Unpredictable Betrayal : A Sweet of Revenge

Don’t ask how Aurora feels right now. Of course, it’s a mix of emotions when suddenly finding Alden standing there, perfectly poised while throwing a smile her way.

Swear to whatever, Aurora was momentarily dumbfounded. In her mind, she felt like she was dreaming. Aurora was sure that her ex-boyfriend had joined the gathering convoy this morning to head to Bandung.

However, strangely, why is he suddenly in front of her now? Did something get left behind? Or is there an emergency call that made him decide to return to the hospital?

“Alden… why are you here? Weren’t you supposed to go to Bandung for the Gathering?”

Alden still wore a smile. Stepping forward, he approached the bewildered figure of Aurora. More shocked, actually. Clearly not expecting and wondering why Alden decided to return.

“Earlier, on the way, Asher called. He said he needed my help tomorrow morning to handle a heart bypass operation.”

Alden wasn’t boasting. Along the way to Bandung, his mind was indeed in turmoil. He kept remembering Aurora, who didn’t join the Gathering event this year.

Although, if only before leaving Aurora had asked him to stay, Alden would do it without hesitation. But, who would’ve thought Aurora would give permission and let him join with his other friends.

Luckily, as if God heard his concerns, Asher suddenly contacted him and asked for help.

“Alden, where are you? Are you far already?”

Alden looked out the window. Making sure where the bus he was riding was currently positioned.

“Actually, I’m in the middle,” Alden explained. “Why, Ash? Is there something urgent?”

A sigh was audible on the other end. After a few seconds of pause, Asher resumed his conversation.

“I actually want to ask for your help to handle the bypass operation tomorrow morning. Coincidentally, I already have a schedule. I was going to ask Dr. Adrian, but he’s already scheduled for a seminar out of town.”

“Oh, alright then. In that case, I’ll just head back.”

“Is that okay?” Asher asked to make sure. Actually feeling bad knowing Alden was already on the way.

“Just chill.”

“Later, you can ask the driver to stop at the rest area. So, I’ll ask the driver to pick you up.”

Alden also thought, God is indeed good. Knowing he was uncertain, he was given a moment that made it possible for him to return to meet and be with Aurora.

After being picked up by Asher’s driver, Alden was immediately taken to the hospital. Besides, he intentionally left his car so it would be easier to come back later and no longer have to bother with public transportation.

Who would’ve thought that when he arrived at the hospital, Alden would meet Aurora instead? Apparently, she was just about to leave and seemed to be waiting for a ride.

“So, you really didn’t join the Gathering?”

Aurora asked again. Still not believing that Alden was really in front of her.

“Yes. Besides, all the way here, I kept thinking about you. So when Asher asked for help, I agreed right away.”

Aurora suddenly pulled a confused face.

“You were thinking about me? Why?”

“It’s like I didn’t want to be separated and far away again.”

“Oh my God, exaggerating!”

Alden laughed. He liked teasing Aurora and seeing her pout like she was now.

“Are you finished and ready to go home now?”

“Yes,” Aurora nodded. “My tasks are all done today. If the patient’s condition remains stable until seven, they’ll be transferred to the ward.”

“Thank goodness. In that case, let’s go together. I’ll be the one to take you.”

“B-but… I already asked for a ride.”

“Forget it… just come with me.”

Without further ado, Alden grabbed Aurora’s wrist and asked her to follow him to the car.

“Do you have any plans for today?” Alden asked before actually starting his car.

“No, why?”

Alden smiled. He nodded.

“Alright then.”

“Alright then what?”

Aurora was puzzled. Especially seeing Alden’s face which was hard to read. He just smiled before Aurora forced him to explain.

“Oh God, why so secretive. What’s up?”

“If you don’t have any plans or activities, I want to take you around today.”

“Around?”

While focusing on driving, Alden nodded.

“Yeah. I want to take you out, watch a movie, and then have dinner together. Besides, it’s Saturday night, the perfect time for couples to go on a date, right?”

What dream did Aurora have last night, suddenly without any prior planning or discussion, she was spontaneously invited by Alden for a date. Although, if he had said it earlier, Aurora would have changed and dressed up nicely first.

“Are we really going out now? Aren’t we going home to shower, change clothes, get ready, or anything first?”

Alden chuckled. From the tone of his voice, he believed Aurora was a little panicked.

“No need. No need to dress up or change clothes. Besides, no matter what you wear, you always look beautiful to me.”

Oh, Alden found time to tease. Although Aurora was seriously asking. Don’t ask how Aurora is feeling right now. Her heart has been fluctuating since Alden kept surprising her unexpectedly.

Resigned to Alden’s invitation, Aurora chose to just go along with wherever he took her. So the first place they visited was, of course, the largest mall in the city.

They both seemed to wander around. Enjoying their time together while discussing enjoyable topics. Sometimes, they even reminisced about memories from the past.

Then, Alden took Aurora to the cinema. The two of them spent three hours watching a movie they had chosen together.

“How was it? Did you like it?”

Aurora nodded her head. Honestly, she didn’t really like the movie. But she enjoyed the moments she spent with Alden.

“I liked it. I really did,” Aurora said, looking happy.

“Next weekend, I’ll schedule us to watch together again. You want to, right?”

Aurora immediately nodded repeatedly. This was a golden opportunity, so why would she refuse?

Since it was promised that they would also have dinner together, after watching the movie, Alden immediately took Aurora to one of the restaurants located on the top floor of the mall. While enjoying the city view, adorned with the shimmering lights blending with the moonlight and stars, Aurora and Alden enjoyed their dinner together.

“It’s been so long since we had dinner like this together.”

Aurora smiled, admitting to that fact. If only she hadn’t acted impulsively before, maybe by now her relationship with Alden would have been more serious.

“Yeah. Last time was when you were on break from college before going back to America.”

Alden nodded.

“That’s why, from now on, I’ll often ask you out for dinner. So, don’t get bored.”

They both then indulged in the served dishes, savoring each passing moment. Aurora couldn’t deny feeling happy. It was as if something made her feel joyful and elated.

She didn’t want it to end quickly. But, because it was already late, Alden decided to accompany Aurora home.

“Thank you so much for today. I really enjoyed it.”

Alden grinned widely, pleased that Aurora enjoyed what they did all day.

“You’re welcome. I hope it’s not just today that we get to spend time together.”

“In that case, I’ll head down now. You take care on the road. Let me know when you get home.”

Aurora intended to get out of the car. But suddenly, Alden grabbed her wrist, stopping her from leaving immediately.

“Wait…” he said softly.

“Why?”

Alden paused for a moment. He gazed at Aurora’s face intently before speaking again.

“Are you busy tomorrow afternoon or evening?”

“I’m free tomorrow. Why?”

Alden went silent again. Aurora became puzzled seeing his behavior.

“Umm… if you’re free tomorrow and don’t have any plans, can I pick you up again?”

“Pick me up?” Aurora repeated with a smile. She thought Alden wanted to take her out again. “Where do you want to take me?”

“I want to take you to meet my mom. Are you willing?”

Aurora was taken aback. She didn’t expect that Alden actually wanted to introduce her to his mother. It had been a long time since Aurora last met her. So, after all this time, is she ready to meet her again this time?