Unpredictable Betrayal : A Sweet of Revenge

“You’re really surprising me by inviting me to eat out on a Sunday like this.”

At a Korean restaurant, Aurora and Velia were seen enjoying lunch. It’s rare for both of them to hang out like this. Besides being busy with patients, on weekends, Aurora usually spends her time with Alex. That’s why when Velia picked her up and invited her to have lunch together at the mall, Aurora immediately agreed.

“Let’s just call it some fresh air. Besides, aren’t you tired of our packed schedules this week? Your brother Asher really doesn’t give us any time to breathe.”

Aurora laughed. She couldn’t deny that Asher always puts his all into his work. If it doesn’t meet the standards he sets, don’t expect any time off from him.

“Just be patient. Who knows, maybe after this our salaries will increase by 100%.”

“For me, a raise in salary might make me happy and more motivated to work. But you? You’re a shareholder too. Whether your salary goes up or not, doesn’t it make any difference?”

“Not at all!” retorted Aurora, not accepting it. Somehow, because she was considered wealthy and the daughter of the hospital owner, her friend tended to draw unilateral conclusions and assume she could easily get anything, including money.

Yet, Aurora was treated the same as other employees. If she skips work, her salary will be deducted by Asher. There’s no tolerance whatsoever. In fact, because she’s family, Asher sometimes acts even tougher and crueler towards Aurora.

“Can I join you guys?”

In the midst of conversation, somehow, Alden suddenly appeared. It seemed like he had just finished shopping at the mall, judging from the paper bags in both of his hands.

“Sure, please do, Doc.”

It was Velia who responded, even helping to pull out a chair for him. Inviting the handsome doctor in front of her to sit down immediately.

“Just consider it hanging out with your own siblings, Doc. Please order as well. Let me treat you. Since I just got paid.”

Alden chuckled softly. Especially when Velia went as far as calling the waiter so he could order food. Alden admitted he liked Velia’s friendly attitude.

“Why did you order so little? Just order something else. I’m treating, you know. Usually, free meals or treats taste better.”

Once again, Alden smiled. The man politely declined.

“No, thanks. This is more than enough. Besides, I can’t eat much.”

Velia nodded in understanding. She only just found out that there are men who have small appetites. Quite different from the men she usually sees and knows. Some even eat like laborers.

“Where are you from, Doctor?” Velia asked, starting a conversation. She meant it so Alden wouldn’t feel awkward joining her and Aurora. Especially since Alden was clearly the only man among the three of them.

“Just finished buying books for tonight’s shift at the hospital. When I passed by here, I accidentally saw you two. So I dared to stop by.”

“Perfect timing.”

Then Velia glanced at Aurora beside her. Of course, she wanted to tease her friend. “Right, Rin?” Then Velia deliberately nudged Aurora’s arm.

“What is it?”

“That, Doctor Alden. It’s such a coincidence that he happened to pass by and join us.”

Aurora just nodded, not really responding to Velia’s words. Actually, she was worried that her friend would ramble or discuss various things.

So, instead of indulging, Aurora chose to remain silent. Listening without needing to give many responses.

“So, is Doctor Alden a graduate from America?”

Alden nodded.

“Yes. Just like Doctor Asher.”

“That’s amazing, isn’t it? It’s not easy, they say, to graduate quickly especially with such complicated specializations doctors choose. I almost got depressed finishing my education. Tiring. So many assignments and pressures.”

“It’s not like many can graduate on time either.”

“But, doctors can, as evidenced,” Velia said admiringly. “There must be motivation, right? So, what motivated you to finish your education quickly?”

Alden smiled broadly. The sparkle in his eyes was hard to decipher.

“I wanted to graduate quickly so I could propose and marry my girlfriend. But when I returned to Indonesia, I ended up being left at the altar for another guy.”

Aurora choked at that moment. She knew Alden was openly referring to her.

“Are you coughing?” Velia deliberately intervened. She didn’t forget to hand a glass of water to her friend. “That’s why you should say a prayer so you don’t choke.”

Aurora wanted to protest. But seeing Velia suddenly receive a phone call, she swallowed back the words that were on the tip of her tongue.

“Aurora, sorry, I have to pick up Mom at Grandma’s house. My brother said his car broke down on the way and it’s going to take a while for him to arrive.”

“Alright, I’ll come with you.” Aurora, who was just having her lunch, immediately stopped. She grabbed her bag and got ready to leave.

“Uh, no need. Just finish your meal first. Later, you can go home with Doctor Alden.”

“But, Velia—”

“Doctor Alden,” Velia quickly corrected. She didn’t pay attention to Aurora’s intended response. “Doctor, do you have a car?”

“Yes.”

“After we finish eating and before you go to the hospital for your night shift, could you please help take Aurora home?”

Alden agreed with a nod. He didn’t mind being asked by Velia to take Aurora home.

“Sure. I’ll take Aurora home later.”

Velia stood up from her seat. She looked at Aurora and then bid her farewell.

“Alright, I’m off. Sorry I can’t take you home.”© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

Velia left. Leaving Aurora and Alden silent for a while. They chose to eat their food quietly, until shortly after, Alden, once again, started a conversation.

“After eating, is there anything you want to buy or do?”

Aurora shook her head. Of course, she wanted to go home right away.

“I just want to go straight home. I don’t want to make you late for your hospital shift.”

“It’s okay if I’m late.”

“No! Asher will be angry. He doesn’t like doctors who aren’t disciplined. It’s better if we go home now.”

Alden immediately stood up. He led Aurora to his car, intending to take his former lover home right away.

As usual, like people who are awkward, they both remained silent for a while. Especially Aurora. She didn’t have any desire to engage in small talk with Alden, even though there were plenty of topics they could discuss. It’s not always about the past.

“Is your husband not here?”

Aurora reflexively turned her head. She was surprised that Alden suddenly brought up and asked about Alex’s whereabouts in the middle of their silence. Was he planning something if he knew Alex wasn’t at home?

“Why do you ask?”

“No. I thought if Velia couldn’t take you home, you would ask your husband to pick you up. But, because you’re just leaving it to me to take you home, I conclude that your husband might not be here.”

“Oh. But you’re right,” Aurora confirmed. “My husband is indeed on duty out of town so he couldn’t pick me up.”

“Oh, I see.”

Alden nodded repeatedly. Afterwards, the atmosphere fell silent again. Until shortly after, Alden spoke up.

“Beforehand, I want to apologize. Please don’t be offended by my question after this.”

Again, Aurora turned her head. She observed Alden who was driving.

“What did you ask?”

“After marrying the man of your choice, are you truly happy?”

Aurora took a slow breath. No… she definitely couldn’t admit that something had happened in her marriage. Alden didn’t need to know what had happened in her life after getting married.

“I’m happy.”

Alden glanced briefly as if to confirm what he heard. Then, he seemed to nod.

“Okay.”

“If I may ask, why do you keep asking that?” Alden smiled. He was sure Aurora would ask this question.

“I just want to make sure that you married the right person. I want you to feel happy even if it’s not with me.”

“You don’t need to worry. Alex is a good person. So far, he has been faithful and responsible.”

Alden glanced again. But he didn’t respond. He continued driving, until eventually, the car he was driving took a route that wasn’t supposed to be taken.

“Alden, where are we going?”

“Sorry if you’re confused. I’m just going to pick up my belongings that I left at the apartment to bring to the hospital. After that, I’ll take you home directly.”

Aurora didn’t ask further. She just complied when Alden made a stop. But strangely, once they arrived in the parking area not far from the lobby, he didn’t immediately get out. He stayed quiet for a moment while repeatedly checking his watch, until finally Aurora couldn’t stand not asking.

“You said you were going to pick something up? Why are you just sitting in the car? What are you actually waiting for?”

Alex lifted his face. He looked at Aurora and smiled. Just about to give an explanation, the corner of his eye caught the object he had been waiting for. Pointing his finger, Alden asked Aurora to see what he was indicating.

“I want to show you that.”

Aurora followed where Alden’s finger pointed. Then, her eyes widened. With her heart pounding heavily, she clearly saw Alex, her husband whom she had given a second chance, now entering the apartment lobby while affectionately holding hands with Nicole beside him.