Chapter 4 — 7 Year Marriage Isn't Real

Earlier than the three month mark that I always thought. In other words... Around the time I did in vitro fertilization... Tong Dao was already pregnant. On one side, he took me for an egg retrieval procedure. On the one hand, he took Tong Dao to a regular prenatal checkup. While I was lying on the operating table, having to endure every needle being stabbed into my body... He was at another hospital, watching the ultrasound results with her.

"Miss Phuong?"

"What are you going to do next?"

"Continue investigation."

I said calmly.

"I want all the times Luc Can Nien and Tong Dao went back and forth."

"Time."

"Location."

"Every account, every meeting must have clear evidence."

Hanging up the phone, I walked out of the bathroom. Luc Can Nien is leaning against the head of the bed scrolling through his phone. Seeing me leave, he raised his head and smiled.

"Bathing for so long, isn't it cold?"

"I'll soak in the tub for a while."

I climbed into bed and lay down next to him. He conveniently pulled me into his arms. One hand hugged my shoulder, the other still scrolling through the phone. I tilted my head, glancing at the screen. It's a message in the work group. Noticing my gaze, he immediately placed the phone face down on the bedside table.

"What are you looking at?"

He gently pinched my nose.

"It's all about boring work."

"Luc Can Nien."

"We..."

"Are you really not planning on having any more children?"

His hand stopped. But very quickly it returned to normal. Fingers gently rubbed my shoulders.

"Nien Tri."

"I told you."

"Don't force yourself."

"Your health is the most important thing."

"What if someone agrees to be our surrogate?"

His movements stopped again. Much longer.

"Who told you these things?"

His voice changed. A flash of vigilance appeared.

"I read it online."

I said it like it was nothing.

"Nowadays technology is very developed, many people..."

"No need."

He interrupted me.

"Nien Tri."

"I don't want you to have to endure more things like that."

"But I want to have my own child."

"We can adopt."

"The adopted child is different."

He was silent for a few seconds. Then turned around to face me. Deep eyes looked at me in the dark. Also very dark.

"Nien Tri."

His voice was very low.

"Listen to me."

I looked straight into his eyes. Don't say another word. The conversation ended there. He will never let me touch this forbidden area. Because if I just do a DNA test... Or go to a surrogacy center... then all of his lies will be exposed. I gently closed my eyes.

"I hear you."

He gently kissed my forehead. Then hug me tighter. Day four. Pho Thinh Lan sent me a message.

"Got what you need. See you tomorrow."

At the same time, Dr. Chu also called.

"Miss Phuong."

"I've reviewed all of your medication records for the past seven years."

Her voice was very heavy.

"There are three prescriptions that have very clear problems."

"The oriental medicine clinic that prescribes it is called Nhan Hoa Duong."

"Do you remember going there?"

"Luc Can Nien brought me here."

"That clinic closed last year."

"But I found out that the person behind it is actually a front company under the Luc Thi Group."

I leaned back on the sofa, looking up at the ceiling. Even the medicine was prescribed by his own people.

"Miss Phuong."

"There's one more thing."

Doctor Chu hesitated.

"Status Your current health..."

"How has your recovery been?"

It was the third day after the surgery. The lower abdomen sometimes still has dull pain.

"The ingredients in that bowl of medicine have caused irreversible damage to the ovaries."

"But you're still young."

"If you still want to..."

"No need."

I interrupted her.

"Thank you, Dr. Chu."

I hung up. Luc Can Nien just came out of the bathroom. One hand holds a hair towel.

"Who called?"

"Best friend."

"Let's go shopping this weekend."

He quietly said "Yes". Then came and sat next to me. He placed my legs on his lap.

"My feet are so cold."

He frowned slightly.

"How many times have I reminded you, remember to wear socks when going to bed."

His hand is very warm. Gently grabbed my ankle. It's been seven years. Every night is the same. He always criticizes my feet for being cold. Always keeps me warm. Always remind me to wear socks to bed. Every detail... It's so real it's scary. So real that... If I hadn't seen the evidence with my own eyes... I absolutely wouldn't believe it was all just an act.

"Cen Nien."

"Do you love me?"

He raised his head to look at me. Then burst out laughing.

"Since when did you become so sentimental?"

He leaned down and gently kissed the corner of my lips.

"The person I love the most in the world."