Chapter 3: Dae-Jung's First Cut
A.N.: Hi, thanks again for the reads, reviews, and support for the story. Take care everyone and have a great day.
Disclaimer: I don't own these BOF characters, other than the new ones.
The main characters and F4 children:
So Yi Jeong and Chu Ga Eul's children: So Dae-Hyun, So Jae Hwa, So Dae-Jung, So Dae-Hwan, So Jae Eun and So Jae Ji. Deceased/Miscarried: So Dae-Ho.
Endearment: Dae-Hyun – Baby (until 7 years old), Jae Hwa – Darling, Dae-Jung – Baby (until Middle School), Dae-Hwan – Hwannie/Sweetheart, Jae Eun – Eunnie/Sweetheart, Jae Ji – Precious, Dae-Ho - Precious.
Song Woo Bin and Ha Jae Kyung's children: Song Eun-Kyung and Song Won-Bin.
Gu Jun Pyo and Geum Jan Di's children: Gu Jung-Hee, Gu Jung-Hwa and Gu Jee Ha.
Yoon Ji Hoo and Yoong Ha Eun's son: Yoon Joo-Won
Published: 30 March 2017
"Honey, please talk to me. Please."
Ga Eul pleaded to her husband of eight years. She did not care that tears were falling like a stream down her cheeks. She held Yi Jeong's sleeves as the man faced the opposite direction. He was fuming red and was controlling his anger towards his crying wife. He tried hard to refrain himself from snapping and yelling at her.
The couple was at the hospital. Two-year-old Dae-Jung had been detained in the ward since the afternoon. He fell from their huge bed and cut his forehead, slightly above his left eyebrow.
Dae-Hyun (7), Jae Hwa (4) and Dae-Jung were jumping up and down on their parents' huge bed. Being a protective big brother, or so he thought, Dae-Hyun piled up pillows around the edges of the bed. They imagined that the pillows were walls. They were waiting for Omma to finish getting ready. They were going to the Children's Museum in town. Appa was waiting for them at Appa's Museum which was close by.
The three siblings were having so much fun, smacking pillows on each other, throwing pillows up to the air and competing on who could jump the highest. It was noisy, with their cries, shrieks, screams and laughs. Numerous times Ga Eul had to remind them not to get too excited and that they must be careful. She even told Dae-Hyun to pay extra attention to his youngest brother. Dae-Jung was, after all, only two years old. But the children were having too much fun that Omma's words went to deaf ears.
A few times too, Ga Eul scolded and ordered the two eldest siblings to get down from the bed. When that happened, they became quiet and behaved, but only for some brief seconds. Being the eldest, Dae-Hyun got the most scolding. Omma said that he should at least know that it could get dangerous and they could fall down and hurt themselves.
Ga Eul was just about to reach for her handbag on the vanity table when the children cried out Dae-Jung's name. In an instant, she turned around and got a shock of her life. Little Dae-Jung was on the floor, near the corner of the bed. Ga Eul cried her third born's name and rushed to him. Dae-Hyun and Jae Hwa were already near their brother who was screaming, in pain. Blood gushed out from a cut slightly above his left eyebrow, painting the left side of his face red.
Ga Eul cried for Ahjussi Kim. She then told Dae-Hyun to get a cloth or handkerchief or anything. However, the boy was too stunned and shocked that he just looked at his brother without even a blink of an eye. Jae Hwa was already crying next to her Oppa.
Seeing her frozen eldest son, Ga Eul took off her cardigan and wiped off the blood on Dae-Jung's face. She then stood up, with Dae-Jung in her arm. They had to go to the hospital now. The cut looked very deep. Ahjussi Kim then came in running and abruptly halted when he saw Ga Eul and her children.
"Ahjussi, we need to go to the hospital. The car's ready right?"
"Yes, Madam."
They rushed out from the bedroom, with Ga Eul carrying the crying Dae-Jung.
In the family car, "Ahjussi, please call Yi Jeong and Jan Di or Ji Hoo Sunbae."
"Yes, Madam."
The car sped off to Shinhwa Hospital.
Yi Jeong was doing some last checks on a document when he received the call. He sprung out of his chair and sprinted out of the office, straight to his car. In the car, he called Ji Hoo but the doctor's phone was switched off. He then tried Jan Di. Jan Di informed that Ji Hoo was performing a surgery, but she had already prepped up the necessities after Ahjussi Kim's call.
All the way to the hospital, Yi Jeong kept the call with Ahjussi Kim on, asking where they were, Dae-Jung's condition as well as his other two children. He told Ahjussi Kim to tell the driver to hit the gas. He did not want to waste a second longer. His youngest son's life was in danger.
Yi Jeong arrived at the hospital before his family. The museum was just fifteen minutes away from the hospital. He waited impatiently at the entrance of the Emergency Department.
He ran to the car when it arrived and immediately opened the back passenger door. He almost fell back at the sight of little Dae-Jung and his bloodied t-shirt. Without waiting for Ga Eul to get out of the car, he took little Dae-Jung from her and dashed into the hospital, straight to Jan Di.
Ga Eul carried Jae Hwa and Ahjussi Kim held Dae-Hyun's hand as they ran, following Yi Jeong. When Yi Jeong found Jan Di, she asked him to give the boy to her, but he protested. He wanted to be with his little boy when Jan Di performed the treatment. However, Jan Di insisted that he waited outside. Yi Jeong had no choice but to oblige. But before he went out, he told Jan Di to do her all to save his son.
Ga Eul, the two children, and Ahjussi Kim were waiting outside of the room. Dae-Hyun went to Appa while Jae Hwa remained with Omma. Yi Jeong turned to Ga Eul and quite roughly, took Jae Hwa from her. Ga Eul was shocked. He then turned to look at the emergency room's door.
"What happened?" Yi Jeong asked. His voice was as cold as the Artic air and clearly told that he was controlling his anger.
"The childr…"
"I didn't ask you, did I?"
Ga Eul froze and the children were shaken by Appa's stern voice at Omma. Ahjussi Kim kept quiet though his expression showed that he did not approve of the tone of his employer's voice to his wife.
Ga Eul told herself that her husband's words were just words of shock and worry.
"Ahjussi?" His tone was softer.
"The children… they played on the bed and Dae-Jung fell. We think he hit the corner of the bed frame. It was an accident."
"Appa, it's Dae-Hyun's fault. Dae-Hyun didn't take care of Baby well," confessed his first born. "Dae-Hyun is sorry, Appa."
"Baby jumped. Oppa and Darling jumped too. Then Baby fell, blood came out of Baby's forehead," added Jae Hwa.
Yi Jeong turned his attention to his still quiet wife. His glare was piercing.
"Why did you let them play on the bed? Why didn't you look after them? Where were you when it happened? Why can't you be a good mother? Can't you even take care of my children?"
In an instant, Ga Eul felt like her soul left her body. Tears threatened to burst out but she held them in.
"All you need to do is take care of them, and you can't even do that? What kind of mother are you?"
Thousands of serrated daggers plunged repeatedly into her heart, deeper with each stab.
"Sir! It's not Madam's fault," protested the loyal butler. Dae-Hyun, Jae Hwa, and Ga Eul had filled him in on what happened when they were in the car.
"Appa? It's not Omma's fault. It's Dae-Hyun's fault. Dae-Hyun didn't listen to Omma. Omma said not to play on the bed." Dae-Hyun defended his Omma. He did not like what Appa said to Omma. He went and held Omma's hand firmly.
Yi Jeong did not say anything. With Jae Hwa still in his arms, he then moved away from Ga Eul, Ahjussi Kim, and Dae-Hyun. He went closer to the door of the emergency room, wishing that he could walk through the door to see his son.
Ahjussi Kim placed a hand on Ga Eul's shoulder. She looked at him. Tears finally fell but she quickly wiped them away before Dae-Hyun could see them.
Again, she told herself that her husband did not mean those words. Unfortunately, she could also not helped but still be hurt by them.
Half an hour later, Jan Di came out of the emergency room with a nurse at the back pushing a sleeping Dae-Jung on a stretcher. All So members rushed to Jan Di and Dae-Jung.
"Jan Di, how is he?" asked Yi Jeong. Ga Eul could not hold her tears any longer. The sight of her youngest son was killing her.
"The cut is quite deep and long, but he'll be OK. We're taking him to the ward. We want to make sure that there is no infection to the wound."
The boy was going to get the best private ward room in the hospital. Yi Jeong, with Jae Hwa still in his arms, Dae-Hyun and Ahjussi Kim followed the nurse. Jan Di walked beside Ga Eul at the back.
"Jan Di, thank you so much for saving Baby." Ga Eul was still in tears. Jan Di nodded and squeezed her best friend's hand firmly and assuring her that Dae-Jung will be alright.
In the private room, everybody's eyes were on the little Dae-Jung. There was a bandage on his forehead. He was still sleeping.
Yi Jeong sat on a chair on the right-hand side of the bed, while Ga Eul on the left-hand side. Dae-Hyun leaned against Omma's lap and Jae Hwa was on Appa's. There were worry and sadness on Yi Jeong's face. He never left his eyes from his little one. Dae-Hyun repeatedly said sorry to Appa and Omma for not listening to Omma's warnings and that made Dae-Jung fell. Ga Eul and Yi Jeong nodded. Yi Jeong stated that it was not the children's fault. Ga Eul nodded in agreement and added that it was an accident. However, Yi Jeong snapped his head toward Ga Eul and frowned, shocking her, again. His eyes on her were accusing and there was anger.
Not long after, Jan Di came in with Ji Hoo. Dae-Hyun and Jae Hwa immediately told Aunt Jan Di and Uncle Ji Hoo everything. They even said that they were not going to play jumps on the bed anymore.
"All this would not happen if you didn't leave your eyes from the children. What were you doing? Putting on make-ups? Choosing what dress to wear? Who cares how you look like? We were just going to the Museum, for God sake."
The room went silent. Ga Eul felt like she was hit by lightning, repeatedly.
"Yi Jeong." Jan Di protested but before she could even say more, Ga Eul gave her a shook of the head and mouthed "No". Ji Hoo looked at Yi Jeong and then at Ga Eul.
"I'm sure as much as you don't want this to happen, Ga Eul doesn't want it too, Yi Jeong. It's not fair to blame Ga Eul," said the doctor, softly. Yi Jeong kept quiet. He fixed his gaze on his sleeping child.
The atmosphere turned uncomfortable. Ji Hoo gestured to Jan Di that it would be better for them to leave.
"Yi Jeong, Ga Eul, don't worry. Baby will be alright. We'll see you tomorrow," said Ji Hoo.
"Thanks, Ji Hoo, Jan Di," said Yi Jeong.
"Thank you, Ji Hoo Sunbae, Jan Di." Ga Eul then sent them to the door.
After Ji Hoo and Jan Di left, Yi Jeong stood up and asked Ahjussi Kim to take his place. He needed to go out and have some fresh air. He needed to clear his mind and calm his racing worried heart. Jae Hwa and Dae-Hyun were already asleep on the sofa.
Yi Jeong passed by his wife at the door but did not look at her. His shoulder brushed against hers quite roughly. She then followed him out.
"Honey, please talk to me. Please."
Ga Eul tugged on his sleeves but he brushed off her hand roughly. Ga Eul swallowed hard and kept asking for forgiveness and admitting that she was at fault. She was careless.
Yi Jeong then turned around and glared at her.
"You really surprise me. Didn't know that you don't know how to take care of the children. How could you let them play like that and let Baby fall?"
Ga Eul stepped backward, hurt by his raised voice and statement. She had her hands crossed over her chest.
"Go home. Take Dae-Hyun and Darling with you. I don't want you to stay here and look after my son. I'll do the work from now on."
For who knew how many times today, Ga Eul felt her heart cut by those words. Tears now fell freely. Yi Jeong quickly went back into the room and informed Ahjussi Kim that once Dae-Hyun and Jae Hwa woke up, they were to go home. He also asked Ahjussi Kim to tell the driver to bring his bag of clothes and necessities for two days. He was going to stay at the hospital with Dae-Jung. Ahjussi Kim asked about Dae-Jung's milk and food. Yi Jeong asked to pack them too. Then, Ahjussi Kim asked again if that was a good idea since Dae-Jung was still breastfeeding. But Yi Jeong answered that it would be fine. Besides, Ga Eul would be coming in again tomorrow, so Dae-Jung would survive without Omma's milk for one night. Ga Eul lowered her head, she had never been humiliated and crushed by Yi Jeong ever before, not even when he offered her to his father, once upon a time.
Back at home, Dae-Hyun and Jae Hwa asked why Omma was sad and cried non-stop. They hugged Omma and continuously said sorry for what happened. They did not like to see Omma cried. Omma said that Omma was just worried about Baby Dae-Jung and Omma missed him so much.
The children slept in Omma's bed. When Ga Eul was sure that they were already asleep, she called Yi Jeong's number but it went unanswered. She tried for a few times but to no avail. She then texted him asking if Dae-Jung had already awoken. Unfortunately, none of her messages were replied.
Ga Eul fell asleep crying.
Yi Jeong was so angry at his wife. How could she be so careless and let Dae-Jung fell? How many times had he told her to watch the children well? His children were very active children. They played rough and were not afraid of anything. There were already many incidents when Dae-Hyun and Jae Hwa fell and got hurt though never like this, but those were not enough to deter the children from being adventurous and experimental.
When Ahjussi Kim called to inform about the incident, he wanted to scream his lungs out. What if it was Dae-Jung's eyes? He could be blinded by it. Even if it was not his eyes, would the cut and bump affect his son's development? Would there be a permanent scar on his forehead?
Again, Yi Jeong could not believe that Ga Eul had let this to happen.
An hour after everybody had gone back, Dae-Jung woke up crying. The medicine was wearing off and the stitching on the forehead started to stung. Yi Jeong quickly went to pat and soothe him but the little boy kept crying. He then lifted the boy up and paced around the room. Dae-Jung patted Appa's chest. He was hungry.
Still with the boy in his arm, Yi Jeong took out a bottle of Ga Eul's milk that she had prepared at home, from the fridge. He warmed the bottle up for a few minutes. He then gave the bottle to his son, but the little boy refused. He wanted Omma. He kept calling Omma's name.
Yi Jeong mentally told himself to be patient. He told Dae-Jung that this was really Omma's milk but in a bottle. He pushed the bottle nipple a little harder into the boy's mouth and when Dae-Jung tasted that it was indeed Omma's milk, he became quiet. Yi Jeong sat down on the sofa to feed his youngest son. But a few seconds of so, Dae-Jung called "Omma… Omma…Omma…" Yi Jeong had to search for videos of Ga Eul in his cellphone. Luckily, there were many. He showed the videos to his son and the boy giggled and smiled while drinking his milk. "Omma…" About twenty minutes later, the boy fell asleep.
At 8.30 in the morning, Ga Eul, Dae-Hyun, and Jae Hwa were already at the hospital. The children had woken up very early and requested that they go to the hospital early.
Ga Eul brought breakfast for her husband but he said that he had already had his. Ga Eul bit her lower lip, keeping it from trembling.
Little Dae-Jung was very happy to see Omma. "Ommaaaaaa.." he cried and held out his hands for Omma to take. Ga Eul glanced at Yi Jeong, afraid if he would get angry. She remembered his words last night.
Yi Jeong took Jae Hwa's hand as well as Dae-Hyun's and went out of the room. "Let's go to the canteen," he said. Ga Eul held her tears.
30 minutes later, the father, son, and daughter came back. Jae Hwa told Omma that the canteen's breakfast was good, but could never beat Omma's. Dae-Hyun agreed. "Omma's are the best," he said while giving two thumbs up. Ga Eul smiled at her two children although she felt hurt that Yi Jeong did not want to have the food that she brought from home. Yi Jeong just kept quiet as he watched his happy Dae-Jung playing with Omma's hands on the bed.
Then, a doctor and a nurse came in. Jan Di had to go for a meeting that morning. The doctor inspected Dae-Jung and said that he looked alright. The stitch looked fine and there was no infection or other complication. He could be discharged later that evening if the So wanted to. Yi Jeong said that they would take little Dae-Jung home today. The nurse then showed Ga Eul and Yi Jeong how to clean and dress the cut.
Back at home Yi Jeong continued to give Ga Eul a cold treatment. He did not give Ga Eul any chance to be with Dae-Jung other than feeding times. He took care of the little one all by himself.
Ga Eul tried to talk to him, but he pretended that he did not hear her. He was still angry at her. He did not trust her with Dae-Jung.
At night, Yi Jeong slept with Dae-Jung on the bed.
On the first night that Dae-Jung came home, Ga Eul wanted to sleep with them but Yi Jeong gave her an icy glare. She then got off from the bed and went to sleep on the Cleopatra sofa at a corner of the bedroom. She cried herself to sleep, in silent.
In the middle of the night, she woke up when Dae-Jung cried, hungry. He called for her but Yi Jeong shhh-ed him. Dae-Jung saw Omma at the corner and wanted to go to Omma, but Appa quickly picked him up and carried him while Appa prepared the milk formula. However, Dae-Jung cried and pushed the bottle away. He wanted Omma. Ga Eul pretended to sleep though her heart was crushed. She did not believe that Yi Jeong was this angry at her.
Then, she heard him called her name. "Ga Eul." Ga Eul? Where had Jagiya gone to?
She then sat up and he passed little Dae-Jung to her. "You can use the bed," he said. He then went to the other sofa in the room and laid down. He slept there for the rest of the night.
The next day was Monday. Yi Jeong did not go to work. He decided to work from home. Ga Eul had already woken up early and went to prepare Dae-Hyun and Jae Hwa for school. Dae-Hyun and Jae Hwa were having breakfast when Yi Jeong came down with Dae-Jung. They joined the others for breakfast too.
After Dae-Hyun and Jae Hwa left for school. Yi Jeong took Dae-Jung for a morning walk in the vast beautiful garden. Ga Eul did not dare to follow for she knew that it would only make Yi Jeong angry. Furthermore, the hurt in her heart from his attitudes toward her was affecting her, and surely not in a good manner.
It was now the seventh day. Dae-Jung's bandage was already taken off and there was a little scar on his forehead but he was back to his old self, happy, active and cheerful.
However, the previous six days were a torture to Ga Eul. She did try to speak to her husband, initiated talks, apologized and all, but he remained cold. He even perfected the art of avoiding his wife. When she came into the room, he would leave immediately. Ga Eul lost counts on the number of times she had cried because of him.
The elder children had also noticed the tension between their parents. When they asked Omma, Omma said that Appa was too worried about Dae-Jung and wanted to focus on making Dae-Jung well again. When they asked Appa, Appa gave the same answer. Dae-Hyun did not really buy his parents' reason but he tried to make Omma and Appa happy. He helped took care of Jae Hwa.
Today, on this seventh day, Yi Jeong was with the children downstairs. Ga Eul sat in her bedroom, trying to knit a sweater for Dae-Jung. On the table in front, were a glass of water and a small plastic container of medicines. She was not feeling well. Her head ached and she felt dizzy ten minutes ago.
But she could not knit. She pondered on what happened between her and Yi Jeong. She wondered how long Yi Jeong was going to treat her this way. She thought about what actions she should take. Yi Jeong seemed adamant in avoiding her, not talking to her and not having anything to do with her.
She understood that any normal parent would be worried when his or her child was hurt, and an instant reaction was to blame his or her other half for letting it happen, but Yi Jeong was so firm in believing that she was at fault and seemed like he could not and would not forgive her for that.
Sometimes she felt like giving up. Sometimes she felt like from that moment onwards, Yi Jeong could never believe her with the children. Sometimes she felt like a useless mother, letting her child involved in an accident. Maybe Yi Jeong was right? Maybe she was a useless careless mother, not worthy of taking care of their children.
Her heart thumped heavy and her head pounded hard.
Yi Jeong was killing her.
Ga Eul fell asleep on her favorite Cleopatra sofa but woke up at midnight, shivering in cold. She was running down with a fever. Her head throbbed in pain. She glanced over at the bed and saw Yi Jeong sleeping next to little Dae-Jung, as usual. Her heart ached and hurt more than her head. Slowly, she stood up and went to the closet to take a blanket. As she passed by the bed, she suddenly stopped. Her heart was screaming for her to go to her child and take him, but she was afraid that it would only awaken Yi Jeong. Instead, she proceeded to the sofa, gulped down an aspirin and slept.
The next morning she woke up to the direct sunlight on her face. She had overslept. To her surprise, she was on the bed. Did she sleepwalk last night? She could not remember. She was still in a dazed-like condition when she felt the bed moved. She lightly rubbed her eyes but was taken aback at the person in front of her.
It was Yi Jeong.
He looked at her but his expression was difficult for Ga Eul to read. She quickly averted his eyes.
"I carried you to bed."
Ga Eul weakly nodded but was still not looking at him. She did not know whether to feel happy or guilty for it. She tried to get out of bed, on the other side. She needed to wake Dae-Hyun and Jae Hwa up for school.
"It's Saturday. No school today." He surprised her again. It was as if he knew what she was thinking, and she must have lost count of the days.
"I still need to go make breakfast," she stated, eyes still avoiding him.
"Let the staff handle it."
"No. I'll do it."
She then shifted to the edge of the bed but was halted when he grabbed her wrist. She hissed at the sudden action. She tried to free her hand from his, but he tightened his grip.
Ga Eul suddenly felt scared at this Yi Jeong. He now looked very serious.
"I need to talk to you."
Ga Eul gulped hard. She psyched herself up for what this man was going to say, though she was not sure if she was ready for whatever that was about to come out from him. She lowered her head and closed her eyes.
She heard him let out a heavy sigh.
"You're not well. Fever?" he looked at the medicine on the table. Ga Eul slowly nodded.
"Have you taken the medicine?"
She nodded again.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
Ga Eul immediately looked up to him, her eyebrows knitted. "How can I when you're doing your best to avoid me?" She then lowered her head again.
"It's nothing. Just a slight fever. I'll be alright."
Yi Jeong inhaled and exhaled again.
"I want to talk to you about what happened to Baby."
Ga Eul's heart drummed faster.
"I was really upset. What if Baby got hit in his eye? He could be blinded you know? How is his future going to be?"
Ga Eul closed her eyes. He still blamed her for the accident. Ga Eul fisted her hands over her chest.
"I'm sorry." She whispered under her breath. Tears were now rolling down her pale cheeks.
"What do you think I should do if that happen?" Yi Jeong asked as he leaned back a little.
Ga Eul swallowed hard. There it was, his question. He had finally voiced out what was in his mind all this long torturous week. She understood what he was insinuating.
Ga Eul did not answer and Yi Jeong kept his eyes on her. The silence was deafening.
Suddenly, Ga Eul felt anger hit her heart. The things he had said and done since the incident came rushing. She looked up and stared him in the eyes.
She felt angry at how he treated her, how he blamed her for all that happened and accused her of being a bad irresponsible mother. His harsh words killed her. She loved her children very, very much. How could she possibly be happy to let her children get hurt? If it was in her power, she would never allow a mosquito come near her children.
And here he was, accusing her rubbish and had arrogantly asked her what she thought he should do. If he was going to do what she thought he was going to do, then bring it on.
"Whatever you think is the best for you but know this. I won't let you take my children away from me."
"What?"
"I won't let you take my children away from me. My parents and I may be poor, we may be commoners, but I'm very sure we can still raise my children well."
"What are you talking about? Take your children …"
"Isn't that what you wanted to say? What you meant? To take my children away from me because I'm such a worthless careless person who let her child get hurt and nearly blinded the child. So why keep me, have me, if I can't be a good mother?"
"What? When did I say that? Why are you talking like this?"
"Stop! So Yi Jeong. You don't have to say it. The way you looked at me this past week was enough for me to understand, to get your message. If it satisfies you to hear me admit that it was my fault that Baby fell, then alright. I admit it. If I wasn't too concerned about my clothes that day, Baby would not have fallen from the bed. Yes. I'm the kind of mother who loves to see her child hurt. Yes. I'm the kind of mother who likes watching her child cry. Satisfied?"
"What?" Yi Jeong could not say anything else.
"I'll pack my bags and I'm taking the children with me." She then got off the bed.
But Yi Jeong stood up as well and went to her.
"Don't touch me, So Yi Jeong!"
"NO!"
Yi Jeong then hugged her tight.
"I'm sorry. I wanted to say I'm sorry. Please forgive me for being a jerk and inconsiderate of your feelings. I was wrong to blame you. It's not your fault. I was just too scared for what happened to Baby. I shouldn't have treated you like that. I'm sorry Jagiya. I'm sorry."
GE was dumbfounded, her hands hanging on her sides. What was going on? She did not know what to think.
"Please say that you forgive me, Jagiya."
"…"
Yi Jeong leaned back to look at his wife who was still stunned. She looked into his eyes. She did not understand what was going on.
Yi Jeong then leaned forward to kiss her but as his lips came closer, she placed a palm on his chest and gently pushed him back. Yi Jeong stiffened and felt hurt. Ga Eul then sat down on the bed, her headache came back. She, too, did not know what to believe.
Yi Jeong kneeled down and held her hands. He kissed the back of her hands continuously while asking for forgiveness. Ga Eul was speechless.
"Yagiya, say something, please. Please forgive me for being an evil bad husband. I shouldn't have lashed out my worry and anger at you. It was not your fault. I shouldn't have treated you that way. It was wrong of me to blame you. You did nothing wrong, Jagiya."
He was desperate. His wife was not responding.
"Please don't leave me, Ga Eul. Please don't take away my children from me. I'd die if you take them away from me, if you leave me."
Ga Eul wiped away her tears.
"But you asked what you should do…"
"I was worried about Baby."
"You hurt me, Yi Jeong…"
"I know and I'm ashamed of myself. I'm sorry Jagiya. I really am."
"I need time to digest all these, Yi Jeong. I don't know if I can…"
"Jagiya? Please." Yi Jeong hugged his wife tight, he was afraid if she would up and leave. He felt really guilty for treating her so badly this past week.
Ji Hoo had talked to him about it when he came to the hospital the day before to have Dae-Jung's wound checked. Ji Hoo asked why Ga Eul was not with them. When he did not answer, Ji Hoo further probed and got Yi Jeong to let his feelings out, and let out Yi Jeong did.
Ji Hoo was very surprised to hear the potter's frustrations, and what he felt about his wife. The doctor shook his head. He felt that Yi Jeong was being unfair and unnecessarily punished Ga Eul for something that was not her fault. He told Yi Jeong to take the time to sit down and think about everything in a calm manner. He told Yi Jeong to think about this whole thing from Ga Eul's perspective.
And Ji Hoo was right.
Ga Eul broke the hug and kept wiping away the falling tears.
"You hurt me…"
Yi Jeong nodded, "I'm so sorry," and pulled her against his chest. She cried and sobbed.
"I'm so sorry, Jagiya." He did not know how else to tell her how sorry he was.
"I love you Jagiya."
Ga Eul cried louder and brought her hands up to enclose his waist.
Yi Jeong let out a sigh of relief.
His wife had at last forgiven him.