Chapter 17 — CEO Phong, Stop Chasing Her—She Already Has a Marriage Certificate

Chính Nguyên began to change in a completely different way from his initial clumsy efforts. Instead of just trying to prove it with superficial romantic gestures, he quietly rearranged his entire work schedule, assigned some responsibilities to senior executives to have more time for his family, and officially cut off Uyển Thi's financial support completely, clearly informing her that their relationship, in any form, needed to end.

He also took the time to learn more deeply about the fashion industry, about what Nhã Kỳ is building with "NK Atelier", not to interfere or control, but to truly understand and appreciate his wife's passion - something he has never taken the time to do in the past seven years.

He also began to proactively participate more in taking care of Bảo Nhiên, personally taking his child to school on days when his work schedule was not too busy, patiently listening to his child tell about trivial things at school that he used to only listen to briefly before returning to work. He learned how to cook a few simple dishes that his daughter liked, and how to patiently sit and color with his daughter for hours instead of just looking at the clock waiting for it to be time to return to the office like before.

Mrs. Ngọc Hân, observing these changes in her son, could not hide her satisfaction, although she still maintained a cautious attitude, not wanting to rush to judge whether this change was truly sustainable or just a temporary reaction to the risk of losing her family. "I'm glad you realized the problem, Chính Nguyên," she said at dinner. "But remember, Nhã Kỳ has been waiting for me to change for seven years. Now it's your turn to learn how to patiently wait for her to trust again, not to be impatient."

One afternoon, he came to Nhã Kỳ's small design studio, brought a cup of her favorite hot tea, stood at the door and observed her concentrating on her work, not daring to disturb her until she looked up and noticed his presence.

"What are you doing here?" Nhã Kỳ asked, her voice was no longer as harsh as the first time, but still kept a certain distance.

"I just want to watch you work," Chính Nguyên replied, placing the cup of tea on the table next to her. "I read some documents about the fashion industry, about the difficulties of independent brands competing with large corporations. I think, what you are doing is really admirable."

Nhã Kỳ looked at him for a long time, trying to evaluate whether this was just a new trick to please her or not. "You don't have to do that, Chính Nguyên. I don't need you to understand my work to prove anything."

"I know," he replied, his voice sincere. "But I want to understand, not because I need to prove anything to you, but because I realize, this is the first time in seven years that I'm truly curious, truly want to know about an important part of you. I'm sorry it took me so long to realize this."

Nhã Kỳ was silent, not responding immediately. She had heard too many apologies from Chính Nguyên in the past few months, and even though she realized that his efforts seemed more sincere, she was still not ready to completely trust, to open her heart to a change that she could not be sure would be sustainable in the long run or just a temporary bout of emotion at the risk of loss.

"I need more time, Chính Nguyên," she said, her voice softer but still firm. "It's not because I don't recognize your efforts, but because I've learned an important lesson: words and temporary efforts are not enough to rebuild broken trust. I need to see that change sustained over time, not just in a few weeks or months." Chính Nguyên nodded, accepting that answer even though he felt disappointed. "I understand. I won't rush you. I just hope you give me a chance to prove it, no matter how long it takes."

He looked around the small design studio, his eyes stopped at the corner of the wall where Nhã Kỳ hung sketches for the upcoming collection, preparing for the show at Fashion Week. "Your show is coming up, right? Can you come and watch it, just as a normal audience member, no need to introduce yourself as my husband if you don't want to."

Nhã Kỳ was a bit surprised by that proposal, but she did not immediately refuse. "I'll think about it," she replied, her voice still distant but no longer as harsh as before. "This is the most important show in my career so far. I need to concentrate wholeheartedly, I don't want any more emotional turmoil."

"I understand." Chính Nguyên nodded. "Whatever you decide, I will respect it."

He left the design studio, leaving Nhã Kỳ sitting alone with a cold cup of tea, her heart filled with complicated emotions. She does not deny that Chính Nguyên's recent efforts are somewhat different from before - more sincere, more patient, no longer hasty formality like the first days after she filed for divorce. But the trauma she carried from that night in Singapore was still too deep, too fresh, for her to easily let go of all caution.

That afternoon, Nhã Kỳ called Tống Khải Minh, a private investigator introduced by a lawyer friend, who has extensive experience in handling cases related to finances and complex personal relationships in the business world.

"I want to ask you to investigate further about a person named Diệp Uyển Thi," Nhã Kỳ spoke on the phone, her voice was calm but decisive. "I have no intention of using this information to unfairly harm anyone. I just need to know the truth, to protect my daughter and my legitimate rights, especially in the context that I am about to have an important fashion show."

She considered very carefully before deciding to call Tống Khải Minh. At first, she thought she was strong enough to move on without worrying about Uyển Thi, considering that woman as a part of the past that ended with her old marriage. But the premonition of a woman who had been deeply hurt told her that Uyển Thi would not give up easily, especially when she realized that Chính Nguyên was gradually turning towards Nhã Kỳ. She needed to prepare in advance, not to attack anyone, but to protect herself and what she was building from unexpected attacks that can happen at any time.

Tống Khải Minh, after briefly listening to the situation, agreed to take on the case. "I will begin an investigation immediately. Based on my experience, cases with complicated financial calculations like this usually do not simply stop at a normal romantic relationship. I will report back to you as soon as I have specific information."

Nhã Kỳ hung up the phone and looked out the design studio window, where the sunset was gradually falling over the city. She's not sure what she's preparing for — a truth that will help her peacefully put the past behind her, or a battle that she, even though she doesn't want to, is forced to face to protect what she's worked so hard to rebuild from the ruins of her old marriage.

A few days later, Tống Khải Minh called to report the first findings. "Miss Nhã Kỳ, I have found some noteworthy information. Ms. Diệp Uyển Thi is currently having a close cooperative relationship with a writer specializing in fashion writing at an online newspaper with a large readership. In addition, there are signs that she is preparing some kind of media plan, although I have not yet determined the specific content. I will continue to follow closely in the coming days, especially near your show."

"Thank you," Nhã Kỳ replied, her voice lowered. "Please continue, and let me know as soon as you have any more specific information, no matter how small."

"Don't worry, I will work discreetly, not revealing any traces that could make the other person wary," Khải Minh added, his voice filled with the confidence of an experienced person. "I will also try to collect enough legally valid evidence, in case you need to use it in the future, not just stopping at speculative information."

She put down the phone and looked out at the small yard in front of the design studio, where the late afternoon sunlight dyed the trees yellow. She felt something was silently forming, a storm that may come at the most important moment in her career. But instead of panicking, Nhã Kỳ felt she needed to prepare more carefully than ever, so that no one could easily destroy what she had worked so hard to rebuild from scratch.