Unpredictable Betrayal : A Sweet of Revenge

Alden didn’t waver his gaze away from his mother. Intentionally sitting face-to-face, he waited earnestly for his mother to provide an explanation.

Disappointment was clearly etched on Alden’s handsome face. Since the beginning, when his mother asked him to keep his distance from Aurora, he had worked hard to explain. He tried to reassure that without needing to distance or end the relationship, he would resolve the ongoing issues.

Truly, Alden didn’t expect his mother to do what she did. Because she couldn’t make him stay away, suddenly she went to Aurora and asked her to grant her request.

“For God’s sake, what Mama did was way out of line.”

Alden spoke up again. He waited for Zendaya to speak, but she seemed content to remain silent for a while.

“Mama says she’s doing all this for my happiness?” Then he chuckled bitterly. “But Mama’s doing all this for her own sake.”

“Alden, enough!”

Zendaya finally responded. The middle-aged woman shook her head in disbelief. It was the first time she had seen her son so angry and disappointed with her.

“Do you know why Mama met Aurora and asked her to stay away temporarily? Mama did all this to alleviate the irresponsible accusations that people have thrown at our family, especially at you. Mama is hurt to hear her only child being accused of being materialistic. Purposely getting close to a widow just for her wealth. Oh God, Alden. We come from an affluent family. But, really, those accusations have hurt Mama!”

“If those accusations aren’t true, why should Mama be hurt?”

From the beginning, since this issue arose and he knew that his mother became the subject of ridicule and irresponsible accusations from her friends, Alden had tried to calm her down. He tried to convince his mother to continue being indifferent until he managed to resolve all the chaos that had occurred.

However, it seemed Zendaya was impatient. Instead of waiting, she took matters into her own hands without considering Alden’s feelings.

“It’s not as easy as you think, Alden.”

“And it’s not as bad as what Mama imagines.”

Alden immediately countered. He tried to refute Zendaya’s arguments, which he thought were completely baseless and exaggerated.

“You just don’t know how every day Mama almost becomes the subject of gossip among her other friends. Some of them belittle her. Even accusing various things against our family.”

Alden chuckled bitterly. He didn’t care at all about the opinions of people out there.

“Mama should be grateful, shouldn’t she?”

Zendaya was immediately puzzled.

“What do you mean?”

“Yes,” Alden nodded repeatedly. “From this issue, Mama finally knows who should be considered a friend and who should be discarded or considered an opponent.”

Alden’s words were certainly true. If Zendaya paid attention, there was a lesson to be learned from this problem.

“But…” Alden continued. “Mama only needed to close her eyes and ears, just for a while. Alden even said from the beginning to be patient for a while. Alden promised to resolve what was happening. But, what? Mama acted on her own without calculation. Forcing Aurora to stay away and now, Alden congratulates you. Mama succeeded in making Aurora leave.”

From his tone, Zendaya believed her son was extremely disappointed. But, regardless, she did this for the greater good.

“What’s so difficult about keeping your distance for a while until all the problems are truly resolved?”

“What’s so hard about maintaining the same attitude without needing to distance ourselves while solving each problem one by one? Even if Aurora and I stay away, if Mama’s friends don’t like her, rumors and gossip will continue to spread.”

Zendaya swallowed hard. Alden’s words pierced her heart.

“Alden….”

“Enough, Ma. I admit Mama won this time. But, no matter what, I will still fight for Aurora. I’ve lost her once, and this time it won’t happen again.” Alden then rose from his seat. He prepared to leave. It seemed that starting tonight, he would return to his apartment. “And… about Aunt Savana’s issue, don’t worry. I’ll make sure it’s resolved soon. And Mama, remember! Never once try to match me with any woman other than Aurora, especially Regina. No matter what, I will never agree!”

Alden didn’t need to wait for his mother to respond or reply to his statement. He chose to leave immediately, feeling angry and disappointed.

Elsewhere, Aurora had just arrived at her destination. Exiting the airport, she was immediately picked up by a driver provided by Asher.

Not wanting to activate her old phone number, Aurora purposely bought a new one. On the way to the hotel, she tried to contact her mother and Asher.

“I’ve arrived,” Aurora informed Asher so he wouldn’t worry about waiting.

“Thank goodness. Earlier, Alden was looking for you.”

Aurora was surprised. “Did he stop by the house?”

“Yes. And I already gave him the letter you entrusted.”

“Then, what was his reaction?”

“At first, Alden seemed unwilling. But, Mama helped explain and understand. Yes, eventually, he resigned to your decision.”

Aurora took a deep breath. There was still a reluctant feeling in her chest because she had to force herself to stay away from Alden. But, believing it was for everyone’s good, she tried to accept it gracefully.

“Well then. Thank you for delivering the letter I wrote. I pray he will patiently wait.”

“Don’t worry,” Asher replied on the other end. “As Mama said, if it’s meant to be, it will happen.”

***

Alden had been checking his phone continuously. Hoping that Aurora would reply to at least one of the string of messages he had sent since last night.

Today, at the hospital, the emptiness felt palpable. Usually, there would be someone to greet him, accompany him for breakfast, or just say hello as he passed by the emergency room.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Alden truly felt lost. Even if Aurora didn’t come to work or had activities outside the hospital, they could still exchange messages or calls. And since last night, he had no news of his girlfriend at all.

Wherever Aurora was right now, whether she had arrived, woken up, had breakfast, or what activities she was doing.

Earlier, when he arrived at the hospital, Alden had briefly visited Asher just to make sure where Aurora was. But unfortunately, the man refused to tell him or share any information at all.

“Don’t be offended, Al. I can’t tell you where Aurora is because she asked to keep this secret.”

“Oh, God. But why?”

Asher shrugged his shoulders. Honestly, he didn’t ask why his sister wanted to keep her destination to calm down a secret.

“Maybe she really needs time alone and doesn’t want to be disturbed by anyone.”

Alden sighed deeply. His heart ached so much because it was difficult to find Aurora’s whereabouts.

“So, how long do I have to wait?”

“Until everything is settled and back to normal. Until Aurora feels ready and believes it’s time to come back.”

Alden wanted to protest. But, considering that this was for Aurora’s good, whether he liked it or not, he had to be patient and gracefully accept his girlfriend’s decision.

“Doctor Alden.”

From behind, someone called out while gently patting Alden’s back. Turning around, he saw Regina smiling at him.

“Have you had lunch? Let’s eat together, shall we? I’m alone and don’t have any company.”

Regina tried to invite politely and friendly. Knowing that Aurora was on leave from the hospital for an uncertain period, Regina saw this as a golden opportunity to get closer to Alden.

“No, thank you,” Alden replied briefly. He then entered the room and sat down at his desk.

Regina certainly didn’t give up immediately. She pursued and approached Alden until she stood in front of his desk.

“You haven’t had lunch, have you? How will you avoid catching a cold? Or shall we have lunch with the others too? I’ll treat you.”

Alden looked up, glaring at Regina with disapproval in his eyes.

“You heard me clearly, right? I’m not hungry, and I don’t want to have lunch with you.”

“Why?” Regina immediately asked, although she knew exactly why he was rejecting her. “Is it because I’m not Dr. Aurora? What’s so special about her anyway? Enough for Dr. Alden to defend her like this.”

Alden sighed, giving Regina a sharp look.

“You’re asking what’s special about Aurora? Well, she has everything that you don’t.”

“But she’s a widow. There’s a big difference between us. In terms of looks, I’m even prettier than Dr. Aurora.”

Regina looked displeased, annoyed that Alden always defended Aurora and didn’t consider her at all.

“So, if you’re still single and prettier, do you feel better than her? Don’t be ridiculous, Regina. Besides, I’m sure you’re not suffering from amnesia. Since when, I’ve made it clear no matter how hard you try, I’ll always consider you just a friend. So, please don’t waste your time trying to get close to me. Even if it’s until doomsday, my choice won’t change, and Aurora will remain my only partner.”

Alden then stood up. He grabbed Regina’s wrist and pulled her out of his office.

“And from now on, don’t ever come into my office without permission. Don’t act familiar, especially if it’s not work-related.”

Alden immediately closed the door to his office. He didn’t care if Regina was angry or offended outside.

“Dr. Regina…”

Upon hearing her name being called, Regina, still annoyed, turned around. Before she could respond, Asher spoke again.

“I hope from now on, you can respect other people’s privacy.”

Regina was taken aback. She was surprised that Asher knew everything, including her friendship with Nicole.

“Just so you know, Nicole is my cousin, and she has no boundaries. And you should also know that your friend is the one who destroyed Aurora’s marriage. So, if in the future you follow Nicole’s advice to ruin the relationship between Aurora and Alden, I assure you, your life won’t be peaceful. And if necessary, I will end your career as a doctor at this hospital without respect. So, please watch your behavior and think carefully whether your actions in the future will benefit or threaten your own career.”

Believing that Regina heard all the warnings he gave, Asher decided to leave. He left Regina bewildered and confused about what to do next.