Chapter 18 — Ex-Wife Reincarnated

"No need." I said, “I can handle it myself.”

“I know you can do it.” He looked at me, "But sometimes, you don't need anything, you have to bear it yourself."

I said nothing, bowed my head and stroked the dog.

"Luc Than Vu is not worthy of you." He suddenly said.

I raised my head. “Why do you say that?”

“He doesn't understand you.” Tham Dinh Uyen said, “Don't understand your good points, don't understand your pride, don't understand that you deserve better things.”

“How do you know?”

“I can see it.” He smiled, "When you drew the design, there was light in your eyes."

I was stunned. “Are you… peeking at me drawing?”

“No peeking.” He said, "Binh An took me over there. He likes the smell of your desk."

“…”

“Your design is very effective.” He continued, “There is a soul.”

My heart skipped a beat. “Do you understand?”

“Understand a little.” He humbly said, “S&L is my company.”

I rolled my eyes. "What?"

“S&L,” he repeated, “I'm the boss.”

“…”

“So,” He smiled, “Miss Aria, happy cooperation.”

I froze, completely bewildered. The cloak fell, fell without time.

“When... did you know?”

“Since the first time I saw your sketch.” He said, “Your drawing, your signature ‘a’, I recognize it.”

I bowed my head, my hands shaking.

“Then why don't you expose me?”

“Why expose it?” He asked back, "Everyone has secrets. You have the right to keep them to yourself."

I looked at him and suddenly wanted to cry. It's not sadness, but... a feeling of being respected. It's been so long since I've had this feeling.

“Thank you.” I said it a third time.

“Thank you again.” He stood up, "Rest early. If you need anything, call me."

He walked to the door and looked back.

“To Van.”

“Yes?”

“You're great.” He said, “Don't let anyone tell you that you're not worthy.”

The door closed gently. I hugged Binh An, and finally, burst into tears. Not collapsing, but being relieved. Outside the window the rain had stopped, the moon was shining, very bright. I lay on the bed, Binh An curled up next to the pillow, wheezing, as if comforting me. I closed my eyes, many images flashed through my mind. Luc Than Vu knelt in the rain, blood flowing under Ly Hieu Vi's body, Tham Dinh Uyen's eyes, and even... that unborn baby. I'm sorry, I love you. But I cannot bring you into this world. I hope you find a better, more peaceful place. In the middle of the night, I heard a knock on the door, very soft, but constant. I'm not open. Outside is Luc Than Vu's voice.

"Van Van... open the door... let's talk..."

"I know you hate me... but I really know my mistake..."

"I can keep Hieu Vi's baby... but I don't need it anymore... I just need you..."

I covered my ears, didn't listen, didn't hear. The knocking on the door stopped, replaced by Tham Dinh Uyen's voice.

“Than Vu, go back to your room.”

"Mr. Uyen, let me see her for a moment..."

“She doesn't want to see you.”

“I beg you…”

"Luc Than Vu," Tham Dinh Uyen's voice was cold, "This is my house."

“I know… but I…”

“One, you go back to your room yourself, two, I call someone to 'invite' you back."

Silence. Then, the sound of footsteps faded away. Tham Dinh Uyen called from outside the door: "It's okay, go to sleep." I lay down on the bed, tears welling up in my eyes. But this time, it's not because of him, it's because of itself I. Finally, I am free.

—

Chapter 9 The next morning, I woke up. Bright sunlight. Binh An was still sleeping next to the pillow, wheezing like a small motor. I lay for another 5 minutes before suddenly remembering what happened last night. Tham Dinh Uyen. S&L. My cover. It fell clean. Go downstairs. Tham Dinh Uyen is having breakfast in the dining room, holding a newspaper. Hearing footsteps, he looked up. "Good morning." "Good morning."