"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
Actually, Aurora was surprised to see Regina's arrival at Alden's mother's birthday party. Imagining the woman being showy, pretending to be cute, and overly familiar made Aurora nauseous.However, Aurora immediately recalled Alden's story the other day. Their families had been close for a long time. They even used to live next to each other, and Regina's mother and Alden's mother were friends. But it felt like they weren't genuinely willing. Especially because despite the long-standing connection, Regina had acted overly."Auntie, I miss you so much, it's been a while since we met."Upon arriving at Zendaya's residence and after her mother gave hugs and birthday wishes to the celebrant, it was Regina's turn to show off. She even bothered to bring a large-sized gift. She presented it directly while expressing her longing because they hadn't seen each other in a long time.Zendaya welcomed her warmly. She returned Regina's hug, then accepted what the woman had brought."Auntie, I miss
"Mama wants to ask about what?" Alden became curious. He wanted to know what his mother really wanted to ask or clarify about Aurora."Come here," Zendaya waved. She asked her son to come closer and sit next to her. Side by side and facing each other. "There's something Mama needs to clarify.""About what?" "About Aurora, Savana's former daughter-in-law."Alden took a deep breath. He understood, more or less, that his mother might have been triggered and perhaps preoccupied with Savana's remarks at the party earlier."What's the matter? Didn't Alden already inform you that Aurora is actually widowed?""Yes," Zendaya nodded. She didn't deny this issue.Before, the two of them had indeed had serious discussions. Alden had been candid and sought Zendaya's permission before daring to approach Aurora again."Do you remember Aurora, Mama?" Alden asked back then."Aurora Harperwood? Your first love?""And forever will remain Alden's true love.""Why? Why talk about her all of a sudden? Did
It's been a week since the unpleasant incident that occurred during Alden's mother's birthday celebration. Although Aurora's body was physically present in the hospital, her mind still lingered far behind in that unpleasant incident.Velia had tried to console Aurora several times, urging her to forget and just focus on maintaining her relationship with Alden without overthinking. But Aurora, being Aurora, could be stubborn at times when given advice."Don't bother yourself, Aurora," Velia grumbled. Thirty minutes before it was time to go home, she once again approached Aurora, reminding her to put an end to the anxiety and distress plaguing her friend's mind at the moment."What else can I do? I'm worried," Aurora admitted. She acknowledged that she was worried. So far, she and Alden could still meet freely, maintaining their relationship as if nothing had happened. But she still feared the repercussions of the commotion Savana had caused."Actually, I'm worried that the slander Sava
Over the past three years, Aurora has thoroughly enjoyed her new role as a mother. While continuing to dedicate herself as a pediatric specialist, Aurora has not neglected her other responsibilities, including fulfilling her duties as a wife.Every day, before heading to work, Aurora bathes her sons. She ensures that Azka and Alula have breakfast, drink milk, and meet all their nutritional needs.Luckily, Alden also helps out. He willingly shares the tasks with her. If Aurora is busy bathing and dressing the children, then Alden helps prepare breakfast.Usually, when Aurora and Alden are working, Elenna helps take care of and watch over their children. At first, Aurora hesitated. But, because Elenna insisted under the guise of being a companion to stave off loneliness, she allowed her mother to be assisted by one assistant in handling their children while she was at the hospital until the evening."Are you sure you want to take Azka and Alula out by yourselves?" Elenna asked Aurora ov
Both of Alden's eyes looked wet and swollen. He even cried softly as he accompanied Aurora for an hour through the childbirth process.Since Aurora's condition was stable and optimal, she delivered through a normal process as planned. Step by step, following Alissa's instructions, Aurora tried to comply.While tightly holding Alden's hand, Aurora tried to complete the childbirth process. Until finally, the little angel they and perhaps the entire extended family awaited, was born safely, and her cry immediately filled the delivery room."Congratulations Aurora, Dr. Alden. The babies were born safely and healthy. The first one is a girl, and the second one is a boy. Their conditions are stable, and there's nothing to worry about."Indeed, Aurora gave birth to twins today. Since entering the three-month pregnancy mark, Alissa had ensured that Aurora's pregnancy was indeed twins. However, the gender was difficult to predict as it changed a few times.Actually, Aurora and Alden didn't min
Aurora enjoyed her pregnancy journey from the first trimester until now, entering the third trimester. Although initially she had to go through bed rest several times and even experienced severe morning sickness, Aurora didn't complain at all. She went through it all with joy and happiness.During the first three months of her pregnancy, Aurora had to rest and not work at all. Honestly, she felt a bit bored having to spend all her time at home.Fortunately, Velia often visited the house bringing various kinds of food. She would engage in gossip and talk about anything to keep Aurora from feeling bored.Similarly, Elenna and Zendaya, these two middle-aged women also took turns visiting. They were so excited about Aurora's pregnancy that they came almost every day. And sometimes they even stayed overnight just to accompany and spend time with Aurora.Moreover, Alden also helped a lot. He was a responsive husband who was always ready to give his full attention and show his responsibility
Alden dashed to the emergency room when he heard the news that Aurora had passed out. Upon reaching the front of the room, he found Velia and Asher already standing there, waiting.Alden approached, wanting to ensure his wife's condition for himself. Despite faithfully waiting all along, he hadn't noticed anything strange about her all day. Now, he couldn't believe that Aurora had fainted like this out of the blue. If he had known something was wrong, he would have been the first to tell her to rest."Asher... Velia," Alden called out, his face still marked with worry. "How's Aurora? What happened? Why did she suddenly faint like this?"Asher shook his head, also unsure of what caused his sister to lose consciousness. Then Alden turned to Velia, who answered his curiosity."I think Aurora's just exhausted, Doc. Since this afternoon, I've noticed her looking a bit pale. She complained about back pain and seemed really tired, constantly moving from the second floor to the ground floor."
Alden just got home around eight o'clock at night. A bit worried, the man strode quickly towards the bedroom. He had been trying to reach Aurora since earlier, but instead of getting a response, it seemed like his wife was intentionally ignoring him.Alden had asked Velia, his colleague, who said that Aurora had been home since late afternoon. Also, confirming Aurora's presence through the house assistant, they confirmed that the lady had indeed been home since then.What puzzled Alden was why Aurora was ignoring him. Was his wife busy? Resting? Or perhaps angry and upset with him?That's why Alden wanted to make sure. Rushing into the room, he found Aurora sitting on the edge of the bed, her head bowed. Faintly, he could hear sobbing coming from her."Sweetheart..."Alden quickly approached. With a puzzled feeling, he sat down in front of his wife."What's wrong?" he asked with concern, clearly anxious. Afraid that something bad might have happened to her."Why are you crying like th
Aurora sighed wearily as she stared at the pregnancy test she held. The two red lines she had been hoping for seemed nowhere in sight, despite her numerous efforts.She wondered how many times she had tried this. It had been almost six months since she married Alden, but signs of pregnancy had yet to appear.Honestly, Aurora had been worried. There was a fear lurking in her mind that the rumors about her difficulty in conceiving might be true."Don't judge Alex. Who knows, maybe you also have difficulty getting pregnant or having children," Aurora remembered Savana's words vividly. Although they were long ago and she had initially dismissed them, recalling them now felt painful. Perhaps this was the curse Savana had given her."Just wait until after you get married. I'm sure you'll also have difficulty having children. So, don't think you're so great by blaming Alex as the reason you don't have offspring and eventually your marriage falls apart," Savana had said.Yet, Alden had tried
Alden was sure he was dreaming. Not wanting to lose that beautiful moment, Alden half-consciously pulled his blanket back. He held onto it tightly while praying not to wake up from his sleep. Truly, he wanted to enjoy the joy of life when called with endearing terms that delighted the ears.However, as his consciousness gradually faded, this time Alden felt something warm touching his lips. Opening his eyes slowly, he found Aurora, who had just finished unraveling a kiss, then smiled sweetly right in front of his face."Wake up, my dear husband. They said today we're going to pick up Mom and then accompany her to a charity event. You haven't forgotten, right?"Alden nodded. The man smiled."Yeah. I haven't forgotten. But, by the way, who was it that called me 'my dear husband'? Was it you? Or was I just dreaming?"Aurora sighed. She pinched Alden's cheek fondly. Hoping that he would realize he wasn't dreaming."That wasn't a dream, my dear husband. But yes, it was me who called you."
For a whole week, honeymooning was the most enjoyable and unforgettable experience in Alden's life."By God, every day and every second he spent in Switzerland with Aurora was the most enjoyable, and he didn't want to forget it in the slightest."Alden even vowed to make a routine agenda to spend more time with Aurora after this. Whether it's vacationing abroad or just exploring a few cities domestically, Alden didn't care. What mattered was quality time, spending time with his wife to refresh their minds from the busy schedules or activities they engaged in every day.Upon returning from their honeymoon to Switzerland, Alden immediately took Aurora to their new home. Two days later, they even held a celebration and invited the extended family to enjoy dinner together."The house is really nice. Definitely not cheap. Especially since all the furniture is brand new," praised Rayyen, who came this evening with his wife and children."Yeah, for real. It's spacious and totally my style,"
Alden admits, this is his dream to marry and make Aurora his life partner. Since the beginning of their relationship, he has been determined to be serious and to do his best to maintain their relationship so that it can progress to marriage.However, due to misunderstandings, he and Aurora had to part ways. It was even more painful to know that the person he loved so much ended up choosing and marrying another man.Alden's heart was shattered at that moment. It wasn't easy for him to heal from the wound. In fact, he was so unaccepting that he prayed to God for Aurora's marriage not to last long and to be unhappy. Never mind if his prayers were considered bad. What mattered was that he hoped the woman would return to him someday.And, it seems that God was moved to grant Alden's prayers that he uttered day and night. After going through hundreds of days, numerous seasons, and various obstacles, Alden finally succeeded in proposing to Aurora and making her his partner. A wife and also a