Regret ✿⁠ Park Jihoon ✓

17

A month later...

" Are you sure you don't want to stay with us? " Jeongwoo carefully asked, watching the older gathered his scattered belongings on his lap. Jihoon simply hummed in response.

" Okay, then " Jeongwoo paused " Do you want me to carry your bag? " he offered.

" I'm good. Thank you for sending me home " Jihoon replied, swiftly snatched his bag from the back and hopped off the passenger seat, immediately swung open the gate, not even caring to spare a glance at his brother to bid goodbye.

Jeongwoo let out a sigh as he watched Jihoon retreating back, making sure he had safely entered the house before driving away. He knew that if he didn't ensure Jihoon's safe arrival, their mother would bombard him with a thousand questions.

Jihoon had only regained consciousness two days ago after being in a coma for almost a month. Today marked the day of his discharge from the hospital.

And there was he, at the house.

As Jihoon entered the house, he couldn't help but take in the sight of the empty and somber atmosphere that enveloped their home. He reached out to touch the couch and was met with a layer of dust that clung to his fingers

As if this house was left untouched for years.

"Soonhee?" he called out, his voice trembling as he moved further into the dimly lit living room. His footsteps echoed through the empty space.

There was no response.

Right, he had woken up two days ago but he never saw Soonhee at all.

Jihoon wandered his eyes in every inch of the living room. His mind wandered back to the moment right before his surgery—the heated argument in the very living room he now stood in. His heart ached at the memory, the sharp words and hurtful accusations that had been exchanged between him and his wife, Soonhee.

And then, the searing words she had uttered before he went under the knife echoed in his ears.

"Maybe I will be happy if I get married to Hao"

Making Jihoon ducked down his head

"And I regret letting you come into my happy life, Park Jihoon"

Jihoon clenched his jaw, his eyes tightly shut as he replayed those painful moments in his mind. The realization of the hurt he had caused Soonhee and the anger that had driven her to those words weighed heavily on him.

He sank onto the couch, staring into the empty space "Isn't this what I want?" Jihoon whispered to the silent room as if seeking validation from the walls that had witnessed the unraveling of his marriage.

He questioned his own motives after he tried to draw Soonhee away and tried to convince himself that it was the right choice.

Maybe, just maybe, he thought, it was better for her to hate him, to move on, and find the happiness she deserved.

✿⁠✿⁠✿⁠

" I already sent him home " Jeongwoo announced through the radio's mic as he talked over his phone using the car Bluetooth.

This is Park Jeongwoo, Jihoon's younger brother with 4 years gap.

If you wonder where was he all this time, he was just done with his studies in America. The day he found Jihoon in the hospital was the day he had just arrived in Korea and was on their way back home from the airport.

"Glad to hear that. Thank you, Jeongwoo" Soonhee said, slouching her back to the swivel chair.

"My birthday on next week " Jeongwoo suddenly informed, which made Soonhee chuckle lightly.

" I know, I will send you the present "

"Ah," Jeongwoo whined "Can't you just come back?'

Soonhee's smile slipped off her face after hearing about the idea of returning home.

Return to Park Jihoon

"I will, but not now"

"I don't understand, why do you have to ask Mama to transfer you to LA, though? I just returned to Korea to meet my sister-in-law" Even though Soonhee could only hear him, Soonhee knew this little man had been pouting through his words.

A light giggle escaped Soonhee's lip, throwing her head back "You can't say those words in front of Jihoon, okay Jeongwoo"

"I will not!"

"Mrs. Kwon?" A deep, stern voice called for her name before her. She covered the phone's mic and swirled around to find the person "Yes, Mr. Sohn?"

Mr. Sohn, or people called him Eric Sohn. The vice president of RY Hotel for the Los Angeles branch or we called say he is Soonhee's new boss.

"My office. I have something to discuss with you"

"Sure," she agreed before turning back to speak over her phone as Eric walked back to his office. "My boss is calling. Talk to you later."

"Okay, noona. Take care. Bye!" Jeongwoo replied before they both hung up.

Soonhee quickly slipped the device into her pocket before she reached for her notebook and tidied up her presence, to make sure she was looking presentable in front of her boss who she could say was a perfectionist.

Soonhee briefly knocked before she stepped in, alerting him that she was coming in. Soonhee paid a bow and looked up at him "Yes, sir?"

"Please be seated," He offered, pointing at the swivel chair across him as Soonhee complied, taking her seat.

"I just want to make sure, you are working here temporarily, right?" Eric immediately started, flicking through a document.

"Yes, sir"

"How long will it be for 'temporarily'?" Eric drew his eyes to Soonhee which caught her off guard.

Soonhee hesitated for a moment, as she herself didn't know how long would it be. She overcame her hesitation and said "I just waiting for further instructions from the main branch"

Eric nodded in understanding "Mrs. Kwon," he began, "I've been extremely impressed with your work since you joined the company. Your dedication and the quality of your contributions have not gone unnoticed."

Soonhee nodded, her eyes locked on Eric's. Her heart raced

"As you know," Mr. Sohn continued, "we have a permanent position open, and I believe you're the ideal candidate for it. Your talents would be a valuable asset to our team."

Once again, Soonhee was taken aback. She came here to LA to take a break from her complicated marriage. To have a clearer mind of what she should do for her marriage a decision she had made in the midst of mounting tension and doubts about her relationship. Now, her boss was offering her a permanent position, and the weight of the decision ahead was almost suffocating.

Soonhee sighed inwardly, torn between her desire to focus on her career and her need to resolve her personal issues. "Thank you, Mr. Sohn. I'm truly honored by this opportunity."

Mr. Sohn gave her a reassuring smile. "We value your contributions, Soonhee. However, we understand that this relocation was initially meant to give you some space to think about your answer. So, take a week to make your decision. Discuss it with your family, and when you're ready, let me know."

Soonhee felt a mix of gratitude and pressure. This decision wasn't just about her career; it was about her life, her happiness, and the future of her marriage.

"Thank you for your understanding," she said, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

As Soonhee left Mr. Sohn's office, she knew she had a lot to contemplate in the coming days. The allure of a permanent position in Los Angeles was undeniable, but it also meant committing to a future that might not align with her personal goals and happiness. Over the next week, she would engage in soul-searching, deep conversations, and self-reflection, hoping to find clarity in the midst of her complex and intertwined choices.

She let out a heavy sigh and whispered between her breath "Jihoon... What should I do?"