The One Who Holds My Heart

The alarm rang softly — once, then twice — before a small hand reached out from beneath the warm, fluffy blanket to silence it. A slender figure slowly sat up. Her eyes were still closed, and she ran a hand through her messy hair. After a gentle stretch, she slipped out of bed. Another morning had begun in City A. “Uyên Dư, come have breakfast!” A gentle voice called out just as she came downstairs. Her foster mother smiled warmly and waved her over. Đình Uyên Dư walked toward her with a bright, sweet smile. The woman looked as if she were only in her thirties — her skin smooth, her figure elegant, full of youthful energy. Yet she was actually nearly fifty — the one who had lovingly raised Uyên Dư. “Dad, aren’t you going to the office today?” Uyên Dư wrapped her arms around Mr. Mạc’s neck playfully. “I have a meeting a bit later,” he chuckled. “Still enough time to enjoy breakfast with my daughter.” Mr. Mạc put down the newspaper and walked with her to the dining table, where Mrs. Mạc was already placing breakfast in front of them with a warm smile. It had been fifteen years since the Mạc family adopted her when she was just three years old. Everyone in the family had always treated her with love and kindness. No one ever made her feel like an outsider — in fact, she was often spoiled even more than Mạc Hán, their own son. Her birth parents had been close friends with Mr. and Mrs. Mạc for decades. That year, a sudden accident took their lives. Her mother had been the second daughter in her family, but her grandparents were traditional and favored sons. They had disapproved of her parents' marriage from the start. Even when Uyển Dư was born, they never gave her the warmth a child deserved. After the accident, instead of showing sympathy, they cruelly blamed the little girl for her parents’ deaths. They refused to take her in or care for her. And so, at just three years old, Đình Uyển Dư was left all alone in the world — until the Mạc family opened their hearts and their home to her. Mr. and Mrs. Mạc loved her deeply. From the moment they brought her into the Mạc household, they treated her like their own precious daughter. Even Mạc Hàn, her older brother, was always kind and protective toward her. “It’s the weekend, and your brother still hasn’t come home?” Mrs. Mạc clicked her tongue in disapproval, clearly annoyed at her son — though she always brought him up whenever he wasn’t around. “He said he’d be home this afternoon. He has something to do this morning,” Uyển Dư replied softly. Mrs. Mạc placed a warm glass of milk in front of her. “Hmph, what important things could he possibly have? Probably out having fun again.” Mr. Mạc looked up from his plate. “You have the day off today. Do you want to come to the office with me?” Uyển Dư shook her head gently, putting on a playful, spoiled expression. Mrs. Mạc chuckled and sat down to join them for breakfast. “Your father’s dry, boring office work—what’s so fun about going there?” Mrs. Mạc said with a playful tone. “I have the day off too. I’ll take our daughter out shopping. Summer is coming, and we need to get her some new clothes.” Mạc Uyển Dư nodded eagerly. “I also want to take my camera for maintenance today.” Mrs. Mạc gently stroked her silky, long hair with affection. “Let’s see if there’s a good new model. I’ll buy it for you.” Uyển Dư shook her head with a soft smile. “My camera still works perfectly, and I’m used to it. I don’t want to change it.” “Alright then, let’s look at some accessories instead.” “Yes!” she replied cheerfully. While eating, Mr. Mạc suddenly remembered something and looked at Uyển Dư. “I was thinking — how about we organize a photo exhibition for you? If you have any ideas, just let me know.” Uyển Dư quickly shook her head. “There’s no need, Dad. I just take photos as a hobby, not for a career. I’m planning to study economics.” “As long as you enjoy it, that’s what matters,” he said with a kind smile. “Don’t ever force yourself to do something you don’t love.” “I know, Dad. Thank you, both of you,” she replied, her eyes full of warmth. After finishing breakfast, Mr. Mạc grabbed his briefcase and rushed off to work. His job kept him busy most days, and it was rare for him to have time for a quiet breakfast at home — so just being able to share this short moment with his wife and daughter already felt like a blessing.