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
Thirty minutes after arriving home and freshening up, Aurora found Asher purposely stopping by her house.Earlier at the hospital, she briefly explained that something had happened and they needed to discuss it. Asher immediately decided not to postpone it until tomorrow. He thought that whatever the problem was, it should be resolved as soon as possible."So, what important matter do you want to discuss with me?"In the TV room, they gathered. Sitting casually on the sofa while enjoying the warm tea served on the table."It's about my ex-mother-in-law.""Savana, the crazy one, right?"Aurora nodded. Despite wanting to deny or avoid it, the truth was that the middle-aged woman's behavior was indeed crazy and extremely disruptive."Yes. I want to have a serious talk with you because it's about her.""What else has she done?"Actually, it took a lot of courage for Aurora to disclose something personal to Asher. Not because she was afraid, but more out of a sense of respect, considering
Alden was stunned. He was sure he hadn't misheard what his mother just said. The firm tone of her words made him immediately question."What? What did Mom just say?""From now on, you have to keep your distance from Aurora," Zendaya repeated, feeling compelled. There was no change whatsoever from her previous statement."Why does Mom suddenly ask me to keep my distance from Aurora? What's wrong?"Despite the unpleasant incident at his mother's birthday party a few days ago, Alden didn't think there was any major issue. Zendaya even reassured him that everything was fine.So why today, after a week has passed without any incidents, out of the blue, his mother suddenly asked him to distance himself from a woman he clearly cared about?"Mom..." Alden called out when he found his mother silent. "What's really going on?"Zendaya looked visibly conflicted. Her expression was hard for Alden to read. He couldn't guess what had actually happened to his mother. Was there a big problem or someth
Alden glanced at Aurora's figure from a distance. Leaning against the wall with both hands folded in front of his chest, he observed how busy Aurora was handling patients.Honestly, Alden's heart warmed. He enjoyed the sight this afternoon. But when he remembered his mother's request instructing him to keep his distance from the woman he loved most, his heart instantly ached.Alden patiently waited, praying day and night for a chance to be reunited with Aurora. And when he felt that his prayers had been answered, suddenly a trial came."I won't do it! No matter what, I will never distance myself from Aurora."In front of his mother, Alden made his stance clear. Despite being warned, he insisted he would not distance himself even an inch from the woman he had loved for so long."Does that mean you don't love Mama?"Alden laughed bitterly. He responded to his mother's words casually."There are many ways to show my love and devotion to you, Mama. If you want, I would even give the world
"Darling, I've safely arrived at Mama's house."After parking his car right in front of his mother's house, Alden didn't forget to immediately contact Aurora. Giving her the news that he had arrived safely at his destination.For him, giving updates was important. Even though not asked, Alden tried to be attentive. He realized that women feel appreciated and valued just by being given such acts of service."After this, I'm going to shower and then like usual, I'll get ready for dinner with Mama. If you're not busy tonight, I'll call again before bed.""Yeah," Aurora responded from the other end. Unlike before, she didn't refuse or show any objection. "Okay then, just go on with your activities. I also need to get ready to cook and finish up the end-of-month report. If I'm not asleep tonight, I'll definitely pick up the phone.""Alright, I'm going in now. We'll continue later.""Yeah, Honey."At that moment, Alden burst into laughter. De