Chapter 68
Although the conversation lasted only about 15 minutes, Aurora still felt irritated. After dropping Regina off at her destination, she chose to remain silent.
Maybe because she felt something was wrong, Alden briefly explained. Before getting out of the car, he held Aurora back for a moment, then told her what he wanted to say at the cafe earlier today.
“It’s not about being overconfident; I know you might feel uncomfortable and uneasy about Regina’s behavior since she arrived yesterday, right?”
Aurora remained silent at that moment. She wanted to honestly admit it, but she felt embarrassed.
“No. I’m fine.”
Alden smiled. He had known Aurora’s character for more than a day or two. They had been close for several years. Of course, he knew her habits and gestures.
“Okay. But, I think it’s necessary to explain this to you so you don’t misunderstand. Regina and I do know each other. Besides being neighbors, our parents are also friends. When we were kids, she often stayed at our house.”
Aurora listened attentively. In the end, she knew why Regina acted so familiarly with Alden.
“Oh, you’ve known each other since childhood? That’s why you seem so close. But, when we were dating, why didn’t I ever see her?”
After asking this question, Aurora cursed herself. Earlier, she had admitted she was fine. Why was she now so curious and kept asking various questions?
“When we were dating, she had moved with her parents who were assigned out of town.”
Aurora just nodded. Then the situation fell silent again. Both remained silent. Until the car Alden was driving reached Aurora’s house, he held Aurora back for a moment.
“By God, I never expected Regina to become a new doctor at Santa Monica Hospital.”
Alden got straight to the point. There were no more pleasantries he conveyed. “And yesterday during the introduction session, I also never expected Regina to be so affectionate, kissing on both cheeks. I apologize.”
“Apologize? For what?” Aurora asked, puzzled.
“Apologize if you might feel uncomfortable. Or if there’s any behavior or attitude of mine that makes you feel uneasy. But, I need to emphasize that I have no relationship whatsoever with Regina.”
Aurora should have felt relieved because Alden openly assured her that he had no special relationship with Regina. But, for some reason, Aurora still felt annoyed.
“Why tease like that?!”
Aurora continued to grumble. Walking back and forth, she felt annoyed remembering Regina’s behavior all day.
“Why are you upset, Aurora? Why are you shouting like that?”
From the front door, Elena appeared. She, who was indeed in Aurora’s house, hurried over when she heard an unusual shout coming from her daughter’s room. Aurora’s own fault for not closing the door. So, whatever she did was heard by her mother.
“Aurora is upset, Mom.”
Elena sighed. She pulled Aurora to sit beside her on the bed.
“Why upset? Tell Mama.”
Aurora took a deep breath. Usually, whenever something happened, she always talked to her mother. Besides getting solutions, her mother was also good at keeping secrets.
“I want to tell. But, you’ll probably laugh, Mom.”Content rights by NôvelDr//ama.Org.
“Why laugh? What’s wrong?”
Aurora reassured her heart again. Believing in all the consequences she would face, she told Elena.
“Is it normal for someone who has just divorced to start a new relationship with someone else?”
Elena smiled. She understood why Aurora was so confused.
“Why wouldn’t it be normal? Your status is official on your own. Wanting to open a new chapter with another man isn’t a problem. Besides, life goes on. You deserve to be happy.”
Just like Velia, Elena never discouraged her daughter from starting a new relationship. Moreover, why linger in the past.
“I’m actually feeling suffocated, Mom. Aurora is jealous of a woman who is close to Alden.”
Elena burst into laughter. Finally, she knew what made her daughter so irritable.
“Oh dear, Aurora. So, you’re jealous? Yesterday when Grandma was matchmaking, you were being coy.”
Aurora pouted while sulking. She knew she would be teased by her mother.
“I know this is excessive. But, what can I do? I’m really upset.”
“Not excessive, Aurora. It’s human. That’s why if you still like Alden, just don’t play hard to get. Show him how you feel.”
“Is it really okay?”
Elena laughed again. She admitted that her daughter was hopeless when it came to love affairs.
“Yes, it’s okay. Besides, Mama sees that Alden still has feelings for you too. And he’s a good guy, polite, with a clear background.”
“He did confess already. He said he wants to rekindle our relationship like before.”
Elena suddenly pulled her face.
“Oh really? Then what are you waiting for? If Alden is ready, just accept it. Mama will give you blessings for a more serious level.”
Aurora seemed to weigh it. Although she liked it, she couldn’t just marry right away.
“I’ll think about it later. Let’s take it slowly for now.”
“Alright. It’s up to you. Just don’t take too long to think. Alden might be taken by someone else soon.”
***
If yesterday she was upset, perhaps this morning Aurora felt happy. How couldn’t she, when early in the morning Alden had already come to pick her up. He then invited Aurora to stop by a nearby eatery for breakfast.
For Aurora, although brief, the time spent with Alden was quite meaningful. She reminisced about the moments and routine activities they often did when they were still dating.
“How is it? Are you full? Or do you want to buy more snacks?”
Aurora smiled. After finishing her drink, she shook her head.
“I’m good. I’m already very full. Let’s go to the hospital now.”
“Don’t you want to buy snacks for the room? So you can eat with Velia?”
Aurora nodded. Alden’s idea had merit. She chose to buy some snacks first, then hurriedly went to the hospital.
However, just as they arrived at the hospital, Aurora and Alden once again crossed paths with Regina. Without hesitation, the young doctor called out and immediately approached.
“I’ve been looking for you everywhere. Turns out Doctor Alden just arrived.”
Alden, who had just passed through the lobby, turned immediately. He redirected his gaze to Regina.
“Looking for me? What’s up?”
Then Regina handed something over. She asked Alden to accept it.
“Here, it’s from my mom. I told her that we work at the same hospital. So, early this morning, she made this pandan cake to be given to Doctor Alden. Please enjoy it.”
Alden couldn’t refuse. He accepted it and excused himself to go to the emergency room.
Meanwhile, Aurora did the same. A little annoyed, she went straight to the room. Velia wasn’t visible at that moment. While grumbling softly, she poured out her frustration because her mood had been ruined since morning by Regina’s presence, who came and directly handed Asher a box of food.
“Why does she always bother? It’s annoying.”
Aurora grumbled. She made herself irritated.
“Why did Asher even accept food from his new female doctor? Like there’s no other doctor available. Well, it’s not a problem if he knows Alden. But, it’s not necessary to bother every day.”
Continuing to grumble, Aurora paced back and forth. Her steps halted when she heard someone knocking.
“Yes, come in!” she replied curtly. It wasn’t like her to act like this.
“What else?”
When she turned towards the door, Aurora paused for a moment. In front of her eyes, she saw the figure of a man whom she had half-heartedly tried to forget.
“Alex, what are you doing here?”