Chapter 1 — I Missed The Day My Child Was Born

When I was about to give birth, my husband took his female subordinates on a trip. Four days later, when he returned home, he opened the door and saw my mother and I in confinement, smelling the fragrant smell of rice and soup, he stood silently in place. The day I went into labor, my husband said the company had an urgent matter and had to go on a business trip. What a coincidence, the person accompanying him was a new female subordinate named To Uyen. While I was in so much pain that I was half dead, they were taking pictures on the Sanya beach. My mother stayed up all night to catch a car to take care of me while giving birth. Four days later, he returned. As soon as I opened the door, I could smell the delicious aroma of food. In the living room, my mother was holding my baby and comforting him. And I sat on the sofa breastfeeding my baby. He was stunned. His face immediately turned pale. I put the baby down, picked up a bunch of photos on the coffee table and gave it to him. My name is Lam Hieu Vu, twenty-eight years old, thirty-eight weeks pregnant. Since last night my stomach has been aching. I thought it was just a fake contraction so I didn't pay attention. But this morning the pain appeared more and more intense. I knew I was probably about to give birth.

“Chi Vien, I think I'm about to give birth.”

I supported my waist and carefully walked out to the living room. Tran Chi Vien was sitting on the sofa looking at the phone, without raising his head.

"Don't be so nervous. How can you give birth to your first child so quickly? Didn't the doctor tell you? Women giving birth to their first child often have pain for more than ten hours."

“But I'm in a lot of pain.”

I gritted my teeth. Another contraction came.

“Pain is normal, just endure it for a while and it will pass.”

He finally raised his head to look at me.

“I have an important meeting today, the company is urgent.”

I was stunned.

“Is there any meeting more important than your wife giving birth?”

“Hieu Vu, stop being unreasonable.”

Tran Chi Vien frowned.

"The company is recently negotiating a large project. You are the main person in charge, mistakes cannot happen at this time."

“What about you?”

"If it's really bad, you can go to the hospital first. I'll come over after the meeting."

After saying that, he bent down to look at his phone again.

"To Uyen texted to say that the documents haven't been arranged yet, I have to go to the company."

Twenty-six years old. The new female employee joined the job three months ago. Beautiful appearance, working ability is not bad. The most important thing is to know how to please others. Always saying "Boss Tran is like this", "Boss Tran is like that", flattering to the point that Tran Chi Vien feels lightheaded and unaware of heaven and earth.

“Can't let someone else go?”

I started to get angry.

"Other people can't be as assured as you."

Tran Chi Vien stood up.

“Furthermore, this time the customer personally asked you to report.”

I still want to say something. But a severe pain came again. The pain was so much that I had to bend over, clutching the armrest of the sofa and panting.

"Look, I haven't given birth yet."

Tran Chi Vien patted my shoulder.

"I'll go to the company first. You should stay home and rest. If it hurts too much, take the car to the hospital yourself."

“Chi Vien… I'm scared.”

I grabbed his hand.

"This is my first time giving birth. I don't know anything."

“What is there to fear?”

He spoke very comfortably.

“Every woman who gives birth is like that.”

“The day before your mother gave birth to you, didn't your father also work outside?”

My heart was filled with disappointment. Three years of marriage. I thought when I needed it the most, he would be by my side. I didn't expect him to be so cold.

“So when are you coming back?”

"It shouldn't be too late. Eight or nine o'clock at most." dark."

He looked at his watch.

“I have to go, the customer arrives at the company at three o'clock.”

He quickly changed clothes, grabbed his briefcase and prepared to go out the door.

“Chi Vien.”

I called back.

“What else?”

His voice was starting to lose patience.

“What if I really give birth?”

“Just give birth.”

He answered without even turning around.

“It's nothing terrible.”

“In the hospital there are doctors and nurses who are much more professional than you.”

The door slammed shut. Leaving me standing alone in the living room. I put my hand on my stomach. Tears fell uncontrollably. Not because of pain. It's because it's cold. Ten o'clock in the morning. The contractions became more and more intense. The distance is only five or six minutes. I called Tran Chi Vien. The phone rang for a long time before someone picked up. The other side is extremely noisy. As if you were in some bustling place.

“Chi Vien, I'm in so much pain. Maybe I'm really about to give birth."

"Huh? What do you say? It's so noisy here, I can't hear clearly."

I tried to raise my voice:

“I said I'm about to give birth!”

“Ah, then I'll go to the hospital first. I'm still in a meeting.”

“Can you come home with me?”

“Hieu Vu, stop being childish.”

“I said there's an important meeting today.”

“You take the car to the hospital yourself, I'll be there later.”

The phone is disconnected. I sit on the sofa. Never felt so lonely. The baby in my belly also seemed to sense my mood. It continuously kicks harder than usual.

“Darling, I'm not afraid.”

I gently stroked my belly.

“Even if dad isn't here, mom will still protect you.”

I hold the phone. Hesitated for a long time. Finally called my mother.

“Mom… I'm probably about to give birth.”

“So where is Chi Vien?”

“I… he's in a meeting.”

I didn't want my mother to worry so I didn't tell the truth.

“What meeting is more important than giving birth?”

Mom's voice immediately rose.

“Just wait, mom will be here soon.”

"Mom is in the countryside, there won't be time."

“Mom, buy a ticket now, the earliest one.”

“You go to the hospital first, absolutely don't stay home alone.”

After hanging up. My heart finally felt a little warmer. My mother still cares about me. Half past eleven. I really can't stand it anymore. Had to call a car to the hospital myself. The driver is an uncle in his forties. Seeing me with a big belly and walking alone, he asked with concern:

“Where are the family members? Why did you go to the hospital alone?”

“He has work.”

I answered briefly.

“Giving birth is such a big deal, no matter how busy you are, you have to go along.”

The driver shook his head.

“Young people these days really don't understand.”

I didn't reply. Just look at the scenery outside the window receding quickly. My heart is filled with all kinds of emotions. Go to the hospital. The doctor checked and said the cervix was three centimeters dilated. Need to be hospitalized for delivery. After the procedure. I was in the delivery room. The pain gradually gets stronger.

“Where are the family members? Need to sign papers.”

“He's almost there.”

I lied. But in my heart I understand very clearly. Tran Chi Vien will not come. His important meeting. It's so important that even when your biological child is born, you can ignore it. Two o'clock in the afternoon. I sent him a WeChat message:

“I'm at the hospital. The cervix is three centimeters dilated.”

An hour later. He just replied:

“I know. I'm not done yet, please wait a moment."

What do I have to wait for? Wait for me to finish the meeting?