Chapter 7 — You Are The Most Expensive Mistake Of My Life

Just as I was about to speak, my mother's voice slowly rang out, carrying an unprecedented sadness.

“You… know?”

That sentence was like a strong blow to my heart. It turns out that what Luu Tam said... was all true. The father I always thought had passed away... actually had a different identity. And my identity... also hides a secret that I never knew.

“Mom, what is it all about?” my voice trembled.

Mom sighed: "This story is very long... don't rush, tomorrow morning I will take the earliest flight to see you, let's talk in person." Hanging up, I stood on the steps in front of the police station, looking at the traffic passing by, my mind spinning. My life, in just one day, turned completely upside down. Co Ngon supported me, his voice was warm: "Don't be afraid, I'm here." That voice was like a ray of light in the dark night, giving me a little fulcrum. I leaned on his shoulder and finally couldn't help but burst into tears. I don't know how cruel the truth I will have to face tomorrow. But I know, no matter what, I have to face it. Because the secret hidden in that wall... It's not just about money. It also involves my past, my family, and the father I never really understood. The next morning, my mother rushed over. Looking at her haggard face and red eyes, all the questions in my heart were choked. I took her home and poured her a glass of hot water. We sat on the sofa, silently looking at each other, the atmosphere was so heavy that it was difficult to breathe. In the end, it was my mother who spoke first.

“Yeu Duyet, I'm sorry... I hid it from you for so many years.”

Her voice was full of guilt. Over the next few hours, my mother told me a story I had never known. My biological father is indeed Tham, his name is Tham Chan Hoa. He is not a hero, nor is he a good person. He is a gambling addict. That year, after marrying his mother, he did a small business and also earned some money. The house we live in was bought at that time. But soon, he got involved in gambling. At first it was just small bets, then it got deeper and deeper, lost all the money in the house, and still owed a large amount of hot loans. To pay off the debt, he began to gradually sell assets, even targeting the dowry that his grandmother left for his mother. Mom wanted to keep me and also wanted to keep the family's last bit of hope, so she firmly refused. Because of that, the two argued fiercely. It was also around that time that he called Ton Chi Cuong's house repair team to come, sneak up on his mother, and secretly hide something in the wall.

“What is he hiding?” I asked urgently.

Mother shook her head, her eyes filled with pain: "I don't know either. He didn't say anything, just said it was the last chance to turn the situation around. Then the creditor came, he knew he couldn't escape anymore, left a divorce petition and left, since then there has been no news." That year… I was only five years old. My mother, a woman, had to raise me while also having to deal with aggressive creditors. At the last step, the person who appeared was my stepfather, the same person who for many years I had always believed was my biological father. He is my mother's colleague, an honest man who has secretly loved her for a long time. Not only did he use all of his savings to help my mother pay off all her debts, but he also gave us a safe home. To protect me and not let my young soul be hurt, they decided to build it together so it's a lie. They told me that my father was that gentle man, and the name Tham Chan Hoa had never existed in my life. Later, his stepfather died from an accident, and that lie continued until today. After listening to everything, I was silent for a long time. I don't know how I should feel. Should I hate my irresponsible biological father, or should I be grateful to my mother and stepfather for giving me a perfect childhood? Emotions are confusing to the extreme.

“So… how did Ton Chi Cuong know about this?” I asked.

“It must have been said by Tham Chan Hoa.” mother sighed, "That person can do anything for money. Maybe he promised a share so Ton Chi Cuong could keep the secret, but he himself didn't expect that once he left, he wouldn't come back again."

As for Ton Chi Cuong, who seemed harmless, he was like a poisonous snake that had been silently lurking for many years, just waiting for the opportunity to strike.