Little Miss Witch: Revenge of the Tainted Angel

"Are you nervous?" Zheng Yue asked as she added the final touches on Li Chuntao's hair, glancing at her niece's reflection in the huge mirror in front of them. She could tell that their beautiful bride was nervous. 

A smile spread on her lips as she held Li Chuntao's hand. Who would have known that this time would come? Their aloof little princess had decided to settle down with her first love. 

"Are you happy?" She asked her niece. The ivory silk tulle veil was pushed behind her hair which was styled in an intricate way 

Li Chuntao nodded and took a deep breath. It all felt like a dream to her. She couldn't even believe that she was marrying the man she had loved for a long time. Was she dreaming or was this another trick of her mind? 

"Yes, I just can't believe this is really happening, Auntie Yue," she admitted. She stood up, taking a good look at her appearance for today's event. 

Her wedding dress was a Victorian-inspired one with at least five feet train behind her. The lace applique on the bodice and the skirt of the dress was handmade. Lace flowers such as roses, thistle and daffodils were created individually and added onto the ivory silk tulle and the tiara that rested on top of her head was traditionally worn by the brides of the Li family for generations. 

Li Chuntao's wedding gown was the same dress her mother used for her wedding with her father. This was one of her family's prized possessions. Ying was supposed to use the same dress for her wedding, but during her wedding preparation with Mu Jianyu, she decided not to and Old Madam Li had carefully stored the dress, hoping that Chuntao would be able to use it in the future. 

Paired with her pristine white dress was a bouquet of flowers Old Madam Li made for her. It consisted of hyacinth, myrtle and lily-of-the-valley which she grew herself in the Li Mansion's garden. Li Chuntao remembered her mother tending to the flowers before and loved lily-of-the-valley. 

"Then I'm happy," She heard her aunt said in contentment. "As long as you and Zichen would be happy and would try your best to take care of each other. I wouldn't wish for anything but for you to be truly happy." Zheng Yue appeared behind her and looked at her with teary eyes through the mirror. 

Meanwhile, Shen Zichen was waiting outside the vast garden of the Li Mansion where their wedding was to be held. Only their families and closest friends had been invited to this intimate wedding between him and Li Chuntao. 

He knew he should be feeling great especially since they were going to be married soon; literally in half an hour. Li Chuntao had been understanding of his desire to marry her with only a few people involved and invited. The public and Mu Jianyu were oblivious that the two most prominent families within the capital were to be tied up through their marriage. 

There would be no pretentiousness this time, as their hearts would be tied as one. He might have lost Zirui but he wouldn't allow Chuntao to suffer any longer because of him. 

Remembering what happened in the past, he regretted that he wasn't able to help Chuntao and Little Rui. He also failed to protect Ying in Chuntao's absence. 

'Fool,' Shen Zichen berated himself. There's no sense dwelling in the past when he could do his best to be better in the future. He promised their Little Rui that he would love and cherish Chuntao whole heartedly from this day onward. 

He breathed out long, dispelling the last of his hesitations. This wasn't the right time for him to doubt and hesitate. This time, he would brave the future with Li Chuntao on his side. 

"Everyone's looking for you. Why are you hiding here, Zichen?" His mother's voice caught Shen Zichen's attention. 

Madam Shen sat beside him and patted his cheek lovingly. He was the same boy who arrived at their home, scared and nervous for him and Yuyan's future. However, now, he was a grown-up to be a man that she could be proud of. 

"My baby is all grown up now. I felt like it was only yesterday when your dad and I decided to take you in." Her gaze softened at the memory of seeing the Shen twins for the first time. 

"I know, Mom, and I'm really grateful that you and Dad love me as much as your own." Shen Zichen said to his mother. Even when Qingqing and Lingtian were born, their parents never dismissed them nor forgot about him and Yuyan. 

Madam Shen sighed and leaned her head on her eldest son's arm. Zichen and Yuyan would always have a special place in her heart. 

"We weren't even ready to back then and weren't sure if we could provide the love and everything you two needed, but I'm glad we were able to be good parents to you and Yuyan." She paused and cracked her eyes open to look at her son. 

"You have your own life now. We cannot hold you back. You've done your part as a good son to me and your father, but don't forget to come to Mommy if ever you and Chuntao need help, okay? From now on, you should live your life according to your own decisions." 

Shen Zichen's heart was moved by his mother's words. He wasn't sure if he truly had been a good son to her, but he was sure he and Yuyan were lucky to be adopted by the ShenLu couple or else they would have wasted their lives with their abusive biological father. 

"Hey. What are you doing hiding here?" Shen Yuyan found them and rested her arm on her hip looking at her twin brother. "The ceremony is about to start and we wouldn't be able to if the groom is missing." 

Shen Zichen took a deep breath and sighed before pulling himself back on his feet and offered his hand to their mother to escort her back. 

The music started and everyone stood in front of their designated seats while Li Yuren and Zheng Yue appeared with the bride at the end of the aisle. Under the beautiful trellis covered with sweet pea and star jasmine, their heavenly flowery scent reached Shen Zichen's nose as he waited for his bride. Next to him was his younger brother, Shen Lingtian. 

"Ahh, Sister Chuntao is so pretty," The younger Shen exclaimed once they saw the bride marching down the aisle. 

"She's always been beautiful," Shen Zichen murmured beside him as his eyes locked on his bride, he forgot how to breathe, heck he wasn't even sure what his name was. 

There she was, escorted by her uncle and aunt. The white satin on her skirt flowed down and trailed behind her. The veil on her head hid her beauty but he could still see her from afar. 

Their eyes met and they both smiled. Excitement and love filled their hearts as they both looked forward to the chapter of their lives as a married couple. By the time Li Chuntao reached the altar, Shen Zichen didn't realize it was time. 

"After today, you are in charge of taking care of our Chuntao. You better make sure that she's happy," Zheng Yue told him with a gentle smile. 

"Or else we will come after you," Li Yuren threatened him with his usual stern voice. 

"I'm very aware, Uncle Yuren," Shen Zichen replied.. "Thank you."