Chapter 13 — From the day I reported losing my card, I started a new life

Message responses are almost immediate.

“Congratulations. A big win.”

"The content of the agreement is very beneficial to you. I'll go with you tomorrow — in case they pull any tricks."

“Thank you.”

That night — I didn't sleep. The next morning, at eight thirty, I met Lam Man in front of the gate of the Department of Civil Affairs. Exactly nine o'clock. The Chu family of three appeared. All three looked wilted like vegetables caught in the dew. Especially Luu Ngoc Mai - just overnight, she felt ten years older. His eyes looked at me full of shyness. There is no longer any stubbornness anymore. The divorce procedure went surprisingly smoothly. When signing, Chu Minh Hien's hand visibly shook. By the time the staff handed the crimson divorce book into my hands — my heart didn't stir. Not excited. Painless. Just a peace after all the dust has settled. A nightmare that lasted for ten years... finally waking up. Step out of the Department of Civil Affairs. The sunlight was so bright it was blinding.

“An Nhien.”

Chu Minh Hien called me. I stopped — but didn't turn around.

“Are we… really over?”

His voice choked. I turned to look at him one last time.

“Chu Minh Hien.”

“Since the day you treated me like an outsider — everything is over.”

"From now on, everyone go their separate ways. Don't bother each other anymore."

Having said that, I didn't look at them again. Walked towards the car with Lam Man. Sitting in the chair, she gave me a tissue. That's when I realized - how long had the tears been falling? Not tears of pain. It's the tears of a farewell to the past... to embrace my life.

“An Nhien, congratulations — you are free.” Lam Man smiled.

I wiped my tears and smiled too.

“Yes… free.”

At that moment, Lam Man's phone rang. She listened to a few sentences, then hung up. Then he turned to me, his eyes carrying a strange look.

“An Nhien, I just received a message.”

“Your investigator, when checking Chu Minh Hien's property... discovered something quite interesting.”

“What?”

I frowned slightly. The corners of Lam Man's lips curled up — a smile full of meaning.

“He has a secret account.”

“For the past two years, every month I have transferred money regularly to a woman.”

“Not too big… but never interrupted.”

“And that woman — perhaps you know it too.”

“Her last name is Lieu.”

“It's my college friend.”

College friends. Lam Man's few words — like a sink bomb exploding in my head. Memories began to rewind at breakneck speed. Among my classmates in the past, there weren't many people with the surname Lieu. Very quickly, a name and a face appeared faintly. The girl always sits quietly in the corner of the classroom. Normal academic performance. Beauty is just called good-looking. Thrown into the crowd — immediately sinks. Is that her? How could it be her? My heart doesn't hurt. The moment he held the divorce papers, all love for Chu Minh Hien went to zero. What I feel... is just a myth. And a bone-chilling cold — of someone who has been deceived for so many years. It turns out my ten-year marriage was more than just a joke. But it's also a scam. Chu Minh Hien's betrayal — didn't start from the day he let his mother steal my card. It has quietly existed for much longer than that. While I plowed like a buffalo and lived like a dog for the so-called "family"... he used my own sweat money to support another woman. Someone... I used to know. I laughed softly. Lam Man looked at me, her eyes slightly worried settle.

“An Nhien, are you okay?”

I shook my head, stopping my laughter. Looking up — my eyes no longer had any warmth. Only the cold fire of retaliation remains.

“It's just… this game suddenly became more interesting.”

Lam Man smiled, as expected.

“I know you're not the type of woman who just cries.”

“Tell me — what do you want to do?”

“I want him to leave empty-handed.”

I speak slowly, each word clearly.

“No… empty hands are still too light.”

"I want him to be ruined, have nothing left, or even be in debt."

Lam Man's eyes lit up.

“This plan… I like it.”

“What do you need me for?”

"Investigate."

My voice was cold as ice.

“Eke out the two of them — every single thing over the past two years.”

“Every remittance.

Each room rental. Every message.”

“I want a complete chain of evidence.”

“I want them to stand in court — there is no escape.”