Chapter 18 — You Lost Me In The Paris Snow Season

The man blocking Manh Nha's path was named Tran. He was not the person who carried the knife and stabbed someone the other day, but he was the person who matched the time with Manh Nha's fetal ultrasound slip. In the video sent by Duong Tranh, the man surnamed Tran stood frozen in front of the notary office door, his face pale with anger.

"You took my child to blackmail someone else? Manh Nha, you've done well."

Manh Nha lowered her voice and hissed at him to shut up. But there were people around who raised their phones to dial. What she's most afraid of is not losing face, but having her face filmed every time she loses face. The man named Tran didn't care. He pulled out a stack of bank transfer statements from his pocket: "You said you wanted to open a studio and asked me to pay the investment money. You said you would marry me after the house was transferred. As a result, you took my money and pretended to be pitiful with the guy named Ha." Manh Nha's face was pale: "Don't talk nonsense. That money was voluntarily given by me." The man chuckled: "What about the baby? I also voluntarily gave the baby to you to be punished?" This statement is like a stone thrown into the water. The surrounding onlookers immediately started talking. Manh Nha covered her face and wanted to leave, but the enforcement officers and police were all there, so she couldn't leave even half a step away. After watching the video, I sent it straight to lawyer Luong.

"Add this clue to the file. All of her outside debts could affect her ability to repay."

Lawyer Luong quickly texted back: "It has been compiled. The assets in her name are not enough to execute the judgment. But handbags, jewelry, and some valuable items can be asked to be distributed forever." I replied: "Don't miss any item. Even if it's a silk scarf, it must be done according to legal procedures." Manh Nha loves to use other people's money to create a glamorous appearance for herself. So let her see with her own eyes that "glamour" being inventoried, valued, and recorded item by item. The next day, court enforcement officers came to inventory her apartment. Duong Tranh found someone to record the situation outside and send it to me. Manh Nha stood in the middle of the living room, her eyes as puffy as walnuts. In the closet is an entire wall of branded handbags. Shoe boxes are stacked up to the ceiling. As soon as the jewelry box was opened, invoices and certificates fell all over the table. In the past, every time she posted on social networks, she wished she couldn't fit the "gift from Mr. Thua Chu" into every little corner. Now those shadows have all turned into property arrears lists. Wherever the enforcement officer reads, he takes notes.

“White handbag, purchase price twenty-six thousand (about more than 900 million VND).”

“Diamond necklace, purchase price ninety-eight (about more than 340 million VND).”

“Women's watch, purchase price is eighteen thousand six (about more than 650 million VND).”

Manh Nha finally collapsed: “This is mine!” Lawyer Luong stood next to him, his tone calm: "Whether this property belongs to you or not, the court will decide. Before that time, the request cannot be transferred or dispersed." Manh Nha suddenly faced the camera, crying and screaming: "Tham Tri Y, are you satisfied?" I wasn't there, but when Duong Tranh sent this video, I was standing in the installation space of the exhibition exhibition. I just left one sentence:

"Not satisfied. Money still not returned."

Duong Tranh attached a smiley face: "Now you look like a very professional creditor." Looking at the screen, I smiled with relief: "It's just that I finally stopped being an idiot." The fire of war in the country is burning more and more fiercely. The hospital also issued an official handling notice. Ha Thua Chu was stripped of his right to nominate positions during the year. Temporary suspension of major surgery status for 6 months. The medical ethics assessment score is not satisfactory. At the same time, due to lax account management and bad publicity, he was transferred from the core operating team. The day the announcement was issued, Ha Thua Chu sat quietly in the hospital room for a long time. He didn't destroy things, nor did he look for me anymore. Duong Tranh said, he put the wedding ring in a drawer, then obediently signed all additional agreements. After listening, I just replied: "I know." There is no victor's gloating, nor the sadness of old love resurfacing. Everything is just like a debt book finally accounted for clearly on black and white paper. Whoever owes, pays. Whoever is wrong, admits his guilt. As for me, I have moved forward in a new life. However, things don't stop there. One day before the exhibition opened, Mr. Luc took me to meet the trustees of the art foundation. At the end of the meeting, he kept me aside to talk privately:

"Miss Tham, there is something I must tell you first. In the country, someone anonymously sent documents to the fund. They accused you of having bad morals in marriage, having a chaotic personal life, and even cruelly forcing a woman to get pregnant."

My hand holding the cup of coffee paused slightly. Mr. Luc pushed the file bag towards me: "The documents were very sloppily made. But the other party clearly wants to destroy your professional reputation." I opened the file bag. Inside are a few collaged photos. There is a scene where Duong Tranh and I are chatting at the airport. There is a photo of me raising a glass with my teacher in the exhibition room. There are even sneaky photos of me and Mr. Luc meeting today. At the bottom is an anonymous letter with cruel words and a very clear purpose. After reading it, I slowly closed the file. Mr. Luc looked at me: "Do you need me to avoid you?" I looked up and smiled: "No need. The person who really needs to be avoided is the person who wrote this letter." The phone suddenly lit up. Lawyer Luong sent a new message: "The origin of the anonymous letter has been investigated. It's not Manh Nha. It's your mother." Looking at the text message lawyer Luong sent, the cup of coffee in my hand gradually cooled. The person who sent the anonymous letter is not Manh Nha. It's my mother. Mr. Luc did not urge him at all. He just slowly folded the file and pushed it towards me.

"Miss Tham, the fund highly appreciates your abilities. But if you need time to handle personal matters, we can wait."

I raised my head to look at him.

“No need.”

“Personal matters will not affect my work.”

“On the contrary, it is also the most authentic comment for this project.”

Mr. Luc paused, his expression somewhat surprised. I took out my phone and dialed my mother. She picked up the phone very quickly. But his tone was full of guilt.

“Tri Y, have you finally called back?”

I pressed the record button minus.

“The anonymous document was sent by mom, right?”

The other end of the line was silent for two seconds. Immediately followed by a familiar sobbing sound.

“Mom was also forced.”

“You want your house back, making your father's blood pressure skyrocket.”

“Your brother's job is gone too.”

“If I don't do that, will you sit down and talk to us properly?”

Hearing that fake cry, my heart didn't waver at all.

“So my mother spread the news that I had a chaotic personal life.”

“Slandered me for forcing pregnant women.”

“Even sent the collage to my partner.”

My mother hastily explained.

“Those pictures were not taken by my mother.”

“It was sent to Mom by Manh Nha.”

“She said if I just sent it, I would be scared.”

“I'm just transitioning.”

I laughed.

“Do you know what that means?”

“It means you are admitting to helping defame others.”

The breathing on the other side immediately became chaotic. Right after that, my dad grabbed the phone.

“Tham Tri Y!”

"Don't make a single move or you will threaten your family with the law."

“Your mother is old.”

“She was just temporarily confused.”

My voice turned cold.

“A person who is just 'temporarily confused' will not know how to send documents to the mailboxes of the art fund, the organizing committee and my instructors.”

My father immediately choked up. I keep saying:

“Don't my parents want me to lose my career?”

“Then I'll show you two.”

“A person who can truly stand up will not be dragged back into the mud because of a few tears.”

Having finished speaking, I hung up the phone. Immediately send a message to lawyer Luong.

“Initiate a lawsuit.”

“My mother, Manh Nha and all those spreading information.”

“Not leaving anyone out.”

"At the same time, send the official correction documents to the fund and the organizing committee."

The reply came almost immediately.

“Everything is prepared.”

"In addition, in the conversation between Manh Nha and her mother, there was a very detailed discussion about how to destroy her reputation."

“They also mentioned making her lose face abroad to force her to withdraw the lawsuit.”

I looked at the screen and answered:

“Then let them become famous in the country.”

That evening, the lawyer's announcement was published. There wasn't any whining. There is only evidence. My pre-marital property certificate. Statement of money transfer to parents for six years. Video of parents carrying fake power of attorney to the notary office. Complete anonymous mailing route. Screenshot of Manh Nha sending a collage. Along with the recording my mother admitted herself to having forwarded the documents. Everything is crystal clear. Each piece of evidence, each statement is strong enough to stand firm before the law. The first to explode was the relative chat group. My aunt sent a voice message directly.

“Are you guys still human?”

“Girls get divorced, get bullied.”

“If you don't protect it, that's fine.”

“And even helped outsiders sabotage its work.”

“Stay at his house, spend his money.”

“Then turn around and stab him in the back.”

“You really have a thick skin.”

My mother did not dare to speak up. My father also fell silent. Only my younger brother texted me privately.

“Sister, my parents are old.”

"You really don't want to take the house back."

“I don't have a place to stay these days.”

I looked at that message. Then answer four words correctly.

“Rent and live there yourself.”

It immediately panicked.

“You are so rich That's it.”

“If you help me a little, who will die?”

I don't answer anymore. Before, I always fooled myself into thinking that my family would change. Only later did I understand. There are people who don't know how to stand up for themselves. But because I saw you kneeling for so long, I automatically considered you the carpet under my feet. The next morning, the apartment management board and the attorney's assistant came to the place to deliver the house return request. My mother sat in the middle of the living room crying loudly. My father pointed straight at the camera and cursed me for being an unfilial son. My younger brother was banging glasses and cups. But that house, from beginning to end, is in my name alone. They became more and more chaotic. The video as evidence is even more complete. Also on that day, the collaborative exhibition I was in charge of officially opened. The lights in the exhibition room simultaneously turned on. My name appears solemnly on the main curatorial list. The teacher stood next to him and asked softly:

“Are you ready?”

I looked at the crowd ahead.

“I'm ready.”

Right at that moment. Suddenly there was a noise from the entrance. A woman holding a phone is streaming through the crowd. She walked away and shouted loudly in Chinese:

“Tham Tri Y!”

“Do you dare to explain why you forced a pregnant woman to the end?”

“And why did you kick both your biological parents out of the house?”

The whole hall immediately fell silent. I looked straight into the lens pointed at me. Then slowly smiled. It's finally here. But it also came at the right time. 22 (Epilogue) The other woman held up the phone, her voice increasingly shrill.

“Everyone look!”

“This is the so-called female art curator!”

“In our country, we oppress pregnant women and drive our biological parents out of the house!”

“What qualifications does someone like that have to do an art project honoring women?”

The guests around do not understand Chinese. Seeing that, she immediately repeated the whole thing in English. Apparently she thought I would panic. But I just calmly turned to look at Mr. Luc. He nodded slightly to the technician. On the big screen that was playing the exhibition introduction video, the image immediately changed. A bilingual Chinese-English statement appeared. The first headline is extremely brief: Proof of response to malicious defamation against Ms. Tham Tri Y. The woman's expression immediately changed. She turned around to run away. But the exit was blocked by security. I walked up to the stage and took the microphone.

“Brought the question to my workplace.”

“Then I will answer right here.”

I looked straight into the livestream lens.

“First.”

“I have never oppressed any pregnant woman.”

"On the contrary, that person repeatedly took advantage of the pregnancy to avoid debt repayment obligations and interfere in the judicial process."

“I only recover real estate assets under my legal ownership.”

"The people living in that house used to receive benefits from others to disguise the power of attorney in my name."

“Women should not be bound by marriage, bloodline or public opinion.”

“That is also the reason why I am standing here today.”

Just then, the big screen started showing the evidence. Manh Nha's history of receiving money. The explanation about the time of pregnancy coincides with the rental history hotel with another man. Screenshot of a conversation between her and my mother about sending anonymous letters. Video of my parents bringing fake power of attorney to the notary office. Posts defaming me on social networks. All are attached with an authentication code from the lawyer. The whole hall fell into silence. The woman doing the livestream turned pale. She frantically tried to turn off the app. But at that time, her livestream room was flooded by domestic netizens. The wind immediately changed direction. No one questions me anymore. They all turned to attack her.

“Who hired you to come here?”

“How much money have you received?”

“The evidence is as clear as day and yet you still dare to make up stories?”

Her hands trembled violently. Still trying to resist.

“These are just your one-sided words.”

I looked at her.

“So my lawyer called the police.”

“You can explain slowly after returning home.”

Mr. Luc walked up next to me. He turned to the guests and said in English:

“The Fund has verified all relevant records.”

“We will not give up on a professional, steadfast and brave female expert because of malicious slander.”

At first there was only a few sporadic applause. Then gradually spread. Finally, it turned into resounding applause throughout the auditorium. The teacher walked over and gave me a hug.

“You did very well.”

I smiled softly.

“It's just that I don't keep backing down anymore.”

At the same time, the country also started collecting nets. Lawyer Luong submitted the livestream recording at the scene as additional evidence. The chain of evidence proving that my mother and Manh Nha incited others to spread cross-border rumors has been completely closed. Not long after, the notary office officially issued a confirmation document. The power of attorney that my parents submitted showed signs of being forged. The person who provided the documents and accompanied the procedures was Manh Nha. From screaming for justice, my parents quickly turned to begging for forgiveness. My mother called me dozens of phone calls. I don't listen. She called her relatives again to ask for advice. But this time no one wants to stand on her side anymore. My wife immediately blocked the number. My cousin texted me:

“Don't be soft-hearted.”

“We all know how they exploited you before.”

“It's just that you don't speak up so it's hard for us to intervene.”

I replied:

“There is no need to intervene now.”

“Just stand and watch.”

That news also reached Ha Thua Chu's ears. Duong Tranh said that after watching the video at the opening ceremony, he sat quietly on the hospital bed for a long time. Ha's mother once asked him if he could help with a few words. He only replied with one sentence.

“She doesn't need me anymore.”

It sounds like a repentance. But I no longer care. Regret if it comes too late. It's just a kind of self-touching. As for Manh Nha, he was really crazy. Originally, she wanted to borrow my mother's hand to destroy my work. Unexpectedly, the livestream would backfire. Her name once again climbed to the top of searches. The only difference is that this time no one sees her as a pitiful victim. But a cheater. Falsifying documents. Taking advantage of the pregnancy to climb high. And colluded with his ex-mother-in-law to slander others. She frantically deleted posts on social networks. But All evidence has long been saved. The man named Tran also officially spoke up. He declared that he was willing to coordinate a DNA test to determine the child's blood relationship. At the same time, sue to recover the investment money that Manh Nha defrauded. The family of the young man who used a knife to stab people also submitted more evidence about being lured into investing by her. All roads are locked. She no longer has the chance to continue playing the role of an innocent girl. After completing the inventory, enforcement agencies included all of her handbags and jewelry in the valuation process. Small apartments are also handled according to regulations. The twenty thousand yuan that Ha's mother once transferred to her were also included in the additional arrears list. Hearing this news, Ha's mother cried loudly again. But this time she no longer pretended to faint. Because the hospital has given clear warnings. If there continues to be a disturbance in the treatment area, security forces will directly intervene. When the opening party ended, my phone received a text message from Duong Tranh.

“Ha Thua Chu has completed discharge procedures today.”

“He transferred to a rehabilitation center.”

“He said he wanted to return the ring and letter to you personally.”

I looked at the phone screen and answered:

“No need.”

“The ring is his.”

“The letter is also from him.”

“I don't have the habit of keeping old things.”

After sending the message, I put my phone in my pocket and walked towards the center of the exhibition room. The installation work After Breaking the Cocoon is gradually unfolding under the light. The transparent shell separates little by little. The light inside slowly spreads. Someone standing next to me asked:

“What does this work want to convey?”

I looked at the light that had just flared up in the cocoon layer.

“That when one leaves a place that does not belong to one…”

“It's not a breakup.”

“But reincarnation.”

The day the divorce judgment officially took effect, Paris received a light snowfall. Lawyer Luong sent the electronic judgment to me. I sat by the window, slowly reading each page. The marital relationship officially ended. Common property is divided according to the law. Continue to collect all illegally donated assets in Manh Nha's name. Ha Thua Chu must compensate for mental damage. My parents' acts of falsifying power of attorney and defamation will be separated into a separate case for trial. Every word is cold. But fair. I closed the document. Then send lawyer Luong a text message.

“You have worked hard.”

Messages responded very quickly.

“Congratulations on your freedom.”

I looked at those four words for a long time. What makes me happy is not because I won against anyone. It's because I'm finally free from living to satisfy other people's needs. Domestic news is continuously sent over. Manh Nha's apartment was handled according to regulations. Branded watches. The entire amount is evaluated and included in the judgment payment. The man surnamed Tran also officially sued to reclaim the invested money. After determining the child's blood relationship, Manh Nha completely lost the opportunity to cling to the Ha family. Luxurious items that she once considered life-giving. Finally sealed. Auction. Then pass it on to someone else. Status lines:

"Suddenly given by Mr. Thua Chu."

“Thank you, Thua Chu.”

“Mr. Thua Chu is very kind.”

Finally are just dry numbers on execution records. Ha's mother's situation is no better. The money transferred to Manh Nha was collected. Evidence of her participation in spreading rumors was also closed. She and my parents had to publicly apologize. The apology letter was written very reluctantly. Not a single bit of sincerity. But I don't need it either. What I need is never an apology. It's the verdict of the law. My parents moved out of that house on time. The management sent me photos of the current situation. The living room is empty. There are still a few scratches on the wall that they left while packing. I looked at the photo for a few seconds. Then ask the management board to repair it and re-rent it. From today. That house will generate rent. And that money will belong to me. I will no longer continue to feed ungrateful people. My younger brother texted a few more times. At first, he blamed me coldly. Then turn to begging for help. In the end, he said he knew it was wrong. I don't reply to any messages. Love is not a bottomless well. Nor is it a reason for one person to continuously withdraw money from the other. Ha Thua Chu's outcome was also predetermined. He was removed from the core surgical team. Not allowed to take on the main surgical role for half a year. The application for academic degree approval was returned. The hospital did not fire him. But the path he valued most was half ruined by his own hands. Duong Tranh once told me. After that incident, Ha Thua Chu became very quiet. Manh Nha is no longer mentioned. I no longer ask anyone to inquire about my information. Only once. After the rehabilitation session. He sat in the hallway. Saw an old couple helping each other pass by. His eyes suddenly turned red. After listening, I just said:

“That's his problem.”

The other end of the line was silent for a moment. Then Duong Tranh asked:

“Have you really never thought about turning back?”

I stood behind the scenes of the exhibition. Look at the staff completing the final checks.

“I didn't just leave him.”

“I'm still far from myself from before.”

Duong Tranh laughed very softly.

“You live really well now.”

"I know."

Those are not polite words. Which is the truth. Closing night of the exhibition. He took me for a walk on the banks of the Seine River. Snow accumulated on the shoulders of his shirt and then quickly melted away. The teacher told me good news. The Women's Art Fund has been officially approved. Spring next year. I will return to my country to form a working group. Not as someone's wife. Not anyone's daughter. Nor is she anyone's older sister. But with just one name. Tham Tri Y. I looked at the lights reflecting on the river surface. Suddenly remembered six years ago. At that time, I was also faced with an opportunity. But I choose to give way for Ha Thua Chu. Then take another step back. Then one more step. Back into the kitchen. Back out of the hospital room door. Back to the point where everyone believed I would never leave. But people are not things. Not a nurse. Not an ATM. It's not even a backdrop to enhance anyone's face. I left. And I walked beautifully. Three months later. I returned to my country to attend the press conference announcing the project. The airport is crowded People. I didn't tell any of my old acquaintances. But Duong Tranh still appeared. He stood from afar. Don't come forward to bother. Just send me a message.

“Welcome back.”

I raised my head to look at him. Then answer:

“Just go back to work.”

Duong Tranh smiled. Gently nodded. Then retreat into the sea of people. I pulled my suitcase and continued walking forward. This city is still the same as before. The hospital is still there. The Ha family is still there. The house my parents used to live in is still there. Only I am no longer the Tham Tri Y of yesterday. During the press conference. A reporter asked me:

“Miss Tham, why is this project called My Own Light?”

I looked at the young faces below. Then slowly answered:

“Because there are many women who have been taught since childhood to be the light of others.”

“Light for your husband.”

“Lighting for the family.”

“Illuminate the faces of parents.”

“But before we do that…”

“We must learn to light ourselves.”

Applause echoed throughout the auditorium. I stand in the middle of the spotlight. Don't avoid it. Don't bow your head. No more humility. At that moment, the phone vibrated. A text message from an unknown number appeared.

“Tri Y, I wish you all the best.”

No name mentioned. But I know who it is. I deleted the message immediately. Then switch the phone to silent mode. Up ahead, someone called:

“Miss Tham, it's time to take commemorative photos.”

I stepped forward. Stand in a central position. The moment the flash lights flashed simultaneously. I smiled. This time it's not about anyone else. But for yourself.