Chapter 8 — Husband's Will

From that day on, Ky Le Chu never left. On the contrary, every day he appears around the area where Tai and I live, or hangs around the small stores that my mother and I often visit. But he didn't come close, just quietly watched from afar. As soon as I saw his shadow, I immediately carried Tai Tai back home and locked the door. That happened over and over again for a month. Maybe... he finally understood, that I really wanted to be clear. One morning, when I opened the door to get food delivered, I discovered a file bag placed neatly on the doorstep. I cautiously looked around, then bent down and opened it— Inside was the signed divorce agreement, along with all the property transfer documents. He transferred most of the assets, real estate, shares in his name — to me. There's even a bride price attached. It's funny... The things I once begged for in desperation, and hoped to receive on my wedding day, now gently fall into my hands, when it's all over. I turned to the back pages— There was also a notarized copy of the child's custody relinquishment. And a handwritten letter. His handwriting is still as neat as ever, the pen ink has a few spots — as if water had dripped on it. 【Sorry, Tinh Ngu. When I heard the news of your death, I suddenly realized - My feelings for you were never gratitude or exploitation as I once imagined. But... for a long time, I loved you, I just wasn't brave enough to admit it. During the time without you, I suffered to the extreme. And from then on, I realized how deeply I had hurt you. When I see you and your child living peacefully, I honestly feel relieved. I'm sorry I didn't give you a bride price that year, I'll make it up to you now. I never knew how to love someone. It was you who taught me that. Now, I can say responsibly: I love you.】 【All documents have been notarized. This is what you deserve. Hopefully from now on, I no longer have to struggle to make a living, and I no longer have to struggle for anyone. He will no longer appear in front of mother and child. I'm sorry.

— Celebration Zhou】

I clutched the file bag in my hand. A warm stream of water quietly flowed through the eye sockets... not sure if it was relief, or just regret. It's late, Ky Le Chu. Love comes late, it can be forgiven. But this heart can no longer return. Inside the letter, there was also a photo. It's a photo taken secretly on the wedding day—the moment Ky Le Chu and I stood next to each other. His eyes at that time were... gentle, affectionate, as if there was no one else in his eyes but me. As for me, holding a glass of wine in my hand, smiling brightly as I talked to the person next to me. A natural moment captured— But when I look at it, I find it as strange as a story from a century ago. I turned the photo over. There was a small line neatly written: 【Perhaps our love... is only a span of time apart.】 I quietly folded the photo, then threw both it and the letter into the trash. But the rest of the documents—I still have them with me. Not because I forgave him. But because... that money is what I deserve. Is what I should receive, to give At At a better life, a better education, a stronger future. Clause That property is enough for my child to stumble, trial and error as many times as he wants. As for me - I will always be the one standing behind you, extending my hand to support you. As for Ky Le Chu... I raised my hand to touch my chest—the place where pain and torment had been countless because of him. Now—finally, no more pain. Not long after that, Ky Le Chu returned to Hai Thanh and stabilized the chaotic situation in the company. I heard... he changed a lot. Become quieter and more serious. No one sees him at lavish parties anymore. I thought he would marry Quan Thuan Nguyet. But it seems... that's not happening. It is said that she went abroad, and since then there has been no news. A few years later, the official account of Ky Thi Group suddenly posted news—Ky Le Chu was sick. He withdrew from his executive position, turned the company over to a professional CEO, and then retired into seclusion. When I read that news, my heart was completely calm. It's like watching a news story that has nothing to do with me. Memories that were so painful and engraved in my heart... In the end, they were eroded by time and turned into dust.