Chapter 24 — The 12th-Floor Kitchen Contract

The first months of pregnancy passed with many changes in Diem Tram's life, from uncomfortable morning sickness to the gradual change in her appetite that surprised her. Khang, as a thoughtful husband, always dedicatedly took care of his wife through each difficult stage of pregnancy.

"I have learned about suitable nutrition for pregnant women," Khang announced one evening, giving Diem Tram a detailed list of dishes that are healthy for both mother and baby. "I want to make sure you and your baby always get the best."

"You're so thoughtful," Diem Tram replied, touched by her husband's meticulous care. "But don't forget to take care of yourself, restaurant work is still stressful."

"Don't worry about me," Khang reassured, kissing her lightly on the forehead. "My top priority right now is you and the baby."

***

When the news about Diem Tram's pregnancy was officially announced to the whole family, Mrs. Cam and Mrs. Lam could not hide their extreme happiness. "I've been waiting for this news for a long time," Mrs. Cam said, unable to hide her tears of happiness as she hugged Diem Tram. "She hopes to live a long time, so she can watch her great-grandchildren grow up."

Mrs. Lam was no less moved. "I'm so proud of you," she said, holding her daughter's hand tightly. "You have built a complete, happy life, and now, you are about to become a mother. I believe, you will be a wonderful mother."

The good news also quickly spread to the entire staff of Cam Luong restaurant, bringing a warm and joyful atmosphere. Kien, upon hearing the news, could not hide his joy as he congratulated his closest friend. "Congratulations, you're about to become a father," he said, patting Khang's shoulder proudly.

***

Over the next three months, Diem Tram gradually adapted to the changes in her body, although she continued to manage her business with a more reasonable adjustment to ensure the health of both mother and baby. She entrusted more responsibilities to Hoai Thu, focusing on the most important tasks without putting too much pressure on herself.

"You can rest assured and rest more," Hoai Thu said in a work meeting, showing sincere concern. "You and the team can completely handle the daily work well, you just need to focus on the most important decisions."

"Thank you," Diem Tram replied, grateful for the dedicated support of her close friend and colleague who had accompanied her from the most difficult early days. "I'm really lucky to have you by my side."

In the evening, when Khang returns home, he often spends time talking to his child through his wife's belly, even though the doctor said it was too early for the baby to hear. "I hope you will be healthy, smart, and lucky enough to inherit your mother's wonderful baking talent," he whispered, making Diem Tram laugh at her husband's rare cuteness.

***

When the pregnancy entered the fifth month, the two went together for an ultrasound to find out the baby's gender, a moment they both eagerly awaited for a long time. "Congratulations, it's a baby girl," the doctor announced, pointing to the ultrasound image with a warm smile.

Diem Tram could not hide her tears of happiness, holding Khang's hand tightly. "We're going to have a little princess," she said, her voice choked with emotion.

"I can't wait to meet you," Khang replied, gently kissing his wife's hand, his eyes filled with love for the little girl who was growing up every day in her mother's womb. "I'm already starting to think of suitable names."

"Is that so? What name do you think of?" Diem Tram asked, curious about her husband's thoughtful preparation.

"I think we can name the child Luong Diem My," Khang proposed, his voice filled with respect. "Combining both dad's last name and part of mom's name, so the baby will always carry the imprint of both of us."

Diem Tram smiled, touched by the profound meaning of the name her husband had chosen. "I like that name," she replied, her hand gently resting on her stomach. "Luong Diem My, do you hear that? That's your name."

***

When the news about the baby's gender was shared with the whole family, Mrs. Cam could not hide her excitement and immediately began preparing small gifts for her great-granddaughter who was about to be born. "I kept some old things from when I was young, thinking that one day I would use them," she said, bringing out an old wooden box filled with children's clothes that had been carefully preserved over the years.

"Whose clothes are these, ma'am?" Diem Tram asked, curious as she looked at the pretty little clothes, even though they were old, they were still carefully preserved.

"From Viet Khang's mother," Mrs. Cam replied, her voice low and full of nostalgia. "She kept them all these years, hoping that one day she would have the opportunity to pass them on to the next generation in the family."

Khang, standing nearby, could not hide his emotions when he saw the mementos of his mother, of whom he only had faint memories from his childhood. "Thank you, Grandma, for preserving these precious mementos," he said, his voice choked up. "I believe, mother will be happy to know that my daughter will be able to wear these clothes."

***

That evening, when returning to the apartment, Diem Tram noticed that Khang seemed unusually pensive, sitting quietly looking at the old clothes given to her by Mrs. Cam. "What are you thinking?" she asked, sitting down next to him.

"I'm thinking about my mother," Khang shared honestly, his voice quiet. "I wish she could have witnessed this moment, seen her granddaughter about to be born."

Diem Tram held his hand tightly, feeling the dull pain that still existed in her husband's heart even though many years had passed. "I believe, wherever you are, your mother is watching, proud of what you have achieved," she said softly. "And I believe, our daughters will always be connected to her, through the stories we will tell, through these precious mementos."

That sincere consolation helped Khang feel somewhat relieved. He hugged his wife, feeling the warmth and completeness of the small family that was gradually forming, bringing with it beautiful memories of the past mixed with bright hopes for the future. "Thank you," he whispered, "for helping me mend the gaps in my heart, and for giving me the complete family I never dreamed of after losing my parents."

***

A few days later, Diem Tram spent time rearranging the baby's room, carefully washing and folding each set of old clothes that Mrs. Cam had given her, placing them in a pretty little wardrobe prepared specifically for her daughter who was about to be born. Each outfit, even though it is old over time, still retains the sophistication in every stitch, clearly reflecting the delicate aesthetic taste of the mother that Khang has never had the opportunity to fully know.

"I think we should hang a picture of your mother in the child's room," Diem Tram proposed when Khang walked in and saw her meticulously arranging the small room. "Let me always feel your presence, even if it's just through a photo."

Khang nodded, touched by that meaningful idea. "I think that's a great idea," he replied, bringing over an old photo frame of his mother in her kitchen uniform, placing it solemnly on the small bookshelf in his soon-to-be-born daughter's room.

Standing and admiring the almost finished room, with its soft pastel colors, cute little toys, and now a photo of the grandmother their daughter would never have the chance to meet, they both felt a deep sense of completeness, as if all the pieces of their lives — past, present, and future — were gradually blending together perfectly.

"I believe, my child will grow up in a home full of love," Khang said, wrapping his arms around his wife from behind as they both looked at the results of their preparations over the past several weeks. "Surrounded by the love of the whole family, both those who have passed away and those who are present with me every day."

Diem Tram leaned her head on his chest, feeling the familiar, warm heartbeat beating in sync with the happiness filling her heart. She looked around the small room again, silently thanking life for leading her to this man, to this family, together welcome a small life about to enter the world, carrying with her all the love that they both worked so hard to cultivate.