Chapter 23 — The 12th-Floor Kitchen Contract

After a ten-day honeymoon on a peaceful island, Diem Tram and Khang returned to the city, starting their official married life in the 15th floor apartment of the Zenith building - the place that witnessed their entire love journey from the first days of their strangers. "It feels strange to return here as husband and wife," Diem Tram said, looking around the apartment that has become familiar over the past year.

"I feel the same way," Khang replied, hugging her from behind as she was rearranging some new decorations they both bought on their trip. "But it's a great feeling, right?"

The couple's married life quickly fell into order, with mornings preparing breakfast together before each person went to their separate workplaces, and evenings gathering together to share about the day's work. Even though they both maintain busy careers, they always try to spend quality time together whenever possible.

***

Three months after the wedding, Diem Tram bakery officially opened its second branch in another central area of the city, marking an important milestone in the brand's continuous development. "I can't believe it, after just one year, my mother's small bakery has grown into a chain with so many branches," Diem Tram shared with Khang during the opening ceremony.

"It is a worthy result for all the efforts and enthusiasm I have put in," Khang replied, unable to hide his pride when looking at the delicately designed new branch space, bearing his wife's personal impression.

Hoai Thu, now taking on the role of main branch manager, cannot hide her emotion at the outstanding development of the brand that she has been with since the most difficult early days. "I still vividly remember the days when we had to worry about every small order to keep the shop running," she said. "Looking back now, it's hard to believe how much things have changed."

***

Along with the development of the bakery, the relationship between Kien and Hoai Thu also became closer after many months of getting to know each other. During the opening ceremony of the new branch, Kien especially took the time to support Hoai Thu, unable to hide his pride when watching her excel in her new management role.

"You did very well," Kien said softly, when he had the opportunity to stand alone with Hoai Thu in a quiet corner of the ceremony.

"Thank you," Hoai Thu replied, smiling happily at his sincere concern. "With you here supporting me, I feel much more confident."

Diem Tram, watching from afar, couldn't hide her smile at the beautiful progress in the relationship of two close friends. She secretly thought, perhaps, love always finds a way to find sincere hearts that persistently pursue happiness, like the story of herself and Khang.

***

The evening after the opening ceremony, when Diem Tram and Khang returned to the apartment, she shared with him important news that she had been cherishing in her heart for the past few days. "Honey, there's something I want to tell you," she began, her voice unusually nervous.

"What's up?" Khang asked, unable to hide his concern at his wife's serious expression.

Diem Tram took a deep breath before continuing. "I think we should start thinking about having kids," she said, her eyes filled with sincerity. "I feel like our lives are stable enough, and I really want to see a small, complete family, with children who carry all of our love."

Khang was stunned for a moment at that unexpected but meaningful sharing, then a radiant smile lit up his face. "I've been thinking about that too," he replied, pulling her into a tight, happy hug. "I can't wait to start my parenting journey with you."

***

A few weeks after that important conversation, Diem Tram and Khang decided to meet Mrs. Cam to share their plans, knowing that this would be news that would bring great happiness to the grandmother who had always longed to see the next generation of the family. "Grandma, we're thinking about having a baby," Khang announced, unable to hide the excitement in his voice.

Mrs. Cam, although she had not heard the official news about her pregnancy, could not hide her overwhelming emotion at the news. “This is truly the best thing I can hear at this age,” she said, clasping both of their hands. "She hopes to live a long time, so she can hold her great-grandchild and tell him about his parents' beautiful love story."

"I promise, you will fully witness our child's growing up journey," Diem Tram replied, touched by the sincere feelings of the grandmother whom she has gradually come to regard as her own.

***

On the way back, Diem Tram couldn't hide her pensiveness, making Khang worried. "What are you thinking?" he asked, glancing at her in the rearview mirror.

"I'm just thinking about my responsibilities as a mother," Diem Tram shared honestly. "I want to be a good mother, like my mother has always been an example for me to follow. But sometimes, I also feel pressured, afraid I won't be good enough."

Khang stopped the car on the side of the road, turned to hold her hand with eyes full of sincere reassurance. "You will be a wonderful mother," he said firmly. "You have proven your bravery and resilience through everything we have been through together. I have absolute trust in you, and I will always be by your side, shouldering all responsibilities with you in the upcoming journey of parenthood."

That sincere encouragement helped Diem Tram feel much more relieved, dispelling some of the worries that were creeping into her heart. She rested her head on his shoulder, feeling a deep peace of mind knowing that, no matter how challenging the journey ahead, she would never have to face them alone.

"Thank you, for always being by my side," she said softly, her eyes filled with love for her husband who had accompanied her through so many ups and downs of life, from an initial cold contract, to the most sincere, profound love they had ever had in their lives.

***

Two months later, when Diem Tram went for a routine medical check-up, she received unexpected but extremely happy news — she was pregnant with her first child. Her hands trembled as she held the test results sheet, unable to hold back the tears of happiness that were welling up.

As soon as she left the clinic, she immediately called Khang, her voice choked with emotion. "Dear, I have important news to tell you," she said, trying to stay calm even though her heart was pounding.

"What's wrong? Are you okay?" Khang asked, unable to hide the obvious worry in his voice, almost wanting to leave the meeting and run home immediately.

"I'm fine, more than fine," Diem Tram replied, unable to hold back her happy smile even though he couldn't see it through the phone. "I'm about to become a father, Khang."

The other end of the line was silent for a moment, then a happy cry rang out. "Really? Are you sure?" Khang asked, his voice shaking with extreme emotion.

"I'm sure," Diem Tram replied, tears of happiness rolling down her cheeks, her voice both trembling and full of joy. "The doctor confirmed it. We're going to have a baby."

***

Khang immediately arranged his work to return home as soon as possible, and when he entered the apartment and saw Diem Tram waiting for him with eyes full of happiness, he ran to hug her, lifting her up in his emotional arms before gently placing her down, carefully as if she were the most precious treasure in the world.

"Thank you," he said, kneeling down and gently placing his hand on her belly even though it was still too early to feel anything. "Thank you for bringing me this great happiness."

"We created this miracle together," Diem Tram replied, her hand gently caressing his hair, her heart filled with a complete happiness that she had never experienced before in her life.

That evening, the two sat together, planning to announce the good news to family and close friends, dreaming together about the small but meaningful things that lay ahead - from preparing the baby's room, to choosing a name for the soon-to-be-born first child, carrying with them both their love and hope for a brighter, more fulfilling future than ever.