Chapter 12 — Three Keys, One Broken Marriage

“Sister-in-law, don't keep finding fault with what I say.”

“So tell me, what do you mean?”

The other end of the line was silent for a few seconds, her voice lowered.

“I just feel... you're doing it too well.”

"Selling the house, getting divorced... this is no longer a normal argument."

"If someone has something going on in their family, they can't hold it in for a bit. Wouldn't it be fine in a few days?"

“Hold on a bit.”

Those four words were like a small needle, bit by bit piercing my heart. I suddenly burst out laughing. But the smile didn't reach the bottom of his eyes.

“Do you know how many times I have held back these past few years?”

“Do you know how I feel every time your parents don't knock and instead open the door themselves?”

“Do you know how uncomfortable I felt when I had to move the table and chairs I just bought aside to make room for your house?”

Dao Dao was questioned until she became speechless. It took a long time for me to choke out a sentence.

“Sister-in-law, the things you said… I really didn't know before.”

"I thought you didn't notice, you guys never told us."

“So now you know…”

My voice was extremely calm.

“Will you voluntarily return the key?”

“Are you going to tell your parents to stop coming to our house in the future?”

The other end of the line was silent for a moment.

“I will definitely return the key.”

Dao Dao quickly said.

“I will bring it over today.”

"As for my parents... they're old, they have some habits that can't be fixed right away, so don't take it personally with the elderly."

"Sister-in-law, as humans, we have to leave a way for each other, so we can see each other better in the future."

I laughed out loud.

“You should keep that sentence to yourself.”

I don't want to continue beating around the bush anymore.

“Dao Dao, don't interfere between me and your brother anymore.”

“The house will definitely sell.”

“Divorce will definitely be processed.”

“If you truly think about your brother…”

“It's best to help him accept reality soon.”

“Don't continue to put pressure on me with your emotions.”

Dao Dao was so nervous that her voice trembled.

“Sister-in-law, do you really not feel sorry for me at all?”

"He's lost a few pounds these past few days, has trouble sleeping every day, and just sits dazed at home."

“You women really say you turn your face, you turn your face, why are you so cruel?”

“Are you saying I'm cruel?”

I smiled softly.

“So have you ever thought…”

“If I weren't a little cruel…”

“So what shape will this life be dragged into by your whole family?”

Dao Dao choked, as if a bone was stuck in her throat.

“Sister-in-law… you have changed.”

She gritted her teeth.

“You are no longer the same as before.”

"That's right."

My voice was extremely calm.

“In the past, I always thought I had to give in to your family.”

“And now…”

“I just want to live in a way that doesn't disappoint myself.”

“That's it, hang up now.”

Without waiting for the other end to say anything else, I directly ended the call. The assistant came over with a cup of coffee and saw me throwing my phone aside.

“Miss Thanh, is it a family member calling again?”

“The voice sounds... from your mother's side?”

The assistant asked very carefully.

"Not."

I rubbed my temples.

“It's my brother-in-law.”

The assistant said "ah" in understanding and didn't ask any more questions.

“I'll leave the coffee here, so I can print out the documents you need.”

I picked up my cup of coffee and took a sip. The bitter taste spreads to the tip of the tongue. I looked at the drawings on the screen, but my eyes were a bit absent-minded. Phone again vibrate once. This time it's WeChat. Message from Trieu Vu.

"Are you free tonight? I want to talk to you."

I looked at that text for a few seconds.

“Not available, working on a manuscript.”

I replied. The other party immediately texted more.

"Then I'll go downstairs to the company and wait for you."

I frowned slightly.

"No need."

“If there's anything, we can talk over the phone.”

“This matter cannot be explained over the phone.”

Right after that, there was another news.

“I just stand downstairs, don't go to the company.”

“What time do you get off work? I'll wait until then.”

I looked at those messages and suddenly felt extremely tired. I put the phone face down on the table, forced myself not to think about it anymore, and continued editing the drawing. By seven o'clock in the evening, everyone on the floor got off work one by one, and the office area gradually became quiet. The assistant finished packing his things and came over.

“Miss Thanh, I'll go home first.”

"Don't work too late, remember to stay healthy."

“Yes, I know.”

I watched her enter the elevator then slowly closed the computer. Standing up, stretching, rubbing my aching neck, I picked up my bag and walked out of the office. As soon as I left the building, the night wind blew from the riverbank, bringing with it a faint damp smell. The street lights were on. In front of the door is parked a row of technology vehicles. Near the flower bed, Trieu Vu was leaning against a car, his hands in his pockets. As soon as he saw me coming out, he immediately stood up straight.

“Thanh Thanh.”

My steps stopped. I didn't answer, just walked to the side of the road.

“How about finding somewhere to sit for a while?”

Trieu Vu cautiously opened his mouth.

“It's not very convenient to stand on the street and talk.”

“Whatever you want to say, say it here.”

I looked at the clock.

“I still have to go back and edit the manuscript.”

“Thanh Thanh…”

Trieu Vu looked at me, his throat choked up.

“Do you have to be so distant from me?”

“This far away…”

“It was because my whole family gradually forced it out.”

“Trieu Vu, say it directly if you have anything.”

Trieu Vu took a deep breath.

“Okay, then I'll tell you straight.”

“Thanh Thanh, selling the house... I agree.”

“But I don't want a divorce.”

“You may not forgive me.”

“You can continue to be angry with me.”

“But about the divorce… can you give me a little more time?”

I slightly raised my eyebrows.

“Until when?”

“Until your parents, for the sake of dignity, stop meddling?”

“Or until Dao Dao gets bored and doesn't want to run to our house anymore?”

“Or wait until the day you can't stand it anymore and propose to divorce me yourself?”

Trieu Vu was speechless when I asked him.

“Thanh Thanh, I know I'm wrong.”

“The key thing… is that you are confused.”

"Whatever my dad said, I nodded, completely ignoring your feelings."

“These past few days I have been reflecting on myself.”

"You're really too weak, you just go along with them in everything."

“But you can change.”

He looked at me, his eyes filled with pleading.

"I've already made it clear about the key. From now on, no one will be able to keep it anymore."

"I also had an argument with my father. When we talk about our relationship, don't let other people interfere."

“Even though their mouths are still not convinced…”

“But at least they know your attitude.”

“You can move out.”

"Even if the house doesn't sell, you can still move out and rent a house with me."

“Cut them off completely.”

“I will use my actions to prove it to you, okay?”

I quietly looked at him.

“I think…”

“Let's talk now Is there still time for these words?

Trieu Vu's throat moved slightly.

“I know you must be very disappointed in your heart.”

“But Thanh Thanh, everyone will make mistakes.”

“Let's just say it's been more than thirty years... now you're really weaning yourself.”

“Before, I always felt like they were my parents, I owed them.”

“Only now do I understand…”

“I also have my own family.”

“There are also separate boundaries.”

“What I want is just a complete roof.”

“It's not that I can't do it…”

“You just didn't realize how serious the problem was before.”

“You can change.”