Chapter 7 — Half a month in Paris with Bach Nguyet Quang, he lost his wife and daughter

“Actually, I really admire her.”

“A woman takes care of her children, fights illness, and has to save herself.”

“Not everyone can do it.”

“Luckily she's strong enough.”

“If not…”

The doctor paused for a few seconds. Then continue talking.

“If not, she would have collapsed a long time ago.”

It was like a thunderclap exploded in my head. Chau Duat An sat motionless. The hand placed on the knee was clenched until it turned white. For the first time in my life. He clearly felt what regret was. Not an uncomfortable feeling. Not insecure. But real regret. Regret for missing out. Regret for hurting you. Regret because until today I didn't know how much that woman had suffered. When walking out of the clinic. It was dark. The night wind blew. Cold to the bone. The phone in my pocket vibrated. It's a photo the assistant just sent. Photo taken from the villa camera the day Tong Tu left. In the picture. Woman holding newborn baby. The face is much thinner. But his eyes were calm and terrifying. She never turned around. Not at all attached. Just step by step leave that place. It was like leaving a prison that had imprisoned me for so long. Chau Duat An looked at the photo for a long time. Until the screen goes dark. He just said one sentence in a hoarse voice. As if talking to myself.

“Just how much have I missed you?”

To Van felt that something was gradually getting out of control. Chau Duat An's change began when he returned from Paris. At first she thought it was just because Tong Tu left. After all, they have been husband and wife for many years. Some fluctuation is normal. But over time. She discovered things were not that simple. Chau Duat An no longer actively looked for her. No more texting goodnight. No more asking every day. Even appointments that had been scheduled in advance were constantly being cancelled. It was like suddenly there was an invisible wall erected between the two of them. That evening. To Van took the initiative to go to the company to find him. The top floor of Chau Thi Group is still lit. When she pushed the door open. Chau Duat An is sitting in front of his desk. In front of him is a thick stack of documents. Heard noise. He just raised his head to look.

“You're not back yet?”

“There's still some work left.”

To Van put the box of cakes on the table. Smile gently as always.

“I passed by the bakery you like so I bought you some.”

The voice was so polite that the smile on her lips stopped. Chau Duat An will not be like that. He was always gentle with her. Always care about her every feeling. Even if she just frowned slightly. You will also notice. But now. His attention seemed to be elsewhere. To Van looked at the documents on the table. His eyes suddenly stopped. On the cover there is a name. Her heart suddenly sank.

“Are you still looking for her?”

Chau Duat An did not deny it.

“It's been more than a month.”

“Tong Tu is just angry.”

"Not."

The answer was too quick. So fast that even Chau Duat An was stunned. To Van felt even more uneasy.

“Why are you so sure?”

The man in front was silent. After a while he said:

“Because she was angry many times before.”

“But this time is different.”

“What's different?”

Chau Duat An looked out the window. His eyes gradually became distant.

“This time her no longer need me.”

The atmosphere in the room immediately fell silent. To Van clenched her fingers. Nails dug deep into palms. From small to large. She always knew she was special to Chau Duat An. He likes her. Waiting for her for many years. Even when he got married. She still believes that the person in his heart is her. But now. That man is losing his soul because of another woman. That feeling made her unable to accept it. Chau Duat An suddenly spoke up.

“I asked you something.”

“Day in Paris.”

“Do you know that Tong Tu just gave birth?”

To Van's whole body stiffened. But just in the blink of an eye. She has recovered her composure.

“Since when do you know?”

“At birth.”

Chau Duat An looked at her. His eyes gradually became sharp.

“So did you know that she had a high fever that night?”

To Van said nothing. Silence is the answer. In that moment. Chau Duat An felt his heart cold.

“Answer me.”

Low voice. Bringing unprecedented pressure. To Van bit her lip.

“But I don't think it's that serious.”