Unpredictable Betrayal : A Sweet of Revenge

“Let me help you carry it down.”

As the car he was driving arrived right in front of Aurora’s house, Alden gladly offered his assistance. Despite the short distance, he couldn’t bear to see the woman carrying her shopping items alone.

“Don’t worry, it’s free. I won’t charge for the help.”

Alden continued to offer his help, persuading Aurora until she finally nodded in agreement.

“Thanks for your help. Sorry for bothering you.”

“Not at all, Aurora.”

After all, what’s so difficult about helping to carry shopping bags? It didn’t require much effort at all.

“No need to thank me for such things.”

“But…” Aurora interjected after a moment. “Regarding what happened at the bakery earlier, I also want to thank you. Thank you for making my troublesome cousin shut up.”

Alden chuckled. He had already forgotten about it, but now he was reminded. It was funny to think about how he responded to the ridiculous accusations from Aurora’s cousin.

“No wonder she wanted to split from Alex quickly. Turns out there’s already a new crush waiting.”

Aurora immediately frowned. If only they weren’t in a public place, she would have slapped Nicole’s mouth for speaking so carelessly.

“It’s none of your business,” Aurora replied calmly.

“Well, yeah, who you get close to isn’t my concern. But it’s just funny. Imagine, you’re actually hypocritical. Calling others flirty when you’re the one who’s flirty and thirsty for affection from other men.”

Aurora struggled to contain herself. Imagine, being called a prostitute by her beautiful, classy, and elegant self. How infuriating! She wanted to retaliate immediately, but Alden quickly stopped her. He shook his head, urging Aurora not to be provoked.

“Sorry,” Alden took over the conversation. “Can you look over there for a moment?” he asked, pointing his finger at one of the objects in the bakery.

Nicole complied. She followed where Alden’s hand was pointing.

“Why, though?”

“Are you reflecting on and accusing Aurora of things without reflecting on yourself first? If not, maybe you should reflect on yourself first.”

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Nicole’s face immediately flushed with anger. She didn’t appreciate Alden openly mocking her, especially since they didn’t even know each other.

“Hey, this isn’t your business! Stay out of it.”

Alden laughed.

“Aren’t you implying questions about Aurora who’s out with me? That means you’re deliberately involving me here. Besides, whether Aurora gets close to me, a celebrity, or a government official, isn’t your concern,” Alden replied firmly. “Sorry, not meaning to interfere, but before you say anything, you should think first. If Aurora wants to get close to anyone after divorcing, it’s her prerogative. After all, she’s single now. And personally, I’m not committed to anyone. What’s dangerous is if Aurora gets close to a man who is clearly married. Like what you did before, for example. That’s embarrassing.”

Nicole was immediately stung. Her mouth was ready to retort to Alden’s words. But before she could speak, he started talking again, making Nicole swallow her words again.

“Seriously, I’m not trying to offend you. This is just what happened here. And again, if I may offer some advice, be a classy woman. I admit you’re beautiful. But unfortunately, that beauty goes to waste when used to seduce married men. It seems like you’re not good enough to attract the attention of established bachelor men.”

Because of this statement, Aurora struggled to contain her laughter. Nicole even decided to leave immediately without continuing her intended purpose of buying cakes.

Aurora didn’t actually expect Alden to defend her to this extent. Usually, the one who always acted like this and always stood at the forefront was Asher.

“Actually, no need to thank me. I also couldn’t stand hearing her talk nonsense without reflecting on herself.”

“But, I just didn’t expect it.”

Alden’s eyebrows immediately furrowed.

“Didn’t expect what?”

“Turns out you’re good at talking too.”

Alden laughed. He only realized he had talked too much back at the bakery.

“Well, alright. Let’s go, I’ll help you carry your shopping.”

Aurora then got out of the car. She let Alden help carry the bags of cakes she had bought. When they entered the house, they found her mother and sister-in-law had already arrived and were waiting.

“Mama, Chava.”

Aurora greeted them immediately. Then she instructed Alden to place her shopping items on the living room table.

“Have you been here long?” Aurora hugged Elena and Chava alternately. Then she pinched Ciara, who was standing not far from her mother.

“Not really. Maybe just fifteen minutes ago.”

“Is Papa not coming here?”

“Asher will pick him up from the office later.” Then Elena shifted her gaze. She looked at Alden, then promptly addressed him.

“This is Alden, right?”

“Yes, Ma.”

Elena stepped closer. Without hesitation, she suddenly gave him a brief hug. Aurora hadn’t even hugged Alden yet.

“Oh my goodness. It’s been so long since we met. You’re getting more handsome now.”

Alden smiled. It had been a long time since they last met, yet Elena still remembered him.

“Thank you. Is Mama Elena doing well?”

Elena nodded while continuing to gaze intently.

“Healthy. How about you? Asher said you’re working in Santa Monica now?”

“Yeah. I’ve moved to Santa Monica now.”

“Good.” Elena couldn’t deny that she felt happy. “So you won’t be far from Aurora.”

Aurora immediately glared. Her mother’s behavior was just like Asher’s, always meddling and speaking without thinking.

“Mom!”

“What’s wrong? Is there something wrong with what Mama said?” Then Elena turned back to Alden. “But, sorry if Mama was being intrusive earlier, Alden, are you married? If you are, please forgive Mama’s earlier words.”

Asked like that, Alden quickly shook his head.

“Not yet. Alden is still single.”

“Wow.” Elena’s eyes widened instantly. A clear expression of joy appeared on her face. “It seems like this time you’ll be matched with Aurora.”

Unable to tolerate her mother’s chatter, which was going off-topic, Aurora immediately pulled Alden away. She worried that he might feel uncomfortable with her mother’s meddling and thoughtless behavior.

“Forgive Mama, okay? She’s always like that.”

Alden laughed. He didn’t feel disturbed or annoyed at all by Elena’s words.

“Just relax, Aurora. But, for your Mama’s latest comment, I wholeheartedly say amen in my heart.”

Aurora’s eyebrows immediately furrowed. She recalled what her mother had said earlier.

“About?”

“About Mama Elena saying that we might be a match this time.”

Don’t ask about Aurora’s current facial expression. She was sure her cheeks were blushing with embarrassment. There was a mixture of flattery, embarrassment, and a little bit of happiness, actually.

“Oh my. Anyway, thank you so much for your help today. Now, hurry home. You might get stuck in traffic.”

“Yeah… sure. Oh, but before I go, I have a question.”

“What question?”

“There’s a gathering event scheduled for the weekend, right? Will you be attending?”

Aurora was silent for a moment. She remembered that the hospital had an annual gathering event planned for the weekend.

“I don’t know yet. Still assessing the situation. Why?”

Alden shook his head slightly while smiling.

“No reason, I just wanted to ask. Well then, I’ll take my leave now.”

***

“Why the long face? Your beauty will fade away.”

At a coffee shop, Nicole looked grumpy. After meeting Aurora, she decided to join her friend who was hanging out at one of their usual spots.

“I’m really annoyed! I feel like eating someone.”

The woman sitting in front of Nicole burst into laughter. It seemed like it had been a long time since she saw her friend so upset. Usually, whenever something happened, Nicole would immediately tell her.

“Who do you want to eat?”

“My cousin!”

The woman in front of Nicole wondered what could have made her so upset.

“Why again?”

Nicole didn’t answer immediately. She took a sip of the cold lemon tea that was already in front of her.

“It’s a long story if I have to tell you from the beginning. The point is, she’s always been so bullying, condescending, and even humiliating me. A total psycho!”

“Oh, really? That’s terrible.”

Nicole nodded.

“And earlier, when we were at the bakery, she and her new boyfriend embarrassed me. It’s so annoying! I wanted to retaliate right then and there.”

“So why didn’t you retaliate? You usually don’t like being bullied?”

This time Nicole seemed to sigh heavily. Like someone who was tired of facing a big problem.

“I wanted to retaliate right away. But, I thought I’d wait. I have to retaliate in a way that she’ll never forget. It’s her own fault for always belittling people.”

“Well, don’t be upset anymore. Let’s just eat your croissant. If you want more, just order again. Or do you want something heavier? I’ll treat you.”

Nicole declined the offer given. Her appetite was gone because she was too upset about what had just happened.

“No, thanks. I’ve lost my appetite.”

“Don’t be like that. Your baby will feel sorry.”

Nicole felt conflicted. She forgot that there was a baby in her belly that she needed to take care of.

“Oh, by the way, tomorrow I’m starting at a new workplace.” Nicole’s friend sounded enthusiastic to inform her. “Next time, if you want to check your pregnancy, just go to the hospital where I work. Don’t worry, I’ll make it free for you.”

Nicole sighed. But she thanked her friend for the kindness offered.

“Are you sure you want to give me a free check-up? How about when I give birth later, you’ll be the doctor. So it’ll be free too.”

The woman in front of Nicole laughed.

“Easy. That can be arranged.”

Nicole’s friend was indeed kind. They had been friends for a long time. This wasn’t the first time she had been offered help.

“So, which hospital are you moving to?”

The woman smiled. She finished her strawberry milkshake first. Then she answered Nicole’s question.

“I got my assignment at Santa Monicq Hospital. So, in the future, I’ll be practicing there.”

Nicole immediately burst into laughter. Suddenly, she remembered something.

“Are you really moving to Santa Monica Hospital?”

“Yes. Why?”

Instead of answering, Nicole just smiled broadly. After that, she said something to her friend.