Author's Pov:

Mingyu looked at time, it was early morning. His hair messed up so was his head, "Is she back home?". He got up from his couch taking the blanket. He made his way to their room expecting Aera to be there but unfortunately she wasnt.

He went to Jiho's room to see Aera sleeping with him. Mingyu stood by the door, "I know what's going on in your head, Aera. But I'll prove it that I am not like your father".

After freshening up, he messaged his new secretary that he won't be coming today. Yes, he hired a new secretary. About Eunji, she herself left the job the very next day nor did Mingyu say anything.

While making breakfast, he heard footsteps knowing it was Aera. "You came late last night", Mingyu said. Aera nodded taking bottle from fridge. "Did you again go to that garden?", he asked. Aera hummed. "Don't keep on going there alone, Aera. It can be dangerous", Mingyu said.

"Aren't you going to office today? She must be waiting for you", Aera said. "She left the job. I haven't met her since that day", Mingyu answered, "I am taking holiday today".

"You don't need to. I am not in house anyway. You being here or not doesn't matter, now a days", Aera looked down, "I am going to work again. Recently, I got a call from Mrs. Kang. She wants a part timer".

"That's a good, idea. I'll never forget that place. The place were we first met", Mingyu smiled. He was hurt seeing her talk like this but he knew, he deserved it.

"From when are you joining?", he asked. "Today. After dropping Jiho to school. I'll directly go there. I don't want to be dependent on you for money", Aera answered. Everytime she spoke with him, her tone would turn monotonous. "Not everything will be same, Mingyu. You have to start from beginning", he assured himself.

"Why did you sleep in Jiho's room last night?", he asked. "Why are you asking when you yourself know the answer", Aera rolled her eyes.

"Y-Yeah", Mingyu said. "I am still not ready to give you a second chance, Mingyu. You cheated, you were happy doing it. If I want I could just go for divorce but what Jiho told me once, I couldn't. If I just randomly go and tell him that we are living separately, he would not take it easily. He is too young to understand. If you are thinking that I am giving you a second chance then don't. You too know that well, I will never give a second chance".

"I know I made a huge mistake. A big one, give me all the punishment you want but please don't leave me. Please", Mingyu said stopping the work.

"If I stay with even after knowing that you cheated, it will hurt my pride. Also, it will affect Jiho just like it once affected me and Jeonghan", Aera said, "I am not like my mother, Mingyu, who will give you countless chances". Aera stood up and went to Jiho's room.

At The Cafe :

"Welcome back, dear", Mrs. Kang hugged Aera, "I missed you so much".

"I missed you too, Mrs.Kang", Aera smiled. She used to work in a company but soon stopped working there after she got pregnant.

"So, what should I start with today?", Aera asked. Mrs. Kang thought for a while, "Uhm, as usual". Aera clicked her tongue, "Okay".

Aera worked while keeping the eye on clock so that she doesn't get late to pick Jiho from school. "You are bringing Jiho, here?", Mrs. Kang asked. Aera nodded, "Yeah, it is almost time. I'll leave". Aera took her car keys and went to his school.

"Mrs. Kang", Jiho entered the cafe getting attention of all the customers. Aera held Jiho, "Don't shout here, Jiho. Now say sorry to them".

Jiho looked at his mother then gave a big smile, "I am sorry, everyone". Aera ruffled his hair, "Good boy". 

"You are here", Mrs. Kang said seeing Jiho and Aera entering the kitchen. "What are you making?", Jiho asked. His eyes full of curiosity. "Can I get some? Even for Appa! He looks tired now a days. I even heard him crying yesterday".

Aera looked at Jiho with pitiful eyes. She made him sit on her lap, "When did you hear that?". Jiho looked at her, "Yesterday. You were not home. I went to your room. I heard Appa crying, he was continuously saying sorry. Did he do something wrong, Eomma? Appa is sorry, please forgive him ". His eyes innocently looking at her. It made her harder to tell him.

"Your Appa did such a thing that I can never forgive him", Aera murmured. "Jiho, can you do a small work?", Mrs. Kang asked, "You know Susane? Please give her this chocolates. Take some for you too". She gave him a handful of chocolates and also a small bag. After he went, Mrs. Kang looked at Aera.

"What happened between you two?", she asked. Aera shook her head, "Nothing, Mrs. Kang".

"Aera, I know something really happened. I saw how much your face has lost it's shine. Mingyu didn't even call me like he used to do", Mrs. Kang asked in worry.

Seokmin wasn't the only one who saw there love blossomed but Mrs. Kang was there too. "Did you fight? Try to talk and solve it out", she suggested.

"He cheated on me", Aera said. Mrs. Kang looked at her with wide eyes. "I am not joking", Aera said. Mrs. Kang sat beside her, "I don't know how to react, Aera. I am suprised. For how long?".

"4 months. I got to know it 3 days before. I stayed with Jeonghan for 2 days. Yesterday I came back home. We do talk but nothing much", Aera said. Susane came inside, "I still didn't get the chocolates".

Aera stood up, "But Jiho left to give it you". Susane shook her head, "I didn't see him. Is he here?".

Aera ran outside searching for him. The cafe was enough big for him to hide somewhere. She asked one of the customers who told her they saw Jiho going outside.

Aera ran outside. "Eomma!", Jiho waved at her on the other side of road. Jiho walked mindlessly towards her. Aera tried to stop him, "Jiho don't", Aera shouted seeing a car approaching him. She closed her eyes in fear until she heard the car stop.

"Can't you handle your son?", the driver gave few curses and drove away. Aera crossed the road and hugged him, "What are you doing here? How many times should I tell you not to go out like this on your own", she cried.

"Eomma, I am sorry", Jiho said wiping her tears. "Why did you come out at first place? Didn't we tell you to go near Susane?", she scolded him.

"I am sorry, I won't do this again. Please don't cry", Jiho whispered. His tiny hands wiping her tears.

Aera looked at the person who saved him. He gave her an awkward smile, "Jiho, you are fine right? Don't go anywhere without telling your mother".

"I am fine, Seokmin uncle", Jiho smiled and held his hand. "Thank you, Seokmin", Aera smiled. "Let's go buddy", Seokmin picked Jiho in his arms. Entering the cafe, Mrs. Kang scolded Jiho to which he replied in such a cute way that she couldn't help but melt.

"Hello", Seokmin bowed to Mrs. Kang, she nodded and asked one of her employee to take his order. Seokmin again gave an awkward smile to Aera.

"You know everything, don't you?", she asked. At first Seokmin acted innocent but then realised it was of no use. "I wanted to talk to you", he said still standing beside the counter.

"Not right now. There are customers waiting. My shift will be over in an hour. But if you are here as Mingyu's lawyer then I don't want to hear", Aera said. Seokmin nodded and waited for her shift to get over.

After shift was over, Aera sat infront of Seokmin, "Mrs. Kang, can you take Jiho with you? Seokmin wants to talk to me and I don't think it will be right for Jiho to be there", Aera said. Mrs. Kang nodded, "Jiho, let's go and have some ice cream".

After Jiho went. Seokmin cleared his throat, I am not here as Mingyu's friend or as you said lawyer. I thought it's better to tell you". Aera nodded him to continue.

"He told me everything happened and I am disappointed. I know it is difficult for you. He asked me to talk to you but I couldn't justify his act. I know he did really bad. I got to know about this just a day before your did. I am not asking you to give him a second chance nor I am here to justify his act. I just want to tell you that, take a decision that will be better for all three of you. Jiho is young, but he is enough close to Mingyu. If you are thinking to take divorce, you have to let Jiho know it first. Mingyu told me how Jiho is sensitive about this topic".

Aera nodded, "I know, Seokmin. Jiho had told me a lot of times. He didn't even tell us when some of his friends teased him because they didn't see Jiho with his father. One of his friend's parent divorced, he was sad and was even on the verge of crying. He asked me for promise that me and Mingyu would not get divorce. I don't know how to tell him that, Seokmin. I don't understand how he will react".

Aera looked at Jiho who was outside the cafe with Mrs. Kang. His smile totally resembled her's. While some of his features resembled Mingyu's. His eyes, his nose was exactly like Mingyu. Jiho looked at his mother, showing her the ice cream. He teased her through the glass. Aera chuckled, "I want his smile to remain, Seokmin. I don't him to face the things I once did".