Chapter 18 — Pregnant for 280 Days, I Used a Notebook to Reclaim My Whole Life

The day I left the hospital. The sky was gloomy as if it was about to collapse. Duong Thanh drove to pick her up. Ms. Ly, the caregiver, helped me slowly sit into the back seat. Her movements. More steadfast than any time Co Thua Trach reached out to support me during the past few days. Co Thua Trach stood in front of the hospital gate. In my hand I still held the thermal bag I never received.

“Are you really not going home?”

“The doctor said I need to rest.”

He looked at Tang Qing. Then looked at Ms. Ly.

“Hire these people.”

“How much does it cost?”

My hand that was fastening the seat belt stopped.

“Didn't you already transfer money for medical provisions?”

His face immediately stiffened. I continued:

“I will take full notes.”

Co Thua Trach tried to suppress his anger.

“Giang Tri Dao.”

“I didn't transfer money so you could hire people to oppose me.”

Duong Thanh sat in the driver's seat. Coldly replied.

“Next time when transferring money.”

“You can take notes clearly.”

“It can only be used to continue to suffer resentment.”

Gu Chengze glared at her. I won't let Duong Thanh say more. Just looked at Co Thua Trach through the car window.

“Go home.”

“It's time for me to give birth.”

“The hospital will notify you.”

He asked:

“What about after the baby is born?”

“It's time to figure it out.”

Those four words. That's the sentence he likes to use the most to get over me. I returned it to him intact. His face immediately became very ugly. When the car rolls. I looked through the rearview mirror. Seeing him still standing in place. The wind blew, making the shirt stick to his body. Every time I see that scene. I feel sorry for him because he works so hard. And now. I just feel strange. The short-term rental apartment is located on the street behind the hospital. Two bedrooms, one living room. But very clean. Duong Thanh placed the baby crib right next to the bed in the master bedroom. Ms. Ly arranged my medications and medical records into a transparent file box according to each day. Tham Lam sent a message. Sam Vu Vi agreed to talk about the conditions for returning assets. I stared at the screen. She got scared so quickly. Tham Lam texted again: She's afraid that Co Thua Trach won't choose her. Also afraid that money and gifts received will be demanded back. What about the baby in her womb? Tham Lam replied: Even she herself is not sure. After reading that sentence. There was no surprise in my heart. Sam Vu Vi wanted to use the baby to force Co Thua Trach to marry him. And Co Thua Trach. Wants to use the baby to tie me down again. But in the end. Not a single one of them. Really consider a child. Be a child. Ms. Ly brought me a cup of warm water.

“Miss Giang.”

“Drink some water first.”

I received the glass of water.

“Thank you.”

She smiled.

“I have taken care of many pregnant women.”

“Someone like you.”

“Always the strongest.”

“But it's also easiest to push yourself to the point of failure.”

I lowered my head to look at the water in the cup.

“I wasn't like that before.”

Ms. Ly said softly:

“So you were forced to be like that.”

A very common saying. It made my eye sockets hot again. The days that followed. My life slows down. Eat and drink on time every day. Measure blood pressure. Count fetuses. After work, Duong Thanh came to stay with me. Every two days. Tham Lam once again helped me organize and supplement the list of evidence. Co Thua Trach also came several times. He brings things with him every time. Real nutritious products. Gold bracelet for baby. But he never asked. How many times do I get cramps at night? Never asked either. Do you find it difficult to breathe when climbing a few stairs? The only thing he asked.

“Attorney's side.”

“Have you stopped yet?”

Every time I answer:

“Wait until the baby is born and then figure it out.”

His eyes. It's getting heavier day by day. There was one time. Finally he couldn't hold it in anymore.

“Giang Tri Dao.”

“How much do you want in the end?”

I'm cutting out labels on her little clothes. The sound of scissors cutting. I raised my head to look at him.

“I think.”

“You did all this.”

“Is it to ask for money?”

He asked back.

“If not, what is it?”

I put the label I just cut into the box.

“Co Cheng Ze.”

“Until now.”

“I still don't understand.”

“What you want.”

“It's not your alms.”

“It's the price.”

“You deserve to pay.”

His face immediately became very unsightly. After he left that day. Tham Lam told me. Under the name Co Thua Trach, a bonus has just been transferred. The amount is not small. She was preparing to file a request to investigate property clues. I didn't ask how to investigate. Professional work. Let a professional handle it. What I need to do. Just protect yourself and your daughter well. One week before the due date. Sam Vu Vi suddenly fell silent. No more texting. Don't continue to provoke me anymore. Co Thua Trach appears more often. Maybe midnight. He sent me a text message. Did your child kick today? Did you eat well today? I looked at those words of concern that came too late. Just found it ironic. Duong Thanh asked:

“Is he scared?”

I replied softly:

“The person he is afraid of.”

“It's not me.”

“He's afraid…”

“The debt book was opened.”

Dawn of the 280th day of pregnancy. I was awakened by a severe cramp. Ms. Ly immediately turned on the light.

“Looks like you're in labor.”

Duong Thanh received a phone call. Twenty minutes later, he arrived. On the way to the hospital.