Chapter 7 — A Stranger's Bride

"Real." – He continued cooking and said – “The first time I saw you at the bar, I felt that you were very special.” “What is special?” “Beautiful. Strong. Independent.” “Just like that?” “And you have very clear eyes.” I didn't know what to say. “Lam Noan Noan.” “Yes?” “I'm really grateful to have met you at the bar that day.” “Me too.” We looked at each other and smiled. At that moment, I felt... We were - truly a couple. 8 On the third day after getting married, I was at work when I received a strange call. "May I ask, is it Ms. Co?" "Yes, it's me. Who's on the line?" "I'm the assistant to general manager Han Da, my last name is Tran." "What's going on?" "It's like this, the general manager has a very important meeting today, he might be late. He told me to call to let you know." Let me know.” “Yes, thank you.” After hanging up the phone, I was still surprised. It turns out that Co Han Da has an assistant. And that assistant even called me "Miss Co"? It sounds strangely solemn. After work, I went home alone. As soon as I opened the door, the house was quiet and empty. It's only been three days, but I'm already used to his presence. I went into the kitchen to prepare to cook. Open the refrigerator, it's full of food inside. Vegetables, meat, seafood... all kinds like a miniature supermarket. I took out a few ingredients and started cooking. Although my skills are not as good as Co Han Da, I still know how to cook basic dishes. After cooking, I sat down and waited for him to come home for dinner. Eight o'clock… nine o'clock… ten o'clock. He still hasn't returned. I started to worry. Call me. “Hello?” - His voice sounded very tired. "Where are you?" "Still at the company. The meeting hasn't finished yet." "Have you eaten anything?" "No." "I cooked for you." "Noan Noan..." - His voice was full of guilt - "Sorry, made you wait so long." "It's okay, just keep working." "I'll try to leave early." "No need to rush, just finish it and go home." "Yes. Wait for me." Hang up, I continued to wait. At eleven o'clock, the door opened. Co Han Da walked in. He looks very tired. The suit was a bit wrinkled and the hair was messy. "Sorry, I kept you waiting so late." – He said guiltily. “It's okay.” - I stood up - "You must be hungry, let me warm up the food." "No need, I can eat a little something." "No. I haven't eaten anything proper all day." I went to the kitchen to reheat the food. And he took off his tie and sat down on the sofa. "Are you tired?" – I asked. “A bit tired.” “What meeting is so important?” “An acquisition.” “Acquiring what company?” “A technology company.” “Is it complicated?” “The other side doesn't want to be acquired.” I brought the food to the table. “Eat.” “Have you eaten yet?” “Okay.” – I lied. Actually, I haven't eaten anything. Still waiting for you. But I don't want you to feel more guilty. Co Han Da started eating. I sat next to him and looked at him. "Your cooking is also very good." – He said. “Not as good as me.” “No, it's really delicious.” “I don't need to be polite.” “I'm not polite.” – He raised his head to look at me – “Noan Noan, thank you.” “Thank you for what?” “Thank you for waiting for me and cooking for me.” “We are husband and wife, that is normal.” “No, not everyone can do it like you.” – He put down his chopsticks – "Many couples don't even care about each other like that." "If they don't care about each other, why get married?" "There are many reasons: benefits, habits, or just because of age." "What do you think we get married for?" "I hope... because of love." My heart started beating fast again. "Love?" "Yes." – He stood up, walked in front of me – “Lam Noan Noan, I think… I love you.” I was dumbfounded. “That fast?” “Love sometimes comes very quickly.” “But… we have only known each other for four days.” “Four days is enough.” – He sat down, eye level with me – “Noan Noan, I know this sounds crazy, but I really love you.” “Why?” – I asked. “Because you are good

kind, thoughtful, beautiful.”“Is that all?”“And because when I'm with you, I feel at peace.”“Peace?”“Yes. It's like… the feeling of coming home.” I looked into his eyes. Sincerely. No lies. "Lam Noan Noan, can you try loving me?" I didn't answer right away. Not because I don't want to. But because… it was so sudden. “I…” “If you're not ready, I can wait.” “That's not it.” – I grabbed his hand – “It's just… I need a little more time.” “Of course.” – He stood up, smiling – “I'm going to take a shower.” “Yes.” He went into the bedroom. I sat at the dining table, feeling confused. Love. Co Han Da said he loved me. What about me? Do I have sympathy for you? Yes. Right from the first meeting. But… is that love? I'm not sure. When I was with Giang Thanh, I never asked myself this. Maybe... that feeling is just familiarity. Now, someone says they love me. And I really have feelings for him. Is this... the beginning of love? After taking a shower, Co Han Da stepped out.