Chapter 17 — I Have Conceded Enough

Hua Tinh Mien stood in front of the mirror, wearing a bracelet made of blue sapphire on her wrist. The broken stone is now divided in half. Half belongs to it. The other half is in a box, waiting for me. Below the photo, my mother texted:

“Tinh Mien hopes to receive your blessings.”

“Tri Vi, don't let mom down again this time.”

I stared for a long time. Then turn off the screen. To Yen Thu asked:

“What's wrong?”

“Nothing.”

I carried the toolbox and walked towards the restoration table. There are twenty-seven days left until the wedding. Enough for me to finish repairing the brooch. It was enough for them to clean up the last of my things that were left at the Ta family's house.

9

The day before the wedding, I returned to the Ta family. Aunt Tran opened the door. Seeing me, she had a happy look on her face and glanced at the empty storage box in my hand.

"Miss, will you come back to live now?"

"I'll go get my things."

The joy on her face faded.

“The lady is upstairs with the second lady trying on jewelry.”

“Do you need me to call her?”

“No need.”

I went straight upstairs. The living room is filled with wedding preparations. Fresh flowers, champagne towers, wedding invitations, and even gifts with the names of Hua Tinh Mien and Luc Tram Le printed on them. The wedding design, which originally belonged to me, has been altered beyond recognition. The silver cinnamon flower pattern that I drew was changed to the white rose that Hua Tinh Mien liked. The dark blue velvet gift box I chose was also changed to a pastel pink color. That's good too. At least this wedding no longer has anything to do with me. Up on the second floor, the door to my old room was wide open. Outside the door hangs a new sign.

“Tinh Mien's wedding room.”

The words were written by my mother. I looked for two seconds, then walked inside. The room has completely changed. The curtains changed to light pink. The wall is covered with wedding photos. My desk that used to be here has been moved to the corner, and it's piled high with makeup and jewelry boxes. Hua Tinh Mien is sitting in front of the mirror trying on a bracelet. The sapphire was broken and divided into two halves, attached to two thin wires. A string hung on its arm. The remaining yarn is placed in the box. His mother stood behind him, helping him adjust his veil. The eldest brother sat by the window and made a phone call. Luc Tram Le was also there. He leaned against the bookshelf, his expression cold. When I pushed the door open, everyone looked over at the same time. Hua Tinh Mien immediately stood up.

“Sister.”

“Finally, I'm home.”

It looks very cheerful.

“You know right away, I will never really ignore you.”

I don't pay attention to it. Go straight to the corner, pull out the desk drawer. Empty. I opened the second compartment again. Still empty. The restoration tools left behind by my grandmother were nowhere to be found.

“Where are my tools?”

The smile on Hua Tinh Mien's face disappeared. Mother explains:

“The photographer said that jewelry design tools have great commemorative meaning.”

“Today Tinh Mien wants to take a set of photos of the wedding preparation process.”

“Mom told someone to take it out and arrange it.”

“Where are you?”

“Under the photo studio on the first floor.”

I turned around and walked straight. Hua Tinh Mien quickly chased after him.

“Sister, the photo will be taken later.”

“Now that you take it away, the props won't be complete anymore.”

“That's my stuff.”

“I know.”

It pulled my arm.

“Just borrow it for a while come on.”

“I'll pay you back after the wedding tomorrow.”

I looked down at his hand. It slowly let go.

“Sister, don't be angry.”

“I'm not angry.”

"Then wait until the photo is finished before taking it, is that okay?"

“No way.”

I went straight downstairs. Photo studio temporarily set up in a flower greenhouse. Several staff members were busy setting up the scene. The old wooden box that was stored under the desk was pulled out, the lid wide open. Tweezers, magnifying glasses, carving knives, files... were scattered on the white table top.