Unpredictable Betrayal : A Sweet of Revenge

“Alden… Mom wants you to apologize personally to Aunt Riana and also Regina.”

That morning, while enjoying his breakfast, Alden immediately looked up. Pausing his chewing, the man stared intently at his mother. Without needing explanation, his expression was that of someone full of questions.

“Apologize? For what?”

“Of course, for your rude attitude and response.”

Alden sighed and then chuckled bitterly. It was the first time giving a refusal was considered rude. After all, what was more impolite, refusing to be set up without prior consent?

“No… I won’t apologize. I’m sure I haven’t done anything wrong. Besides, what’s wrong with refusing something that doesn’t align with our heart and mind?”

Zendaya knew that her son was the type of man who was firm and steadfast in his convictions. Once he said A, his choice wouldn’t change to B, let alone C.

“But at least you could respond to Aunt Riana’s words with pleasantries. Didn’t you see her expression change immediately after your response?”

“Pleasantries? So, I should let Aunt Riana and Regina speculate, as if I’m giving them hope? No way, Mom,” Alden shook his head firmly. “I won’t give false hope that might hurt others in the future.”

“Why don’t you at least try to truly pursue a relationship with Regina? I think she’s a good girl. Her background is also clear.”

Alden immediately sighed. Why was his mother also trying to matchmake him? Didn’t she understand the affirmation he gave last night at all?

“Mom… do I need to repeat what I said last night?”

Zendaya, this time, let out a long sigh. It was indeed difficult to persuade her son.

“What you think is good may not necessarily be the best for you.”

“That’s exactly it. What you think is bad may not be the worst for Alden or all of us. God is the best Knower. And for now, tomorrow, and maybe forever, my choice remains the same. There’s no other woman I want besides Aurora.”

Zendaya was ready to argue. But before she could express her opinion, Alden got up first. He briefly kissed his mother’s hand, then excused himself to go to work.

Upon arriving at the hospital, Alden hurried to Asher’s room. Fortunately, the man was already there. Remembering the task given earlier, he immediately handed over what Asher asked for.

“Here’s the copy of the CCTV footage you requested.”

Alden handed over a small object, a flash drive, to Asher. Then, he took out his phone from the pocket of his doctor’s jacket.

Quickly, he opened the gallery feature, then sent some photos to the contact of the hospital’s director.

“I’ve also sent all the screenshots from the WhatsApp group you asked for.”

Asher smiled widely. He was truly grateful that Alden could help, making it easier for him to resolve the issue he desperately wanted to address.

“Thank you very much for your help. I’ll check and process it soon.”

Alden nodded. He also had high hopes for the actions Asher would take.

“I believe the CCTV footage can compel Aunt Savana to be accountable for her words. It clearly shows how she spread slander. She even accused Aurora of things she didn’t do.”

“That’s why this time I’ll make her pay. Don’t expect her to get away with just shedding a few crocodile tears.”

Seeing Asher’s track record, Alden believed his colleague could swiftly resolve all the issues. He also hoped that after this, no one would be swayed by the rumors and slander spread by Savana.

“I pray everything goes smoothly so that Aunt Savana can be dealt with promptly. Whatever it is, if you need help, just let me know. I’ll gladly assist. The important thing is Aurora’s reputation can be restored soon.”

After leaving Asher’s room, Alden went to Aurora’s room. Upon arrival, he found Aurora who had just arrived at the hospital.

“Good morning.”

Aurora immediately turned. Meeting his gaze, she found Alden standing perfectly at the door of her workspace.

“Good morning.”

Alden stepped closer, offering a brown paper bag he had been carrying since earlier.

“Breakfast for you. Don’t forget to eat it all. Made with feelings and love.”

Aurora blushed. Almost every day, Alden acted sweet like this. Who wouldn’t be touched and melted by such extraordinary attention every day?

“Oh my God, why do you have to go through so much trouble? I could just buy breakfast at the cafeteria.”

Alden smiled and shook his head.Content provided by NôvelDrama.Org.

“No! Who’s going through trouble? I’m doing it willingly. Besides, I have to make sure you have a nutritious breakfast every morning.”

“Okay… okay… thank you. I appreciate the attention you give. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to finish the food.”

“In that case, I’ll get back to work. Also, I need to inform you that I might not be able to have lunch with you today. I’m planning to accompany Asher out. You’re not mad, right?”

Aurora smiled and shook her head.

“It’s okay. Why do you have to ask for permission?”

“This is like a trial before becoming a husband. And also, I’m just getting used to always asking for your opinion and permission first.”

Aurora’s cheeks turned even redder. She could go crazy if Alden continued treating her like this.

“Isn’t it supposed to be the other way around? Isn’t it the wife who should ask permission from the husband once officially married?”

“But, the husband should also act the same, right? So that the wife feels respected and valued in the household.”

Aurora was speechless. She admitted that Alden was indeed a rare man she had ever encountered on this earth.

“Alright then, just be careful when you’re out with Asher.”

“Okay. Don’t worry. I’ll always update you on my whereabouts.”

***

Alden: Have you eaten? I’m currently at the restaurant with Asher. Should I bring you food?

Alden: Or do you want snacks like cookies, ice cream, or something else? I can bring it when I return to the hospital.

Aurora: No need. I had lunch with Velia. You just have lunch with Asher.

Alden: Okay. If you need anything later, just let me know. I’ll buy it for you later.

Aurora: Okay. But I wanted to let you know that I’ll be going home with Velia this afternoon. She asked me to accompany her to the mall to buy something.

Alden: Alright. Just be careful. In that case, I’ll have my lunch now. Don’t miss me for not having lunch with me. Let Dilan be the one who misses me.

Aurora chuckled to herself as she read Alden’s messages. It always lifted her mood to receive his short messages, even if they couldn’t meet.

“Why are you laughing like a crazy person?”

Velia looked puzzled. Fifteen minutes had passed, and she noticed Aurora laughing to herself while focusing on her phone. Whatever she was doing, Velia felt like Aurora was ignoring her presence.

“It’s nothing.”

“Then why have you been laughing randomly?”

Aurora lifted her face.

“I just find it amusing reading the short messages Alden sent.”

Velia rolled her eyes lazily. Apparently, Aurora had been laughing because she was busy with her boyfriend.

“Oh my, I thought it was something else.”

“What did you think?”

“I thought you were enjoying reading gossip news or watching something. You’ve been laughing so much, like you’re extremely happy.”

“I am happy.”

Aurora replied casually. And her answer made Velia annoyed.

“Annoying. Anyway, I’m going to the cafeteria first.”

Aurora quickly got up. She stopped Velia who had walked not far from the door.

“Wait a moment.”

Velia reflexively stopped in her tracks. Turning around, she asked, “What now?”

“Why are you going to the cafeteria?”

“To buy some snacks.”

“Can I ask you to get something for me?”

Velia nodded.

“What do you want me to get?”

“Get me two peanut butter-filled sandwiches, one with egg and meat, and two with coconut jam.”

“Huh? What? Can you repeat that? Your order is too much.”

Aurora sighed. Approaching Velia, she spoke again.

“Okay, let me go to the cafeteria instead. What snacks do you want?”

“I don’t mind, whatever.”

“Well… in that case, let’s just get the same thing.”

“Okay, no problem.”

As a result, Aurora decided to go to the cafeteria. She bought so many snacks to share with Velia while working on the annual report that needed to be completed soon.

While waiting in line, Aurora faintly heard Alden’s name being mentioned. She turned and saw Regina sitting with some nurses and another female doctor, enjoying a meal.

“So, Doctor Regina, have you known Doctor Alden for a long time?”

Regina nodded.

“Yes. Our parents were friends. I even used to stay and be cared for by Alden’s mother.”

“Lucky you,” one of the nurses commented. “It must be great to know and be close to a handsome doctor like Doctor Alden.”

Regina just smiled in response to the comments from those around her.

“If you’ve been close for a long time, why don’t you two just date?” asked the doctor sitting in front of Regina.

“Yeah, you two are so compatible. Handsome and beautiful. Maybe Doctor Alden and Doctor Regina are already in a relationship?”

Regina smiled again. After finishing her drink, she responded.

“Just so you know, Doctor Alden and I were actually arranged to be married. Yesterday, we even had dinner together with our extended families.”

Aurora was taken aback when she heard this. Honestly, she felt disturbed by what Regina was saying. In her heart, Aurora wondered if what the woman said was true or just empty talk.