Chapter 28 — The Onyx Bracelet Shatters, The Husband's Secret Is Also Revealed

I looked at that message for a long time. Then smiled softly. Because I know. This is not just property. It's the last gift my mother left me. Not money. Not shares. Not a trust. It's the right to choose your own life. I closed the box. Hold it close to your heart. Outside the window. The afternoon light gradually turns pale yellow. Like a very long day has finally come to an end. And this time. I am no longer the one standing in the dark. Waiting for someone to come protect me. I walked out on my own. With my own feet. Payment has begun. But for me. The same goes for freedom. I interrupted her.

"Something you didn't expect."

"It's not how much money the bracelet is worth."

"It's not how big the consequences are."

"It's the person you guys bullied for three years."

"In the end, I chose to protest."

Luong Man stiffened. Tears still kept falling. But couldn't say a word. Because she knows. I'm right. From start to finish. What they rely on is never reason. It's a habit. The habit of seeing me gives in. See I suffer. Seeing me silent. So they default. I will continue like this forever. I looked at the appraisal report on the table. Thirty seventy eight thousand yuan. That is the market value. But for me. That bracelet has never been measured in terms of money. It was the last gift my mother left me. It's something she's worn for many years. This is my last advice before I get married. What was broken that day. Not just gems. But also my final limit. Luong Man bowed his head for a long time. Then suddenly asked:

"Tram Duong."

"If that day I don't break the bracelet."

"Are things not going to come to this?"

The whole meeting room was silent. Lawyer Dieu raised his head to look at her. I also looked at her. Then slowly shook his head. Luong Man paused. I calmly said:

"The bracelet just makes things happen sooner."

"You guys took my seal."

"Forge my signature."

"Prepare me to take on debt."

"Touching my mother's trust fund."

"Even my house wants to be mortgaged."

"All of that."

"Sooner or later it will all be exposed."

Luong Man sat motionless. I continue:

"The only difference is."

"If it weren't for that bracelet."

"Maybe I'll just keep lying to myself for a while longer."

"That Ha Nghien still loves me."

"That the marriage can still be saved."

"That it was all just a misunderstanding."

"But when the bracelet broke."

"I just saw it all."

"See who's holding the hammer."

"And who stands by silently."

Luong Man closed her eyes. She doesn't cry anymore. Because I finally understand. The thing that destroys everything. Not once thrown to the ground. But there are countless options before that. Little by little. Accumulated over many years. The meeting ended very quickly. Luong Man signed the minutes to confirm. Then someone led me away. Before walking out the door. She turned her head.

"Tram Duong."

"You hate me so much, don't you?"

I thought for a few seconds. Then answer:

"Yes before."

"But not anymore."

She was stunned. I looked at her. Calmly said:

"Hate someone."

"It means that person still occupies space in my heart."

"A long time ago."

"It's no longer that important."

Luong Man stood still for a long time. Finally bowed. Already quietly left. The meeting room door closed. The space becomes quiet. Lawyer Dieu took back the appraisal file.

"The hardest part is almost over."

I looked out the window. The afternoon light is covering the city. Gentle and clear. I nodded slightly. Lawyer Dieu was a bit surprised. I smiled.

"The hardest part is over since the night the bracelet broke."

"Because from that moment."

"I'm no longer afraid of losing them."

But when a person is no longer afraid of losing something that does not belong to them. Then it's time. They really started to get their lives back. I looked at the divorce agreement in front of me. Don't turn it over right away. Just look at Ha Nghien's signature in the bottom corner. Familiar pen strokes. Used to be the signature that appeared on wedding invitations. House purchase documents. The birthday gifts he gave me. It appears on the divorce papers. Like a belated end. Ha Nghien sat opposite. Tired eyes. It's like I haven't slept in days. He said hoarsely:

"I know these aren't enough."

"But this is all I can do."

I finally opened the file. One page at a time. Very complete. Don't struggle. No arguing. Don't hold back anything. Even things your lawyer can completely dispute. He also proactively gave up. I watched it all. Then put it down.

"Ha Nghien."

He raised his head.

"I signed this because I want compensation."

"Or because you want to forgive yourself?"

His whole body stiffened. For a long time, nothing was said. He smiled bitterly.

"Probably both."

I'm not surprised. Because this is the truth. There are people who only realize in the end that they are wrong. But what they want to save. It's no longer emotional. It's my own sense of guilt. Ha Nghien looked at me. There was unprecedented fatigue in his eyes.

"Tram Duong."

"I know you won't forgive."

"I don't dare hope either."

"But there's one thing."

"I still want to talk."

I won't stop you. He bowed his head and looked at his hands. It took a long time to speak up.

"Marriage day."

"I really thought I would live well with you."

I was silent. He continued.

"I never thought it would turn out like this."

"From the beginning."

"I just want to help my family overcome difficulties."

"Then step by step."

"I started convincing myself."

"Just this once."

"Just borrow it for a bit."

"Just through this time."

He laughed. Laughter is very low. Full of bitterness.

"Time to look back."

"I don't know how far I've gone anymore."