Chapter 18 — From the day I reported losing my card, I started a new life

My voice was calm as if I was reading a verdict. Because there are lives — only after clearing the rubble, is there enough room for light to enter.

“I mean the things belonging to the three of them — her and her mother and Chou Kha Han's room.”

The workers started working. Throughout the whole process, the three Chu family members just stood there watching. The eyes were empty, lifeless — like three shadows that had just been stripped of everything. No more screaming and crying. No more cursing. There was only dead silence. I know — they were really scared. All the tricks that were used against me... are now ineffective. When the last box was carried out the door, the house suddenly felt much larger. Also brighter. I looked at them.

“Now it's your turn.”

The three people looked at each other. In the end, Luu Ngoc Mai was the first to stand up. She didn't look at me, nor did she look at Chu Minh Hien. Just bent over, quietly like an old shadow... walked out of this door. Chu Kha Han followed right behind. Before going out, she turned her head and glared at me full of resentment — Her eyes seemed to say: Just wait. I shrugged. Want to play? I'm always ready. The last person left — is Chu Minh Hien. He stood still, not moving. Look at the empty house. Tears fell silently.

“An Nhien…”

His voice was hoarse.

“I… am sorry for you.”

“This sentence — you should have said it ten years ago.”

I calmly looked at him.

“Or best… never say.”

“Because now — it doesn't matter anymore.”

“I'm leaving.”

He looked at me deeply — one last time. Then turned around and dragged his heavy feet out. The door closed softly behind him. I stood in the middle of the living room, listening to their footsteps fade away in the hallway... Until they completely disappeared. I took out my phone and called the pre-arranged number.

“The locksmith can come up.”

Half an hour later, I had a brand new set of keys in my hand. I used the new key to open the door. Then use it to lock it from the inside. Crispy sound. So soothing to the ears — like the most beautiful music in the world. I plopped down on the sofa. Look at the large house — the house that belongs to me alone. Tears... finally flowed out. I cried for a long time. Cry for dead love. Crying for ten years of youth to raise a dog. Crying for the naive, foolish version of myself that day. After crying, I wiped my tears. Everything — must end cleanly. I entered the bedroom that used to belong to two people. Open the wardrobe. Take out each of Chu Minh Hien's items. Stuff them all into the prepared black trash bags. Even the sweater I stayed up all night knitting for him... Without the slightest hesitation. All — in the trash bag. Go to the office. Books used for coloring. Some cheap collectibles. I'm like a tireless cleaner — determined to erase every trace of him from this house. Finally, I walked out into the living room. On the wall still hangs a large wedding photo. In the photo, I smile brightly. He is also stylish and bright. We leaned on each other — looking so happy. I looked at the photo for a long time. Then pull the chair back. Take it down yourself. Place the photo face down on the floor. I lifted my foot. The ten-centimeter high heel hit hard. Glass shattered. That false illusion of happiness — finally crumbled under my feet. I stepped down from the chair. Look at the scattered debris on the floor. And smile. Hua An Nhien — Welcome home.