Chapter 11 — The wind stops and the fate also dries up

Chu Kinh Ngoc coldly pushed her hand away. No hesitation. He turned to look at me. In those eyes. For the first time, there was hesitation. Like someone just did something to make up for it. Then expect to be forgiven.

“Khuong Yen.”

“I will give you a satisfactory explanation.”

I looked at him. Calmly replied:

“No need.”

He stopped. I continue:

“You can deal with her however you like.”

“But that has nothing to do with me.”

The day the divorce case is officially brought to trial. Clear blue skies are rare. Sunlight spread across the square in front of the court. When I arrived. Chu Kinh Ngoc was already waiting. Just over a year. But he lost a lot of weight. The suit was still neatly worn as always. However, the hand holding the file was clenched so tightly that it turned white. See me. He immediately stepped forward.

“Khuong Yen.”

I stopped. Chu Kinh Ngoc brought out the file. Hoarse voice.

“This is a new asset division plan.”

“Savings.”

“It can all belong to you.”

“Just think about it one more time.”

I don't accept.

“Chu Kinh Ngoc.”

“I came here today just to end this marriage.”

His eyes immediately darkened. The trial went very smoothly. There is no dispute. There was no struggle. Chu Kinh Ngoc is no longer the cold and imposing man of the past. He did not use the Chu family's power. Doesn't cause any pressure either. When the lawyer reads the property division part. He repeatedly asked to transfer more assets to me. But I only accept what belongs to me. Not much. Not a lot. Chu Kinh Ngoc couldn't bear it anymore. He turned to look at me.

“Khuong Yen.”

“Do you have to be so clear with me?”

I calmly replied:

“We should have been like that.”

A short sentence. It was like a knife stabbing straight into his heart. Chu Kinh Ngoc was silent for a long time. It's your turn to speak. He stood up. The voice was so low that it almost melted into the air. He used to take my patience for granted. He always thought that every time I asked for help, he was just causing trouble. Is forcing him to give in. You have left all my humiliations to Tong Tinh Van to decide. You treated my sister's life as an expense that needed to be approved. Talk to the end. His eye rims turned red. The voice choked.

“Khuong Yen.”

“I know it's too late to say these things now.”

I lowered my eyes. No reply. Because it's too late. My sister won't come back anymore. The child will not return before he has seen this world. When I was most desperate. What I need is a helping hand. But what you gave me. Another application for review. No matter how much you regret it. It no longer makes sense. When signing. My hands are very steady. Don't tremble even a little bit. When the last stroke of the pen stops. I suddenly felt relieved. Like a rock weighing heavily on my heart for many years. Finally lifted away. Little by little. Walk out of court. Sunlight covered the front steps. Brilliant to the point of blinding. Chu Kinh Ngoc chased after him.

“Khuong Yen.”

I don't turn around. His voice trembled slightly.

“If you need anything later.”

“Just look for me.”

I paused for a second. Then gently replied:

“No need anymore.”

I continued to step forward. I don't cry. Also don't look back. Behind the back. The sound of those footsteps finally ceased to follow. Chu Kinh Ngoc was still standing there. Watch me leave. Maybe until now. I just understood something. There are people who don't leave because they can't wait. But after being pushed into the abyss by his own hand. They will never come back again. Afternoon. I brought a bouquet of flowers to the cemetery. In front of my sister's grave. Everything is still as clean as before. I put the flowers down. Use a paper towel to gently wipe the photo on the tombstone. She is still as young as ever. Gentle smile. Eyes curved. Just like the years that used to lead me home. I squatted down.

“I'm divorced.”

A gentle breeze passed by. The tree canopy above shook slightly. I gently stroked the tombstone with my hand. The corners of my eyes heated up. But don't cry.

“From now on, no one will make me have to beg to live again.”

“No one will use me to threaten you anymore.”

“Finally…”

“I am truly free now.”

I sat there for a long time. Tell her many stories. Tell me about the small house that is always flooded with sunlight. Tell me about the meals I cook myself. Tell me that I can live well alone. Before leaving. I gently touched the photo on the tombstone.

“From now on.”

“I will live for your part as well.”

The wind gently blew through the cemetery. Sunlight spreads across the road ahead. I don't look back anymore.