Chapter 17 — Mother-in-law stayed for three years, biological mother for half a month

I squeezed Tu Tinh's hand. First time. Say those words in front of everyone. Don't avoid it. No hesitation. No fear. Because I understand. There are boundaries. Once outlined. Then you are not allowed to step back anymore. Behind that boundary. Is the woman I love. It's the family that I sacrificed so much to keep. My voice was very calm. But each word is as heavy as a stone.

“Why do you have to do that?”

“Why did you have to lie to all your relatives?”

“Why do you have to slander Tu Tinh?”

“Do you really hate her that much?”

“So much hate that I want to ruin her reputation.”

“Destroying my son.”

“Destroy this whole family?”

Every question I have. Like a hammer blow. Pounding hard on her heart. Also pounded into the hearts of everyone present in the room.

“I... I don't have...”

Vuong Cam still tried to deny.

“It is he who mistreats me!”

“He didn't let me eat!”

A sudden shout rang out. He slammed on the table. Stand up. Everyone was startled. His hand pointed straight at Vuong Cam. Trembling with anger.

“Wang Cam!”

“Are you still ashamed?”

“How long do you want to cause trouble?”

“How many years?”

“You can do whatever you like in this house.”

“I endure!”

“But now.”

“You even want to harm your son!”

“Look!”

“What have you forced these two children into?”

“Today.”

“You must apologize to Tu Tinh in front of everyone!”

Those two words were just said. The whole room immediately fell silent. All eyes turned to Vuong Cam. Even she was stunned. Maybe this whole life. She never thought. The husband who has always been patient with me one day asked me to apologize to my daughter-in-law. Her face was red. Suddenly burst into tears. This time it's not fake crying. But real crying. Cry until your voice is hoarse.

“I'm not wrong!”

“I'm not wrong!”

“I'm his mother!”

“What's wrong with me spending my son's money?”

“You guys…”

“You guys get together to bully me!”

“I don't live anymore!”

“I don't live anymore!”

She just rushed towards the wall. The whole room was immediately in chaos. My father quickly pulled her back. Everyone stood up to intervene. Calls rang out everywhere. Right at that moment. He has been silent since the beginning until now. Tu Tinh stood up. She did not run to advise. No comfort. Also don't get angry. Just slowly walked in front of Vuong Cam. The voice is not loud. But enough for everyone to hear clearly. She finally opened her mouth.

“No need to apologize, child.”

“I will not accept.”

The whole room was silent. Tu Tinh looked straight into Vuong Cam's eyes. His eyes were calm and terrifying.

“I came here today.”

“Not to force mom to admit she was wrong.”

“Because I know.”

“I will never say I am wrong.”

“I'm coming.”

“Just to tell everyone the truth.”

“And also to tell Mom something.”

Every word.

“Starting today.”

“Your house and Chu Nghi.”

“I won't welcome you anymore.”

“You could be his mother.”

“But it will never be my relative.”

“We still fulfill our duty of care.”

“Still take care of mom when she's sick.”

“But from now on.”

“There will no longer be any emotional bond between us.”

“That is our limit.”

“It's also the boundary of this family.”

She turned around. Take my hand.

“Chu Nghi.”

“Let's go Stop."

I looked at her determined back. I looked at my mother who was still screaming. Looking at the relatives standing there helplessly. I nodded.

“We're back.”

I followed her out of the private room. Exit the restaurant. Step into the bright sunshine out there. The sunlight was blinding. But the air is strangely fresh. From today. Everything is really different. A boundary line has been drawn. Resolute. Can't turn back. The other side. These are the entanglements of the past. These are years of living in guilt and patience. And this side. Is our future. A future built with respect. Understanding. And the courage to protect each other. 13. Reconstruction We left the restaurant. The sunlight made me unconsciously squint my eyes. Everything seems to become clearer. Also quieter. Crying. The sound of arguing. There was chaos behind that door. Like belonging to another world. From start to finish. No one turned back. Even if just once. Tu Tinh still held my hand tightly. Her palm was a bit cold. But it gives a very solid feeling. We took a taxi to the hotel. All the way. No one said anything. The driver looked at us many times through the rearview mirror. Perhaps he felt that this couple was strange. Heavy face. Tired eyes. It's like just attending a funeral. Which in a sense. That's right.