Chapter 11 — Weddings Without Brides

"Kieu Kieu, everyone's time is rushed. Just sign the authorization change form first. If you have any regrets, just go home and say it."

The authorization lists five items. Changed the bride's name to To Tinh. Authorization to use the bride's image to To Tinh. Wedding dress, makeup, fresh flowers and livestream services changed to serving To Tinh. Luc Tram Chu still maintains his status as a groom. All costs continue to be paid from the original contract. Finally, write the words: "The above changes have been approved by party A (Tham Kieu)." I put the authorization aside.

“Where is the general process?”

Luc Tram Chu flipped open the document: "Let's look at this change version first, the process will be discussed later."

“There is no process, I do not sign.”

The person in charge of fresh flowers and the hotel manager exchanged glances. Phung Diem stood up and pulled out the thickest document clip in front of Luc Tram Chu.

“Mr. Luc and Ms. Tham are party A of the contract, she has the right to see it first.”

Luc Tram Chu's face darkened: "Phung Diem, you're only in charge of implementation."

“That's why I need party A to confirm the implementation content.”

She handed me the clipboard. The complete timetable is only two pages long. At 9:30, bride To Tinh entered the ceremony hall. 10:00, exchange rings and recite vows. 10:30, connect online for Ms. Luong to speak. 11:00, take photos with relatives from both sides. 11:30, party starts. 1:30 p.m., the bride and groom see off guests, ending the livestream. I turned to the next page. There is no second reception. There is no 6 p.m. service. There is no Tham Kieu. The last appendix only records one line: "The next day at 6 p.m., the Luc family of 6 had an intimate dinner, no rituals, no guests invited." The so-called "90-minute loan" is fake. The so-called "afternoon continues normally" is also fake. They planned to let To Tinh complete a wedding in front of 318 guests, then let me have a meal with 6 people the next day, continue to register the marriage, and become Luc Tram Chu's legal wife. I raised my head.

“Where is my wedding?”

The meeting room was silent. Luc Tram Chu tightly grasped the fountain pen.

"If you hold two sessions in a row on the same day, Aunt To will see that the wish-fulfillment ceremony is fake. Before the surgery, she couldn't take the beating."

“So you canceled my wedding?”

"It's just a postponement. Tomorrow after the family meal, we can travel and take wedding photos again."

"318 guests have already witnessed you and To Tinh getting married. Who is my family dinner organized for?"

Luc's mother quickly interjected:

"People living in the same family, what does it matter to outsiders? To Tinh did not register to marry Tram Chu, you are the real daughter-in-law of the Luc family."

I burst out laughing.

"The public wedding belongs to To Tinh, the life and legal responsibilities belong to me. You guys are dividing it fairly."

To Tinh's tears flowed freely.

"Tham Kieu, I never wanted to steal your position. I just wanted my mother to go into the operating room with peace of mind."

“So why has my name never appeared in the final process?”

“Because if my mother sees it, she will be very sad.”

“What about my parents? What about my friends?”

"Tram Chu said... he would personally explain to them privately."

It turns out that even with these excuses, they matched the script from before. Luc Tram Chu thrust the pen into my hand.

"Kieu Kieu, everything has been arranged to this point. Aunt To was hospitalized this afternoon, all relatives have received cards. Just sign your name first, I will meet all compensation requests."

“What if I don't sign?”

“Stop making fun of me at this time.”

“Answer me.”

He stared at me, his voice also became tough: