9. Left Alone

Josh realized that if their conversation continued, it would only go around in circles without being resolved. Ashley didn’t seem to be in the mood to forgive him, and she certainly wasn’t about to agree to his request. Yet that was the core of the problem—where Ashley had found out he was in a relationship with another girl.

Maybe, it had crossed his mind that if Ashley knew, there would be a price to pay. Because she was going to live this marriage like a real marriage—as her mother always insisted.

But he hadn’t expected to get caught this quickly. And now, he might be paying a bigger price than he had ever anticipated.

Because once trust is broken, piecing it back together is harder than fixing shattered glass.

Josh finally broke the silence. “What if I apologize for everything? For everything that made you angry?”

Ashley lifted her head and looked at him.

“And what would I get in return for forgiving you?” she asked. “You’re only apologizing because you don’t want me exposing your relationship, aren’t you?”

Josh sighed. “I’m not the only one who would be in trouble if this got out.” His voice softened. He lowered his eyes, and his look became a little sad. “We both know the consequences. I’m sorry for dragging you into this mess, but I really need you to keep this secret. From everyone. Especially our families.” He hesitated. “I don’t know what I can offer you in return. What do you want?”

Ashley stayed silent. She couldn't think of any other words that she could use against Josh to make her position stronger and more favorable. Without having to apologize to the man, without having to be forever stuck keeping other people's secrets. 

Also because in her opinion, in her own situation and the unexpected situation that suddenly happened today, divorce was the only best solution that had ever crossed her mind.

“Divorce,” She repeated firmly, certain of what she wanted.

Josh let out a slow, heavy breath. Frustration boiled inside him as she ignored his request to stop mentioning it. “Why do you want that so badly?”

“Isn’t it obvious? The real question is, why wouldn’t I?”

Just as he was about to respond, his phone lit up and rang. A notification of a call from Sharon appeared on his screen.

And that’s when he remembered—he had never finished typing his message to her earlier.

Her fingers hovered over the screen, debating whether to answer her girlfriend’s call while still in the middle of a heated argument with Ashley or not. As unpleasant as their exchange was, it felt like something needed a clear conclusion as soon as possible.

Ashley was watching him intently, and when Josh stole a glance at the girl, she quickly averted her eyes.

After that, his phone fell silent. Then it rang again not long after. The same name flashed across the screen—Sharon.

Josh pushed himself up from his chair. Even though hesitation flickered in his eyes, he couldn't stay indecisive and was lost in his own doubts.

"I need a moment," he murmured.

He couldn’t leave Sharon waiting too long, especially after missing her first call. Knowing her, the girl would be inflamed and upset with him again.

Ashley watched as Josh walk away and disappeared into the study room. 

A curiosity passed through her. And without thinking, she got up, tiptoeing very carefully so her slippers made no sound against the floor as she walked. Following where Josh was, she stopped right in front of the closed door, pressing her ear against it, and eavesdropped on any words coming from inside.

“No… Hmm… Calm down… Yeah, I’m alone now…”

Josh’s voice was muffled, but she could still catch what the man was saying.

“Her? Still mad, I think… Haven’t seen her since we got home. She locked herself away and won’t talk… Is that a good thing? Well… What? Hm… Don’t worry… Want what?”

There was a soft chuckle after that. Ashley raised her eyebrow. Did he just seriously giggle?

Josh, who had been always speaking in such a flat, emotionless tone—could laugh like that too?

“Alright… Don’t cry… Of course I’m sad. It’s even sadder seeing you like this… Hm… Well… Hm? You’ll wait for me? What if your eyes get puffy? Well… No need to wait, okay? I’ll leave right now… Are you happy? Hm… Yes… Are you hungry? What do you want? Spicy chicken and beer? You can’t get drunk… Yes, I’ll bring it… What else? Or do you want to eat out? Somewhere nice? No? Hm… Okay, I love you.”

Upon hearing those words, Ashley immediately walked on tiptoe with wide steps and returned to the chair she had been sitting on.  Josh might have hung up, or he might not have. But there was already something she didn't want to hear anymore, and she thought it was better to pretend to be seen sitting here than to be caught eavesdropping on the conversation.

And sure enough, moments later, the study door creaked open.

Josh was coming out and walked back into the living room. He grabbed his suit from the sofa before heading to the console table by the window.

He picked up his car keys, “I’m heading out. You get some rest.”

“Where to?”Ashley deliberately kept asking. Even though she could clearly guess where the man was going.

Josh sighed. “Are you stopping me?”

She felt attacked, “Who said anything about stopping you? I’m just asking where you’re going.”

“To Sharon’s place.”

Ashley let out a dry laugh.

She had no delusions about their relationship. Actually, she never even once thought of fantasizing about something impossible happening between the two of them—expected warmth or love like a real married couple. But being abandoned on her wedding night for another woman, one who was whining out of jealousy, was beyond bitter.

“It’s almost midnight,” she pointed out. “Can’t it wait until tomorrow?”

“I probably need to calm her down,” Josh said simply.

“But we’re not done talking.”

“Tomorrow,” he said, “Let's talk again tomorrow. I don't think either of us is calm enough to talk yet.”

“I think I’ve calmed down plenty,” she countered. “Maybe you haven’t.”

Josh exhaled through his nose, nodding.

He could no longer keep engaging with Ashley's words because he had to leave immediately. 

The only thing that mattered now was getting to Sharon. He already made a promise to reach the girl’s place soon. 

As for Ashley, he could be fairly certain that she would keep quiet. He knew she wouldn’t be reckless enough to take such a risk.

“Right. I'm going to calm down outside,” He finished his words and quickly left, not even waiting a moment for Ashley's response.