"But let me remind you of one thing. Lester has been by your side since childhood. He has always adored you. A match like that is rare. Don't do something you'll regret."
A rare match?
I used to believe that too. That Lester Vance was everything I could hope for.
We were promised to each other before we were born. We grew up side by side.
From the first stirrings of young love, I dreamed of growing old with him. I held that dream for ten years.
Every letter he sent from the front, I smoothed flat beneath a paperweight and tucked carefully into a box, layer upon layer.
During the worst of the fighting, when word came that he was dead, I carved both our names into a plaque of pear blossom wood. Even if he was gone, I would marry his spirit tablet.
That was how much I loved him.
And Lester?
To pave the way for Scarlett's entry into the Eastern Palace, he surrendered his command and laid down his armor.
He told me, "Norma, you've always been so understanding. I know you'll support my decision."
He asked me to give up my noble standing and follow him to the countryside to live in poverty.