Chapter 10 — I Locked the Kitchen Door, Locked That Marriage

My mother stopped for a moment.

“She also said that I secretly hid my own money.”

“Hide it from your husband's family.”

“Daughter… tell me the truth.”

“Are you being bullied?”

I clenched the phone in my hand.

“She made me stand in the kitchen and eat leftovers.”

“Every meal I have to wait for the whole family to finish eating before I can eat cold rice.”

“Does Co Vien know?”

“He said he would talk to mom another day.”

“Talking for three days.”

“But I never opened my mouth to help you with a single sentence.”

The other end of the line was silent for a long time. When mother spoke again, her voice was a bit choked.

“You did the right thing.”

“Go home.”

“Mom, I'm not going home.”

“I have my own house.”

“Are… are you home?”

“I bought it two years ago.”

“Never told my mother.”

There was another very long silence.

“Girl…”

“This girl…”

“In the end, how many more things do you keep hidden from your mother?”

My throat was a little tight.

"Wait until my divorce is over, I'll welcome mom to stay for a few days."

“No need for me to pick you up.”

“Mom came by herself.”

"At that time, don't blame your mother for being annoying."

I laughed softly.

“No complaints.”

After hanging up the phone, I stood by the window for a long time. The street lights outside radiate warm yellow light. Downstairs someone is walking a dog. The small bell on the necklace jingled every time. I looked outside for a moment then returned to my desk. Open the documents of branch number three to see. Turn each page. Put down your pen. Then pick up the phone. Co Vien sent three more messages. The last news is:

"My mother told me to tell you, if you don't come back, don't blame her for being rude."

I looked at the screen for two seconds. Then delete the entire chat. Day three. Early in the morning, as soon as I opened my eyes, sunlight penetrated through the curtains and fell onto the floor in a long streak of light. I lie in my own bed. No alarm bells. There was no one standing outside the door calling:

“Remember to cook the porridge a little softer.”

I just woke up at eight o'clock in the morning. Make yourself a sandwich. After eating, clean up the dishes. At nine o'clock, the phone rang. I picked up the phone.

“Hello, may I ask if you are Ms. Lam So Ha?”

“I am Co Vien's colleague, surnamed Chu.”

“I have something to tell you.”

“You say it.”

“This morning your mother-in-law brought a few relatives to Co Vien company.”

“Come for what?”

"Rebel."

The man surnamed Chu paused for a moment and then continued:

“She was standing right at the reception desk screaming loudly.”

“Tell your daughter-in-law to leave home and force Co Vien to bring her home immediately.”

“The whole company knows about it.”

“How did Co Vien react?”

“His face is pale.”

“Drag your mother into the hallway to have a fight.”

“But in the end… it was still his mother who won.”

“His mother told him not to go to work today, but to go home and 'solve family matters'.”

“He obeyed?”

“I even asked my superiors for a leave of absence and then took my mother home.”

I leaned back in the chair.

“Thank you for telling me.”

"Nothing."

“Miss Lam, there are a few words I don't know if I should say them or not.”

“Just say it.”

“You should divorce soon.”

“That house… is not good.”

I hung up. Ten minutes later, Co Vien's phone call came. I hesitated for a few seconds. Finally picked up the phone.

"Sister Ha! Where are you?"

“At my house.”

“What is your house?”

“My family is the Co family!”

“You got married and forgot?”

“I have already sent the divorce agreement.”

“Tomorrow will come.”

“You just need to sign it.”

His tone immediately changed.

“I… I Are you serious?”

"Serious."

“Is there someone else outside you?”

The moment I heard that sentence, my hand holding the phone went cold for a second. Then I burst out laughing.

“What did you just say?”

“I asked if you have another man!”

“Otherwise, where would an office worker like me get the money to buy a house?”

“I said it for the last time.”

“My money is earned by myself.”

“Every penny is clean.”

“You may not believe it.”

“But the law will prove it for me.”

“Within three days the agreement was signed.”

"If it's past the deadline, I will directly sue."

I hung up. Throw the phone on the table. Hands shake a bit. Not out of fear. But because I was so angry I burst out laughing. A woman who had just been married for three days was considered an errand boy in the house... and was suspected of having another man outside. Just because she can buy a house. Just like in their eyes, if a woman has money, that money must definitely come from a man. I stood up. Go into the kitchen and pour yourself a glass of water. After drinking, I picked up my phone to text To Tinh.

“Let's make an appointment this week about cooperation with that shopping center.”

To Tinh replied almost immediately:

“Okay, let me arrange it.”

I sent another message:

“And that interview too, accept it.”

The name "Summer Kitchen"... has come to light. I don't need to hide anymore. A week later, lawyer Ha called me.