Chapter 10 — By the time he regretted it, I had stopped looking back

Hua Nhuoc Tinh's lips trembled. The hand tightened the bag strap. Finger joints turn white.

"He..."

"He never told me these things."

"Of course not."

I used a napkin to gently wipe the corners of my lips.

"He just told you that..."

"'Duong Duong is so disruptive, we need to let her calm down.'"

"Isn't that right?"

Hua Nhuoc Tinh took a step back. Her eye rims became redder. But she didn't cry. Just stare at me. The lips moved a few times. Finally... She turned around and left. The sound of high heels tapping on the marble floor became faster and faster. More and more urgently. Like... Running away. I followed her back until she disappeared completely behind the restaurant door. Then bow your head. Continue eating your breakfast. The croissant crust is baked very crispy. Take a bite. A crisp sound rang out. Three hours after Hua Nhuoc Tinh left. Tham Yen Bach arrived. At that time I was jogging in the hotel gym. The number on the treadmill shows 4.8 km. An old song is playing in the headphones. Then from the big mirror opposite the machine... I saw him. He stood at the door of the gym. Don't wear a jacket. Just wear a black turtleneck sweater and dark pants. His face was even worse than five days ago. Cheekbones became more prominent, lips slightly chapped. He must have just come in from outside, the tip of his nose and ears were both cold and red. I don't stop. Still keep running. He also didn't move. Just standing at the door like that, quietly watching me run. I pressed the deceleration button. The speed gradually slows down. From running to walking fast. Then from walking quickly to walking. Finally stopped completely. I picked up a towel to wipe the sweat from my neck and took off my headphones. Then turn around. Face him.

"How did you find your way here?"

His voice was very hoarse.

"Nhuoc Tinh told me."

Hua Nhuoc Tinh. When she came to find me, she must have seen the name of this hotel. Then go back and tell Tham Yen Bach. The corners of my lips curled slightly.

"You let your wife help you find your ex-girlfriend?"

His throat moved slightly.

"She came on her own."

"I do not know."

I draped the towel over my shoulder, picked up the water bottle and took a sip.

"So what did you come here for?"

"I came to talk to you."

"I told you last time."

"That time doesn't count."

He took two steps forward.

"That time I had a lawyer by my side."

"You talk to me with Chinh Hang's identity."

"It's not you and me."

"There's nothing to talk about between you and me."

He took another step. The light in the gym shined on his face, making the dark circles under his eyes clearly visible.

"Khuong Duong."

"Tell me."

"Who are you anyway?"

I looked at him. His eyes are dark brown. Under the light, there was a flicker of amber light. For four years. Those eyes have looked at me countless times. But mostly... Just an indifferent glance. It's like looking at a piece of furniture. A very familiar item. Will not disappear. No need to appreciate it. And now... There was an emotion in those eyes that I had never seen before. The regret was almost about to overflow.

"Who am I..."

"Is it so important?"

"Important."

"Why is it important?"

"Because I have Chinh Hang's shares?"

"Or because I could get your company delisted list?"

"It's not..."

"Then why?"

His hands were clenched into fists. Then let go. Tighten again.

"Because..."

"I'm sorry for you."

Fall down in a quiet gym. Like a stone thrown into the water. Missed a beat. Just one beat. Then quickly returned to normal.

"What's wrong?"

My voice is still very calm.

"Is it your fault for locking me up?"

"Or is it your fault for treating me like an invisible person for the past four years?"

He did not speak. I continue.

"Shen Yen Bach."

"You know what's the most ironic thing?"

"Today you came to find me..."

"Not because you love me."

"But because I found out..."

"I have value."

"If I were just an ordinary ex-girlfriend, with no background, no identity..."

"I'll never fly to Zurich."

"After the wedding is over, just ask your assistant to send me some money."

"One million?"

"Two million?"

"Use that money to buy off four years of my youth."

"Forget me."

"Is it true?"

His face immediately turned white. Lips moved slightly. But no sound came out. I walked past him. When passing by. The distance between my shoulder and his arm was less than ten centimeters. I can still smell his scent. The smell of fir. And cigarettes. Four years have passed... It's still the same scent. There was a time when... I absolutely loved that scent. But now I smell it again... There's no longer any feeling. I walked to the door.

"Don't come again."

I didn't turn back.

"Next time if you come..."

"I will apply for a restraining order."

I pushed the door. Step out into the hallway. The hallway is very long. My high heels walked on the carpet, without making any noise. Walking to the elevator door, I reached out and pressed the up button. The numbers on the screen keep changing. I bowed my head and looked at my hands. Not trembling at all. The elevator door opens. I walked in.