Chapter 1 — After the Day You Betrayed, I Found Myself

While cleaning my boyfriend's desk, I accidentally found two photocopies of the marriage certificate. The groom is him. The bride... not me. The day of marriage registration is my birthday. I didn't cry, nor did I make a fuss. Quietly booked an eight-day self-driving trip across the West, turned off location, turned on do not disturb mode, every post on my friends circle was filled with bright smiles. On the eighth day, he texted:

"My mother is hospitalized. Please come and pay the hospital fees."

I smiled and typed each word:

"Let your new wife play the role."

As soon as I finished sending that text message, I knew... The great show had just begun. My boyfriend went to register his marriage with someone else. I didn't cry, nor did I make a fuss. Quietly book a self-driving trip to Xuyen Tay, turn off positioning, and turn on do not disturb mode. For eight days, I wandered among the snowy mountains, gazing at the starry sky. My circle of friends is full of photos with bright smiles. On the evening of the eighth day, he texted:

"Your mother is hospitalized, please pay the hospital fees."

I stared at the screen for a long time, then smiled and answered:

"Let my new wife play."

As soon as I sent that text message, I knew... My revenge had just begun. My name is Tan Nhuoc Tinh, I work as a wedding event organizer at a wedding company in the west of the city. Chu Minh Hien and I have been in love for three years. Chu Minh Hien is a photographer specializing in wedding photography. Bright appearance, sweet speech. When he pursued me, he brought flowers every day. In the second year of our relationship, we started living together. I always believe that both of our feelings are very stable, marriage is just a matter of sooner or later. Chu Minh Hien has told me more than once:

"Wait until I save enough money, I'll take you back to my hometown to meet my parents, then talk about getting married."

Until last month... I accidentally discovered a vellum envelope in his desk drawer. That day was Saturday. Chu Minh Hien said he had to go to the wedding scene to take pictures, while I stayed at the house to clean up. The second drawer on his desk has always been locked. But that day, perhaps because I left too quickly, the key was still left in the lock. I didn't think much about it, I just planned to conveniently arrange the messy bills and papers inside. As soon as I opened the drawer, on top was a stack of photocopied contracts. Sandwiched in the middle is that envelope. The envelope was not sealed at all. I conveniently pulled out the documents inside to look. Those are two copies of the marriage certificate, printed together on one A4 paper. The groom is Chu Minh Hien. In the photo, he is wearing a white shirt and has a familiar gentle smile. As for the bride... I've never met her. Her name is Lam Tu Vu. Marriage registration date... Was three months ago. It's also... My birthday. I held that piece of paper and stood motionless in the office for five minutes. The window is not closed. The October wind blew in, causing the curtains to billow and droop. I clearly hear every beat of my heart. So strong that it felt like there was a drum sound echoing right in my ears. In that moment, countless thoughts flashed through my head. I wanted to rush right up to him and throw the paper right in his face. I want to call his mother and ask how their family raised their son. If you want to gather all his things and throw them out, tell him get as far away as possible. I didn't do anything. I carefully stuffed the paper back into the envelope, locked the drawer as before, and put the key back in its original position. After that, I sat absentmindedly on the sofa for a long time. Until the light outside the window changed from pale white to bright orange, then gradually sank into the gray-blue of sunset. I picked up the phone. Previously, I told Chu Minh Hien that I really wanted to drive to Xuyen Tay. He then smiled and said:

"Wait until I'm done this time, I'll take you there."

Now that I think about it... There's nothing bad about going alone. I chose a classic detour. Departing from Chengdu, passing through Khang Dinh, Tan Do Kieu, Dao Thanh - A Dinh and then returning. Eight days and seven nights journey. Rent a white SUV. Select route. Pay. Confirm booking. The whole process took less than twenty minutes. After finishing everything, I called my best friend To Dao. As soon as the phone was connected, before I could speak, she shouted loudly:

"Nhuoc Tinh, what's wrong with you? Your voice sounds strange. Do you have a cold?"

I said softly.

"Chu Minh Hien registered his marriage with someone else."

The other end of the line was silent for two seconds. Immediately followed by a scream:

"What are you talking about? Who? Marry who?!"

I will briefly tell you everything. To Dao was so angry that he cursed Chu Minh Hien for five minutes straight. From cursing him to cursing his whole family. Finally, he shouted:

"You wait! I'll be right there! The two of us will destroy his house!"

"No need."

I calmly replied.

"I booked a self-driving trip to Xuyen Tay. I'll leave tomorrow morning."

"Are you crazy?"

To Dao is even more frantic.

"Where are you running to at this time? We have to find him to settle the matter!"

"To Dao..."

I spoke softly.

"Give me some time to think."

She was silent for quite a while. In the end, I just sighed softly.

"Okay... but remember to stay safe."

Pausing for a moment, she continued:

"Nhuoc Tinh, no matter what you decide, I will stand by your side."

After hanging up, I started packing my luggage. I don't touch a single thing of Chu Minh Hien's things. I just packed my clothes, toiletries, and phone charger. After nine o'clock in the evening, Chu Minh Hien returned. The person was covered in dust and felt tired as soon as he entered the door. I sat on the sofa scrolling through my phone without looking up.

"There's rice in the kitchen, just heat it up and you can eat it."

He changed his shoes and walked over.