Ch- 21

An hour or so later, Sora returns home when Yeji must have probably left with Beau.

Sora spends the day doing the leftover settlements and all, then as evening approaches, she gets ready to go pick Beau up from school.

She pushes all the disturbing thoughts away, telling herself Beau is all she needs to focus on. And also she was excited, since it was his first day at school.

Reaching there, she pays the cab driver and makes her way inside, watching as students with their parents exit one after another.

She looks through the crowd, trying to spot Beau but she couldn’t yet. She turns to look the other way and after a moment, she finally finds him, but freezes at the sight.

Disbelief washes over her as she sees Beau sitting on a surface, eating chocolate, and next to him.. Jungwon.

Her chest tightens, she couldn’t believe he had the audacity to show up again like this. But at the same time, something melted inside her at the sight of him, talking and adoring Beau with eyes full of genuine love.

She hated it. A tear threatened to escape but she blinked it away, forcing herself forward.

Beau immediately brightens when he sees her, but she doesn’t return the smile, just takes his hand quickly, ready to leave. But then she halts when Beau speaks..

"What about Daddy?"

Her head snaps down to him, as he looks up.

"Daddy?"

She questions, voice low, as Beau nods with a big, innocent smile, pointing at Jungwon.

"That's Daddy."

Her breath stutters. She gives Jungwon a sharp look as he steps closer.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know what else to say when he asked me who I was."

Her eyes dart away, heart twisting. She inhales slowly, steadying herself.

"Let's go"

She mutters, starting to lead Beau again, but Jungwon stops her, fingers wrapping around her wrist.

"Let's talk.. please?"

She immediately pulls away, her voice snapping before she can control it.

"Don't touch me!"

Her tone draws attention. A few parents and students turn to look. And then, a teacher approaches.

"Is everything alright?"

She asks, looking at Sora with concern.

Realizing the scene she made, Sora quickly shakes her head, forcing a small smile.

"No, nothing's wrong. Sorry."

She responds as the teacher smiles softly.

"I'm Beau's class teacher. He's a very good kid, he did so well on his first day."

The teacher begins, glancing between Jungwon and Sora.

"You both must be his parents, it's nice to meet you. I just wanted to say, Beau is a little shy when it comes to communication, but it'll take a while for him to adjust. If you encourage him more, he'll open up faster."

Sora forces a polite smile and nods. The teacher waves goodbye, reminding them.

"It looks like it's about to rain. Be careful."

Sora stares down at the ground, holding Beau’s hand tighter.

Then, Jungwon finally speaks again.

"Let me drop you"

She doesn’t respond, only starts walking away with Beau, but Beau lets out a whine.

"Mommy, I'm sleepyy."

Sora looks down at him, softening her tone.

"Let's go home first, then you can sleep."

However, Beau doesn’t budge, tugging her hand.

"Let's go with Daddy. I want to go home in that."

He points excitedly to a sleek black car parked nearby. Jungwon’s car.

"Beau! Listen to Mommy, we can't go in it."

Sora says firmly, but Beau keeps pleading, his persistence wears her down.

Before she can argue further, Jungwon bends down and picks Beau up in his arms.

"Daddy, will take you."

Jungwon says softly to Beau, heading to the car.

Sora clenches her fists, left with no choice but to follow him, as Beau claps his little hands.

"I want to sit in the back!"

Jungwon chuckles softly, baby-talking him as he opens the back door.

He sets Beau inside carefully, fastening the seatbelt, then closes the door. Turning to Sora, he opens the passenger seat.

"It's about to rain."

He speaks, and a few droplets had already touched her hands and face.

She exhales in frustration, finally sliding into the seat. Jungwon closes the door before walking to the driver’s side and getting in.

The ride remains silent. Only the sound of rain and Beau’s excited giggles from the back as he pressed his tiny hands against the glass, watching the droplets race down. But soon, his energy started to fade, tiredness taking over and he dozes off quietly.

Sora turns, watching his small frame resting peacefully, then looks back ahead. The silence stretches.. until she finally speaks.

"Were you stalking me?"

Jungwon glances at her, then back at the road.

"Not exactly."

He responds, then letting out a breath.

"I could have considered giving you the job you came for today.. but I don't want to."

Her brows furrow as she turns her head toward him.

"Because I don't want you to work anymore. I want to provide for you both. I'm here to fix what I broke years ago."

He looks at her, voice steady and gaze lingers.

"The promise."

Her heart races, as she looks away, staring at the rain outside.

The car slowly pulls to a stop. Jungwon turns toward her, gently taking her hand in both of his.

"Let me explain. It'll be your choice to forgive me or not.. but at least hear me out."

She refuses to look at him, not knowing what to say yet.

The wound she kept buried deep inside was rising again. It ached.. so badly that she wanted to scream, cry out. But she held it back, her chest tightening. Slowly, she turned her face toward him.

For a moment, time stood still.

She couldn’t speak, but she knew.. she could no longer keep running. Not with Beau in the picture. She had to make a choice.

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