Chapter 15 — Private House in a Joint Family

“Tieu Vu…” He suddenly called my name.
"Yes?"
“Your mother… misses you very much.”
I didn't reply.
"I know we were wrong for you in the past, your mother also regrets it now, she stays home in tears every day, saying she's not a good mother."
“Dad, stop talking.” I interrupted him. “If it's over, let it go.”
“Yes, yes, no more.”
I hung up the phone, leaned back on the sofa, staring at the ceiling. My heart is full of hundreds of questions. There is no feeling of gloating over successful revenge, nor is there the serenity of forgiveness. Just… tired. It was as if a long play had been performed, and the curtain had finally come to an end. Vuong Tinh called and asked if I was home yet.
“I'm back.”
"What's wrong with you? Your voice doesn't sound very good."
“It's okay, just a little tired.”
“So can I come over with you?”
"YES."
Half an hour later, she came, bringing my favorite late-night snack. She didn't ask anything, just ate quietly with me and watched TV. After I finished eating, she cleaned up the trash, then hugged me from behind.
“No matter what you decide, I support you.”
I turned around and hugged her tightly.
“Thank you.”
“Idiot, we are husband and wife.”
That's right, we're about to be husband and wife. I would have a family of my own — a real family.
14
The wedding preparations are proceeding smoothly. Vuong Tinh's parents took care of almost everything - booking hotels, taking wedding photos, and distributing invitations. They said, I'm the groom, and I'm the one who's starting a business alone in the city. They're the adults with the girl, so they have to take care of things even more. I felt guilty, I wanted to give them money, but they refused to accept it. Finally, Vuong Tinh came up with a solution: he told me to deposit money into our joint account, as a family start-up fund. My heart is filled with gratitude. Meeting Vuong Tinh and her family was the greatest luck of my life. A week before the wedding, I took Vuong Tinh to my parents' house for a trip. This was the first time in more than a year that I stepped foot back into that house. The house is still the same, but it seems older, the air is filled with heaviness and oppression. My father had been waiting downstairs. When he saw us coming, he forced a smile.
“Already here, quickly go upstairs.”
My mother sat on the living room sofa, saw us entering, awkwardly stood up. She looked at least ten years older than the last time I saw her. White hair, thin body, dull eyes, no longer sharp or strong from before.
“Hello uncle, auntie.” Vuong Tinh greeted politely and presented the gift in his hand.
“Ah, good, good, sit down quickly.” My father quickly took it.
My mother looked at Vuong Tinh, her lips trembling, about to say something, but in the end she stopped. The atmosphere was a bit awkward. I pulled Vuong Tinh down and got straight to the point.
“Dad, Mom, I came today to tell you about the wedding arrangements.”
Both sat seriously like students waiting for the teacher's criticism.
"The wedding party will be held at twelve noon, in the banquet hall on the third floor of the Marriott hotel. You two should arrive around ten o'clock, at which time the MC will arrange the seats."
“Are we… not sitting at the main table?” My mother asked cautiously.
"Are not." I shook my head. "The main table is for Vuong Tinh's family, there is also your leader and a few closest friends."
My mother's face turned pale, she bowed her head and did not speak anymore. My father gently touched her elbow, signaling not to say too much.
“I know.” my father said. “We heard you were coming arrange.”
“Also,” I paused for a moment, “there will be no speeches from both parents at the wedding ceremony.”
My mother immediately raised her head and looked at me in disbelief. In my hometown, it is indispensable for parents to give a speech at the wedding. That is not only a blessing for the young couple, but also an honor. The fact that I don't let them speak is like telling all my relatives and friends that our relationship is not normal.
“Why?” Her voice was hoarse.
“No reason.” I calmly replied. "This is me and Vuong Tinh's wedding. We want to keep it simple."
She looked at me, tears in her eyes.
“Do… do you still hate us?”
I looked at her, not answering that question. Hate? Not really. It's just... between us, there's no turning back anymore. Ask me to stand in front of so many people, thank you for your kindness in raising me, say the words of a good mother and child... I can't do it. That's too fake.
“Okay, we know.” My father sighed and made the decision for her.
“Everything is done according to my arrangements.”
My mother's tears finally fell. She turned around and used the back of her hand to wipe her tears. Under the table, Vuong Tinh gently held my hand. I felt the heat in her palm, and the strength she gave me.
“So let's keep it that way.” I stood up. “We still have work to do, please leave first.”
“Let's finish eating and then go.” My father kept it.
“No need.”
I pulled Vuong Tinh's hand and left without looking back. Leaving that heavy house, I took a deep breath of fresh air outside. Vuong Tinh looked at me, his eyes a bit worried.
“Do you think… am I being too much?” I asked her.
She shook her head.
“No. This is your right. You have the right to decide who can share your happiness, and how.”
She stood on tiptoe and adjusted my collar for me.
“Ly Vu, you don't need to feel guilty. I've done enough. You give them face and also maintain your limits.”
I looked into her gentle eyes, and the softness and hesitation in my heart suddenly disappeared. Yes, what do I have to feel guilty about? I have suffered resentment for more than twenty years, and now I just want to organize my own wedding, without anyone's interference - what's wrong? Not wrong. On the wedding day, the weather was beautiful and sunny. In front of the hotel door hung a large wedding photo of me and Vuong Tinh. In the photo, we smiled very sweetly. Guests arrived one by one, Vuong Tinh's parents stood outside the door warmly welcoming each person. I dressed neatly in a suit, stood next to Vuong Tinh, welcoming my friends and colleagues. At half past ten, my parents arrived. They wore new clothes and looked in good spirits, but still felt a bit awkward and insecure. I stepped forward.
“Dad, mom, you two are here.”
"YES."
I took them to the MC.
“These are my parents, please take them to their reserved seats.”
“Yes, Mr. Ly.”
I watched them follow the MC, enter the banquet hall, and sit in a hidden corner. No resentment, no dissatisfaction. At that moment, an indescribable feeling arose in my heart. Maybe… they really have changed. Maybe… time really can heal everything.
15