Chapter 3 - I only need one

Her throat tightened at how her body easily betrayed her. She could’ve easily given in to him. Still, his betrayal was too much. Josh stopped when he felt her crying again.

“I’m sorry.” He tried to show her how sincere his apology was. He dried her face gently.

“Can I ask for one last chance?

She stared into his eyes as he asked. Well, she could at least see that he’s really sorry. But…

He saw her hesitation, which is to be expected.

“I promise I won’t betray you again. And if I do, then I promise to let you go. I won’t bother you anymore. I won’t appear in your eyes again. If that’s what you want. I’ll even give you everything I have. Please? Just one. I only need one. Just another chance.” He bared himself to her, showing her exactly what he’s feeling.

Jillian almost rolled her eyes at his statements. Give her everything he has? What’s the prenup for? When she couldn’t help it, she did. Instead of getting discouraged, Josh went for the kill. He kissed her again. She responded earlier and that’s enough to tell him she still has feelings for him.

Later, he would realize that… of course, she does! It’s only been a day since you told her you want a divorce. That morning before your phone call, she still loves you. She couldn’t have hated you immediately. The two sides would’ve been battling inside her, tearing her in two directions. Even until now. She couldn’t have easily made up her mind after truly loving him before. She could’ve held a sliver of hope, that maybe they’ll overcome this and be together again.

Maybe if this was before, he would’ve already had her naked. She frowns as her mind tries to escape her muddled thoughts. It did register to her that this kiss is going on for much longer than they’re used to. Also, his hand maintained its position at her waist.

When she stopped, he continued to taste her, biting her lips and sucking on her tongue. When she caught her breath, she responded again. Right, she’s doomed. Her hand came up to tussle his hair. Josh felt it and he was glad of her reaction.

He has his chance.

Actually, this is how Jill pictured their reunion. Well, her fears provided her with a lot of alternates, but this one was the one she’s looking forward to. Feeling him again and being loved by him. Would she actually forgive him and give him another chance?

Maybe if he’ll give her time to think, she could make a better decision. Wait, this is Josh Harrison who doesn’t take kindly to rejections.

She lightly bit his lip when she couldn’t take it anymore. Josh paused when he felt it.

“Stop.

Obediently, he pulled back and let her be.

“Do you want to eat?” His question was so sudden.

Her stomach has a habit of answering that question.

“What do you want?

As she shakes her head she asked, “You don’t remember what I like to eat?” The thought made her sad.

“Of course not. I’ll get you everything you want, then.” He quickly kissed her nose before getting up.

It’s only now that she noticed his clothes. He’s wearing a comfy shirt over formal slacks. Huh.

Noticing her stare, he explained, “I asked Ryan to get me personal stuff. This is his idea. I should deduct some from his bonus.

She snorted, but it was actually funny to her. She could believe that about Ryan.

“I’ll go, then.” He pressed another kiss on her head.

It was the sweet Josh that she remembered. She watched him go before sitting up. She actually needed to use the bathroom. She already guessed that she’s occupying a private room. He’s Josh Harrison after all.

When she returned to the bed, she remained sitting. Would she give him another chance?

She glanced at her stomach. She laughed deprecatingly. She would do it for the child, she knew that much. One last chance. That doesn’t mean she forgave him already. Actually, there’s a good chance she might continue to hurt him. She’s a vengeful spirit. She doesn’t easily forgive people. She sighed.

It’s possible that she would be bitter and continue to remind him of his mistakes. She’s sure that would eventually break him down. He should give her some time and space. Let her collect her thoughts properly and cleanse herself from her hateful thoughts.

While he’s out and waiting for all the food he ordered, Josh called Ryan again.

“Yes, sir?” He was attentive enough.

“Bring me my laptop from the office.

Ryan inwardly sighed. “Got it. Anything else, sir?

Josh thought for a moment, “Can you get me a teddy bear on the way?

“Of course. Uh, how big of a teddy bear, sir?

“Around the size of a human baby or toddler. Get something girl-looking. With a ribbon.

“Understood, sir.

Josh ended the call upon deciding another thing. He called his dad to ask a favor. With Jill back, her current condition and their current situation, he should stay with her all the time.

His dad only grunted his agreement after he confessed how he messed up and how he needed the time to woo her again.

“Visit us some time. Bring Jill with you. We should scold you in front of her.” Jake Harrison didn’t sound sarcastic. On the contrary, it seemed serious. Josh couldn’t rebut. They’re right. They should.

“Got it. Thanks, dad.

He heaved a sigh of relief. Well, that was one issue down. He contemplated more on his brewing plan. He wanted to do something to convince her that he’s not going to mess up another time. That he won’t waste the last chance she’s going to give him.

She spaced out for a long time. After deciding on a few things, she took out her laptop. She hadn’t touched it in a long while. Wait, there’s no WIFI here. She closed it again and grabbed her phone instead. She needed to check how much money she amassed in the last decade as a writer. Initially, when she started, she would always check her books’ sales reports. Over time, as she found other gigs, she stopped checking it every now and then. She should at least have a few thousand dollars in there. Over ten grand would be ideal. She needed as much money as she could get at the moment.

That was what she was doing when Josh arrived with the food. What the…? She rolled on the bed in disbelief.

“I got you everything.” He proudly announced. Thankfully, her pregnancy didn’t make her sensitive to overpowering smells. When she walked towards the table, the look of concern on his face as he came close to assist her was too much.

“I’m only walking.

“You can’t be too careful.

“It’s about the baby, isn’t it?

“What do you mean?

“What changed your mind about the divorce, isn’t it the baby?” She looked through several bags of take-out before getting steamed dumplings and the corresponding sauce.

“Here.” He took a warm bowl of soup and presented it to her.

“Thanks.” She’s refusing to look at him. He definitely noticed.

“It isn’t the baby. I love you. I was hurt when you didn’t come on our agreed date.” Before she can explain and say her piece, he cut her off.

“I know what happened. I shouldn’t have reacted the way I did. I should’ve let you tell me what happened. It was my fault. And I’m sorry. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you. I’m sorry if I… you must’ve been so mad and frustrated at me. I would apologize until you forgive me.” He basically kneeled in front of her seat.

She was crying again, hearing those words from him. Her eyes are too puffy already. When would she stop shedding tears?

“How did you know?” She managed to ask through hiccups. She hadn’t told him anything yet.

“I read your documents. I was told you were holding the envelope when you fainted.” Knowing her, he knew she wouldn’t think of it as invading her privacy.

He kissed her tears away. He snatched a napkin before gently wiping her face. It was official the moment she came back. He’s back to being gentle.

She’s almost tempted to believe that this is the Josh she knew.

“Let’s eat first.” Josh closely watched over her, quickly drying her eyes and face when the tears unwittingly roll down again. His current actions are one of the reasons she kept crying. She kept trying to hold it in to no avail.

“Let it out.” He sat on a chair and finally pulled her to him, carrying her on his lap. He embraced her as she hid her face on his neck. As he looks at the table full of food, he lamented. He hurt her so much, but he can’t let her go.

“I’m sorry. I’ll make it up to you.” He can only repeat those phrases over and over until she calmed down. She was in a daze afterwards. He hates to see it but he endured. It’s his fault anyway. Gently, he started feeding her. For once, he’s seeing her act like a kid again. She would open her mouth whenever he offers her a spoonful of food.

He breathed deeply when she finally shook her head, refusing to eat another bite, and leaning on his shoulder to rest. That action assured him that she still relies on him, or at least feels safe with him.

He kissed her forehead before carrying her back to the bed. He laid her down gently.

“I’ll make it up to you.

It would seem he lost direction when she was gone and now that she’s back, he now knew what to do. He only wanted her. Why did he have to mess up so badly?

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