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 café 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."Au
"Alex, what brings you here?"After a brief moment of confusion, Aurora immediately threw the question. She was a bit surprised to suddenly find Alex standing right in front of her room's door.She had been happy not to have any contact with her ex-husband. So, why did he suddenly appear like a ghost?"Sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you."Alex seemed visibly nervous and awkward. Perhaps he still felt guilty and uncomfortable about the wrongs he had done to Aurora."I was directed by the head pharmacist of Santa Monica Hospital to meet you."Aurora's eyebrows furrowed. She couldn't help but wonder why they asked Alex to meet her and what business they had with her."They asked you to meet me? What's it about? Is it related to the hospital or something?"Still standing facing each other, they engaged in conversation. There was no intention from Aurora to invite her ex-husband in or let him sit down first."Well, I'm currently working for a company in the medical supplies and pharmaceut
Aurora heard humming. Her mood was indeed good this morning. Her face looked visibly cheerful as she cooked and prepared meals to take to work.There was a reason why Aurora was acting like this. It all started last night, before going to bed, when she suddenly received a call from Alden."Sorry if I'm disturbing you. Are you already asleep?"Alden asked in a soft tone. After reconnecting after a long time, this was the first time Aurora had heard his voice again through a phone call. Back in their dating days, almost every night before bed, he would make time to chat over the phone."Not yet. I'm finishing up some patient report summaries. Why are you calling all of a sudden?""Yeah, because if I send a message, I'm afraid you won't read it because you're already asleep.""No, I haven't slept yet. What's up? Is there something important?""No. I just wanted to let you know that I can't pick you up and drop you off at the hospital tomorrow morning. I have a surgery scheduled for 6 a.m
"Are you serious about not attending the annual gathering event?"Velia looked pouty. In front of her, Aurora sat, arranging some documents into the turquoise folder that was already prepared.Yet, at nine o'clock, some doctors, nurses, and several core hospital staff at Santa Monica were gathering and getting ready to leave for the two-day gathering event held in the city of Bandung.Initially, Aurora was all set to participate. She had even packed her clothes and various items she would need.However, an emergency came up that made Aurora change her plans. And Velia was disappointed by this. She had even made many plans for what she and Aurora would do together when they arrived at their destination."Yeah, I can't join. Last night the nurse on duty informed me that my patient in the NICU PICU needed to be observed today."Velia sighed deeply. It was truly disappointing that Aurora couldn't join the annual event that was guaranteed to be fun and lively.From previous years, it was c
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.
Zendaya Harvey is the mother of Alden Maximus. Aurora knows this 55-year-old woman as warm, kind, and friendly. Back when she was still in a relationship with Alden, he often brought Aurora to meet his parents. Aurora never forgets how his mother treated her like her own daughter, with genuine affection, fully supporting the relationship she and Alden had. Even when they had arguments, Zendaya sometimes intervened to reconcile them.Aurora and Zendaya used to be a very cohesive pair, like partners. Sometimes, Aurora would visit Zendaya not to see Alden, but just to accompany her while she cooked, go for a walk in the mall, or simply go out to eat.Honestly, when she ended her relationship with Alden, Aurora felt lost. And now, after not meeting for so long, Aurora feels nervous and apprehensive when Alden invites her to visit his mother again.Imagine this: since morning, Aurora has been standing in front of the mirror for a long time. She looks confused, trying to decide which outfit
"Hey Aurora, how's it going? Is Alden's mom okay? And how's her attitude towards you? She didn't kick you out, did she?"Just arrived at the hospital, Velia was immediately nosy. Instead of bringing souvenirs from Bandung after attending the Gathering two days ago, the woman bombarded her with many questions.Last night, Aurora did tell Velia a bit over the phone. She informed Velia that she was invited by Alden to meet and have a meal together with his mother."Instead of bringing breakfast or souvenirs, you've been gossiping since morning."Aurora protested hastily. Why not let her sit and relax for a moment first? Just take a breath. But, she was bombarded with many questions."Sorry. I'm just curious."Velia had been curious since last night. She even had to patiently wait for Aurora to hear the story directly from her friend.However, since souvenirs were mentioned, she immediately pulled out a silver paper bag she had prepared. She handed it to Aurora with a pouty face."This is
One day before Zendaya Harvey's birthday celebration, it was Alden's turn to be invited to dinner with Aurora's large family. Held at Elena's house, Asher and Chava were also present at the dinner event.Since morning, Aurora had been busy in the kitchen. Alongside Elena, they cooked themselves for the dinner to be served later, to be enjoyed together when dinner time arrived."Are you sure you cooked this much?" Elena shook her head, momentarily disbelieving at her daughter's enthusiasm in cooking so many dishes, especially when only Alden was invited."But Asher and Chava are also here, Mom. Besides, we can share this food with the other workers too. So everyone gets an equal share."Elena smiled knowingly, liking Aurora's inclusive thinking, never differentiating between family and workers; everyone was considered family and entitled to the same food."But, Aurora..." Elena interjected again. "These dishes aren't like the usual ones we cook for events. Could it be that this—""Hehe