Forget it, shouldn't have Hứa Cao Viễn.
I shook head, pretending just walked 'Is Đa awake?'
'Yeah.' finally looked at me, she learned to yet?'
I smile: 'She's one.'
Cố 'I could many words at one.'
I choked, deflecting: 'Maybe were just smarter.'
Cố stared at Đa 'So she takes you?'
?
That sounded so wrong!
Such broad insult!
I ignored his jab, still shaken by earlier events: 'Did who came today?'
'A man. seem decent.'
Being broke cheap apartment, why targeted.
A wild surfaced: 'Could it Hứa Cao Viễn?'
But dismissed it: 'We had an amicable He wouldn't...'
'Amicable?' snorted, 'Let remind - no amicable divorce leaves wife penniless.'
Panic set 'You think it's him? left with nothing! Why would he...'
'Not confirmed,' 'But man would discovering isn't his.'
Those words shattered fragile composure.
Yes. The his.
Guilt made leave empty-handed.
I bore all blame.
He was victim.
But so was I.
I couldn't tell parents, anyone. Branded an adulteress, daughter living proof.
Cố Tu's lips 'Sorry. mean to...'
'You spoke truth.'
I sniffed, forcing smile: 'He won't return. Thanks today. You should rest.'
Cố laughed coldly: 'Ùa, to dismiss using help?'
'No! It's late...'
'How will raise Đa alone?' He leaned doorway, piercing gaze holding mine.
'What savings do have? Job? Who her work? afford nannies? What if man returns? won't always here.'
Each question stabbed like knives. had no answers.
'Face it, Ùa. Right now, I'm lifeline.'
05
Next morning, took to file police report. We installed hidden cameras, then moved his home.
He was right - couldn't manage alone.
I'd leave once employed.
My design degree gathered dust years as housewife. In economy, job hunting proved brutal.
Resumes vanished void. Days passed. Despair crept in.
'A friend's ad agency hiring. Interested?'
'Your friend?'
I between hope and shame. 'Might embarrass you...'
'If job hunt,' smirked, think want to stay longer.'
He grew 'If won't try, what example Đa?'
'But if they hire out pity...'
'It's business, charity. holds no weight there.'
Cố coached nightly, as interviewer gray loungewear somehow radiate authority.
His rapid-fire questions left stammering:
'Why employment gap?'
'Can handle late with child?'
'Your designs are outdated. Respond.'
Tears welled up. surrendered 'Don't look at interviewers like that. They'll misunderstand.'
'Misunderstand what?'
He leered, rubbing hands: 'Begging for... favors.'
I He ruffled hair: do fine.'
On day, drove To shock - aced it.
