Chapter 3 — When I Learn How to Bloom Again

Only a cold void remained. At that moment, my lawyer — Trieu Tinh — stood up. She gently pushed her glasses, her voice was calm and sharp.

“Judge, my client's marriage certificate can be completely verified directly on the civil service system.”

“Now, the truth is very clear.”

"Plaintiff Lam Hieu Vu, while knowing or should have known that Chu Van Bac was married, still maintained an improper male-female relationship with him."

“That behavior, in itself, is a serious violation of social ethical standards.”

"Not only that, today she also brought her legal wife to court, accusing her of being a 'third party'."

“This is not only a serious violation of my client's honor, but also a provocation and disregard for the law.”

Every sentence from Trieu Tinh is like a resounding slap. Slap Lam Hieu Vu straight in the face... and Chu Van Bac too.

"Therefore, on behalf of client Tan Tranh, I request the court to reject the plaintiff's entire lawsuit request."

"At the same time, we reserve the right to pursue legal responsibility for the slander and fabrication of Ms. Lam Hieu Vu."

As soon as the words ended, uncontrollable whispers rang out in the courtroom. Lam Hieu Vu completely collapsed, his whole body was weak, he had to rely on the lawyer to not fall down. Her eyes were empty, her mouth still repeating the words "impossible". The judge's face turned serious and he tapped his gavel again.

“Keep order!”

He looked at Lam Hieu Vu blankly, then looked at Chu Van Bac whose face was as gray as ash. Finally, the judge's eyes stopped on me.

"After verification, the marriage certificate provided by defendant Tan Tranh is real and legal."

"The marital relationship between you and Mr. Chu Van Bac is protected by law."

"The accusation of 'destroying other people's families' that plaintiff Lam Hieu Vu made... does not have any legal basis or truth."

"The court declared and rejected all lawsuit requests of plaintiff Lam Hieu Vu."

“All legal fees are borne by the plaintiff.”

“End of trial!”

The hammer knocked down, resounding a heavy sound. Officially close this ridiculous drama. I let out a long sigh. It was as if the rock that had been weighing heavily in my heart for ten years... was finally lifted to a corner. I turned around, preparing to leave. Chu Van Bac was crazy again, rushed forward and grabbed my arm tightly.

“Tan Tranh!”

His eyes were bloodshot, his voice held back anger.

“Are you satisfied?”

“You made it this far… are you satisfied?!”

I didn't pull away, just calmly looked at him.

"Chu Van Bac, from the moment you chose to deceive me... you should have known this day would come."

“I just… put the truth on the table.”

He smiled coldly.

“You made me lose face in front of so many people, is that what you call the truth?”

“What about me?”

I asked again, my voice light.

“You let me be a blindfolded fool for ten years, this little bit of your dignity… what is it worth?”

His grip tightened in anger. The finger squeezed so hard that it made my arm hurt. Trieu Tinh immediately stepped forward, his voice cold as a knife.

“Mr. Chu, let go of my client.”

"If you still dare to move your hands and feet in the middle of court, do you want to add more charges?"

That sentence finally brought back some reason to him. He slowly let go. But his eyes still stuck to me, full of unwillingness and resentment. I corrected it His sleeves were wrinkled, he didn't bother looking at him anymore.

“Sister, let's go.”

Trieu Tinh and I walked out of the courtroom side by side. Behind was the sobbing sound of Lam Hieu Vu, and the heavy breathing of Chu Van Bac. Sunlight penetrated through the high glass windows of the courthouse, falling in streaks of light. I walk in the light. Leave behind all the dirt and ruin. I know, this is just the beginning. The real war... is only now beginning. As soon as Trieu Tinh and I stepped out of the court gate, Chu Van Bac chased after us. He strode forward, blocking our way. Under the harsh sunlight, his well-groomed hair became messy and his expensive suit became wrinkled. The face that I once saw was so chic... now there was only a look of struggle and frustration.

“Tan Tranh, let's talk.”

His voice carried a command, as if I was still the obedient wife I had always been. I stopped and looked at him coldly.

“Between us, there's nothing left to say.”

“What needs to be said… has already been said in court.”

Trieu Tinh took a step forward, blocking me, his business tone clear.

“If Mr. Chu has any problems, please contact me through your lawyer.”

“During the divorce process, I do not recommend that both parties meet privately.”

Chu Van Bac seemed to hear a joke. He walked around Trieu Tinh, staring at me.

“Who gave you the courage to ask for a divorce?”

“Tan Tranh, have you forgotten how you lived these past ten years?”

"The house you live in, the car you drive, the bags you use, which one is not my money?"

“Get away from me, what do you think you are?”

His words were like poisoned blades. If it was before, I would probably be in pain. Will doubt himself. But now, my heart has long been frozen by him.

“So what?”

I asked again, my voice calm.

"You cheated in your marriage, lied to me, lied to Lam Hieu Vu... is it natural?"

"Chu Van Bac, do you think that if you give me enough material things... then you have the right to torture me mentally?"

He choked, his expression even more unsightly.

“Lam Hieu Vu and I were just playing around!”

“Isn't it normal for men to socialize outside?”

"In my heart I still have family! I have you!"

He lowered his voice and started using familiar words to comfort me.

“A Tranh, today I feel angry.”

"It's all because of that child's stupidity! He did it on his own volition!"

“Don't worry, when I get back I will completely cut it off!”

“Let's go back to how we were before, okay?”

He spoke so sincerely… as if he were the one being harmed. It's ridiculous.

“Chu Van Bo.”

I looked at him, every word clear.

“We… can't go back anymore.”

“From the moment you raised another woman outside, and let her send a summons to my face…”

“We have no way back.”

My decisiveness caused the last bit of patience in his eyes to disappear. His face contorted.

"Tan Tranh, don't let the water encroach on you!"

“I have given you the stairs, you must know how to step down!”

"Determining to do it until the fish die and the net is torn... what benefit do you get?"

I laughed, but that smile didn't reach my eyes, it was cold to the bone.

“Being able to get rid of a man like you who makes me nauseous… is the greatest benefit.”

He raised his hand. I instinctively closed my eyes. But the pain is there predict… never descend. Trieu Tinh quickly held his wrist tightly, her eyes as sharp as knives.

“Mr. Chu, standing in front of the court gate, do you still want to hit someone?”

“The camera here… it's very clear.”

Chu Van Bac's arm stopped in midair, reason and anger struggled on his face. In the end, he still gritted his teeth and withdrew his hand. He pointed at me, his voice filled with anger.

“Okay, Tan Tranh, you're very good.”

"You want a divorce, right? Okay!"

“I tell you, don't dream of getting anything!”

"House, car, savings, I can't take a single penny with me!"

“I will let you leave here empty-handed, get out of this city!”

Hearing those naked threats, I was completely calm again. I took a step forward, looking straight into his eyes.

“Chu Van Bac, maybe you forgot.”

"Three houses, two cars, and company shares in my name... are all common assets after marriage."

"As for the money you transferred to Lam Hieu Vu, including the two hundred thousand to buy a car... every penny is common property."

“According to the law, I have the right to get half back.”

“Oh yeah, there's also proof of your adultery.”

I smiled softly.