother who got startled by us since he was just stepping out of the library, "Hey, watch it!"

"Oops! Sorry, Loen! Didn't see you there!" Edward yelled back to my brother with a playful grin as he continued to run with me towards the stairs while I laughed at his behavior. "Huh? Hey, wait! Where are you going with my sister?!" I heard Loen yelled, but Edward and I only laughed as we skipped our way down the stairs. "It's a secret!" Edward yelled, sticking his tongue out at my brother who was now at the top of the stairs, glaring at Edward because of his behavior while I was giggling. "Come on, (Y/n). The faster we get there, the longer we can play!" Edward said and I nodded happily at his words as we ran out of the manor's main front door where our butler, Mr. Harson gave us a look and chuckled before opening the door for us.

"Thanks, Mr. Harson!" I quickly thanked him as Edward continued to lead me to where he left his white stallion, Snow. He smiled and helped me onto the horse before he climbed on behind me and took a hold of the reins. Come on, Snow! Let's take (Y/n) to our secret place!" Edward yelled excitedly and Snow let out a happy neigh before he started galloping his way out of the (L/n) family's ground while carrying us. Edward and I laughed excitedly as we went pass the gates and soon, Snow was galloping in the streets of (Town name). "Where are we going?!"

I told you it's a secret!"

"Oh come on, can't you give me one tinyyyy clue?"

"Nope!" Edward said, smirking smugly when he saw me pouting at his response as he laughed and Snow started to speed up. I looked around in confusion when I realized that we were riding out of the town and now, heading towards the forest. "Oh, we're going into the forest?" I asked and Edward nodded while still looking ahead of us. "Yep. But, don't be afraid, alright? Snow and I are right here and I am going to protect you!" Edward said and grinned down at me before he continued to guide Snow through the forests, unaware of how my cheeks went flushed at his words. And I knew I was completely safe when I was with him. We continued to ride for about another fifteen minutes, taking several turns here and there until Snow finally came to a stop under a beautiful and gigantic oak tree which was growing magnificently in the middle of a huge flower field.

"Wowwww," I looked around excitedly at all the flowers while Edward hopped off of Snow and looked at me with a bright smile, satisfied with my reaction. "See? I told you that you'll love it," he said, holding me from my waist as he helped me off of Snow.

"Yes! Thank you for bringing me here," I said, smiling at Edward happily. His cheeks reddened slightly and he gave me a bashful smile while scratching the back of his head nervously, "I am glad you like it." I turned to Snow, thanking him for bring us here while he snorted back in return. "How did you find this place?" I asked and Edward grinned, patting on Snow's head gently. "Snow and I found it while we were out for a ride and I knew you would love it as soon as you see this place so, I decided to bring you here. We will bring Loen eventually, but for now, it will be a secret between us for, alright?" he said, playfully holding a finger to his lips while I giggled and agreed, "Okay. Okay. But for now..." I hummed and leaned into Edward with a smile while Edward started blushing at the sudden closeness between us. "W-Wha...?"

"Tag, you're it!" I quickly said, taking advantage of his flustered state as I quickly tapped on Edward's shoulder before I started running around the field in fits of giggles while Edward continued to remain stunned for a few seconds at my words before he grinned and started chasing after me with his own laughter, "Hey, wait up!"

Another flashback,

A sixteen-year-old me was galloping excitedly through the forest with my new black mare which I named it (H/n) as we continued to head towards the flower field where I have agreed to meet with Edward.

[This is how (H/n) looks like]

After making several turns here and there as usual, (H/n) and I soon reached to the field and I took in a deep breathe, loving the smell of the fresh air. I signaled (H/n) to slow down slightly when I saw a familiar white stallion and its owner standing under the oak tree.

"Edward! Snow! We're here~" I called out, drawing the attention of Edward who turned around as soon as he heard me calling him and his horse. He smiled and waved at me, watching (H/n) came to a stop steadily when we reached them. "Hey there, princess. New horse, huh?" Edward asked with his signature boyish grin as he reached out to my waist like always and helped me get down. Edward's now grown a lot taller than me and was starting to build some muscles from his knight training sessions as well. "Yep, meet (H/n). (H/n), this is Edward and the stallion over there is Snow," I said, patting (H/n)'s head gently while she snorted back in return. "She's beautiful, isn't she?" I asked with my hand still patting (H/n) while Edward hummed in response and patted (H/n)'s neck, making her snort.

"Just like her owner, herself," he said, looking at me with that warm smile of his that makes my heart skip. I felt my cheeks start to burn as I rolled my eyes and nudged his arm playfully, "Smooth." Edward chuckled, looking at my flustered behavior. "What? It's the truth."

"Yea, right," I said, trying to shake off what he was saying as I tried to ignore the butterflies in my stomach and turned to walk away, but Edward grabbed my hand, pulling me right back to him. "Hey, I mean it. You're beautiful inside and out! And not only that you are strong and have a wonderful personality too. Do you have any idea how many rivals I have just because you're beautiful and kind like that?" Edward said, pouting his lips playfully as he held my hands while I rose a brow at his words. 

"What do you mean by rivals? You're saying like as if we're lovers or something," I said jokingly, gently booping at his nose, but Edward continued to pout as he looked away from me for a short second and said the one word that stunned me while still holding my hands, "Yet."

"Eh?"

"I said, yet. I-I mean...we aren't in a relationship now, but we'll be eventually in the future once you give me an answer and say yes to me," Edward said with his own cheeks starting to become red as he looked away slightly, holding me to him from my arms while I was starting to become a bright red tomato at his words.

"I-Is that why you asked me to meet you here? T-To ask me out?" I asked and Edward blushed even more as he started stuttering on his words. "W-Well, y-yea. That and also because umm...I-I wanted to see you since we haven't seen each other for days because of my knight training sessions and well, I-I missed you and I also wanted to tell you that I...I..." he rambled on and before he could continue to say anything further, Snow suddenly nudged him from behind, causing Edward to take a closer step towards me, accidentally pulling me closer to him as well in the process.

We stared into each other's eye in complete silence since both of us never have been this close to each other before.

Edward gulped slightly and I felt his hand moved to my waist. I let out a gasp in surprise when he pulled me closer to him and held me there, refusing to let me go as he caged his arms around me. His lips were so dangerously close to mine that I felt his breath tickling my lips.

My heart started racing wildly in my chest when Edward's gaze shifted down to my lips from my eyes and suddenly, everything else around us seems to have disappeared. Before I knew it, Edward's lips has already captured mine and he was kissing me slowly while still holding me in my place. It was simple yet magical and sweet. And it felt right...so right that I found myself melting into the kiss and before I knew it, I was kissing him back, resting my hands on his shoulder. Eventually, we broke the kiss due to the lack of air and after that, we were both a blushing mess from what just happened between us right now.

"Your lips taste so sweet," Edward said goofily with a smile, his cheeks still flushed with red. I pulled my hands in front of me and tried to cover my red face, suddenly feeling very shy. Edward chuckled and gently pulled my hands away, looking straight into my eyes with a warm smile on his face. "So...w-was that the 'yes' I was hoping for?" he asked nervously, taking my hands in his.

I wasn't going to lie. I did have many feelings for Edward, but I never imagined that he'd feel the same way about me.

I looked back into his ocean blue eyes and slowly nodded, giving him the answer he's been waiting for with a smile that I failed to hide away. Edward smiled happily once he saw the nod from me and suddenly, he picked me up in his arms in bridal style and started swaying me around happily, making me laugh.

And that was the moment when Edward and I started seeing each other romantically as lovers.

End of flashback,

I smiled at the sweet memories that came back onto my mind, treasuring the warm, fuzzy feeling I felt in my chest. "My lady, we're here," I heard the driver said from outside of the carriage, pulling me back from my train of thoughts and only then, I realized that the carriage has stopped and that we've arrived at the Castillo's manor.

"Oh, y-yes. Thank you," I replied and he opened the carriage door for me. I climbed out of the carriage gracefully like I was trained to do and as soon as I stepped out of the carriage, I heard a warm and happy voice calling my name, "Ah, (Y/n), my dear!"

I looked up with a smile to see Edward's grandmother, Lady Eliza Castillo, standing there right in front of the main door, smiling at me fondly like she always does. "Granny!" I greeted happily, quickly running up the stairs to run into her welcoming opened arms like a little child, forgetting all the etiquette I was supposed to do. "Oh, you've grown so much lately yet you still love to be hugged from this old lady," she said and I giggled, pulling away from her as I linked my arm around hers. "Oh, Granny, you're still young and you know I always love to be hugged by you no matter how old I am and oh, I hope I didn't come too late. Did you sleep well today as well, Granny?" I asked away and Granny chuckled, patting my hand lovingly.

"Yes, dear. I did. And no, you're here just in time for breakfast. I made my special (favorite food) just for you today!" she said and chuckled once again when I beamed excitedly at the mention of (favorite food). "Oh, Granny. You're the best!" I said happily, nuzzling into her arm as we both laughed and started walking towards the garden where Granny's asked their family's butler to prepare a table for two for breakfast.

The two of us started chatting happily about how things have been going lately for both of us on our way. We started having breakfast together with me happily chewing on the (favorite food) Granny cooked for me while Granny laughed at my appetite. Then, Granny stopped for a second, looking at me intensely with a slightly surprised look while I didn't know why she was looking at me like that, "Granny?"

She looked back into my eyes when she heard my voice and set her teacup down gracefully before looking at me with concerning eyes. "My child, could it be that...you're still waiting for him even after five years have passed since then?" she asked, making me freeze at her question for a second before I smiled sadly and set my teacup down as well. "Always," I said slowly, looking back at Granny with a smile while Granny frowned and sighed. She smiled sadly and gently took my left hand in hers where I was still wearing the ring Edward's given me before he was gone. "You and Edward were so perfect for each other as if the two of you were match made in heaven. It's such a shame that horrible tragedy happened," she said, patting my hand gently as she looked at me with a gentle smile on her face.

Ah, I still remember. How Granny looked so heart-broken with tears in her eyes when the news of Edward's death came that day. And before I knew it, my mind was recalling back to that day when Edward set out for a long journey because of a mission to become an official knight that he's always dreamed of.

...
...
...

The day I last saw him.

Flashback,

It was one of those snowy days in our town and I was rushing towards the town square where the knights in training were gathered. I picked up my pace and continued running as fast as I can on my heels, wanting to see him as fast as possible before he leaves. Going through the crowd who were saying goodbye and wishing well to the other knights, my eyes darted around rapidly, looking for my jet black haired knight with blue eyes.

Eventually, I found Edward talking to his parents and Granny who was patting his hair with a proud smile on her face. I squeezed through the crowd a bit more, heading towards where my beloved was and soon, Edward spotted me as soon as he saw me running up towards where he was. His eyes lit up with happiness and he called out my name as he started running towards me as well, "(Y/n)!"

I smiled happily and ran into his arms as soon as I reached him, hugging him tightly while he laughed and held me closer to him, "You made it!"

"Of course, I made it here. My lover's going off on a journey to become an official knight. What kind of partner I would be if I am not there to support you?" I said with a smile, pulling away slightly to look back into his eyes while Edward smiled at my words. "I love you so much," he said proudly, gently kissing my forehead while I smiled and stayed in his arms, "And I you, Edward."

We looked into each other's eyes in silence for a while before I started to speak once again. "You'll write letters to me, yes?" I asked and he smiled, pecking my lips gently, "I will every week, love."

"Remember to eat every meal on time and take care of yourself too. I know you always do your best at almost everything, but don't push yourself too hard out there, alright?" I said, patting his cheeks gently while he smiled at my words and leaned into my touch. "And that goes the same for you, princess. Don't go out alone at night and...stay warm, alright? It's going to get colder than this in the next few days," Edward replied and grabbed my hand, kissing the insides of it before he looked back into my eyes. I smiled at his words. I hated to let him go, of course. But I was also proud of him for reaching out towards his dreams right now and I was going to support him as best as I can in every way I could.

I smiled and took in his features carefully since I won't be seeing him around for a long time. "I will be waiting for you so, come back soon, alright?" I said and Edward smiled, kissing my forehead once again. "You know I will, princess. And to prove that..." he trailed and smiled at me, reaching into his pocket. I looked at him confused as he gently took my hand in his. I was about to ask him what he was doing, but stopped when I see him slipping a ring on my finger.

I gasped in surprise as the silver ring engraved with beautiful patterns of the moon fits perfectly on my finger. Edward held my chin gently and made me look back into his eyes, smiling at me lovingly as he did so, "I know it's selfish of me to ask this, princess, but..." he trailed off once again and took a deep breathe before he looked back into my eyes with a serious look and said his next words, "W-Will you wear this ring for me on your finger and wait for me while I am gone? I-I know this is a bit sudden a-and you can say no if you want, princess. And I am completely okay with that. I just want you to know that I love you."

His hand gently cupped my cheek without breaking away his gaze even for a second just like how I wasn't able to look away from him. "I love you so much to the point that every time I think about you, it always makes me smile. Just seeing you happy makes me happy. Heck, even just hearing your name makes me smile like I'm crazy actually. And when I look into my heart, all I can see is you. You, me and us together. I've really given some serious thoughts about it as well and I know without a doubt for sure that I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Love you, protect you, cherish you and be there for you always and I really don't want to let you go. S-So, what I am trying to say is...(Y/n), will you please marry me and become my wife once I come back?" Edward asked with a smile as he waited for my answer in anticipation.

Tears pricked at the corner of my eyes out of happiness when I realized he was really proposing to me right now. We grew up together ever since we were children and fell in love with each other over the years. I didn't need to think twice or hesitate about my answer because I knew how much Edward truly loves me and has proved that to me through his actions all these years.

"Yes! And gosh, you've such a terrible timing!" I said happily through my tears, throwing my arms around his neck to hug him tightly which Edward was stunned for a while before he smiled happily and swayed me around, holding me tight to him. He captured my lips and started kissing me passionately, still holding me high in his arms while I smiled and kissed him back.

After a while, he pulled away and put me down, hugging me tightly to him once more. "You know...there's actually still one more thing," he said, making me look back into his eyes. He smiled and took out another silver ring which matched to mine, but this time it had patterns of the sun engraved on it beautifully. He held it out in his palm for me carefully, still looking into my eyes. "W-Will you put this on mine for as well for me?" he asked bashfully and I smiled, taking his ring into my hand, "Of course, my love."

I grabbed his hand gently and slipped his ring on his finger. And Edward smiled proudly at the ring he's wearing now. "I'll look at it every day and think about you and our future together, my love. I will never take it off even if it's completely necessary," he said lovingly, cupping my face. I smiled at his words and leaned into his touch which he returned it with his bright smile. He gently pressed his forehead on mine once again and stared into my eyes. "So, try not to take off your ring off as well while I am gone, alright? I need to keep my mark on you to keep other men away while I am not around," he said jokingly, making me laugh. "You're so possessive!" I said between my laughter and Edward grinned goofily at my words. "I am when it comes to you. And you're welcome to be the same with me as well," he said and we laughed before looking into each other's eyes once more.

"I promise you, (Y/n). I will definitely come back to you no matter what and once I do, let's get married, alright?" he said, smiling warmly at me as he held me close to him. I nodded enthusiastically and Edward laughed, looking into my eyes once more.
"I love you. I love you so damn much," he said and leaned in to capture my lips once more, pulling me into another passionate kiss. The seconds went by and his kiss only grew even more passionate as I became lost in it once more until I became weak in my kneels.

We could hear the sound of the commander's voice telling everyone it's time to go, but Edward didn't stop as we continued to kiss for a long time as if it was the last time and both of us panted heavily when he broke away. I blushed at the small silver string connecting our lips before Edward smiled and quickly pecked my lips once more. "I love you," he said, looking into my eyes lovingly. "I love you too," I said and as soon as he heard those three words from me, he smiled and pecked my lips one last time before he started running after the troupe to join his other knight members, waving at both me and his family happily as he did so.

"I knew you're bound to become my grand daughter-in-law, my child," Granny said happily, having witnessed what just happened along with Edward's parents who nodded approvingly at me. Edward's mother hugged me happily, congratulating me for my engagement with Edward. I hugged her back and then, smiled at Granny who held me from my shoulders as we watched Edward and his troupe leave our town together. Edward turned back and waved at us one last time with that radiating smile of his and I smiled as I waved back at him happily, watching him go.

Perhaps neither of us knew back then that that was going to be the last time we will be seeing each other again with our own very eyes that day.

If I knew...I probably wouldn't have never let him go.

End of flashback.

A warm hand touched my cheek and I jumped as I was pulled out of my thoughts. I saw Granny looking at me sympathetically while wiping my cheek gently like how a mother does to her child and only then, I realized that I was crying once again at the memory of the day I last saw Edward and that Granny was wiping my tears away.

"Oh, my dear sweet child, I thought that all these years, you've eventually started moving on, but now I see how wrong I was. You haven't moved on at all, not even for a bit. And you're still as heartbroken as that day." Granny said, tears starting to build up in her eyes as well as she continued to wipe my tears away. I started to break down into more tears at her words and suddenly, all my strength to act like I was okay vanished as I ran into Granny's opened arms that welcomed me warmly. Before I knew it, I was sobbing and crying so hard in Granny's arm, unable to keep it in anymore while Granny smiled and patted my head gently, comforting me and holding me close to her all the time until I finally stopped crying after a long time.

Time skips,

"Now, my child, tell me. Are you feeling better?" Granny asked, still patting on the back of my head gently to comfort me. I nodded gently in her chest and was about to pull away, but stopped when Granny started speaking once again.

"Listen to me, (Y/n)."

"Y-yes, Granny?"

"You and Edward will meet again someday," Granny said, making my eyes slightly widened at her words.

"H-How can you say it so surely?"

"Oh, my dear. I watched the two of grew up together from a very young age and I've seen how the two of you fell in love with each other as you grew older. You and Edward have a very special bond, my child. If you believe that he's still out there somewhere, then perhaps he does. After all, we never really found him after that day, yes?" Granny said slowly with a look of kindness mixed with a little spark of hope.

"...Yes..."

That's right.

That day...when Edward said he'd be coming back to our town, he never came back. Only one of the members from the knight troupe arrived to the Castillo's manor along with the dreadful news that Edward was dead with his engagement ring which was stained with blood as a proof of his death. They never found his body. That means he could still be out there...somewhere.

"My dear child, no matter what happens in the future, make sure you'll remember this always. Whether you're married to my grandson or not, you're always going to be a part of our Castillo family and you're always welcomed to come to us whenever you wish to do so, my child. And I am always here for you whenever you need me," Granny said lovingly with a warm smile, making me feel even more touched, "Oh Granny, what would I do without you?"

Before we could say anything further, we heard the town crier shouting as he passed by the Castillo's family ground, ringing his bell, "Hear ye! Hear ye, one hour to go 'till (L/n)'s wedding rehearsal!"

That caught Granny's attention as she pulled away from me gently. "Oh, that's right. That reminds me that today's your brother's wedding rehearsal, yes?" she asked.

"That's right."

"Then, you must get going. You don't want to be late to your brother's wedding rehearsal now, do you?" Granny asked, standing up quickly with an excited smile while making me also stand. "Won't you come with me there, Granny?" I asked pleadingly with a smile and she chuckled, hooking her arms around me gently as the two of us started heading out of the garden together. "I'll be there at the wedding tomorrow with Edward's parents, my child. And of course, I will bring our little G-" Before Granny could finish her sentence, a young male voice of a child called out my name and Granny's, immediately drawing our attention, "(Y/n)! Granny!"

"Speak of the little devil. Here he comes," Granny chuckled and I smiled, turning to see the young lord of the Castillo's family, Gaelan, running up towards me excitedly with a smile, "Gaelan!" As soon as he reached me, the little seven years old boy hugged my waist affectionately, making me giggle, "It's good to see you too, Gale! Welcome back!"

The Duke and the Duchess had another child a year after Edward left for his journey. And that child was none other than Gaelan who's in front of me right now. He has the same jet-black hair as the Duke and violet eyes like his mother, the Duchess. I spent a lot of time with him and Granny as he grew up and he became like my actual little brother to me during these years. And though having only seen and talked to his brother, Edward, through the portraits and letters, little Gaelan grew up, admiring his brother a lot and he always love to listen to my stories about Edward and was determined to become like him one day. And apparently, he and his parents just returned from attending a ball where they have to spend the night with like the other guests.

"(Y/n), (Y/n), can you please stay and spend time with me again today please?" little Gaelan requested, making me smile. "Oh, I'd love to spend time with you, Gaelan. But maybe some other time. I have to go back home early today," I said and Gaelan pursed his lips, playfully pouting at me. "Aw, do you have to go?" he asked and I smiled, gently ruffling his hair. "I am afraid so. But hey, I think you'll get to visit me tomorrow," I said and Gaelan's eyes lit up happily with a smile, "Really?!"

"Yes, we are," another voice added and we looked up to see the Duke and the Duchess walking up to us with smiles on their faces.

I gently pulled Gaelan away from me and gave them both a curtsy as a greeting, "Your graces. It's been a while."

"Good morning to you too, (Y/n). It's been a while since we last met, but looking at the time, it seems like we won't be able to chat today," the Duke said with a warm smile and I smiled apologetically, "I'm afraid so."

"Oh, no worries. We'll have plenty of time to chat tomorrow at the party, dear. I can't wait to catch up with you after a long time. We'll see you at the wedding tomorrow?" the Duchess said with an excited smile and I nodded, "Of course!"

"Then we can hang out?" little Gaelan asked, holding my hand and I smiled, holding his hand back and giving it a small squeeze, "And then we can hang out. See you tomorrow, buddy," I said and gave him a quick peck on his forehead, making the boy smiled. The Duke asked their butler to bring my carriage while I have a hug to both Granny and the Duchess before I bid them all goodbye and left the garden to head home.