Unpredictable Betrayal : A Sweet of Revenge

Alden acknowledges that his relationship with Regina can indeed be considered close. Since their teenage years, they have often spent time together until they understood each other’s habits. However, it needs to be emphasized that Alden and Regina’s closeness is nothing more than a close relationship as friends or, let’s say, as siblings.

From the beginning, Alden wasn’t interested, let alone falling in love. Even if Regina admitted liking him since forever, Alden truly didn’t care. Moreover, how could he forbid or limit someone else’s feelings towards him?Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

That’s why, at the dinner event yesterday, he immediately gave a firm response. He firmly rejected Riana’s small talk about matchmaking him with Regina. It didn’t matter if he was considered rude. What mattered was that he wouldn’t give any room, let alone false hope, to a woman he clearly didn’t love.

Alden thought that clarification could be a matter of reflection. But, after hearing Aurora’s story about Regina gossiping, Alden felt he needed to make a clarification so that this matter wouldn’t drag on.

Meanwhile, in the hospital cafeteria, Regina seemed to be enjoying lunch with the nurses and some midwives. They were all engrossed in conversation and even unabashedly discussing Regina and Alden’s relationship again.

“You’re so lucky, Dr. Regina. Since he arrived, Dr. Alden has been an idol, you know.”

One of the midwives was heard saying, congratulating Regina as if she were the winner of an ongoing competition at the hospital.

“I agree. Especially when everyone found out that he’s still single. Still available.”

“Yeah. Dr. Regina, don’t be offended. I even had a crush on Dr. Alden myself. What can I say? He’s really handsome. Plus, he’s still single.”

Regina just smiled. She looked proud hearing stories from her colleagues sitting next to her.

“I admit Dr. Alden has always been handsome and popular. Even in our neighborhood, he’s an idol. That’s why, my childhood dream was to become his wife.”

“There must be a lot of competition for you, Dr. Regina,” guessed one of them.

“Not really,” Regina replied while laughing. “Even if many admire and try to get close to him, true love won’t go anywhere, right?”

The nurses in front of Regina nodded in agreement.

“Yeah, that’s true. So lucky. But, Doc,” one of them interjected. Leaning in a bit closer, then asked.

“What about Dr. Aurora? Rumor has it she’s also close to Dr. Alden. In fact, I personally have been asked by Dr. Alden several times to help deliver cakes and some food for Dr. Aurora.”

“Oh, really?” Regina asked to confirm.

“Yeah. They seem to be close. They go to and from work together every day, don’t they?”

The others nodded.

“Exactly. I even thought they were going to get married. And if you pay attention, Dr. Alden seems to be head over heels for Dr. Aurora.”

One nurse confirmed it.

“Yeah! I thought it was amazing how Dr. Aurora managed to charm Dr. Alden. Or maybe, Dr. Aurora is using some sort of love spell. That’s why she can make Dr. Alden kneel like that.”

Everyone burst into laughter. It seemed like there was no guilt in gossiping about others.

“Then, isn’t Dr. Regina jealous?”

Regina smiled casually. The woman shook her head, responding.

“Not at all. Why should I be jealous? Besides, no matter what, Dr. Alden is already engaged to me. So, what is there to fear?”

Everyone nodded.

“You two are lucky to be engaged. Because it would be a shame if Dr. Alden, who is still single, had to be paired with Dr. Aurora. He’s more suitable for Dr. Regina. Both are single.”

Regina smiled broadly. In terms of status, she was indeed superior to Aurora.

“Then who is engaged to Dr. Regina?”

Searching all this while, Alden finally found Regina engrossed in conversation in the hospital cafeteria.

Whether by coincidence or divine intervention, from behind the cafeteria partition, Alden clearly heard the nurses gossiping about him.

“Dr. Alden?”

Everyone there immediately panicked. No one expected Alden’s sudden appearance.

Meanwhile, Alden seemed to advance closer. Closing the distance, he looked at each person in front of him.

“Just so you all know, Regina and I are not engaged, set up, or whatever you want to call it.” Then Alden’s gaze shifted to Regina. “And you, Gina. Please stop spreading false rumors.”

“But, Doc. I can—”

Alden raised his index finger, placing it in front of his lips as a signal for Regina to stop babbling.

“You need to remember! You and I have never been more than just friends. So, don’t ever expect more than that.”

Alden wasn’t finished clarifying yet. Before deciding to leave, he spoke again to the nurses and midwives who were still sitting dumbfounded in front of him.

“And about flirting, I admit that’s true. From the start, I’ve always tried to flirt with Dr. Aurora. Let’s just say I’ve used many methods to make Dr. Aurora accept my love. So, for all of you who like to gossip recklessly, be careful if I hear any more rumors about Dr. Aurora.”

Satisfied with his clarification, Alden then decided to leave. Regina seemed to chase after him. She followed Alden into his room.

“Dr. Alden, I can explain everything.”

Alden, who had arrived in the room first, didn’t immediately sit down. Turning around, he faced Regina who was standing not far from the guest sofa.

“Everything is clear already. There’s nothing you need to explain.”

“But, Doc—”

“Gina…” Alden called softly. “From the beginning, I’ve respected your presence. Even though it’s uncomfortable, I’ve still tried to be polite. But, the longer this goes on, the more out of hand your behavior becomes. Honestly, I don’t like it and I feel uncomfortable.”

Regina looked closely at Alden who was speaking. Feeling unacceptable, she immediately responded.

“I’m sure Dr. Alden must realize that I’ve liked him from the beginning. There are many things I’ve tried to do to get close again and if necessary, to become his partner in the future. Don’t I have any chance at all? We’ve even been close since forever.”

Alden shook his head. He firmly responded to what Regina said.

“From the beginning until now, I’ve only considered you a normal friend. Even like a younger sister. Nothing more. And I’m not interested in being your partner, Gina. So, please don’t waste your precious time trying to make me like you.”

“Doctor..” Regina whispered softly. “Isn’t there even a slight chance for me to prove myself? Whatever it is you want, I’ll definitely do it as long as you accept me.”

“No,” Alden shook his head repeatedly. “In the past, today, and in the future, my choice is only Aurora and it won’t change at all. So, please understand that. Also, remember well, if you still want to be friends with me, please respect my decision. But, if you still insist, I think from now on we don’t need to know each other anymore.”

Regina was speechless. Even without waiting for her response, Alden had already invited her to leave the room.