Chapter 6 — The Last Stop of Marriage

He doesn't want things to actually go to court. Half past nine. The doorbell rang. I peered through the observation hole. It's Tran Huy. Only alone. Hair is messy. Face pale. Both hands clasped the phone tightly. Looks like a death row prisoner... Walking onto the execution ground. I opened the door. Step aside to let him in. Don't say a superfluous word. He walked into the living room. His eyes immediately stopped on the Family Responsibility Agreement placed on the tea table. Looked for a long time. The pharynx is constantly moving.

"...Tham Nhien."

He opened his mouth with difficulty.

"Really..."

"Is there no other way?"

I just looked at him quietly. Say nothing. My silence... Is the answer. He closed his eyes. As if I had used up all my strength. Finally... Tran Huy picked up the pen. The tip of the pen hovered above the paper for a long time... Only at the end did it slowly come down. He signed each stroke. As if what was being written was not my name... But a chain weighing thousands of pounds. He dropped the pen on the table. The whole person slumped against the sofa, head bowed and panting. It was like having just gone through a battle that had exhausted all my strength. I picked up the agreement. Read each clause carefully again. Confirming there were no errors... I carefully put it away. I keep one. He keeps one.

"Where is your copy?"

Tran Huy's voice is hoarse.

"I'll give it to you when I'm done."

I opened my bag. Take out the prepared file bag and place it in front of him.

"Inside there is a copy of the household registration book, a copy of the red book and a copy of Lac Lac's birth certificate."

"Enough to complete the admission procedures."

He reached out his hand to receive it. The tip of the finger accidentally touched my hand. Almost reflexively, he immediately withdrew his hand. Open the file bag. Check each document. Only when he was sure there was nothing missing... He raised his head.

"What about the original?"

"In a place..."

"You'll never find it."

I looked straight into his eyes. The voice was calm and cold.

"Tran Huy."

"Remember well."

"From this moment, the agreement officially takes effect."

"If you violate even one thing..."

"Between us..."

"The only path left is divorce."

"Until then..."

"All original documents will be submitted directly to the court by my lawyer."

I haven't hired a lawyer yet. But I bet... He doesn't dare try. Tran Huy's face became even paler. He was really scared. Stand up. It seemed like he just wanted to leave this place as quickly as possible.

"...I'm going to do the procedures for Lac Lac."

He almost ran away towards the door. Just as my hand touched the doorknob.

"Tran Huy."

His whole body stopped. Your back is still facing me. I said slowly:

"The first day of next month..."

"I want to see your salary in my account."

His shoulders seemed to slump. Don't turn around. Just replied softly. Then open the door. Quietly walked out. The sound of the door closing. That's when all the strength in my body seemed to be drained away. I plopped down on the sofa. My hands were cold. Won? Maybe so. I don't feel happy at all. In exchange for this victory... The last bit of friendship between us was torn apart. Parents came out of the room. Mom sat down next to me. Gently stroke my hair.

"Everything will pass."

Dad sighed softly.

"I chose this path..."

"You'll have to think about it later carefully and then move on."

I nodded slightly. Right at that moment. The phone rang. It's Tieu Lam.

"Done?"

"Cry yet?"

"That's good."

"Don't be soft-hearted."

"There are people..."

"You take a step back..."

"They will take ten more steps."

"Only when pushed to the edge..."

"They just know what respect is."

I smiled softly. A bitter smile.

"I know."

I was about to get up and wash my face. Mom suddenly pulled my hand back. Her voice was very small.

"Nran Nhien."

"I was looking down from the kitchen window just now..."

"I think I see your mother-in-law."