PART 33
We got home later that day, tired and exhausted because Walter keeps running, and we keep chasing him, afraid that he might get hurt. Fortunately, Hades stopped chasing after us or trying to convince us to go back to him. If I answer honestly, I badly want to be with him, but at the same time, I don't want any of my family members to get hurt because of my selfish pursuit of happiness.
"It's better off this way," I said to myself, trying to convince myself that I made the right decision.
"Mwo-ya?" Johyeon asked. I hadn't realized he was listening. [What is?]
"Aniya, Amugeotdo." I replied. [Nothing]
"Hajiman akka geu salam-i jeongmal wolteoui appalamyeon geu salam-ege allyeo juneun ge joh-eul geos gat-ayo."
He suddenly said, while we were walking towards Walter's room. Walter had already fallen asleep in the car, so he was now carrying him towards the room. I opened the door for him, and he carefully laid Walter down on his bed. [But that guy earlier, if he really is Walter's dad, I think its best if you let him know.]
"Al-ayo." [I know], I responded, my voice heavy with resignation.
"Himnaeseyo." [Cheer up] he said gently, tapping me on the shoulder before exiting Walter's room. His touch conveying a sense of care and support.
Taking a deep breath, I gazed sadly at Walter for a lingering moment, my heart heavy with sorrow. The weight of my decision sank deep within me, knowing that it would bring about painful consequences. Yet, a quiet determination welled up within my soul. With tears welling in my eyes, I followed Johyeon, silently accepting the inevitable hardships that awaited me, ready to face the repercussions of my choice with a heavy but steadfast heart.
"What do you want for dinner?" Johyeon asked, his gaze fixed on the ingredients we had brought earlier.
"Yori-hal geoya?" I asked, taken aback, as I had never seen him with a pan or in the kitchen before.
"Eung, naega yorihaejulge, gongjunim," he replied, teasing me and winking before he began to chop the ingredients. [Yes, I will cook for you, Your Highness.]
"Heum, mwoya~?" I asked, utterly confused but with a faint smile. He simply smirked and continued his work in the kitchen, unfazed. I shook my head and grabbed a glass of water from the fridge, keeping my gaze fixed on him. His face wore a serious expression as he remained completely engrossed in his culinary business.
I left him in the kitchen for a while and went to my small office, silently doing my work. After a few minutes, he suddenly came to me with a cup of coffee in his hand and placed it on my table.
"Hmm... why are you like this?" I asked with a wide smile, completely lost for words as he had never acted this way before.
"I just want to cheer you on," he replied, smirking, and then left. I chuckled, his face wearing that purple apron lingering in my mind, which made me laugh. He is really handsome, with a face resembling that of a Korean pop idol. His complexion is incredibly smooth, and it feels amazing when you touch it. I find myself occasionally envious of his flawless skin. He had mentioned to me before that he is interested in guys, but I have never seen him drooling over or even staring at them. At the same time, he dresses in fashionable attire that is more suited for men, rather than adopting a more feminine style. This only adds to his attractiveness. When we go to public places, it seems like almost every girl can't help but continuously glance and stare at him. Yes, he's THAT attractive.
After a few minutes of engrossing myself with work, he called me out for dinner. I saved my work on my laptop before leaving the office and headed to the dining area.
"Geuraeseo, mueoseul yorihesseoyo?" I asked while sitting down at the dining table. He gave me a genuine smile without showing his teeth and opened the lid of the dish he had cooked.
"Tada~" he told me, and I stared at his food. He cooked two Korean dishes: Bulgogi and Bibimbap. He actually made the garnishing look really appetizing, and they both look delicious.
"Wow, your food looks so appetizing," I complimented him, unable to hide my excitement. As I reached for the chopsticks, I noticed a brief moment of pride and satisfaction in his eyes. It was clear that he had put effort into the presentation. With anticipation, he watched intently as I picked up the chopsticks, eager to hear my opinion of his culinary creation.
"Masitda." I said in Korean, meaning "delicious."
"Assa!" he exclaimed, jumping for joy. I couldn't help but laugh, shaking my head in disbelief at his exuberant reaction.
"Sit down now, join me," I told him, and he sat down as we began to eat. In the midst of our conversation and enjoying the meal, the doorbell rang.
I promptly got up and said, "I'll go." I headed towards the door, expecting a package from work, but I was shocked to see who was standing outside.
"H-hades," I uttered in complete shock. "How did you get here?"
"Nuguya?" Johyeon, who had briefly followed me to the door, asked in confusion.
"What is this, Xy? You're still married to me, yet you're staying with a man here?" he asked, irritation and anger evident in his eyes.
"Oh, you're that guy from earlier," Johyeon spoke first, recognizing the person standing outside. He gently grabbed my shoulders with a reassuring tap, as if signaling that he would take charge of the situation from that point onward.
"I'm not just SIMPLY A GUY; I'm her husband," he exclaimed, his voice filled with a mixture of anger, hurt, and desperation. He glared intensely at Johyeon, while casting pleading eyes in my direction.
"But she already signed a divorce paper, though," Johyeon calmly reiterated.
"Fuck! I never signed that. Now, let me talk with my WIFE!" Hades erupted, his frustration and anguish evident in his voice as he demanded the opportunity to have a conversation with me.
"But she didn't want to talk with you, though. I'm sorry, bro," Johyeon calmly explained, his voice laced with empathy. "But please, understand that staying here and prolonging this situation will only make things harder for her."
Johyeon genuinely cared about my well-being. He understood that forcing a conversation against my wishes would only make things worse for me emotionally. With a calm and compassionate tone, he urged Hades to think about the impact of his actions and respect my decision.
Hades took a deep breath and stepped back, looking devastated. He appeared noticeably thin, as if he hadn't been eating properly. Seeing him in that state deeply saddened me and stirred up feelings of sympathy.
When Johyeon finally locked the door, I found myself overcome with emotions, and tears welled up in my eyes. As everything became too much to bear, I felt myself breaking down. Tears streamed down my face, and my body shook with uncontrollable sobs. It was as if all the strength I had crumbled, leaving me vulnerable and shattered. In that moment of despair, Johyeon, sensing my pain, came to my side. He knelt down in front of me, his eyes filled with kindness and understanding. He pulled me into a gentle embrace, offering comfort and support when I needed it most. His presence became an anchor, providing stability amidst the overwhelming sea of emotions.
"You still love him," he said softly. "But why are you making things more difficult for yourselves? Don't you want a happy and complete family?" he asked, his voice filled with empathy.
"I do want that," I replied, my voice choked with tears. "But things aren't working well for us. There are certain circumstances that are preventing my happiness."
"That's because you're not being selfish. Sometimes, it's important to prioritize your own well-being," Johyeon advised, his words soothing and understanding. "Life is short, and you deserve to pursue your own happiness."
"Geuligo geuneun jeog-eodo sanghwang-e daehae seolmyeonghageona geuui adeul-e daehan jinsil-eul al jagyeog-i issseubnida," he added, his voice filled with a sense of urgency and concern. As we slowly released our embrace, I could see the worry etched across his face. [And he deserves atleast your explaination of the situation or knowing the truth about his son.]
"Now you should rest, wash up now, and I'll take care of all the cleaning before going home," he told me, his voice filled with a mix of concern and determination. As he extended his hand to help me up, I could feel his unwavering support and the weight of his words.
Nodding lightly, I mustered a faint smile, appreciating his kindness and willingness to shoulder the responsibilities. We had been through so much together, and his selflessness never ceased to amaze me. With his assistance, I slowly rose from the embrace, feeling a sense of gratitude for his presence in my life.
I made my way inside my room, the familiar surroundings providing a sense of comfort and solace. Closing the door behind me, I allowed myself a moment of respite, taking in the calmness that enveloped the space. It was in this room that I found sanctuary from the challenges of the outside world—a place where I could gather my thoughts and regain my strength.
As I entered the bathroom, a wave of anticipation washed over me. The sound of running water filled the air, soothing my weary mind. I undressed, shedding the weight of the day, and stepped into the warm embrace of the bath. The sensation of the water enveloping my body was a gentle reminder of the healing power it held.
With each passing moment, as the water flowed through my tired limbs, memories came rushing back. They were fragments of the past—moments that defined my journey and shaped the person I had become. The reasons behind the choices I had made, the hardships I had endured, and the sacrifices I had embraced all resurfaced in my mind. It was a bittersweet reflection, reminding me of the depth of my resilience and the purpose that drove me forward.
Lost in thought, I allowed myself to fully indulge in the warmth and tranquility of the bath. It was a temporary escape from the complexities of life, a moment of self-care and introspection. As I soaked, I found solace in the knowledge that even amidst the challenges, there were still pockets of peace and renewal to be found. And with the unwavering support of the person waiting outside that door, I knew I had the strength to face whatever lay ahead.
When I was done, I put on a comfortable nightgown and stepped outside the room. He had finished cleaning and was patiently waiting for me, scrolling through his phone while seated on the sofa. As soon as he noticed my presence, he swiftly pocketed his phone and stood up.
"Jib-e gaya hae," he said with a warm smile, which I returned.
"Arasso, jal gaseyo," I replied and escorted him outside the door. Closing the door behind him, I found myself standing alone in the quietness of my home.
"Mom?" My son suddenly woke up, and I smiled as I saw him rubbing his eyes.
"Yes, honey? Do you want to eat?" I asked him, and he nodded lightly. I went to him and carried him in my arms as I took him to the dining area. I prepared his food and spoon-fed him as he was still sleepy, with his eyes closing from time to time.
After his meal, I helped him brush his teeth and changed him into his pajamas. I also put on a diaper for him, and then he laid back down to sleep. Feeling tired and sleepy myself, I yawned and lay down beside him. I hugged him tightly.
Morning came, and I started my day with a cup of coffee before setting out to clean the house. As I was tidying up, I noticed a bag of trash, so I picked it up and headed outside. While I was in the process of throwing out the trash, I spotted someone very familiar lying on the outdoor table of my apartment. I approached the person sleeping and furrowed my brows as I recognized him.
"Hades?" I called his name, and he slowly opened his eyes, scanning his surroundings before focusing on me.
"Why are you still here?" I asked, noticing that he was hugging himself tightly. He seemed cold. "Wait, you slept here all night?!" I exclaimed in shock as he was getting up.
"I couldn't just give up on you like that," he replied simply, brushing his hands together and blowing warm air on them.
"Come on, let's get inside," I said firmly, grabbing him by the arm and leading him into the house. I continued to guide him until we reached the dining area. I instructed him to sit down while I prepared a cup of coffee for him.
"Are you crazy or just plain idiotic?" I scolded him, my frustration evident in my tone. He chuckled in response, which only intensified my glare. I placed the cup of coffee in front of him, watching as he cupped his hands around it, feeling the warmth before taking a sip.
"Why did you leave me?" he suddenly asked, catching me off guard. His gaze was fixed on the coffee, his hands still wrapped around the cup, and his expression serious.
The question hit me like a wave, bringing a flood of memories and emotions rushing back. I paused for a moment, trying to regain my composure before answering him.
"I just... got sick of you. I cheated on you, so just... move on with your life like I did," I lied to him, feeling a pang of guilt. He let out a sad chuckle in response, his expression filled with a mix of sadness and resignation.
"You cheated? But then why did I see my own face in your son?" he asked, his gaze finally lifting to meet mine. As our eyes connected, I couldn't hold back any longer. Overwhelmed with emotions, I quickly averted my gaze, afraid of succumbing to his presence.
"I already told you, he's not your son," I reiterated, still avoiding direct eye contact.
"Then give me proof. Let's do a DNA test," he stated firmly, his voice filled with finality. His words compelled me to look at him, and fear coursed through my veins, causing my nerves to tremble uncontrollably.
Before I could even reply, his phone rang. He picked it up and answered the call, saying, "Yes?"
I took a moment to compose myself, desperately trying to think of a way to prevent the DNA testing from happening.
"I told you I have my reasons. Yeah, just go there first. I'll catch up with you later, bro, and get me my suit," he spoke into his phone, addressing someone I didn't know. Meanwhile, I continued contemplating how to avoid the impending situation of having a DNA test.
When he ended the call, he stood up and looked at me once more. "I will come back later, or tomorrow, or whenever unannounced. If you still consider me your husband, give me the right to get to know and love my child," he said before turning around and walking away, exiting the house. My knees grew weaker, and I clung to the chair for support, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on me.