Chapter 22 — The Bride Strikes Back: Exposing the Liar

“She is suspected of being involved in multiple cases of fraud, slander and intentional harm.”

“Now, please follow us to the investigation station.”

To Thanh completely collapsed, his whole body fell limply to the ground. She looked at the handcuffs in her hand, looked at the disdainful eyes around her, and finally understood that it was all over. The play, which she directed, finally came to an end. As for her, she is the most pitiful person... and also the most despicable among them. To Thanh was taken away. The family storm finally ended with a legal verdict. After just one night, the eldest uncle and aunt seemed to have aged more than ten years. They held my parents' hands, tears fell non-stop, apologizing over and over again. Saying they didn't raise their daughter well, saying it was our family's fault. I know, this shock to them is almost devastating. The relationship between the two families also has a rift that is difficult to heal. But blood and flesh cannot be cut off in the end. My parents chose to forgive and also chose to help them. Because, after all, they are also victims. To Thanh's case was widely related and had sufficient evidence, so it was tried very quickly. She was convicted of many crimes such as fraud, intentional injury, and slander. With a large amount of fraud and many crimes combined, he was finally sentenced to fifteen years in prison. Trieu Khai, Ly Thuy Lan and Trieu Quoc Cuong also received appropriate punishment one after another. Trieu Khai was sentenced to eight years in prison, Ly Thuy Lan to five years, and Trieu Quoc Cuong to three years for related crimes. Bao Ca's gang was completely destroyed, not a single person remained. Bao Ca was sentenced to life in prison for the crimes of gangster organization, illegal detention and extortion. This city, thanks to our courage, has been cleansed of a gloomy corner. The online noise surrounding me gradually subsided when the truth was revealed. I became a "woman" in the eyes of many people. Under my posts, every day there are countless messages of encouragement and sharing. Looking at those warm words, my heart was filled with all kinds of emotions that are hard to name. I don't answer. Delete all posts, replace with a new profile picture. Then, leave that account. Everything in the past should be left behind. My life should no longer be bound by those old rights and wrongs. I sold the house that was filled with so many obsessions. The money from selling the house helps me pay off all my debt, and send a part back to my parents. As for the rest, I don't buy a house anymore. I rented a small apartment in the city center. The sunlight is very beautiful, the view is also very wide. I quit my old job. Use the remaining money to open a small flower shop. It's been a dream since I was a kid. Every day we live with flowers and grass, looking at people passing by. Life is simple but peaceful. Trat Tay will not return to Tibet anymore. He and his grandmother lived in my family's old house. They do not hold any ceremonies. He took care of the garden, and she told him about the changes in the city. There is always a gentle smile on their faces. It is peace that has been honed by time over a lifetime. Occasionally I visit them. She held my hand and told me stories from her youth. Trat Tay sat next to him, listening quietly, his eyes as gentle as the surface of a lake. I never saw Trieu Khai again. No more news about To Thanh. They are like two falling stars. Just left a dark streak in my life, then disappeared forever. Chu Duyet is still my best friend. She often comes to the flower shop and helps me take care of everything. Now, I am more beautiful than ever before. It is the beauty that radiates from confidence and calmness in the bones. The following spring, my flower shop became more and more crowded. Standing in front of the store, watching the bright sunlight and smiling faces passing by. The phone in my pocket vibrated slightly. I took it out, it was a message from Chu Duyet.

“Du Du, look outside!”

I raised my head reflexively. On the big screen in the opposite square, a news bulletin was broadcasting. It's about a newly established charity fund that supports victims of domestic violence and romance scams. On the photo the founder... is me. This is my side view during the trial, when calmly telling the truth. Below is a small line of text.

“To each person who has the courage to stand up.”

I stood still. Passersby also stopped and looked up at the screen. Someone recognized me and smiled with respectful eyes. My eye sockets were slightly wet. I left a message to Chu Duyet.

“Thank you.”

She replied very quickly.

“It's not me, it's us.”

“All those who believe in love and justice.”

I raised my head to look at the deep blue sky. A gentle wind blew, carrying the gentle scent of flowers. I know, my life has gone through a big storm. But after the rain, there is always a brighter rainbow. I lost a false love, but gained a true family. Through betrayal and hurt, I learned to be strong and courageous. I won't marry this marriage anymore. And I have no regrets. Because finally… I lived into the look I loved the most. My life has just begun.