Chapter 26 — I Have Conceded Enough

Luc Tram Le stood rooted to the spot, his eyes showing panic for the first time.

“No.”

“I can prove it.”

“Not necessary.”

“Ta Tri Vi.”

He quickly grabbed my hand.

“Give me another chance.”

I bowed my head. His hand was pressing right against my wrist. That sapphire bracelet has been returned to my mother. That place is empty now.

“Luc Tram Le.”

“Do you know that I had a high fever and had to be hospitalized while abroad?”

He was stunned.

“I don't know.”

“Do you know my contract expired three months ago?”

“I don't know.”

“Do you know when my first independent restoration exhibition opens?”

He did not respond.

"I don't know anything."

“I'm just sure that I'll turn around.”

I withdrew my hand.

“The person you like is not me.”

“As a person, Ta Tri Vi will always choose you.”

“She is no more.”

12

The guests at the wedding dispersed very quickly. The guests filed out. Hua Tinh Mien was taken away by his eldest brother. It cried bitterly. This time, mother did not follow and comfort him. She stood in the middle of the empty ceremony hall, staring at me.

“Tri Vi.”

“Mom, can you come see my exhibition?”

I hesitated for a moment.

“It is a public exhibition.”

“You can buy tickets.”

My mother's tears fell once again. I do not console. Also don't refuse. To Yen Thu is waiting for me outside. Before leaving, I took off the bridesmaid's corsage and placed it on the altar. The key and employee card are still there. I picked up the silver nameplate, wiped away the mud on the edge, and put it in the toolbox. The key and employee card belong to the Ta family. The name on the metal plaque is not. Next to it is the wedding bouquet that Hua Tinh Mien left behind. The white roses were crushed. More than a month ago. She wore my wedding dress and asked if I could give her my fiance. I said “Okay”. Then it took away the bedroom, the position, the gems. I also said "Okay". It turns out that the word "Okay" no matter how many times you say it, it won't satisfy everyone. It only makes the greedy continue to reach out. Until I realized that. I don't care about them anymore.

13

Three months later. My restoration exhibition is officially open. In the middle of the exhibition space are two items. A blue phap brooch that has gone through a sea of fire. And an old carving knife that was broken and then mended again. The burn mark on the brooch was not completely hidden. The crack on the knife is still clearly visible. The introduction to the work is only one sentence.

“Restoration is not about returning to the way things were.”

My mother stood in front of the exhibition glass case for a long time. The eldest brother went with her. He has become much thinner. Seeing me, he no longer used the commanding tone like before. Just say one sentence in a low voice:

“Tri Vi.”

“Yes.”

“The exhibition was very successful.”

“Thank you.”

He was silent for a moment.

“Tinh Mien has left the design room.”

“The project was also suspended.”

“He is receiving psychological treatment.”

I nodded.

“I know.”

“Dad wants to let you go back to the company.”

“I'm not going home.”

“I can guess.”

He smiled bitterly.

“The position of design director is still vacant.”

“Don't leave it blank.”

“Find the right person.”

“No one can replace you me.”

I looked at him.

“I thought so too before.”

“Assumed that Hua Tinh Mien replaced me.”

“I discovered it later.”

“People don't need to become irreplaceable in anyone's eyes.”

“As long as you don't have it taken away in your own life, that's enough.”

The eldest brother's eyes were red.

“I'm sorry.”

This is the first time he said this. Very light. Also very late. But I heard it.

“Yes.”

He didn't seem to expect me to answer like that.

“Don't you forgive me?”