Chapter 15
Aurora couldn’t hold back her nervousness. As she walked down the hospital corridor, her heart pounded erratically. After all, earlier Alden had just invited her to lunch. But why was she feeling so awkward about it now?
“Don’t be ridiculous, Aurora! You’re already married.”
Aurora kept repeating that sentence to herself as she got into the car. She sat for a moment. Taking a deep breath and rubbing her chest, moments later she muttered to herself again.
“Remember! You already have Alex.”
Aurora nodded. She raised her hand in the air, then clenched it into a fist. Acting like someone giving herself encouragement.
“Alden is just the past. Yes, he’s just a man from the past that you don’t need to think about.”
Aurora kept nodding. But, shortly after, Velia and Asher’s words danced in her mind, mocking her.
“If only you had been more patient back then. Surely, Alden would be your husband now, not that jerk Alex. And most importantly, there wouldn’t be any infidelity drama in your marriage.”
“If only Doctor Alden had hurried to propose to Doctor Aurora back then, maybe we would be siblings-in-law now. And who knows, at Santa Monica Hospital, Doctor Alden would be in charge.”
Damn it!
Why did Alden’s presence disturb Aurora’s sanity? Before they met again, she didn’t even think about him. Is this the definition of unresolved old love? Oh God.
Taking another deep breath, Aurora tried to push away the strange thoughts in her mind. She’d go crazy if she kept thinking about it. She then hurriedly started the car engine to go to her husband’s office.
Because Alex had given her a gift last night, Aurora wanted to give him a surprise in return. Her plan was to take him to lunch without telling him beforehand.
Usually, it was Alex who insisted on spending lunchtime together. Now, it wouldn’t hurt if she took the initiative for once. It’s not like it happened every day.
Since Alex’s office wasn’t too far away, just a ten-minute drive, Aurora finally arrived at the Lumire parking area. Entering the building, almost all the staff she passed greeted her warmly. Well, who didn’t know Aurora there? As the owner’s daughter, her position was much higher than her husband’s.
After confirming that Alex was in his room, without any hesitation or the need to knock, Aurora opened the door. For God’s sake, she really wanted to surprise her husband.
“Alex… have you had lunch?”
From the doorway, Aurora found her husband looking extremely surprised. She was sure Alex didn’t expect her to suddenly show up at the Lumire building. Especially since Aurora hadn’t given any indication that she’d be stopping by.
“Aurora.”
Aurora flashed a wide smile. Just as she was about to step inside, someone called from the direction of the elevator.
“Bastian.”
Bastian, Alex’s friend who happened to work at Lumire and was one of the assistant managers. Seeing Aurora standing in front of the management room, he immediately called out and approached.
“How have you been? It’s been ages since we last met.”
For God’s sake, Alex’s heart almost stopped beating. But when he saw Aurora chatting happily with Bastian, Alex breathed a sigh of relief. Quickly, he seized the moment to hastily zip up the zipper of his pants, which Nicole had previously opened. Signaling to his mistress not to move from under the table, he hurriedly approached Aurora to join in the conversation. Not long after, Bastian excused himself and left.
“Why didn’t you let me know you were stopping by?”
Still at the door, Alex asked, trying his best to keep his composure so Aurora wouldn’t suspect anything. But Alex felt like his heart was about to burst. If he was caught again with Nicole, he’d be done for this time.
“On purpose. I wanted to surprise you.”
Alex tried to laugh happily. But his heart still felt mixed up.
“Oh God. My wife’s gesture is so sweet.”
“So, have you had lunch?”
Alex shook his head. This time he wasn’t lying.
“Not yet. I’ve been busy meeting deadlines.”
“In that case, how about we have lunch outside? Or do you want to order delivery and eat in your office?”
Alex quickly responded. It could be dangerous if Aurora had lunch in his office.
“How about we eat out? Your favorite restaurant. And then afterwards, we can buy ice cream.”
Of course, Aurora agreed. Especially when she was invited to buy ice cream. That’s why she quickly linked arms with Alex, urging him to go to the place they were going to.
***
“Alex, how could you just leave me like that!”
Upon arriving home and being in his office, Nicole contacted Alex. She was angry because she had been left alone this afternoon.
What else could he do? Alex couldn’t possibly take care of Nicole while Aurora was around. He’d be minced if it was discovered they were alone together, let alone engaging in intimate activities with his wife’s cousin.
“I’m sorry, Honey. But, Bastian escorted you home, right?”
“Yes. He did. Thank goodness for Bastian. Otherwise, I’d be bored waiting in your office.”
Bastian had always known what Alex’s behavior was like. Even before, he had helped protect and support the relationship Alex had with Nicole.
“Thank goodness for that. Besides, I did tell you not to meet in the office. It’s dangerous! And wasn’t I right? Aurora suddenly showed up. Fortunately, Bastian appeared earlier. If not? We’d be in big trouble.”
Alex sounded grumpy. Luckily, today God was still protecting his rotten deeds.
“It’s because I miss you. So hurry up and buy me an apartment. It’ll be nice for us to meet up or have fun.”
“Okay, I’ll buy one.”
“When, Alex?” Nicole’s whine was heard again. “As soon as possible. After thinking about it, I realize it’s necessary to buy you an apartment so we can meet up freely.”
On the other end, Nicole immediately cheered. With her beautiful face and satisfying service, she could have many expensive items and now, soon, she would receive a luxury apartment.
Meanwhile, after ending the conversation with Nicole, Alex decided to return to the bedroom. Opening the door, he found Aurora standing in front of the mirror.
“My wife is so beautiful.”
Alex put on an admiring face. Whether this was genuine praise or just a formality upon seeing Aurora, who had just finished dressing up, wasn’t clear.
Tonight, Aurora would accompany Alex to attend a birthday party hosted by one of his business partners. Believing that many important people would be present, Aurora deliberately dressed up with great attention to detail. She wanted everyone to be impressed by her appearance.
“Of course. Whose wife am I? But, with you being this beautiful, all the guys at the party will be amazed by you, darling.”
“Exaggerating.”
“Seriously. Especially since you’re already so beautiful. I’m lucky to have a wife like you.”
“You’re exaggerating,” Aurora chuckled, blushing.
Then, after getting ready, they both went to the party. Arriving there, what Alex said was true. Almost all of Alex’s business associates praised Aurora’s beauty and appearance that night.
“Your wife looks extraordinary, Sir. If I may say, Mr. Alex and Mrs. Aurora look very compatible.”
James, one of Alex’s business associates, sounded impressed. He seemed genuinely amazed by Aurora’s appearance that night.
“Thank you for your compliment, Mr. James. It’s a blessing for me to have a wife as beautiful as Aurora.”
Aurora smiled. Letting Alex enjoy his conversation with his business associates, she chose to freshen up in the restroom. Once finished and about to return to Alex, unexpectedly, Aurora bumped into Alden.
Whether it was fate or coincidence, they were both invited. The tall, sturdy man immediately greeted her warmly. Although Aurora had been trying to avoid this. Not because of anything, she was just afraid of getting caught up in thoughts again.
“I didn’t expect to meet you here.”
“Yeah,” Aurora replied shortly. Besides, she was confused about what to say. She was already flustered.
“Who did you come with?”
“Me? I came with my husband.”
Alden nodded. A friendly smile still on his face.
“You look really beautiful tonight.”
“Thank you for the compliment. Well, I should go now.”
Ignoring Alden’s praise and not wanting to linger, Aurora deliberately ended the conversation. She thought it could be dangerous if she stayed too long. Worried she might get carried away with her feelings.
However, before she could leave, one guest accidentally bumped into Aurora, causing her to lose her balance. Alden, who was right in front of Aurora, reflexively reached out to grab her body and held her tightly.
“Are you okay?”
Aurora nodded.
“Thank you. I’m fine.”Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.
Meanwhile, elsewhere, Alex saw the incident. Looking from a distance with a displeased expression.