Chapter 2 — Nine Months Post-Divorce

Let me see it.

I placed the envelope beside my pillow, keeping it out of his reach.

What gives you the right?

Tan Nghien was breathing heavily, his chest rising and falling in agitation.

If the child is mine, I have every right to know.

I looked straight into his eyes.

You need to understand one thing first. Just because you want to know something does not mean I am obligated to tell you.

His face froze instantly. Phuong Thuc Hoa seized the opportunity without a moment's hesitation.

Did you all hear that? She is simply riddled with a guilty conscience! If it were truly a child of the Tan family, she would have pulled out the proof long ago!

I turned my gaze to her.

Phuong Thuc Hoa, do you genuinely want me to take it out right now?

Under my unwavering stare, she instinctively shrank back a step, though she still put on a brave front. Take it out then! Let me see what kind of cheap tricks you can possibly fabricate!

I nodded. Very well.

I tore the envelope open. Inside lay three distinct items. The first was a photocopy of a prenatal checkup report dated nine months ago. The date was printed clearly in black and white—the exact day before Tan Nghien and I signed our divorce papers. The second was a hospital billing receipt for fees paid late that same evening. The third was a small digital voice recorder.

Tan Nghien picked up the medical report first. His hand gave a visible tremor. The gestational age, the date of the examination, the full name—every single line was crystal clear. He raised his head, looking at me with a hoarse voice. You knew about this back then?

I held his gaze. I knew.

Why didn't you say anything?

Before I could even part my lips, Phuong Thuc Hoa jumped in to rail at me once more. She naturally didn't dare say a word! She was terrified we would find out the child didn't belong to the Tan family!

A faint smile touched my lips. Look at you. Nine months have passed, and you are still parroting the exact same tune.

Tan Nghien clutched the medical report tightly, his head snapping around toward Phuong Thuc Hoa. Mother, have you ever seen this report before?

Phuong Thuc Hoa's eyes darted away, avoiding his gaze. I have never seen it.

I picked up the voice recorder. Then let us all listen together.

Jiang Rui suddenly lunged forward, thrusting her hand out to press down on mine. Wen Lan! Tan Nghien is getting married next week. Do you really have to make a scene and humiliate everyone right now?

I looked down at her hand pressing against the back of mine. Take it off.

Her eyes welled up with tears. I just want to live a peaceful life.

I pulled my hand away. Your peaceful life should not be built by trampling upon the child I brought into this world.

Tears spilled over Jiang Rui's lashes. I didn't do that.

I paid her no mind, and Tan Nghien did not reach out to comfort her either. His eyes remained locked onto the voice recorder. I pressed play.

First came a burst of static interference. Then, Phuong Thuc Hoa's voice rang out through the small speaker.

Wen Lan, do not think that simply carrying a child gives you the right to cling to us and refuse to leave.

Every single person inside the hospital room froze. The last trace of color drained from Phuong Thuc Hoa's face in an instant. The recording continued.

The Tan family is not lacking in grandchildren, but we do care about our dignity. You choose this exact moment to announce a pregnancy—what is that, an attempt to make Tan Nghien feel indebted to you? Let me make it clear to you, the divorce agreement will still be signed. If you are determined to give birth to this child, you can raise it on your own. Don't you ever dare drag that child back to the Tan family doorstep asking for a single cent.

The audio was crisp and distinct. Every single word hung heavy in the air. Tan Nghien's face turned ashen white. He whipped his head around to stare at Phuong Thuc Hoa. Mother, what is the meaning of this?

Phuong Thuc Hoa's mouth opened and closed, but no words came out. That... that is not me.

I looked straight at her. If that voice on the recording does not belong to you, whose voice could it possibly be?

She abruptly pointed a trembling finger at me. You framed me! You plotted this against me!

I placed the voice recorder back down on the edge of the blanket. When these words were spoken, I did not utter a single syllable. I merely pressed the record button.

The nurse standing by the corner wore a deeply troubled expression. The security guard glanced between Tan Nghien and Phuong Thuc Hoa, thoroughly bewildered. Through the open doorway, the family members of another patient were peeking inside to watch the spectacle.

Panic finally breached Phuong Thuc Hoa's defenses. She lowered her voice, attempting a desperate plea. Wen Lan, must you be so ruthlessly cruel?

I looked right back into her eyes. The one who has been ruthlessly cruel is not me. Nine months ago, you took my medical examination paper and forced me to sign away my rights. Nine months later, you burst into my hospital room to curse and revile my newborn daughter as a child of unknown origin. Phuong Thuc Hoa, I tolerated your abuse once, but that does not mean I will ever do so a second time.

Tan Nghien's hand fell limply to his side. The medical report was crumpled and creased beyond recognition in his white-knuckled grip. He looked as though every ounce of strength had been completely drained from his body. Why didn't you tell me?

I stared at him, my heart feeling as cold and barren as winter ice. I did try to tell you.

He staggered slightly. I continued softly. On the day of our divorce, I called you three separate times. You refused to answer a single one.

Tan Nghien's lips lost all their color. Jiang Rui's face turned even paler than his. Because on that fateful evening, the person who had picked up my third phone call was her. I chose not to voice those words aloud just yet. The time for that revelation had not yet arrived.

Tan Nghien slowly turned his gaze toward Jiang Rui. That night... was my phone with you?

Jiang Rui's eyes darted about in sheer panic. I... I don't remember.

I lowered my gaze to check on my daughter. She had drifted awake, her large, clear eyes blinking up at me. I scooped her up, cradling her securely against my chest.

Just then, a man's voice broke the heavy silence from outside the doorway.

Miss Wen.

I raised my head. Shao Ting was standing at the threshold, holding a thick file folder in his hand. He cast a calm, dispassionate glance around the room.

The certified bank statements regarding the down payment for the newlywed home that you asked me to investigate have finally been retrieved.

Tan Nghien snapped his head around, his voice sharp. What down payment for a newlywed home?

Shao Ting raised the file folder slightly in response.