58. Seeing The Old Woman Again

Josh came home the next morning, his face tired but still forced a faint smile. Ashley had expected it. There was no need to explain. When the door opened and the sound of Josh's footsteps could be heard, Ashley only glanced briefly from between the kitchen doors.

He was heading out, a small bag slung over his shoulder, sandals already on.

“Where are you going?” asked Josh, his voice heavy as always, but this time there was a curious tone he couldn't hide.

Ashley buttoned up her jacket. "To the family dermatologist. I want to start treatment for these wounds," she said with a faint smile, pointing to her still slightly bruised cheek.

Josh put the car keys down on the table with a loud noise, as if accidentally venting a small annoyance. “I'll drop you off.”

Ashley immediately shook her head. "You don't have to. I can do it myself. Besides, you look tired. Get some rest."

“I can, really—”

“No need, Josh.” Her voice sounded firmer than she would have liked. It made Josh pause for a moment.

There was an awkward pause between them. Ashley adjusted the bag on his shoulder, then smiled again, as if to melt the tension. "This is the initial treatment, it's normal. The doctor will only give you a prescription or a minor procedure."

Josh sighed softly, but finally nodded. “Take care.”

Ashley just waved before walking out of the door, holding back the guilt that hung in her chest. She didn't like lying. But for now, she had to.

The taxi took her to the far end of the city, to an area as run-down and full of cramped houses as the day before yesterday. He was finally able to get to the right house using his memory.

As soon as he got out of the taxi, he saw Minu playing with a shabby toy car in the yard. The little boy ran to her as soon as he saw her coming, his smile wide and full of light.

“Nuna!”

Ashley looked down and hugged Minu tightly. It was warm. Like the embrace of a younger sibling who hasn't seen each other for a long time.

“I'm sorry I broke my promise to come here yesterday, Grandma,” she said as she approached the house and saw Minu's grandmother sitting on a rickety chair in front of the door. “I'll quickly take care of your lost money and look for your cart.”

The old woman smiled, her face full of wrinkles, but her eyes shining kindly. "It's alright. The man you were with came yesterday."

Ashley blinked, not sure she heard correctly. “Really?”

"Yes. He brought the kid who stole my money and returned everything. My money is intact, my cart was also delivered by the police yesterday."

Ashley widened her eyes, almost in disbelief. "Seriously, Grandma?“

Ashley covered her mouth, shocked. She didn't expect Jason to come back here secretly, solving this problem without telling anyone.

”The man said he was your brother-in-law. He's very kind. Even gave me a job at the factory. He said it was a lot less work than looking through boxes and junk."

“Really?” Ashley was completely shocked by the information she heard.

The grandmother nodded gratefully. "Your husband must be as good as that man. You're very lucky to be married to your husband."

Ashley just grimaced, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. 

If only the old woman knew the hidden scandal and all the things that Josh, her husband, had done, she would definitely not say those words so innocently. Ashley herself almost laughed bitterly at that. How could someone be so easily fooled by outward appearances? 

She never thought that two people bound by blood-Josh and Jason-could have such contrasting traits. One was full of lies and betrayal, while the other secretly showed selfless kindness. The world is strange, she thought, for good and bad can be born from the same family.

They talked for a while, Minu played around their feet, and Ashley decided to join them for lunch. The menu was simple: rice, fried tempeh, and clear vegetables. But it was warmer than all the fancy meals at Josh's house.

By the time Ashley took a taxi home, the sun was already leaning west. On the way, she opened her cell phone, intending to call Jason to say thank you. But then she realized-she didn't have his number.

Her hands clenched into fists on her thighs. She should have asked the grandmother for Jason's number.

What about asking Josh?

Ashley thought about it. But she finally shook her head. Josh must be having second thoughts.

That night, Josh was waiting for her in the dining room. The smell of cooking filled the room—pasta and grilled chicken were neatly laid out.

Ashley smiled a little, feeling guilty again. She sat down and started eating without saying much.

Josh watched her silently. “How was your treatment?”

Ashley chewed slowly, pretending to be casual. "Good. The doctor said I need a few more sessions. I'll come back tomorrow."

She was lying. But the words came so easily, like something she had practiced in her heart for a long time.

Josh nodded. “If you want, I can drive you tomorrow.”

Ashley stared at the dishes in front of her, her heart heavy. "I can do it myself, Josh. Don't worry."

They continued eating in silence. Keeping each other at a distance, each with his own thoughts.

Ashley almost opened her mouth to ask about Jason's number, but when she saw Josh's sharp, suspicious gaze, she swallowed back her words.

Not tonight. Not now. Or maybe she'll find out through someone other than Josh.

When Ashley walked into the room, she threw herself on the bed and closed her eyes. Images of Jason's kindness continued to haunt her mind.

Someone who was almost a stranger did more for her than the person she slept under the same roof with.

Lies, disappointment, and a strange sense of gratitude mingled in her chest.