20. Mother's Call

That day, Josh willingly complied with Sharon's every whim—going shopping, buying all kinds of overpriced treats, and patiently waiting while she indulged in endless beauty treatments.

But since he had been deprived of rest and sleep for the past few days—he had to be involved in family gatherings before the wedding, drowning in work with a project deadline just three days before the wedding day, and especially the hardest part, was dealing with Sharon's relentless tantrums... the impact on his body was real. It was like he had been beaten and crushed to the bone.

He spent the entire day walking from store to store, sitting for long periods, then standing again—so many times that his legs nearly gave out from sheer exhaustion. Drowsiness clung to him like a heavy fog, so difficult to endure.

His life felt disconnected from his own body. Every step he took was numb. Every movement happened without thought—like he was automatically going through the motions, like he was on autopilot.

Meanwhile, Sharon, like a machine powered by fresh batteries, showed no signs of fatigue. In fact, she remained bright-eyed, cheerful, and full of energy.

It was getting harder for him to keep up.

Yet, seeing her having so much fun, of course Josh couldn’t bring himself to complain. How could he? He would feel really bad if he had to refuse her wishes just because he wanted to lie down and make up for his lack of sleep. 

He had always promised himself—years ago—that he would sacrifice anything for her happiness. That he would prioritize her above all else, no matter what.

But at this rate, he wasn’t sure how much longer he could last.

By the time they arrived at Sharon’s apartment, it was quite late—ten o'clock.

Sharon stepped inside with a radiant smile, slipping off her heels and switching to house slippers. Josh followed closely behind, both hands weighed down with an absurd number of shopping bags.

"I'm really, really happy today," Sharon said, turning to face him.

Josh's smile broke out on his tired face, "Really? I'm... much happier if you're happy."

The girl giggled. A soft blush dusting her cheeks.

Then she cupped Josh's face with both hands, stood on tiptoe, and placed a gentle peck on his lips.

"Thank you. I hope we can always be like this," she murmured, her fingers brushed along his jaw gently, "just like before. Just like we did before."

Since none of his hands were idle, Josh remained silent as he gazed deeply and intently at the girl. He knew exactly what she meant. In his heart, he himself also wanted the same thing. But just because of his family's political interests, he had to let their smooth relationship turn into a rocky road filled with obstacles.

"Me too,” he finally said, “I'll do my best to keep us happy, okay?"

Josh tried to convince Sharon. He needed her to believe him. He needed her to know that all the words he said, all the feelings he had, and all the effort he put in were all real.

Because he loved her. More than anything.

"Mh-hm," Sharon nodded firmly. Her eyes still gleaming, "I knew you would do it for me," she stood on tiptoe again, and landed another peck on the man's lips. "Because you know… I can only be happy with you. I really can't live without you. If you ever left me, I—" She hesitated before whispering, "I think I’d rather die."

Sharon urged him again, "You won’t leave me, right, Josh? You’ll stay by my side forever, won’t you?" The girl played with the expression on her face. Watched him closely, waiting—no, demanding—an answer.

Josh swallowed the frustration creeping up his throat. He was too exhausted to deal with this, but he couldn’t afford to let his patience slip.

He exhaled slowly.

"Of course. I'll do anything that can make you happy,” he reassured her, “By staying by your side. Please trust me, okay?"

He didn't even know how many times he had said the same thing—how many times she had asked and how many times he had promised. But for some reason, it was never enough. No matter how much he showed her through his actions, she always wanted to hear it again. She still kept making him promises.

And Josh, despite  sometimes feeling annoyed and burdened, with his full awareness, always showered the girl with beautiful words that she wanted to hear.

After all, if he thinks about it, there's nothing to lose at all. It wasn't that hard. He just had to restrain himself from getting tired of saying similar answers.

"I trust you. Who else in this world can I trust if not you."

Sharon wrapped her arms around Josh's neck. Still carrying the bags, Josh stood still as she leaned in. Then she stood on tiptoe again, and brought her face closer to Josh's as she closed her eyes. The tip of her nose was gently rubbed against Josh's pointed nose. Giving soft and affectionate sensation.

"I love you, Josh,” she whispered, “Don't let go of me, okay?"

At this close distance, he could smell the strong scent of her perfume. Her warm and fragrant breath tickled his skin, soothing his heart and sending subtle shivers down his spine.

"Yes, I won't let you go. I love you."

Sharon’s lips curved into a satisfied smile. Her heart felt happy to hear it. Tightening her embrace, she embraced Josh's lips to merge with hers—deeper this time. Exchanging the warmth of each other's stolen breath. Mixed with the sweetness of love and desire in gentle bursts. They both savored the time slowing down around them. Celebrating each heartbeat with deeper tastes, and interspersed with slow, lingering, and teasing kisses.

When she finally pulled away, she giggled, pressing a few playful pecks against the corners of his lips.

"I'm going to take a shower. My body feels uncomfortable," she walked straight inside.

Josh nodded. He couldn't lie to himself if there were conflicting sensations—a slight sense of relief and unfulfilled desire in him. But as he watched her back slipping away and disappearing behind the wall, he wondered if it might be better to just stop there. 

His body desperately needed a rest this time.

Josh dropped the bags onto the coffee table in the living room. Then he flung himself onto the couch. He took a deep breath and exhaled. His empty lungs seemed to relieve some of the burden. It felt lighter. 

He had barely adjusted his sleeping position when his phone in his pants pocket suddenly rang.

His heart sank.

The name—the last thing he wanted to see at the moment appeared clearly on the screen: Mom.

Josh immediately picked up the unexpected call. At this hour, whatever she had to say couldn't be good.

“Hello, Mom?”

“Can you come to the house right now?” The woman's voice, on the other side, sounded cold and stiff. Straight to the point. Without beginning with any pleasantries.

Josh frowned, "Right now?"

Josh seemed to doubt his own hearing. From his mom's unfriendly tone alone, he was sure something was up. Add to that the fact that she had bothered to call him at this hour and told him to come to the house—he was absolutely sure it could be worse than he had imagined.

"Yes. Right now."

Josh swallowed. He didn't dare to ask what was going on or why he was ordered like that. Only a low, speculative yes came out of his mouth, "Okay. I'll be there."

The phone call was immediately hung up by his mother. Leaving more question marks in Josh's head and a pit of unease in his stomach.

He got up and went into the master bedroom and sat on the edge of the bed—deep in thought. Waiting for Sharon to finish her shower.

When she finally stepped out of the bathroom, he stood up and approached her. Gave her a gentle hug and rubbed her back that wrapped in the bathrobe before leaning away.

Josh tried to say carefully, "My mom just called. She asked me to meet her at home."

Sharon's eyes widened, "At this hour? Why?"

He shook his head weakly. He himself couldn't guess what his mother wanted.

"You're not going to get into trouble, are you?"

"Don’t worry," Josh tried to keep the situation between them calm and under control, "It’s probably about the company. My father's campaign, and my grandfather demanding all sorts of things for his reputation—well, the usual. So, it's most likely about that."

'Hopefully,' Josh shuddered. He himself hoped that what was troubling his mother to call him at this time of night, wasn't too bad.

He exhaled, brushing his fingers through his hair, ‘I should go.” Josh said goodbye and stepped out of the room.

"Josh," as he turned to leave, Sharon’s voice stopped him.

He turned around. With a question mark on his face, waiting for Sharon to continue her words.

She bit her lip, hesitating, "You’ll come back here after, right?"

"You want me to?" Josh asked in a soft tone, as if deliberately teasing her.

Sharon nodded with pouted lips, "Yes. Come back here, will you? I don't want you to go back to your house. I… can't imagine you spending the night with that girl."

Josh sighed, but he smiled.

"Alright,” he promised, and granted her request easily. I'll come back here again. You get some rest."