Chapter 15 — Hundred Million in Exchange for Freedom

The eldest brother yawned in his nanny's arms. The second brother kicked his foot on Ha Lo's hand. The youngest girl slept obediently, her hands clenched next to her mouth. Tran Dien's throat slid up and down vigorously. He opened his mouth. It took me a long time to come up with one sentence:

“To Duong... can I hug you for a bit?”

His voice was hoarse. The cracking of his voice was like rubbing against a dry river bed. I looked at him. I've been looking at this face for 3 years. Handsome, cold, arrogant. Right now, under the March sunlight, in those originally cold and emotionless eyes, there was a thin layer of water vapor. Very strange. During the past 3 years I have never seen this expression on his face. If a year ago — no, just half a year ago — seeing his appearance like this, maybe I would have softened my heart. But now —

“No way.”

My voice is calm. His hand stiffened in midair. Luu Thuy Lan took a step forward: "To Duong, don't be too harsh! Those are the nephews and nieces of the Tran family -"

“Mrs. Liu.” I didn't even look at her, just looked at Tran Dien, "The agreement is written very clearly, custody rights belong to me. Your lawyer has also confirmed, you have no chance of winning."

I stood up. The nanny was very cooperative in pushing the stroller out, three small cradles lined up horizontally. I gently and firmly placed each child in the crib. Then stood up straight and looked at Tran Dien one last time.

“Tran Dien, I'm telling you for the last time.”

"You have your new life, I have my new life. The only link between us - the divorce agreement - has been executed. You give me the money, I sign the papers, the child belongs to me. Money in hand."

"If you still come to meddle - you come once, I will post the recording of you scolding your child for being a 'burden' online once. Your business can withstand several storms of public opinion, you can consider it yourself."

His face was as white as paper. Luu Thuy Lan's lips trembled. I bowed my head and smiled at the three little angels in the cradle.

“Let's go, honey. I'll take you home.”

The cart wheel rolled over the brick lining in front of the hospital gate, making a gentle sound. The sunlight was warm on my face. Behind, there was the sound of Luu Thuy Lan's cries and Tran Dien's silence. I didn't turn back. Even just one step. Ha Lo walked next to him and whispered: "You were so cool just now."

“I'm inherently cool.”

She couldn't help but laugh out loud. I also laughed. In the cart, the eldest brother suddenly snorted, his tiny hand reaching out as if he wanted to reach for something. I held out my finger, and the boy immediately grabbed it. The fingers were tiny but incredibly strong, gripping so tightly that my fingertips turned white. Bending down to look at my child's wrinkled face, my nose suddenly stung. Not because of sadness. It's a very mixed feeling, very full, to the point of overflowing. Three years. Since the day I married into the Tran family, I have been waiting. Wait for Tran Dien to look at me. Wait for Luu Thuy Lan to say something kind to me. Waiting for that family to give me some warmth. Waiting 3 years, waiting for nothing. 3,000 yuan in living expenses, countless bowls of bitter medicine, and a husband who never comes home. Now — I don't have to wait anymore. I have myself. There are three small beings holding my fingers tightly and not letting go. I have money and can't spend it all. There is freedom. Enough. It's really enough. The car The nanny parked on the side of the road, and the nanny helped me arrange three cradles into the car. I looked towards the hospital one last time. Tran Dien was still standing there. Don't chase. Don't call. Just stand still. Like a piece of wood with all its tendons stripped out. Luu Thuy Lan sat slumped on the ground, piles of expensive newborn baby items lying everywhere with no one to pick them up. The wind blew a pink leg wrap to the edge of the road. I withdrew my gaze and got into the car.