When she was discharged from the hospital, Josh took her home.

Jill was still trying to make a decision. She found a different guest room in his house and stayed there. She normally hides from Josh and he noticed it.

He stared at the locked door. He has the keys, but he knows she would be angrier if he forces his way in. With nothing better to do but think of how to earn her forgiveness, he sat right by her door. He needs to woo her. Properly this time.

She liked working in the garden before, he should make it a comfortable place for her to go to. And so, he got up and made his first little project. He bought a new couch and placed it on the veranda overlooking the garden.

Before lunch, he called out to her just outside her room, telling her to come down to have a meal. Jill eyed the door suspiciously. He’s forcing her to go out and face him, isn’t he? Her mind is still a mess. Just thinking of him sleeping with others… she wanted to explode in anger.

When she went downstairs, the kitchen’s empty. When Josh showed up to get cups, he broke into a smile. He gestured outside.

“I had the meal set up near the garden.” He knew she’s distancing herself from him, so he didn’t make any move to get closer.

Jill followed with an indescribable expression on her face. She watched his back. He’s wearing very comfortable clothes. It didn’t occur to her that it’s a workday and he’s not in the office. She hasn’t monitored the days.

Josh pulled out a chair for her and she took a deep breath before humoring him. She eyed the dishes on the table and he carefully offered whichever dish her eyes land on.

“Thanks.” Habits. She’s blaming it on habits. Whenever someone does something good for you, you thank them. She lives that way. Her thanking him in this situation doesn’t mean much.

Josh, remembering her personality, knows it, too. He didn’t try to use her words against her or to take advantage.

“I’m glad you came down. Are you feeling better?” Mid-meal, he finally asked his first question.

She just stared. If she’s honest, she’s also getting bored inside her room already. So, when he called and told her to eat downstairs, she didn’t agonize over it and decided to come down quite willingly.

“Hmm…” She shrugged, looking at the flowers instead. She smiled at noticing the couch and mini-table next to them. She could stay there after the meal.

“Is there anything you want to eat? Any cravings?” He’s fishing. It’s almost cute.

“Something refreshing. Salad. Fruits. Soups.” She finally replied with words.

He nodded, committing her answers to memory. “Got it.”

He’s already planning to go out and get them, in time for her snacks this afternoon.

“You can stay here if you want. I’ll restock the fridge for you. Take anything you want to eat.”

“Hmm…” She simply hummed and moved to the couch, stretching her legs and propping them on the mini-table. She leaned back to make herself comfortable.

Josh watched as she carefully caressed the little bump on her belly. He had someone clean up the table before going out.

When she heard the sound of a car going out, she only turned her head to look. The window rolled down and Josh waved at her. She frowned then heard him say that he’s buying her food.

Is that necessary? You can just order someone else to do that for you. She only thought these things, not saying them aloud. It was then that she asked a nearby maid about the day.

“It’s Tuesday, ma’am.”

The reply surprised her. Then… what is that idiot doing? Why is he staying at home on a Tuesday?

“Is it a holiday today?”

“No, ma’am.”

Anyway, she just stared ahead. The sun is making her feel better as is the view of the garden. It’s oddly relaxing.

Josh learned to take things slow. Especially forgiveness. He can’t demand it.

When he visited his parents last weekend, to ask for advice, both his mother and father were furious at him. That is, he actually admitted that he cheated on his wife.

“What were you thinking?” His mother, Kate, furiously asked. She couldn’t believe his son was a cheater.

“I wasn’t thinking. You know how I felt when she didn’t come back.” He knew it wasn’t enough of a reason, but it already happened. He has no excuse. He fucked up.

“And now she’s back. Did she catch you in the act? How did she know immediately?” Jake, his father, asked. It’s one thing to cheat, it’s another to be caught.

Josh shook his head and groaned. “When she called, I wanted to spite her, so I mentioned about meeting another woman.” He replied in a very helpless tone.

“Well, you astoundingly fucked up. If I were her, I would’ve divorced you on the spot.” Hearing his mother’s opinion wasn’t encouraging.

“Not helping, mom.” He pleaded. If his own mother can’t forgive what he did…

“I’m sorry, darling, but that… you already lost her trust. And in a relationship, having trust is very important. If you really want to get her back, then you’ll have to earn her trust again. Not easy to do, considering you now have a history of cheating, so to speak.”

In a way, he liked his mother’s blatant words. Still, he’s starting to feel that it would be a really difficult thing to repair their relationship.

His father’s gaze bore into him.

“What do you want to say, dad?”

“It won’t be easy for you. If you can’t commit to it and you’re going to end up hurting her again, it’s really… best to simply separate now.”

Kate wasn’t impressed, but there’s truth in his words.

Josh shook his head. “She’s pregnant. She’s carrying our child. Haven’t I mentioned that already? You’re going to become grandparents. I can’t just let her go.”

“Then, are you just doing this because she’s pregnant? What would you do if she’s not pregnant?” His dad asked.

He didn’t hesitate this time. “I still want her. I love her. Pregnant or not.”

He’d already told them every detail. They’re aware that he’s the one at fault. Even he admits it. It’s rare for Joshua Harrison to say he made a mistake and claim responsibility.

“So, you want to win her back. That’s what you want, isn’t it?” Kate raised.

“Yes. I want her back. She’s my wife. She’s mine.”

“Well… there are different ways. But you have to be careful. No matter what you do from this point onwards would be seen with suspicion. She doesn’t trust you anymore. You have to show her that you’re sincerely sorry. That you won’t mess up again. That you won’t hurt her again. How long you wooed her in the past, you’ll need twice… thrice as much time to gain her trust again. Maybe even longer. You mess just once, it’s over. You solidify it in her mind that you’re not worthy.”

Josh sighed. He didn’t think coming here would enlighten him how terrible his situation really is. Well, he can only blame himself.

He looked at his dad again.

“Can I leave the company to you? I would need more time.”

Seeing his restless expression, Jake agreed, assuring him that he’ll manage the company well in his behalf.

“So, I’ll be a grandma in four months? I should visit Jill. Assure her that you’re taking responsibility and repenting.”

“Won’t she feel that you’re pressuring her?”

“Of course not. I’ll tell her exactly what I think. If she really wants to divorce you, I’ll support her.”

“Mom… you’re not helping.” There’s already desperation in his eyes at that point.

Kate pursed her lips, her heart aching at her son’s expression.

“Alright. If you do well, I’ll help you.”

And so, Kate showed up at his home the following weekend.

It’s good that Jill’s been staying near the gardens as well. She’s not hiding in her bedroom anymore.

Josh noticed something, though. When she’s out in the living room, in the kitchen, or in the veranda, she’s just… spacing out. He thought she would be typing away on her laptop again. Or listening to those Korean songs in her phone.