Namjoon paced his office for at least an hour. Aera hasn't responded to his text and left him on read. He knew she wouldn't after what he had done.

His jaw hurt from where he took a hit earlier. Porshiya packed one hell of a right hook and who was he to complain. He deserved that for hurting Aera. Porshiya had sworn she'd break his jaw if he ever made Aera cry when she gave her blessings and she kept her promise. He wasn't even surprised when she showed up in his office not long ago to fulfill her promise. So it went like this.

"You know why I'm here."

Namjoon sighed in defeat. "I made her cry."

"That's right, Asshole!"

He expected it, but didn't think it would hurt like a bitch. Porshiya was hissing holding her hand. Namjoon clutched his jaw with a grimace. "Fuck that hurts."

"It was meant to be hurt."

"You pack one hell of a punch, Posh."

"You deserved that."

"I did."

"We good?" Porshiya lifted a brow.

Namjoon chuckled. It had always been like this between them. Porshiya adored him and claimed him as her elder brother. But she also put him in his place whenever he fucked up.

"Always," he smiled.

"Why did you miss her birthday?" Porshiya planted her hands firm on her hips as she glared at him.

Namjoon pursed his lips and sighed again. When he figured she wouldn't let it slide, he unbuttoned his shirt and slid it past his left shoulder, revealing the bandage.

"What the fuck! Did you get hurt again?" Her eyes were wide with fury. "What did you do this time?"

"It was an accident," Namjoon buttoned his shirt again. It was actually a mugging and he was too ashamed to admit it. "I passed out and woke the next day. I didn't mean to forget her birthday. It just happened."

"And you didn't tell her because?"

"You know how she is. She'll be pissed and I was..."

"Afraid?" Porshiya threw her hands in the air. "You gotta be fucking kidding me. Hiding something like that from your wife? For a man with IQ 148, you're such a fool sometimes. Are you even for real?" she berated making him feel like a kid. He didn't have any siblings, but Porshiya had been doing that role perfectly fine for years now.

"I'm sorry. I keep fucking it up." He didn't plan it that way, only the Gods had something against him. He always happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. It didn't help he was bad at communicating. It only complicated things further.

"You should be sorry. God, I want to smack your head on the wall, but you're fortunate that as much as I'm furious right now, I also love you and know you're a brick head when it comes to emotions."

"I miss her, Posh. I realize what I've been doing wrong. Please help me. I'll do anything."

Porshiya shook her head. "Aera said she wants to let you go. She's tired and you know what that means? You're too late, Oppa." A sigh drifted off her lips. "How many times do I have to tell you to talk? Why can't you listen for once, huh?"

"I'm sorry."

"Stop saying that. You're annoying. If you're sorry then prove it to her." She folded her hands across her chest. "I'm so angry right now. But I also feel bad for you. You brought this upon yourself and you better make this right before I dislocate your jaw for good."

"I will. Trust me."

"Trust you?" Porshiya snorted. "You have a knack to fuck things up. So, I'll trust when you get there." She checked her watch. "I gotta go."

"Wait, will you help me?"

She paused with her hand in the doorknob. "Maybe?" She shrugged. "But you know it's not my help you need right now." She left with a wink, leaving Namjoon to his thoughts again.

Having canceled or postponed his schedule for the rest of the day, he tried to come up with a suitable way to apologize and set things straight. When he came up with nothing, he finally decided to give up and surrender. Things always went wrong when he planned. He always ruined it. So, having little extra help wouldn't hurt, would it?

But Namjoon was really desperate. He pulled his phone out, scrolling through his WhatsApp. A smile curved his lips when he stumbled on their private chat 'cock blockers.' He had created that during the initial stages of his relationship with Aera. The members were none other than Aera's four friends. He used the chat to plan surprises for his wife.

For a moment, he contemplated dropping a text in the group but decided against it. With a deep breath, he clicked on the number, he thought he would never have to use it again. Well, not for something like this at least.

Namjoon [1:15:30 p.m.]: Hey

The Devil [1:15:40 p.m.]:

?

Namjoon swallowed. It was never good when she responded with one-word replies.

Namjoon [1:16 p.m.]:

I'm sorry

I disappointed u

The Devil [1:16 p.m.]:

Too late

It wasn't. He wanted to argue but he knew better than that. Aera was really stubborn and nothing could sway her once she made a decision. Katy was his only choice if he wanted to make this work. If Aera thought of divorce, then he had no time to waste. Fuck!

Namjoon [1:17:40 p.m.]:

It's not late

Help me

I can't lose her, Jeoni

She means everything to me

I was an asshole

I deserve this

But I can't lose her

The Devil [1:18:08 p.m.]:

Blah blah blah

I'm in no mood for ur half-assed apologies

Namjoon [1:19:20 p.m.]:

Jeoni...

I'll do anything

The Devil [1:19:35 p.m.]:

No deals

If that's what u r aiming for

Aera is off limits

Namjoon [1:20:55 p.m.]:

Phase One XF IQ4

It's ur's

Namjoon paced again as he waited for the response. Time ticked away and he was growing desperate, praying it worked. There was no way he could reach Aera with those four friends guarding her like bloodhounds. If they decided he wasn't worth it, then he wouldn't even see a single strand of her hair. He needed Katy on his side. He was about to text her again when his phone vibrated.

The Devil [1:30:29 p.m.]:

R u mocking my net worth, Joonie?

Namjoon [1:30:40 p.m.]:

No

I'm just desperate

I love her, Jeoni

I fucked up

I know

But I need this chance

Please...

The Devil [1:32:29 p.m.]:

Phase One XF IQ4 + Canon 5200mm f/14

Deal or no deal?

Fuck. That was a ripper. Not that he couldn't afford it. One million dollars for a date was too much. It was that or try and get his stubborn wife to respond to his one text for another three months or more. What choice did he have?

Namjoon [1:33:46 p.m.]:

Deal

The Devil [1:34:13 p.m.]:

Perfect

Namjoon released a breath he didn't realize he was holding. His shoulders slumped as he sighed in relief.

The Devil [2:50:55 p.m.]:

Movie night tonight

9 p.m.

Bring flowers

roses, tulips and lilies

whole-hearted apology

on ur kneels

Namjoon [2:51:06 p.m.]:

U have my word

The Devil [2:51:55 p.m.]:

Fuck up & deal is off

Namjoon [2:52:35 p.m.]:

I won't

I promise

He won't mess up as long as he had someone to guide him in the right direction. Katy was the right person for this because only she could get through the thick walls of Aera. His sister-in-law was more of a cupid than a devil, but he knew well why she was given that name. She could be extremely vicious when she wants to be.

The Devil [2:53:15 p.m.]:

Good

Rest of d terms still apply

Hurt her & u'll have 4 of us to deal with

Namjoon [2:55:16 p.m.]:

I'll never

The Devil [2:56:45 p.m.]:

U already did

And this is ur last chance oppa

Namjoon [2:57:03 p.m.]:

I understand

***

It was close to nine p.m. when Namjoon entered the luxurious eight-bedroom penthouse apartment in the Financial District. After his talk with Yoongi, he took the rest of the day off to think through everything that had conspired over the years and decided he deserved the wake-up call.

It was obvious the friends were furious at him. Taehyung's smile was tight and Jimin, who always looked up to him with stars in his eyes barely talked to him. Katy and Porshiya stared him down as if he was a bully. While they didn't confront him before today, they didn't hide their displeasure whenever they met.

Namjoon wondered how things had gone wrong just like that. One wrong word was all it took for the friends of seventeen years to turn against him. Well, he should have expected this. While they had welcomed him with open arms when he fell in love with Aera, now they were ready to burn him down. At least, they were willing to help.

His grip tightened around the small bouquet—roses, tulips, and lilies. When he approached the florist with no clue as to what flowers to get, the kind man in his early thirties had asked him the purpose and wrapped a beautiful bouquet, explaining the meaning for each flower. Roses for unconditional love, lilies for humility and devotion, and tulips for new beginnings, peace, and forgiveness. What other better way did he have to apologize to the softest, kindest woman that holds his heart in the palm of her hand. He read the handwritten note he had carefully written after thinking hard for an hour.

"I love you with every fiber of my being. I'm sorry I hurt you in the worst way possible. I was an asshole and I don't deserve your love. But my life is nothing without you. You're my joy and I'm sorry I've been too stubborn and hardheaded to say it out loud. You matter the most. Please give me another chance, baby. Let me love you, prove to you that I can be better, and make myself deserving of your love. Forgive me, please—your's one and only."

He approached their living room, finding all five there. Portia was sprawled on Katy and Aera's lap while Jimin was practically lying on top of Taehyung who lounged on the other couch. Aera fed the chips from the packet she held to Portia and Katy. They barely spared him a glance and were too invested in the TV series.

With a sigh, he dropped on one of the free couch and directed his gaze to the television. A smile stretched his lips on seeing Lucifer, one of Aera's go to binge-watch series. His hands fidgeted with the stem of the flowers as he glanced at Aera, who hadn't even turned to acknowledge him yet.

Jimin was the first one to squirm. He mumbled something under his breath before scrambling out of the room, quickly followed by Tae. Porshiya was the next to bail saying she had a phone call to make. Katy pressed her lips in a thin line and he noticed the tight grip Aera had on her hand, Aera's nails almost digging into her. If it hurt, it didn't show on her face.

"Babe..." Katy called softly and flinched when Aera dug her nails further into her arm.

Namjoon sighed, knowing better than to irk her. He shuffled to sit beside Aera on the couch. "I'm sorry," he whispered, their shoulders touching as he pressed the flowers to her hands. His wife didn't move away from him, but she also wasn't touching the flowers, let alone look at it. "I know you're angry. But can we talk? Five minutes is all I ask. Please..."

Katy squirmed in her seat and Aera's grip tightened in her hand.

"Babe, I gotta pee," Katy whined and Namjoon had to bite the inside of his cheeks to stop the laughter. He knew she was trying to help and give them privacy but Aera was having none of it. She could be stubborn when she wanted to be. Beside her, Katy lowered her voice, "You kept me glued to this seat since 5 p.m. and we drank like 3 bottles of juice so far. I'll really explode if you don't let me go now."

This time, Aera released her hand and Katy was out like a bullet in a blink of an eye. Somewhere a door shut and the lock clicked in place.

"Traitor," Aera hissed under her breath.

Namjoon scooped her into his arms, shutting her with a kiss when she squealed. He almost laughed when she returned his kiss with the same fervor, but he could still sense the hesitance. She was holding back. He broke the kiss, his heart, breaking a little when he saw tears streaming down her cheeks.

"I'm sorry, I hurt you." He rested his forehead against hers. "You know about my family. Marriage is a bad omen and they always parted ways. I didn't want us to get married because I was afraid to lose what we had. But now that we are married, I'm not exactly helping, am I?" His chuckle held no humor. "I'm sorry. I realize my mistake now. I'm sorry for forgetting your birthday. I have no excuse. I have neglected you, took you for granted, and was being a fool."

Aera's lips trembled, her hands tightening around the flowers. More tears slipped out of her eyes.

"You were always trying to fix things, but I was pushing you away. But if there's one thing I'm sure of, I can't live without you, Aera. I need you like I need air to breathe."

Aera snorted at that. "If you think a simple sorry will fix everything then you thought wrong." She jumped off his lap. "That was my weak moment. It won't happen again."

The bite sting, but he sighed. He didn't expect her to accept his apology right away. "I know and I won't stop until you forgive me. I meant what I said. I'll make this right."

"I'll believe when I see it." She turned away from him.

He stood, going to hug her from behind, and kissed her shoulder. "I'll make you believe. Give me a chance, baby."

"I'll think about it."

"Will you at least talk to me?"

"I'm not the one ignoring calls and texts."

Namjoon agreed. She never ignored a call or text. It was always him, finding excuses. "I won't miss another call or text again. I promise."

"Don't promise when you know you can't keep it." She stepped out of his embrace.

"Baby..."

"You broke every promise you made to me, Namjoon. You hurt me badly. I need space."

Namjoon nodded, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "I'll give you whatever you need. But I won't stop until I have your forgiveness."

"After that? What will you do?" She spun on her heels, glaring at him. "Once I forgive you, you'll go right back to neglecting me again. I'm tired of this back and forth, Namjoon. I want—"

He put his index finger on her lips, afraid he might hear something he didn't want to hear then. "One chance," he said, voice sincere and unwavering. "If I messed up one more time, it's your call. But please...give me a chance. Just this once. Let me make this right. I can't lose you."

"Three months," she whispered, lifting her chin to lock her chocolate brown eyes with him. "I'll give you three months."

He nodded with determination. "I won't let you down."

"I'll see."

"I was mugged," he mumbled under his breath.

Aera blinked, flowers clutched tight in her hands. "Huh?"

"On your birthday. I was going to call you. I...I planned a surprise and was going to call you. But um...I forgot to inform the security detail and didn't realize they weren't there with me until someone jumped on me in that alley." He felt ashamed for allowing himself to be in that situation. They all had bodyguards for a reason. But he was so excited that he didn't realize he had snuck out in a hurry. "I passed out and they stole my phone."

Aera sucked in a sharp breath, tears brimming in her eyes.

"I'm fine." He waved a hand in the air. "Police were able to track the thief. They found my phone and other stuff two days later. I was...uh, stuck in the hospital." He didn't dare look up afraid of her reaction to him.

"You didn't even bother to tell me this," her voice was pained. "I can forgive you for forgetting my birthday, but this...this hurts me more than everything you did so far," she sniffled and he felt the panic set in. "It shows that you don't trust me enough to share something important as this. I'm your wife but I don't feel like one. What's the point in doing all this if you keep hiding things from me?"

He braved to look at her face and his heart constricted seeing the tears streaming down her cheeks. "Baby." He closed the distance but she stepped back.

"I fucking hate you, Joonie." With that, she pivoted on her heels, disappearing in the direction of her bedroom. He heard her knocking on the door, pouring all the anger on it as Katy grunted from the inside.

Perfect. He fucked up again. Namjoon sighed, at least she wasn't alone and she had good friends to take care of her.

He turned the TV and the lights off before slowly making his way out of their apartment. He could stay in their apartment. But he didn't want to overstay his welcome.

No matter what, he will get her back.