Chapter 11 — One month before the wedding, the fiance registered to marry Bach Nguyet Quang

I didn't respond. It was never just one mistake. Right from the moment she used the password to lock my door. From the moment she took the white shirt, wedding ring and necklace away. Right from the moment she knew I would be hurt, but still chose to help everyone hide the truth. She made countless choices. Every once in a while. They didn't choose me. Half a year later, Chu Tu Bach's divorce verdict was announced. Trinh Van Tinh did not accept it and continued to delay it for a while. Before the last trial, she emailed me.

"Exam Tri Y."

"You won."

"Tu Bach never really looked at me."

"Even though you registered your marriage with me."

"In his mind, the only thing he was thinking about was how to comfort you."

"He doesn't need me now."

"And you don't need him either."

"Are you satisfied?"

After reading it, I only answered her one question.

"No one competes with you."

"From start to finish."

"You're the only one who turns other people's lives into tools to prove your own worth."

Email sent successfully. I blocked her address. One month later. Chu Tu Bach is officially single. He didn't tell me. To Tinh was surfing domestic news and accidentally saw Trinh Van Tinh post a very long article on social networks. She said she was the one who was betrayed. Saying that the twelve-year promise still lost to reality in the end. Someone in the comments section expressed sympathy for her. Someone also reposted a photo of her wearing a wedding dress and carrying someone else's mother's relics. Someone even posted a screenshot of the group chat.

"Knowing that he already has a fiancee, he still registers his marriage."

"Is this also called being betrayed?"

“Someone else's seven-year love is not after-sales service for your youthful regrets.”

That post was quickly deleted. Trinh Van Tinh also went abroad once again. I heard her ex-fiance got married. The wedding was very simple, but extremely happy. She wants to prove that she will always be the chosen one. But in the end, she lost everyone who truly chose her. And I didn't feel as happy as I thought I would. Just feel calm. It's like looking at an old story that no longer has anything to do with me. On the day I finished working at the headquarters for a year, I was officially appointed as Creative Director for Asia. When the appointment email arrived, I was still editing the final design of the new collection. General Manager Lam knocked on the door and entered.

"Congratulations."

She placed a new contract on the table.

"The company hopes she will stay in Paris for a long time."

"The domestic studio will also be in charge of you."

"How long do you need to consider?"

I looked out the window. A year ago, when I came here, I only brought one suitcase. Don't know French. No friends. I don't even know if after leaving Chu Tu Bach, I can really start a new life or not. Now, the bookshelf is filled with design documents. Next to the table are placed trophies awarded by brands. The next quarter's work schedule is plastered on the wall. It's been a long time since I've stayed up late waiting for anyone to come home. I also won't cancel my own plans because of anyone else's feelings.

"No need to weigh prompt."

I sign my name at the bottom of the contract.

"I'll stay."

A month later, because of work, I returned to my country. When the plane landed, it was just the anniversary of my mother's death. I didn't tell anyone. Buy a bouquet of white lisianthus flowers and go to the cemetery alone. The tombstone is cleaned very clean by the staff. I put the bouquet down. Then he took out a pearl necklace from his pocket.

"The wedding is not happening."

"But I live very well."

The mountain wind blew through the treetops. No one responded. I sat in front of the tombstone, telling my mother about life over the past year. It is said that winter in Paris is very cold. It is said that the collection "Return to the Shore" won an award. I said that the first time I stood behind the scenes at the premiere, my palms were so tense that they were sweaty. Said that headquarters asked me if I wanted to stay or not. I talk a lot. Only Chu Tu Bach is not mentioned. When I left the cemetery, it was already dark. The phone received a text message from an unknown number.

"Tri Y, I also came to visit you today."

"The staff said you just left."

"I completed the divorce proceedings a long time ago."

"I won't bother you anymore."

"Just wanted to tell you..."

No signature. But I know who it is. I looked at the screen for a while. Then delete the message. When I got to the foot of the mountain, To Tinh called me.

"Have you booked your plane ticket yet?"

"Tomorrow morning."

"New project meeting next week, don't be late."

"I know."

She was silent for a moment.

"Are you familiar with your home country?"

I turned my head to look back at the cemetery on the mountainside.

"Are you going to stay?"

After hanging up, I sat on the pre-booked car. The driver asked:

"Hotel near the airport."

The car rolled slowly. The city outside the window is still as familiar as ever. I used to think I would get married, have children, and then live with Chu Tu Bach forever in this place. Because the future only existed in my imagination, I gave up three opportunities. Waited for seven years. Forgive me countless times of being overlooked. Until he wore a ring designed by me to become another woman's husband. Only then did I truly understand. Some departures are not lost. It's about giving back. Return the person who doesn't belong to me back to his youth. Return eroded trust to the past. And also returned Tham Tri Y to himself. The next day, the plane took off on time. White clouds stretch outside the window. I wear the pearl necklace my mother left me. The person reflected in the mirror has peaceful eyes. I'm no longer anyone's fiancee. Nor is the bride left behind. I'm just Tham Tri Y.