Unpredictable Betrayal : A Sweet of Revenge

It’s been a week since the unpleasant incident that occurred during Alden’s mother’s birthday celebration. Although Aurora’s body was physically present in the hospital, her mind still lingered far behind in that unpleasant incident.

Velia had tried to console Aurora several times, urging her to forget and just focus on maintaining her relationship with Alden without overthinking. But Aurora, being Aurora, could be stubborn at times when given advice.

“Don’t bother yourself, Aurora,” Velia grumbled. Thirty minutes before it was time to go home, she once again approached Aurora, reminding her to put an end to the anxiety and distress plaguing her friend’s mind at the moment.

“What else can I do? I’m worried,” Aurora admitted. She acknowledged that she was worried. So far, she and Alden could still meet freely, maintaining their relationship as if nothing had happened. But she still feared the repercussions of the commotion Savana had caused.

“Actually, I’m worried that the slander Savana spread might disturb Aunt Zendaya’s life,” Velia reflexively furrowed her brows. Pulling her face, she made sure once again what Aurora was conveying.

“What do you mean? How would it disturb?”

“Imagine this, the other day many of Aunt Zendaya’s friends and business associates witnessed and heard about the incident. I’m 100% sure they all heard the gossip about me being a widow. About being divorced because I’m barren and shamelessly approaching other men. And not to mention the false accusations of leaving behind massive debts,” Aurora sighed. Sometimes, it was pitiful to see Aurora constantly harassed by her ex-mother-in-law who was stressed and insane. Velia thought Savana couldn’t move on. She was so attached to Aurora that she made seeking attention a hobby and kept bothering her.

“Let it go, don’t think about it. Most likely, they don’t care about this cheap gossip,” Velia said, feeling sorry for Aurora’s constant stress and worry.

“Well, maybe some of them choose not to care or believe in Savana’s nonsense. But, I’m sure among them, there are also those who fall for it and turn it into mockery or discussion within their internal groups. I swear, no matter what, I don’t want something like this to disrupt Aunt Zendaya’s life.”

Understanding Aurora’s point, Velia tried to calm her friend down and stop her from being stressed or constantly preoccupied. She also tried to find the best solution that might help solve the problem.

“In my opinion, it’s better to report this old lady so she learns her lesson. Report her to the police for defamation. Besides, it’s not the first time she’s gone too far.”

Aurora nodded, remembering one by one the crazy actions Savana had done to her. From intentionally finding a woman to seduce Alex, then to the hospital to hurt her, and finally daring to spread slander to ruin her reputation in front of many people.

“Thinking about it, Savana has really crossed the line,” Velia growled. Why did Aurora just realize it now?

“She’s been like this for ages, right? You should gather evidence of her unpleasant actions. If she misbehaves again, report her and put her in jail to teach her a lesson. If you can’t do it, ask Asher to handle it all.”

“Ask me to handle what?”

Unexpectedly, Asher appeared at the door of the room. Somehow, he was there, but he stood alongside Alden.

“Oh, Dr. Asher. It’s…” Velia stuttered, embarrassed when the person they were talking about suddenly stood behind her.

“What?” Asher was curious. Turning his face to Aurora, he made sure again what caused the two beautiful doctors to mention his name in their conversation.

“Is there a problem?” Asher asked to confirm.

“We’ll talk about it later. It’ll take a lot of time to discuss this issue,” Asher nodded in agreement.

“So, why are you here? Is there something you need?”

“No,” he shook his head. “Just finished a surgery and passed by. That’s why I stopped. But…” Asher looked at Alden. “This is Alden, he said he wants to take you home.”

Alden nodded, confirming Asher’s words.

“Yeah, your work’s done, right?”

“Yeah, doc,” Velia chimed in. Always eager to encourage Alden when he was with Aurora. “Please take Aurora home soon.”

“Alright, let’s go home. Before I take Alden and hang out until night.”Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

Aurora immediately sighed in response to her younger brother’s remark. But, not wanting to waste Alden’s time, she promptly started packing. Straightening her belongings, she then followed Alden to the car.

“How’s your mom doing?” Aurora initiated the conversation. Almost every day when with Alden, she asked him the same question.

“She’s doing fine, right?”

Alden glanced briefly to give Aurora a reassuring smile. Even though asked almost every day, he never grew tired of providing comforting answers.

“Mom’s doing just fine, Aurora. Just like before.”

A soft exhale escaped Aurora’s nose. Somehow, she wanted to keep ensuring that Zendaya was okay and not even slightly bothered after the unpleasant incident during her recent birthday.

“Thank goodness for that.”

Silence lingered between them for a moment. Turning again, Alden spoke gently to his girlfriend.

“Don’t worry about it, Rin. It’s in the past now. Besides, it doesn’t affect anything for me and Mom. So, you don’t need to stress or think about it that much.”

Aurora understood. Alden had reassured her countless times. Again, she was just worried that he and his mother would face criticism or unpleasant remarks that cornered them both. Truly, if that were to happen, Aurora would feel deeply guilty.

“Whether there are negative comments or people poking their noses in, I don’t care. I know who you are the best. I’m the one in this relationship. Not them.”

“I know,” Aurora replied promptly. “I’m just worried that there might be-”

“Enough,” Alden interrupted, putting an end to it. He wondered how long they would discuss unimportant matters like this. “From today, we don’t need to discuss trivial issues. There are other things we can talk about or discuss.”

“Like what?”

Alden smiled softly.

“About the future of our relationship, for instance. If you’re ready, I want to propose to you as soon as possible.”

Aurora turned abruptly. Seeing Alden’s face, she knew he was serious. After all, this wasn’t their first discussion about engagement or marriage.

“Isn’t it too soon?”

Alden chuckled. He had anticipated Aurora’s response.

“Exactly how long do you want us to spend getting to know each other? How long should I wait for you? Is our time together still not enough? Or perhaps you’re still not sure about my sincerity?”

Aurora shook her head immediately. She never doubted Alden’s sincerity.

“Not like that. Who doubts you? It’s just that-”

“You’re still not sure? Still haunted by past failures? I assure you that will never happen.”

Aurora remained still, pondering Alden’s words. Besides, they had known each other for a long time. They knew each other well. So what else was there to wait for?

“Give me a little more time.”

“How long? A week? A month? A year? Ten years? Or?”

“A month,” Aurora affirmed. “Let me deal with the remnants of pain and trauma that still linger.”

Alden nodded in agreement. It wasn’t difficult for him to wait for just one month. Waiting for Aurora for years until she could return to his embrace, Alden could do that.

“Okay… use your time wisely. In a month, I’ll make sure to come to your house with my extended family.”

Aurora didn’t object. She let Alden with all the plans he had made.

“Alright, are you going back to the apartment or to your mom’s house?”

“I’m staying at Mom’s tonight.”

Aurora nodded in understanding.

“In that case, before we arrive, let’s stop by the bakery. I want to drop off some pastries for Aunt Zendaya.”

Alden immediately directed his car to the bakery Aurora mentioned. Together, they chose various pastries, then when Alden arrived at his parents’ house, he went straight to find his mother, who had already arrived at home.

“Ma…” Alden called out. Then he approached his mother sitting in the living room. “Here, pastries from Aurora.”

Zendaya accepted the box of pastries Alden offered. She arranged them neatly on the table, then patted the sofa next to her, asking Alden to sit down first.

“Come here, Mama wants to talk to you for a moment.”

Alden sat down immediately. He focused on his mother as she looked serious, as if about to convey something important that couldn’t be postponed.

“What do you want to talk about, Ma?”

“About Aurora.”

Both of Alden’s eyebrows furrowed. Why did his mother suddenly want to talk about Aurora again?

“What about Aurora?”

Zendaya remained silent for a moment. Taking a breath, she slowly conveyed her point.

“From now on, I think you should keep your distance from Aurora.”