Chapter 3 - Clinging to Happiness

Back then, I was too young to grasp the despair of a marriage starved of intimacy. I didn't understand how such deprivation could transform someone. Like a person starved for days, they'd do anything for food. My mom, for years after marrying Dad, had been "starved" of sexual satisfaction.

Because I didn't understand, I blamed her fiercely. Why couldn't she be the dutiful wife, the devoted mother, spending her life tending to her husband and son? I also blamed Dad for being so weak and spineless, letting his wife fall into another man's arms. Each night, in the quiet darkness, hearing Mom's complaints about Dad from their room, I felt complicit in this mess. I wanted to help Dad win her back from Hieu. I longed for our family of three to be happy again, like the old days.

Then summer break arrived.

With no school, Hieu showed up at Mom's café almost daily. Evenings, she often invited him for dinner at our house, sometimes letting him stay over. I knew this wasn't right and hinted to Dad, subtly or not, that he should tell Hieu to stop coming around. But Dad just mumbled that having more people made the house livelier. Maybe he noticed Mom seemed more relaxed and happy with Hieu around and didn't want to upset her.

It was true. I'd never seen Mom so vibrant and joyful. Before, she never openly griped about Dad, but she was a melancholic housewife. Now, she radiated life. She dressed up, wore makeup, and styled herself like she was showing off for a lover. Before bed, I'd swallow hard at her sheer silk nightgowns, revealing glimpses of her full breasts and round hips.

That afternoon, after finishing homework, I took a quick shower to cool off and headed to the café to help. When I arrived, Hieu and his soccer buddies were sprawled across the best seats, laughing with Mom while Dad prepared drinks inside. They were all sweaty in their thin sports gear.

Hieu gave me a chin-jerk greeting. I nodded back and greeted Mom. As usual, she wore a tight dress that stopped above her knees. I passed her to help Dad, catching a whiff of unfamiliar perfume. Spotting an ornate, expensive-looking perfume bottle on the counter, I excitedly asked Dad, "Did you buy Mom that perfume? You guys are so romantic!"

Dad looked embarrassed. "No, Hieu gave it to her. Said it's the trendiest brand or something. I don't know about that stuff."

I stared, stunned, then turned to Dad, who avoided my gaze. "Dad, I need to say something..."

• "Hm?" he replied absently.
• "I think Hieu's trying to get close to Mom with bad intentions. Maybe we should..."
• "Coffee's ready!" Dad cut me off. "Take these to Hieu's table, Thien."

My words stuck in my throat. Shaking my head, I carried the coffees to their table.

As I approached, I overheard Hieu and his friends teasing Mom.

• "...Auntie, you're so young and gorgeous. I can't believe you're Thien's mom!"
• "Seriously! You look 18. Girls these days are flat as boards. But you, with those curves, now that's sexy!"
• "You kids and your teasing," Mom said, surprising me with her lack of offense at their crude comments. Hieu piled on.
• "We're serious! I'd kill to have a wife like you someday. If I did, I'd pamper her from the living room to the bedroom every day. Haha..."
• "Pamper or ****?" Mom shot back, and they all laughed.

The conversation felt too intimate, so I cleared my throat and set down the coffees. But they kept chatting, ignoring me like I was just a waiter. Feeling awkward, I stood there until Mom said, "Go tell Dad to give you money for the market. Buy more cucumbers and half a kilo of pork. Hieu's eating with us tonight."

Before I could respond, one of Hieu's friends quipped, "With Hieu here, why bother with cucumbers? He's got a long, thick one that'll leave you stuffed!"

• "You little devil!" Mom giggled, her eyes sparkling. I caught her stealing a glance at Hieu's crotch. His friends noticed too, smirking at each other. Some adjusted their postures, leaning back and scooting forward to flaunt the bulges in their shorts.

Mom bit her lip, sipped her drink, and crossed her legs. Hieu's crew acted oblivious, laughing casually. One even "accidentally" adjusted his crotch. Mom's eyes caught every move. I turned to head inside as their conversation continued, but she seemed too distracted to focus.

When I returned from the market with cucumbers and pork, Hieu's friends had left. He was "helping" Mom clear tables, really just trailing her, looking for chances to brush against her. Dad was the one doing the heavy lifting.

I'd mentioned Hieu's muscular, athletic build before. He was also tall, towering over me and even Mom, despite being my age. Often, he'd stand close to her, leaning in as they talked.

At first, he was cautious around Dad. But seeing no reaction, he grew bolder. It started with "accidental" brushes against her chest or hips behind Dad's back. Then came provocative acts, pinching her cheek or slapping her butt as she passed. Dad acted like he saw nothing.

Inside the café, I saw Mom reaching for a sugar packet on a high shelf, grumbling about Dad placing things out of reach. Lucky for him, he was outside cleaning tables, dodging her complaints. I moved to help, but Hieu beat me to it.

• "Let me get it, Auntie!"

Mom smiled, stepping aside, but Hieu moved right behind her, pressing his bulging crotch against her backside.

I'd just seen the massive tent in his soccer shorts. I stood frozen, watching. The only barriers between them were her thin dress and his flimsy shorts.

Hieu deliberately rubbed against her, thrusting his hips forward as if trying to penetrate through the fabric. Mom, caught off guard, stood still, perhaps savoring the heat from his chiseled chest and rock-hard bulge.

They stayed pressed together, grinding slowly, until they grabbed the sugar. Just then, Dad walked in. Seeing me, he asked, "Back from the market, Thien? Why're you standing there? Help Mom wash cups so we can head home for dinner."

At Dad's voice, Hieu pulled away. Mom turned, her eyes complex as they met mine and Dad's. I looked at Dad, torn between pity and frustration. How could he not see another boy being so intimate with her? His weakness let Hieu openly disrespect him and take advantage of Mom.

Back home, Dad rolled up his sleeves to cook dinner, Mom's usual task, but since losing his job, he'd taken over household chores. Seeing Hieu plop down to scroll on his phone in the living room while Dad slaved away like a servant, I felt indignant for him. Yet the fear from Hieu's bullying kept me from confronting him.

What I couldn't fathom was why Dad, a grown man, was so powerless against a kid like Hieu. Even if Hieu was bigger and his family richer, if Dad stood firm and banned him from our home or near his wife and son, what could Hieu do?

While Dad cooked, Mom showered. I went to change and help him. Halfway down the stairs, I heard Hieu call out, eyes glued to his phone, "So thirsty! Uncle, grab me a glass of water."

I gaped. Hieu dared order Dad around. Worse, Dad actually went to get it. Passing me on the stairs and catching my incredulous look, he turned away, pretending not to notice. Furious, I stomped upstairs, feeling more humiliated than when I was bullied.

Passing my parents' room, I glanced in and froze. Mom, fresh from her shower, was drying her hair, humming cheerfully. She wore a sheer voile nightgown, her still-damp breasts faintly visible. She looked startled, noticing me staring. Swallowing hard, I said, "Mom, Hieu's here. Why're you wearing that?"

It was the first time I'd dared question her. Dad and I had ignored Hieu's provocative moves toward her, but I'd reached my limit. I thought my parents would scold or discipline Hieu, but they seemed under a spell. I feared if I didn't act, I'd lose my family forever.

After a moment's hesitation, Mom walked over, placed her hands on my shoulders, and hugged me tightly. I melted into her familiar scent of body wash and cool skin. It had been ages since I'd nestled into her soft chest. But images of her wild sex with Hieu flooded my mind, and my pants tightened. Embarrassed, I pushed her away, pulling my shirt to cover the bulge.

Mom seemed oblivious, saying gently, "Thien, do you love me? Do you want me to be happy?"

• "Of course I love you, Mom. I want you happy. But you weren't like this before..."
• "I feel better now. Before, I was miserable every day. I don't know how to explain it to you, but now I'm truly happy."

Her eyes drooped sadly. "But if it hurts you, I'll change. Let me go change..."

She turned to swap her outfit. Seeing her familiar back, I sensed her disappointment and sorrow. She always loved and thought of me. When Dad lost his job, she kept the family afloat. Could I really **** her to give up this newfound joy for my petty pride?

• "Mom, you don't need to change! If you're happy like this, it's fine. I'm okay."

She turned back, beaming. "Really? My boy's grown up, thinking of his mom now."

She ruffled my hair. I shyly pushed her hand away and asked, "But what about Dad? I don't want him sad. I don't want you two fighting."

• "Don't worry about your dad. You'll understand when you're older. Trust me, he's not sad, maybe even happier than me!"

She laughed, ruffling my hair again. Confused, I looked at her.

• "Alright, no more fighting. Go change and come eat."

Trusting her, I pushed my questions aside and headed to my room.

That night, we gathered for dinner. Dad and I sat on one side, Hieu on the other. As Mom passed, he "accidentally" squeezed her butt, pulling her to sit beside him with a lewd grin. "Sit, Auntie. Damn, your body's perfect. An ass like that. Who could resist?" Seeing Dad bow his head, ignoring it, Hieu turned to him. "They say a big butt means good fertility, right, Uncle?"

Dad flinched, stammering, "Uh... yeah."

I'd heard Mom say they struggled to have me because of Dad's low sperm count. They spent all their money on her treatments until, by some miracle, I was born. Seeing Dad's hesitation, Hieu laughed and pressed, "So why just Thien? Auntie's still young. Why not have another kid to liven up the house?"

Mom shot Dad a scornful glance. He grew more flustered. Hieu pushed further. "If you're having trouble, Uncle, let me help. We're like family, no need to be shy. Haha."

Mom, seeing my discomfort, cut Hieu off. "This kid, always teasing. Thien's enough for us."

Her words filled me with warmth and pride. She still loved me.

Dad stayed silent, serving rice as usual. He piled a bowl high and handed it to Hieu first. Hieu took it with one hand, saying curtly, like to a servant, "Thanks."

Dad just mumbled. We ate and chatted in a bizarre family atmosphere. I couldn't believe Hieu, my classroom bully who'd used my stupidity to sneak in and **** Mom, now sat here like family.

Trying to focus, I glanced up and noticed something suspicious across the table. Hieu was eating with one hand; the other, under the table near Mom, was out of sight. Mom, catching my gaze, lifted her bowl unnaturally, squirming, her face flushed. Concerned, I asked, "Mom, you okay?"

• "I'm... fine! Eat more meat, Thien, so you grow strong like Hieu." She plopped meat into my bowl.

Puzzled, I looked at Dad, who was eating with his head down. Hieu, seeing my confusion, smirked. "She's right. A man's gotta be big to keep his wife."

Dad choked, coughing. Mom flinched, dropping her chopsticks. She ducked under the table to grab them. Hieu frowned, then reached under with both hands, leaning back with half-closed eyes, savoring something.

A minute passed, and Mom still hadn't retrieved her chopsticks. Panic rising, I glanced at Dad, still eating obliviously. My heart skipped as I heard faint slurping sounds under the table near Hieu. Unable to resist, I ducked to look.

Dad jolted at my movement, but before he could speak, I peered under. Mom was already sitting back up. I only caught Hieu's bulging crotch and a small wet spot at its center. I shook my head, trying to erase the image of Mom kneeling between his legs, servicing him under the table during our family dinner.

Sitting up, I saw Mom eating as if nothing happened. Hieu gave me a thumbs-up with an enigmatic smile.

After dinner, I offered to help Dad with dishes, but he told me to tidy the room for Hieu's stay. Mom and Hieu went to watch TV. Before leaving, Hieu said to Dad, "So full. Uncle, make me a salted lemonade to settle my stomach."

• "Sure, I'll make one for you and Auntie. Oh, Hieu, stay a sec, I need to talk."

Hieu looked puzzled but stayed. Mom headed to the living room, and I went upstairs to tidy. At the stair's blind spot, curiosity stopped me, and I eavesdropped on Dad and Hieu. After a pause, Dad's voice was firm, almost harsh, surprising me.

• "What the hell do you think you're doing?"
• "I'm helping you satisfy your wife. Got a problem? Don't forget, you asked me to do it. Without me, she'd have left you for another guy long ago."

I couldn't believe my ears. What was happening in my home? Was this still my loving family? Dad had told Hieu to pursue Mom. Questions swirled. Since when? Did Mom know, or had they agreed to this behind my back? No wonder Hieu acted like he owned the place.

• "But I didn't tell you to do it in front of my son!" Dad said, barely restraining a shout.

Hieu, taken aback, laughed. "You think your son's that naive? Like father, like son. He might even offer her up to someone else."

Dad frowned, confused, but stood firm. "I forbid it. If you pull that stunt in front of Thien again, our deal's off. You're done here."

• "Fine, if you say so, I'll stop. Don't worry, Uncle."

Hieu softened, yielding. I felt a spark of pride, Dad wasn't as weak as I thought. Sensing their talk was ending, I suppressed my questions and hurried upstairs.

That night, we watched TV in an odd, silent atmosphere. Everyone seemed lost in their thoughts. As my young mind grappled with what was happening, Mom shifted on the sofa, rubbing her back and complaining of aches. Surprisingly, Hieu didn't offer a massage like before. Instead, he yawned, said he was sleepy, and went to bed.

I saw Mom's disappointed look but she said nothing. Dad stayed glued to his favorite show. For some reason, her disappointment unsettled me. I followed Hieu upstairs. As I entered the room, he said, "Starting tomorrow, I'm done coming here."

Shocked, I blurted, "What? What about Mom?"

Seeing his raised eyebrow, I stammered, "I mean, what about my mom?"

He smirked. "Isn't she stuck with your useless dad? You want me to take his place and 'care' for her?"

• "No! It's just... when you're around, she's happier, less cranky..."
• "You overheard me and your dad, didn't you?"

I started to deny it, but he cut in. "I heard you stop on the stairs. I spoke loud so you'd hear. You see, your dad asked me to 'take care' of your mom. I just wanted to help your family stay happy. But if he doesn't want her happy anymore, fine."

• "That's not what he meant!"

Hieu sat on the bed, nodding for me to continue. Hesitating, I said, "He's just scared I'll find out about you and Mom."

• "So what's your plan? Tell him you know everything, that you let me and Long in to **** her?"

I hung my head in shame. But remembering Mom's happy face earlier and her disappointment just now, I looked up. "If Dad knows I'm okay with you being here, he won't object. I'll figure it out..."

• "I'm tired of your dad's attitude. A useless man like him daring to lecture me!"

Hieu cut me off. Though his insults about Dad stung, I thought of Mom's happiness and nodded along.

• "But since you're so devoted to your mom, I'll give you one last chance."

The next day, we ran the café as usual. Hieu left, and Mom's eyes held a trace of longing. She was visibly downcast all day. By afternoon, she wanted to close early. Dad looked thrilled, winking at me. It was their wedding anniversary. I'd told him I'd distract Mom so he could buy her a gift and hide in their room for a surprise.

But before I could speak, a familiar figure pulled up and strode in - Hieu. Dad's smile froze. Hieu ignored him, grinning at Mom. "The new mall's having a sale. Wanna shop with me, Auntie?"

Mom looked eager but glanced at Dad and me. As Dad opened his mouth to protest, Hieu signaled me. Recalling our talk, I gritted my teeth. "Yeah, Mom, the new mall's awesome. Go shop. Dad and I will close up."

With Mom's excitement and my words, Dad reluctantly nodded. He figured his plan was still intact, while Hieu took Mom to the mall, he'd buy flowers and a gift. I told him to lie to Mom, saying he was visiting grandparents overnight, to set up the surprise. But the real surprise was for him.

Late that night, Hieu and Mom returned with bags of shopping. I rushed to carry them inside. Something felt off, Mom's hair was disheveled, no longer neatly tied. She patted my head, thanking me, then casually asked Hieu to her room for a "massage." She headed upstairs, and Hieu followed, winking and lewdly grabbing his crotch. I silently retreated to my room, peering through the wall hole, heart pounding, to see what would happen.

Last night, Hieu showed me videos of husbands willingly offering their wives to others for satisfaction. Some even knelt by the bed, masturbating while watching. He said it was common for couples, especially when the husband couldn't satisfy his wife, like Dad.

Sex was the biggest reason for divorce, he claimed. Instead of splitting, couples found a solution that worked for both. Hieu assured me this would keep our family together, otherwise, divorce was inevitable. His words convinced my naive mind. I didn't want my parents to split. His voice echoed:

• "They call husbands like your dad 'cuckolds.' But he's stuck on you. To help him get over it, he needs to see your mom satisfied by a real man."
• "...But he won't just sit and watch me fuck your mom. So tomorrow, you need to tell him..."

Those were Hieu's words. I glanced at the wardrobe where Dad hid with flowers and a gift. How would he handle this? My thoughts were interrupted by Mom's coy voice:

• "You devil, wait till I undress!"
• "No 'Auntie' nonsense now, babe. Tonight, I'll satisfy you instead of that useless husband. Be good. Kneel and suck me like you did under the table at dinner."
• "Shh! What if Thien hears?"
• "Haha, Thien's grown. He needs to learn how a real man fucks. Otherwise, he'll end up useless like your old man!" Hieu laughed lewdly, glancing at the hole where I watched Mom kneel, undo his pants, and fondle his massive, veiny cock.

She giggled, not refuting his jab at Dad, and rubbed herself, clearly aroused.

• "Let me serve you, love. Earlier in the mall bathroom was so thrilling, sucking you while scared of getting caught! My first time in a men's restroom, so embarrassing!"
• "Still horny after that quickie?"
• "Your fault! Groping me on the ride back!" Mom pouted, gazing at Hieu's handsome, roguish face, then dove back to his crotch, servicing him eagerly.

Though I'd imagined Mom sucking him under the table when she "dropped" things, seeing it live was too much. I pulled out my tiny dick and jerked frantically.

I glanced at the wardrobe's ajar door, wondering how Dad felt watching this. Had he fallen asleep waiting, or was he, like me, silently observing his wife pleasure her young lover with her skilled tongue?

Mom swirled her tongue around the tip, then took him deep, making Hieu hiss with pleasure. She pulled back, licking along the veins. Hieu sat on the bed, spreading his legs. Mom crawled forward, licking his balls, pleading, "Fuck me, please! I can't take it!"

Hieu flipped her onto her back, rubbing her soaked pussy as she moaned. Smirking like she was his toy, he teased her G-spot with his cock. "Can't take it? Tell me, between me and your useless husband, who do you choose?"

• "You! My husband's never satisfied me. If not for Thien, I'd have left him long ago. Oh, it feels so good! Fuck me!"
• "Wanna choose me? Be my slut first. Say it. Are you my slut?"
• "Yes, I'm your slut!"
• "You filthy whore, ditching your husband for cock!" Hieu slammed into her, pounding the hole that birthed me. He mauled her full breasts, biting her nipples hard.

Mom gasped, moaning under his thrusts, her legs clamping his hips, toes curling like an addict in ecstasy.

After a while, he switched positions, lying back and making her ride him. She climbed on, his massive cock sliding into her, and rocked her hips to drain him. Watching his bare cock enter her, I nearly came.

Mom rode harder, Hieu thrusting up to match her rhythm. Her voice broke: "I can't take it! So good, Hieu! Deeper! Cum in me!"

Hieu, nearing his limit, flipped her over and pounded furiously. "You dirty slut! I'll ruin your pussy! Have my kid!"

• "Yes! I'll bear your child! Shoot it in my womb!"

I came hard hearing their vulgar exchange, the thrill coursing through me. When had Hieu trained her to speak so shamelessly?

Hieu roared, thrusting deep, his hips jerking as he emptied into her. He collapsed onto her, and they shared a passionate kiss before falling asleep in each other's arms...

Their heavy breathing steadied. The room reeked of sex. I glanced at the wardrobe where Dad hid with his anniversary gifts, meant to surprise Mom. Instead, he got the biggest shock.

After a while, thinking they were asleep, the wardrobe door creaked open. Dad stepped out, hair disheveled, clothes rumpled, zipper undone.

He stood at the bed's foot, staring at the naked lovers entwined, then shuffled out, head bowed. He didn't know Hieu's eyes snapped open, smirking wickedly at his retreating back.

Hieu knew: the moment Dad silently left his marital bedroom, ceding his place to another man, he'd lost all claim as the man of this family.