Unpredictable Betrayal : A Sweet of Revenge

Upon returning to the room, she found Alden sitting quietly waiting for her.

“Aurora…”

Alden called out as Aurora entered the room. Worry lines were clearly etched on his handsome face.

“Are you okay?”

Aurora didn’t respond immediately. She chose to sit herself down first at her desk chair, then gave the answer Alden had been waiting for since earlier.

“Not really.”

Sensing something amiss, Alden then rose from his seat. Stepping closer, he pulled the chair right in front of Aurora’s desk.

“What’s wrong with you? Are you sick? Or something else? Or could it be that I did something wrong?”

Aurora sighed lazily, seeming reluctant to speak much with the man in front of her.

“What do you think yourself?”

“I feel like your attitude is indeed strange and I’m sure something is going on. Since last night, you haven’t answered my calls or messages. This morning, there was no news, and suddenly you’re going to work with Asher. If I did something wrong, I truly apologize. But, please don’t ignore me like this.”

From his eyes, Aurora could see how sincerely Alden spoke. From his tone, it was clear he was pleading for Aurora’s attitude to return to its usual warmth.

“You did make a mistake,” Aurora finally said. “Do you realize what mistake you’ve made?”

Alden immediately fell silent. He pondered Aurora’s words carefully. Trying to find out what mistake he had made that made Aurora act so indifferent now.

“Once again, I apologize. But, can you tell me where I went wrong?”

Aurora sighed with annoyance. It felt so tiresome to explain the matter that had been bothering her since yesterday.

“Are you seriously engaged to Regina?”

Alden was suddenly shocked. Somehow, he didn’t expect Aurora to ask such a question.

“If you two are indeed engaged, I don’t mind. But, please, don’t play with my feelings. Especially not boasting about proposing and wanting to marry me. You know yourself, I’ve just failed in my marriage. It’s not easy to convince my heart to open up again. So, please. Please, don’t deepen the trauma I’ve experienced.”

Aurora’s voice trembled. Alden believed that she was holding back a surge of emotions within her. Moreover, hearing the question Aurora presented, Alden felt that there was something he needed to clarify.

“Regina and I are not engaged.”

“Lies!”

“Aurora exclaimed loudly, refuting Alden’s earlier statement. “If you’re not engaged, then why would Regina dare to tell people that you two are? Moreover, yesterday you even had dinner together with the extended family.”

Alden’s brow furrowed in surprise. Just like Aurora, he was taken aback by this revelation.

“Seriously, Regina said that to people?”

Aurora brushed it off lazily. Besides, she hated it when she asked a question and got another question in response.

Realizing that Aurora was only staying silent without giving an answer, Alden knew what he had to do.

“Aurora… once again, I apologize for Regina’s words that I have absolutely no control over. You need to know, Regina and her mother did indeed visit the house yesterday, and I truly don’t know if they came at Umi’s invitation or if they had made plans beforehand.”

Alden took a slow breath. He locked eyes with Aurora, ensuring she didn’t look away from him at all.

“I admit, yesterday Mama Regina did mention the topic of arranged marriage. But, for God’s sake, for whatever reason, I assure you that I’m not even slightly interested, let alone agreeing. I clearly expressed to both of them yesterday that I already have a partner and I’m even going to marry the woman I choose.”

“You said that?”

Alden nodded.

“Have I ever lied to you all this time?”

Aurora fell silent. Pulled back from their first meeting until their parting, she admitted that Alden was a responsible, firm, and steadfast man. Not once did he lie or break his promises. Moreover, their separation had occurred due to Aurora’s own foolishness, misunderstanding, and impatience.

“I’ve never lied to you.” Alden reiterated once more. He tried to draw Aurora’s attention to trust his explanation.

“Then why would Regina dare to say that to people?”

Alden shrugged. How would he know why Regina would lie and act excessively like that?Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“I don’t know either. But, I can assure you that what she said is not true at all.”

Aurora tried to believe in what Alden explained. Pushing away negative thoughts, she finally believed that Regina seemed to deliberately want to be her rival.

“Well, if that’s not true.”

“But…” Alden interrupted then. This time, his facial expression turned more serious than before. “There’s another important thing you need to know.”

“About?”

“Mom,” Alden replied shortly. From the beginning, it took him more consideration to tell Aurora what had actually happened between him and his mother lately.

“What about your mom? Has something bad happened?”

Alden took a deep breath. He carefully considered what words would be appropriate to tell her about this issue.

“Actually, the slander that Aunt Savana spread managed to have a negative impact on Mom’s daily life.”

“I’m not surprised. That’s why from the beginning I always asked if your mom was okay.”

“Just listen first,” Alden requested Aurora to focus on listening. After all, there was something more important he wanted to convey. However, Alden was still hesitant whether Aurora would accept it without any problems.

“Okay… go on.”

“The slander that Aunt Savana spread continued in the WhatsApp group and even managed to influence Mom’s other business associates. To some extent, they believed in what Aunt Savana said.”

“So, my name has really been tarnished in the eyes of your mom’s friends?”

“Actually, it’s the opposite,” Alden interjected, providing further explanation. “They accused Mom of deliberately asking me to be in a relationship and even to marry you for some ulterior motive. They accused Mom of deliberately approving our relationship with the aim of facilitating all forms of business she is currently conducting. They think that because you’re the daughter of a Joshua Harperwood, it’s a golden opportunity if they can be a part of your family.”

“Oh my God,” Aurora exclaimed incredulously.

“That’s the reality. Many accusations have been directed at Mom. And this, makes Mom feel guilty about everything and ultimately uncomfortable.”

“In that case, I have to apologize to your mom.”

Alden shook his head.

“You also need to know, Aurora. Mom even asked me to keep my distance, or even end the relationship we’ve been having.”

Aurora was startled. She was surprised by what Alden had said.

“Your mom asked us to-”

“Yes,” Alden nodded to confirm. “But don’t worry. I will never agree to that request. Whatever happens, I will try to maintain our relationship. That’s why I will help Asher to drag Aunt Savana to be accountable for the slander she spread.”

Aurora was speechless. She was unsure how to respond to the truth that Alden had just revealed.

“Aurora…” Alden called out when he noticed Aurora’s silence. “You don’t need to be afraid or worried. I will never leave you. In fact, I’m here asking for your help to be patient. Please hold on and give me a chance to solve this problem. After that, I will make sure that no one can disturb or hinder our relationship.”

Aurora just nodded. There wasn’t much she could say in response to the truth that Alden had just conveyed.