Unpredictable Betrayal : A Sweet of Revenge

“Hey Aurora, how’s it going? Is Alden’s mom okay? And how’s her attitude towards you? She didn’t kick you out, did she?”

Just arrived at the hospital, Velia was immediately nosy. Instead of bringing souvenirs from Bandung after attending the Gathering two days ago, the woman bombarded her with many questions.

Last night, Aurora did tell Velia a bit over the phone. She informed Velia that she was invited by Alden to meet and have a meal together with his mother.

“Instead of bringing breakfast or souvenirs, you’ve been gossiping since morning.”

Aurora protested hastily. Why not let her sit and relax for a moment first? Just take a breath. But, she was bombarded with many questions.

“Sorry. I’m just curious.”

Velia had been curious since last night. She even had to patiently wait for Aurora to hear the story directly from her friend.

However, since souvenirs were mentioned, she immediately pulled out a silver paper bag she had prepared. She handed it to Aurora with a pouty face.

“This is the bribe. I bought you various things.”

Aurora laughed joyfully. She happily accepted Velia’s gift paper bag. It’s no wonder she’s friends with that beautiful woman. Wherever they go, even if it’s nearby, she always brings Aurora souvenirs or gifts without being asked.

“Thank you, lovely Velia. Love you so much.”

Velia sighed. Rolling her eyes, she reiterated what she had asked before.

“Since you’ve received the gift, now it’s your turn to tell. Please, don’t keep others curious.”

“What do you want to know?”

Velia pinched Aurora’s arm affectionately. Even though it was clear what she meant. Yet, she still asked what it was about.

“Yesterday, how was your meeting with Alden’s mom?”

Aurora nodded.

“Oh, about that. It went smoothly until it was time to leave.”

“You weren’t lectured or intimidated, right?”

Aurora shook her head. Initially, she was afraid of being treated like that too.

“Not at all. Completely safe.”

“I swear,” said Velia. “I was worried before that Alden’s parents, being doctors, wouldn’t welcome you. Especially since you clearly left their son to marry another guy. And the replacement fiance is even under par.”

Aurora squinted. In the midst of Velia’s discussion, she managed to sneak in an insult.

“Can we not veer off topic?” Aurora reminded her irritably.

“Okay… just nagging. So, how’s Alden’s mom?”

“She’s fine,” Aurora replied again. “Honestly, I was nervous too, a bit stressed, and worried. Afraid that my presence wouldn’t be accepted. But, who would’ve thought? Right after we met, she hugged me and said she missed me because we hadn’t greeted each other for a long time.”

“Oh my… so kind.”

Aurora wholeheartedly agreed with this statement.

“She’s always been kind. Gentle. And caring too.”

“Similar to Alden, huh? Maybe Alden’s traits come from his mom.”

Countless times Aurora nodded. She didn’t deny what Velia said. If felt and observed, indeed, all the good qualities of Alden’s mom were passed on to Alden. Even until now, that kindness hasn’t changed at all.

“So, during lunch yesterday, did you guys talk about whether this relationship will be taken to a more serious level or something?”

“Not at all.”

Aurora remembered there was no discussion about that yesterday. It was more of a reunion event. As if releasing longing because they hadn’t seen each other for a long time.

“Besides, I think it’s too early to discuss more serious matters. We’ve only just started meeting again after so long. So, let’s just let things flow naturally for now.”

What else could they do? Velia couldn’t force it either. Even though she was impatient to see Aurora rebuild her family, she also had to respect her friend’s opinion.

“But…” Velia continued again. As if the woman remembered something important. “Alden’s mom knows you’re a widow, right?”

“She knows.”

Aurora didn’t deny that she had also worried about that. Indeed, the issue of her current status as a widow had made her lose confidence.

“For God’s sake, Aurora was afraid she wouldn’t be accepted. Especially since Alden is a single, established man. He’s the only son and the hope of his parents. Aurora also believed that his mother would have higher expectations for him.

“Aurora, why are you spacing out? Come down. Mom’s waiting inside.”

Yesterday, when visiting, Aurora was indeed filled with doubt. She even considered canceling her visit and just going back home.

“Al, is it really okay for me to meet your mom? Maybe I should just go home?”Content provided by NôvelDrama.Org.

Alden looked puzzled. He didn’t understand why Aurora suddenly became unsure.

“Why should you go home? It’s fine. Don’t be afraid. Plus, why are you so anxious?”

Aurora remained silent. She was confused about how to explain the fear she was feeling.

“Aurora?” Alden called out to make sure.

“I’m just afraid your mom won’t like my status.”

Alden then laughed. Finally understanding what was troubling Aurora.

“Oh my. So, you’ve been pale because of this all along?”

Aurora nodded. For her, the question of status wasn’t trivial. She was worried that Zendaya wouldn’t accept her status as a widow and now being close to her beloved son.

“Not everyone can accept my status, Alden. Especially you, a single and established man. If you think about it, you could even find a woman better than me.”

“And… would you be okay if I paired up with another woman?”

Aurora fell silent. If she could be honest, she wouldn’t be willing to be separated again and eventually lose Alden for the second time. If possible, she hoped her relationship with Alden this time would work out. Besides, she was tired of looking for someone new and starting a relationship from scratch.

“Even if I try my best, if it’s not meant to be according to God’s will, what can I do?”

Alden seemed relaxed. He reached for Aurora’s wrist and gently held it.

“Don’t be afraid or worry excessively. My mom knows your status. You know, I always tell my mom everything. So, before deciding to bring you home, I already asked for her permission.”

“And your mom doesn’t mind my widow status?”

Alden shook his head.

“Don’t worry. That’s not a big deal to be concerned about.”

Because Alden assured her that there wouldn’t be any problems, Aurora felt relieved and decided to get out of the car. And indeed, when they met, Zendaya welcomed her warmly.

“Thank goodness Alden’s mom knows your status,” Velia said with relief. “I was just worried that unwanted problems might arise.”

“Let’s just pray that everything goes well without any issues.”

***

Aurora glanced from a distance. In front of her, she saw Regina chatting happily with Alden in front of the laboratory.

She didn’t know what they were talking about. But Aurora felt uncomfortable. Especially seeing Regina occasionally playfully hitting and pinching Alden while they talked. Truly, Aurora felt annoyed.

That’s why Aurora decided to approach. She approached Alden, then called out to him.

“Doctor Alden.”

The one called turned immediately. Flashing a smile, he stepped closer to Aurora.

“Is Doctor Aurora’s practice finished?”

Aurora nodded.

“Yes. Just finished.”

“Haven’t had lunch yet, have you?”

Aurora indeed hadn’t had lunch. Originally, she wanted to have lunch with Velia. But seeing Alden being bothered by another woman, she felt itchy and wanted to whisk her beloved away from Regina.

It didn’t matter if Regina genuinely liked Alden or just enjoyed seeking his attention. Anyway, whatever her reasons were, Aurora didn’t like it.

Moreover, if she sees another woman being overly intrusive, she would react the same way. Aurora didn’t want to give anyone the chance to ruin, let alone become a third party in the relationship she had just started building with Alden.

“Not yet. That’s why I came to get you.”

“Alright, let’s have lunch nearby,” Alden invited, preparing to leave.

“Doctor, can I join you?” Regina immediately interjected.

Aurora turned immediately. Keeping her composure to hide any signs of jealousy, she gave a thin smile. However, don’t ask how Aurora’s heart boiled with jealousy.

“Maybe another time, Doctor Regina.” For heaven’s sake, Aurora was prepared to respond. But, before she could, Alden responded to Regina’s request first. “There’s something important I need to discuss privately with Doctor Aurora.”

“But, doc-”

Without waiting for Regina to finish her sentence, Alden immediately took Aurora away. While Aurora just turned and waved as if bidding farewell to Regina who pouted.

“So, what’s the important thing you wanted to talk to me about?”

As they walked, Aurora inquired. She was curious what important matter Alden wanted to discuss privately with her.

“Nothing,” Alden casually shook his head.

“Then?”

“Just said that so Regina wouldn’t bother us. Otherwise, if she joined, you’d be annoyed. And then I’d be ignored all day.”

Aurora laughed. Alden was smart to understand her thoughts.

“Seriously! I thought there was really something important to discuss.”

They continued walking. Right in front of the hospital entrance, unexpectedly, they ran into the woman Aurora hated the most.

“Oh, seems like you’re getting closer now.”

Standing in front of Aurora was Nicole. She was here for some reason and for what purpose she visited the hospital where Aurora worked was unclear.

“What are you doing here? Don’t you have any shame?”

“Me?” Nicole pointed to herself. “Just getting a check-up. Can’t I meet Alex?”

Aurora couldn’t be bothered to respond. Besides, her cousin wasn’t important to her anyway.

“The widow is stepping up, huh?” Nicole sneered again. Then Nicole shifted her gaze to Alden standing next to Aurora. “I wonder why a doctor would go for a widow? Aren’t doctors still bachelors? Why not aim for someone on your level?”

Aurora was furious. But in front of Nicole, she couldn’t afford to be provoked.

“Hey, Nicole! Stop babbling,” Aurora responded calmly. “Do you ever look at yourself in the mirror or what? Aren’t you a widow too?” Aurora covered her mouth with her hand. She deliberately did it to silence herself. But then she spoke again. “Oh, forgot. We’re from different castes. If I’m a rich widow, what about you? You’re a destitute widow, aren’t you?”

Nicole glared. She hated it when Aurora belittled her like this.

“Don’t get angry or offended like that,” Aurora said softly. “You started it, right? Besides, whoever gets close to me, it’s none of your business. You’re too idle to meddle in other people’s lives. If you need a job to support yourself, just say it. There are plenty of cleaning service vacancies open wide at the hospital.”

Aurora urged Alden to leave Nicole behind. If they lingered, the more troublesome she would become later on.