Chapter 11 — After the Day You Betrayed, I Found Myself

General Director Ngo kept his promise. I officially became a partner of the company. Holds 6% shares. The date the contract was signed. He looked at me and said:

"Nhuoc Tinh."

"You haven't wasted the past three years."

"But you'll understand..."

"Today..."

"That's your real starting point."

I remember that saying. To Dao took me out to celebrate. The two of us drank some wine. She talks more than usual. Repeating enough old stories. Reminds me of when I first joined the company. Dare to argue with customers right in the meeting. Reminds me of the first time I took on a big project. Three days and three nights with almost no sleep. Then I mentioned the time I loved Chu Minh Hien.

"I've known for a long time."

To Dao placed the wine glass firmly on the table.

"He doesn't deserve you."

"I wasn't comfortable talking back then."

"But in my heart..."

"I always thought so."

"His vision is too small."

"Can't contain you."

I took a sip of wine. No objections. Not denying it either. To Dao looked at me. Eyes sparkling.

"But you know what I admire the most?"

"It's not about you becoming partners."

"Eight days in Xuyen Tay."

"Eight days?"

I laughed.

"Those eight days."

"If it were me..."

"The day I found out, I collapsed."

"I can't even walk out the door."

"And you..."

"Let's drive again to see the snowy mountains."

I bowed my head and looked at the glass of wine in my hand. Smiling softly.

"At that time..."

"I just thought of one thing."

"We can't leave it to him..."

"Ruining the sights I've always wanted to see."

To Dao tilted her head. Blink blink.

"That's all?"

I nodded.

"That's all."

Stop for a moment. I said slowly:

"He..."

"Not worthy..."

"For me to suffer so much."

To Dao was stunned. Two seconds later. She quickly covered her mouth with her hand. Red eyes. The voice was also choked.

"Tan Nhuoc Tinh..."

"Really good."

I smiled. Drink a glass of wine. Then fill her glass.

"For ourselves."

The two glasses gently touched each other. A clear "ding" sound rang out. Then gradually disappeared in the small room. Outside the window... The city has fallen into night. The light is still on. The line of cars continues to flow endlessly. They are all continuing to move forward. The stories that followed... If told, they would only be fragmentary memories. The marriage between Lam Tu Vu and Chu Minh Hien... In less than a year, it broke up. One day, To Dao sent me a screenshot. It was a post on a mutual friend's friend circle. There is only one sentence:

"Finally, everyone went their separate ways. It was worth it."

I glanced over. Only left two words to To Dao:

"I know."

To Dao immediately replied:

"Is that all your reaction?"

"And what other reaction?"

"I predicted it a long time ago."

A marriage built on lies... From the beginning there was no foundation to survive. It could last almost a year... It's been longer than I thought. Does Chu Minh Hien still contact me? Just once. He sent exactly three words.

"Are you okay?"

I answer in two words. There's nothing left. Someone once asked me:

"Do you still hate him?"

I thought for a long time. Finally answered:

"No regrets."

"But also not forgiving."

Those two things... Are not contradictory. I don't regret. He was no longer worthy of any more of my emotions. If you don't forgive... It's because there are hurts. Can't point use a simple "Sorry." It can be erased. After that annual party... I began to enter a larger market. Full authority given by General Director Ngo. The company officially expanded to the national market. I followed working groups everywhere. More than ten cities. Meet all types of customers. Negotiate one project after another. I flew nearly 200 flights. To Dao smiled and said:

"You're about to become a flight attendant."

I also laughed.

"No problem."

"I like the feeling of standing in a very high place."

Last day of the year. I sat alone on the flight back home. Outside the window... Is the deep black night sky. Below the clouds. The city lights sparkle like stars. I leaned my head against the plane window. Suddenly remembered... That copy of the marriage certificate. It's Chu Minh Hien. It's Lam Tu Vu. Marriage registration day... It's my birthday. That same day... I turned off the location. Turn off all his notifications. Pack your luggage. That night... He returned. Hug me. Still calling me in two words: I just smile. Say nothing. In my heart. That door... Quietly closed a long time ago.