Chapter 2 — The Husband's Secret

“On the aunt's side…” Tham Nghien interrupted her. “She doesn't know.”03That night, I didn't sleep. Tham Nghien came out after showering, saw me leaning against the headboard, and asked a question. "Why aren't you sleeping yet?" I said. "Headache." He sat down on the edge of the bed, reached out to touch my forehead. "Still a little hot." His palm was still a familiar temperature. I looked at his face and suddenly felt very strange. This man used to go to the pediatrician with me and buy a baby crib with me. His eyes were red on the day Vien Vien was born. But he just stood at the door, saying she didn't know. He spoke firmly. Like keeping it a secret from me was something that had been arranged a long time ago. I asked. "Are you busy on Friday?" Tham Nghien raised his eyes. "Company party." "Aren't you coming home for dinner tonight?" "Yes." He didn't hesitate at all. This is not a temporary fabrication. He had prepared this answer a long time ago. I nodded. "Then just drink a little." He looked at me for a moment. "What's wrong with you today?" "Fever makes you feel uncomfortable." I pulled the blanket up high, closed my eyes. "Go to sleep." He turned off the light. In the darkness, I heard his phone vibrate. He didn't watch it right away. A few minutes later, thinking I was asleep, he picked up the phone. The screen light flashed on his face. He answered very quickly. I heard the soft click of my fingers tapping on the screen. The sound was very light. Each sound seemed to fall straight into my heart. The next morning, before Tham Nghien went out the door, out of habit she kissed Vien Vien again. Vien Vien was chewing on a cloth book, not raising his head. He smiled and said, "You unscrupulous little thing." Aunt Khuong stood next to her, arranging milk bottles. She also laughed. There was an unspeakable familiarity in that smile. I picked up Vien Vien, avoiding her outstretched hand. "Today I'll take care of her by myself for a while." Aunt Khuong paused. "You're still sick." "I'm much better." I looked at her. "This morning, go to the market and rest for a while." She couldn't refuse. Before changing her shoes and going out the door, she took another look at Vien Vien. That look was very quick, but it carried nostalgia. As soon as the door closed, I immediately put Vien Vien in the crib. The baby let out a cry. I rubbed its small face. "Mom, hurry." The house was very quiet. I went into the kitchen first. The kitchen counter is clean, and on the refrigerator is Aunt Khuong's menu note. Vien Vien weaning. Boss dinner. Aunt's porridge. Every line is neat. I searched the trash. Nothing special. Go out to the balcony again. Aunt Khuong's apron hangs next to the washing machine. The bag is empty. I stood in the living room, slowly scanning every corner. If I were Aunt Khuong, I wouldn't leave important things in obvious places. She is too careful. I remember the paper bag last night. For the boy. Don't let him buy things haphazardly. The paper bag is probably no longer in her hand. Tham Nghien gave it to her and she took it away. But she comes every day, so there will always be traces of her movements. I opened the shoe cabinet in the mysterious entrance. Inside are shoe covers, umbrellas, and a few spare masks. In the bottom compartment, there is an old cloth bag. That's Aunt Khuong's shopping bag. I squatted down and pulled out the cloth bag. Inside there is a receipt. Convenience store receipt. Nine fifty-seven last night. On it, I bought two boxes of fresh milk, a children's toothbrush, and a pack of Ultraman superhero cards. I stared at the words children's toothbrush, my eyes stinging. Vien Vien has not yet grown teeth. She hasn't used it yet. At the bottom of the invoice is the store address. Not far from my house. Not far from Tham Nghien company. I took a photo, then put the receipt back. Vien Vien in the bedroom hummed a few times. I quickly walked over and picked her up. Her small hands

The girl grabbed my collar, her mouth emitting unclear sounds. I kissed her forehead. "It's okay." "Mom's here." But I knew something was up. It's not a small thing. At ten o'clock in the morning, the maid company called customer service. I once registered and asked about Aunt Khuong's resume. The girl on the other side spoke very politely. "Hello Ms. Diep, are you satisfied with Aunt Khuong's recent service?" I said. "It's okay." "I want to ask, is it convenient for me to see her previous employer's records?" The other end of the line paused for a moment. "According to regulations, it is not allowed to disclose." "So she was introduced to me by your company?" "No." The other person flipped through the notes. "Auntie Khuong was appointed by your husband." My hand holding the phone tightened. "Ordered?" "That's right." "At that time, Mr. Tham directly read Aunt Khuong's name, saying that he had known her before and felt comfortable using it." I said nothing. The girl added another sentence. "But Ms. Diep, don't worry, Aunt Khuong has all the papers and has experience in taking care of children." I asked. "Has she ever taken care of a boy?" "Has she ever taken care of a boy?" "Do you have any records?" "It only says she took long-term care of a boy." "What's the boy's name?" The girl looked awkward.