Chapter 8 — Forcing My Mother to Sleep on the Sofa, Do You Think I Will Resist?

She said, this was the happiest time of her life. On a trip to Switzerland, I met a man. His name is Chu Du, he is an architect. Mature, calm, sophisticated and warm. We knew each other because we shared the same perspective on the architecture of an ancient church. You know my past. No judgment. There is only understanding and respect. He treated my mother as well as his own mother. Remember her taste, play chess with her, patiently listen to her tell old stories. My once frozen heart gradually melted. I feel the feeling of being loved and appreciated. At work, the project I was in charge of achieved great success, bringing unprecedented profits to the company. I became a core factor, my reputation in the industry also increased. I began to use my influence to participate in community activities. I created an online support group to help women who have been hurt in their marriages. I told them my story. That financial independence and personality independence are the strongest foundation for a woman. I encourage them to stand up, say "no" to injustice, and live for themselves. I am no longer the Lam Van who used to be patient in marriage. I became the version of myself I wanted to be the most. And as bright as light. At the company's year-end party, I represented outstanding employees on stage to give a speech. Under the bright lights, looking down at hundreds of attentive eyes below, I calmly told my story. No resentment. No hatred. Just a goodbye to the past… and a promise to the future.

“True freedom is not about doing whatever you want.”

“But… the things I don't want, I have the right not to do.”

“True respect is not given by others.”

“But it's up to you to take.”

The whole hall burst into applause. My story, which was later reported by the media, touched many people who were stuck in dead-end lives. That night, after the party ended. Amidst the bright fireworks, Chu Du knelt down in front of me. In his hand is a ring designed by himself. Inside the ring, two initials were engraved — my name and my mother's. He looked at me, his eyes gentle but determined.

“Van Van, I don't want to give you a marriage like a rope.”

“I just want to give you a home — a place with love and respect.”

"Including you, me... and even you."

I looked at him. My eyes were so stinging that I couldn't hold back the tears. I nodded. I agree. But we didn't register our marriage. We choose to be together, as two free people. We love each other. But we love freedom more. Because I understand — The feeling of true security does not come from a certificate. It comes from the strength within yourself. I spend more time on my career and self-improvement. The sharing sessions about independent women that I organize are getting bigger and bigger, reaching more and more people. As for Tran Minh and Ly Thuy Phuong... Completely disappeared from my world. There are only two faint names left. My house is no longer a battlefield of arguments and calculations. It's where the warmest things are kept. Where I am. And there is someone I love. Sunshine through the large glass door, falling onto the hands that Chu Du and I were holding tightly. Falling down to my mother's gentle smile. I no longer live for anyone else. I live — for myself. I used my determination and alertness to tear apart that distorted relationship with my own hands. Give yourself and your mother the most precious thing in return. And respect. I — am the queen of my own life.