Chapter 24 — The Husband's Secret

That stroke was not as heavy as I thought. On the contrary, it was like I had just cut off a string that was constricting my throat. Lawyer Trinh asked me. "Are you sure you won't wait any longer?" I said. "No more waiting." "I've waited too many times." Wait for me to finish my work and go home. Wait for him to take the initiative to express his feelings. Waiting for you to put me and Vien Vien first. In the end, what I was waiting for was an application for half-sibling donor screening. There are marriages that do not suddenly collapse. It started to crack from the first lie, little by little. It's just that I noticed the crack too late. Tham Nghien quickly signed his name. He did not fight for the right to raise Vien Vien. I also don't ask to take my child somewhere else. He just asked for a visit. I agree. Provided that for the next half year, all visits must take place in a third-party observation room. Any gift must be checked first. Do not arbitrarily take photos publicly. Do not let Vien Vien come into contact with my mother-in-law. Tham Nghien finished reading the terms and was silent for a long time. Finally he said, "Agreed." My mother-in-law was not willing. She called and scolded me for being cold-blooded, scolding Tham Nghien for being useless. Then she went to look for Aunt Lam. Saying that Aunt Lam is old, if something happens, who is responsible? Aunt Lam only replied with one sentence. "I take responsibility for myself." "If you really feel sorry for Tieu Du, then don't get in the way." After that, my mother-in-law seemed to have lost all support. After the signature forgery case was investigated, the inspection facility handed over the camera and the original registration list. She had no way to say that she was just too impatient. Two people pretending to check gas were also found to be the source of the transfer money. The money went around a few places, finally falling into the name of a distant relative of hers. The evidence was clear, she finally no longer dared to come in front of me to ask for help. But I know, she has no regrets. She was just scared. Aunt Khuong officially testified. She clearly explained what she had done. Including getting the teething ring and Vien Vien's hair. Including transmitting Tieu Du's illness to Tham Nghien. Including my mother-in-law urging her to closely monitor Yuanyuan's activities. Having finished speaking, in front of me, she bowed deeply. "Ma'am, I know an apology is not enough." I said. "It is truly not enough." Tears fell freely from her eyes. "From now on, I will no longer be a nanny to raise children." "I have no face left to carry someone else's child." I looked at her gray hair, not feeling happy. She is not the ugliest person. But she opened the door for evil things to enter. I will not forgive you for Yuanyuan. After Tieu Du started treatment, Tham Nghien spent most of his time in the hospital. He sent me a few messages. No more begging for Vien Vien. Just say that Tieu Du ate half a bowl of porridge today. Said Aunt Lam passed the health check. Said Aunt Khuong had brought the little fabric tiger back to the hospital room. I rarely reply. Sometimes just answer one question: I know. I don't want to let hatred drag me down. But I will never consider him someone I can rely on again. The first visit was scheduled for a Saturday morning. When I carried Vien Vien into the observation room, Tham Nghien was already sitting there. He has become much thinner. On the table there was only a clean rattle. After checking, the staff gave it to Vien Vien. Vien Vien saw Tham Nghien and was stunned for a moment. She's too young and doesn't understand the cracks between adults. The girl looked at him, as if trying to find this person in her memories. Tham Nghien's eyes were red. He called softly. “Vien Vien.” Vien Vien did not immediately reach out his hand. The girl turned around and grabbed my collar. I patted my back

child. "Mom is here." Tham Nghien heard these three words, bowed his head, his fingers slowly tightened. A moment later, Vien Vien was attracted to the bell and reached out to touch it. Tham Nghien did not hold the baby. He just gently pushed the rattle a little closer. Move very carefully. It's like he finally understood, intimacy is not something that can be taken away. When the two hours ended, Vien Vien fell asleep, leaned on my shoulder and yawned. Tham Nghien stood up and wanted to touch her child's head, but her hand stopped midway. He asked me. “Is it okay?” I looked at him. A few seconds later, I said, "It's easy." His hand placed on Vien Vien's hair, only stopped for a moment and then retracted. Vien Vien did not wake up. Tham Nghien's tears fell. He said. “I'm sorry.” I knew these three words came too late. It's so late that it can't get anything in return. I said. "Don't let me accept the apology in the future." "As for me." "We're here enough." He nodded, tears falling on the floor. That day when returning home, Vien Vien woke up in the car. The girl cooed the whole way. My mother sat next to me and comforted me. The sunlight through the car window fell on my child's small face. I looked at my child and suddenly remembered that morning with that bowl of steamed eggs. If I hadn't woken up that day. If Aunt Khuong hadn't said something wrong.