Chapter 18 — Three Keys, One Broken Marriage

I arranged all the videos from cameras in the house, including photos and chats that Dao Dao posted in the family group that day, and then printed them all into documents. After entering the police station, the receiving police officer frowned after looking at the file.

“Arbitrarily copying the key, frequently entering and exiting the house that is their common property, and arbitrarily rummaging through and destroying her important belongings…”

“This already shows signs of violating property rights.”

“Especially those big money transfers you mentioned.”

He flipped through the documents.

"Between the card bearing your father-in-law's name and your husband's card, there are very frequent transfers back and forth."

“Is there any economic relationship?”

“The outside name is to circulate money to help his relatives.”

“But in the end the money was transferred to my husband's account.”

“But before…”

“I gave him this account to facilitate capital rotation.”

“My side will prepare a file in advance, documenting the entire situation.”

The policeman said.

“Then you may need to cooperate with further investigation.”

“Also…”

“You better change the door lock quickly.”

“The key is for you and your husband only.”

“No need anymore.”

I shook my head.

“The house is already for sale.”

The police officer raised his head and looked at me. Maybe from my calm tone, he also heard something. He picked up the pen and wrote a few more lines in the record. After completing the procedures, it was almost noon when I walked out of the police station. The sun is harsh. The leaves of the corn on the side of the road were illuminated by sunlight until they sparkled.

“Where to next?”

Trieu Vu asked.

“Department of Civil Affairs.”

Trieu Vu stopped and turned his head to look at me.

“Today is Saturday.”

“The Civil Court only works half a day.”

I explain.

“I don't want to prolong it any longer.”

“Does Trieu Vu know?”

“You'll know later.”

I took out my phone and sent Trieu Vu a text message.

“At ten o'clock this morning, meet at the civil affairs department.”

“Remember to bring your ID card and marriage certificate.”

The message had just been sent, but before the word "seen" appeared, I put my phone in my pocket. Trieu Vu did not ask any more. The car started again and drove towards the civil service department. In front of the office gate, there are not many people. There were young couples holding bouquets of flowers lining up to register their marriage, with smiles on their faces that they couldn't hide. There were also cold-faced middle-aged couples sitting on the bench, their backs to each other, no one bothering to look at the other. I stood at the bottom of the steps, looking at the words "Marriage Registration Office", suddenly panicked and confused. The first time I walked through this door… It was three years ago. That day, Trieu Vu wore a clean white shirt. He was so nervous that his palms were sweaty. He held my hand and said:

“From now on we are one family.”

At that time, I still felt that the word "family" was very warm. Now that I think about it... I just feel pain.

“Do you need me to come in with you?”

Trieu Vu asked.

"No need."

I shook my head.

“You can wait outside for me.”

At that moment, I saw a taxi stop in the distance. Trieu Vu got out of the car. He was wearing a dark blue shirt, his hair was a bit messy, like he had just rushed over. Seeing me, he clearly breathed a sigh of relief and immediately walked over quickly.

“Do you really want to be so cruel?”

“You're three minutes late.”

I looked at the clock on my phone.

“Go get the number.”

Trieu Vu's lips moved slightly. But in the end there was still nothing more to say. We entered the great lobby, get a number and sit in the waiting area. The electronic screen on the wall continuously jumps, broadcasting notifications to each check-in counter. Trieu Vu bowed his head, his fingers constantly rubbing the seam of his pants.

“After I found out, I brought the house to a broker to sell…”

“My parents have been causing trouble at home for the past few days.”

I replied leisurely.

“Your sister called me crying and told me.”

“So you really don't feel soft at all?”

Trieu Vu raised his head and looked at me.

“Let's get to this point…”

“You really don't have any regrets left?”

I answered frankly.

“But what's the use of regret?”

“When we were still living under the same roof…”

“Have you ever had the heart to stand up and block a sentence for me?”

Trieu Vu was silent. After a while, he spoke hoarsely.

“Then you returned home…”

“Recovered all the keys.”

“I looked at the camera.”

That night, he walked into the house alone. Standing for a long time in the middle of the living room. Then go to the shoe cabinet and take down all the key chains that are hanging. He sat on the sofa for half an hour. Like waiting for someone to return. But in the end... Still just waiting in vain.

“But those things…”

“It happened.”

I said softly.

“The only thing I can do…”

“It's about not letting similar things happen again.”

Our number was called. In front of the divorce registration counter, the staff brought a stack of forms.

"Do both parties confirm that they voluntarily divorce?"

I calmly answered. Trieu Vu's voice was hoarse. Each sheet of paper is filled out. The marriage certificate was confiscated. Then, two new crimson notebooks were presented in front of us. It is almost identical to the book when registering the marriage that year. The only difference is... There are two more words on the cover.