Chapter 7
“For anything, if I were you, I wouldn’t waste my precious time going back or giving a chance to a guy who clearly cheats!”
Such lengthy and sarcastic sentences almost every day greeted Aurora’s hearing. Her ears seemed immune. In fact, sometimes she even memorized them because for the past month, Velia had repeatedly uttered them whenever the opportunity arose.
Aurora’s friend looked annoyed, slightly frustrated too, actually. Let’s say she didn’t accept seeing Aurora willingly give Alex a second chance to fix himself and his marriage with Aurora.
For Velia, Aurora was just a waste of time. She also believed that a cheater’s repentance was similar to someone repenting after eating something spicy. It stops momentarily. Later, once the spiciness is gone, it will be tasted again.
However, for some time now, Alex had shown significant changes. But, once damaged, it remains a minus in Velia’s eyes.Content rights by NôvelDr//ama.Org.
“I dare you to bet. There will come a time when Alex will relapse and do the same thing again,” Velia said sincerely. Full of emphasis and also looking very confident. It would be foolish if Aurora thought she was too provocative or suspicious.
“Guys, once forgiven and given a chance after a major mistake, may underestimate us in the future. The idea is, it’s okay to make a mistake. Just bow down, cry, apologize continuously, and surely, you’ll be forgiven. Typical unreliable man!”
Aurora, busy writing at her desk, looked up with a smile. Bored and familiar with Velia’s repeated discussions, she could only respond with the same words as before.
“Enough, Velia. Don’t overthink it.”
“No, it can’t be. The problem is related to cheating. Even though you didn’t tell the details, catching your own husband almost making out with his affair and even daring to do disgusting things on our bed, isn’t that insane? And you? Willingly giving him a chance? I can’t believe it! Are you an angel or what?”
Aurora chuckled softly.
“Everyone has the right to a second chance, right?”
Velia nodded in agreement for this statement. However, Velia absolutely did not tolerate what Alex had done.
“I know. Everyone is entitled to a second chance. But not when it comes to cheating, Nicole. This is like a vicious disease that can recur anytime. Besides, you’re not disgusted living together, even sleeping in the same bed with a man who clearly slept with another woman? Oh my! Just imagining it makes me want to vomit.”
Velia then threw a questioning look, squinting as if trying to guess what Aurora was thinking.
“Or… maybe you have a hidden agenda.”
“Let’s just say so,” Aurora replied casually. “Besides, I don’t want to let go of Alex so easily in front of Nicole.”
“Oh my! So, what are you going to do after this?”
Once again, Aurora smiled. Instead of answering Velia’s question, she focused again on the work she was completing. If scrutinized, Aurora seemed reluctant to share or delve further into issues related to her marriage, especially the intimate problems between her and Alex at the moment.
“Enough already. Don’t keep discussing it. Aren’t you tired of talking about the same thing every day?”
Velia shook her head.
“I won’t get tired until you realize that the decision you made is truly a waste of time. But seriously, Nicole, let me ask you, if Alex is given a second chance, and then he cheats again, do you have no intention of forgiving him and giving him another chance?”
Aurora shrugged. Before giving a definite answer, her room’s door was knocked. After that, Aurora found Rayyen’s figure, who suddenly visited and stopped by to check on her.
“I’ll leave now,” Velia said before leaving Aurora’s room. “Later, in the afternoon, I’ll come by again.”
Aurora nodded. After Velia left, she welcomed Rayyen to sit in the living room, then followed suit.
“It’s rare for you to come here. What’s the occasion?” Rayyen smiled. In a relaxed and comfortable position, he started the conversation.
Earlier, I had some business, and at the same time, I had lunch with Asher. Since he had to rush to the operating room, I decided to stop by here. How about you? Are you doing well, healthy?”
Aurora nodded. If carefully observed, her condition now was indeed much better than before.
“So far, so good.”
“Thank goodness. And how’s Alex? Safe?” Rayyen asked, smiling. There was a deep meaning behind the smile he wore at the moment.
Knowing the behavior of his cousin-in-law, Rayyen had been worried. Especially after the affair happened, Aurora still forgave and gave a second chance.
“Alex? So far, so safe.”
“No troublesome behavior to anticipate, right?”
Aurora shook her head.
“His behavior has always been good, Ray. So, whether in the past or now, Alex’s actions haven’t changed. But, I believe he’s not up to anything like before.”
“Thank goodness for that. I hope there won’t be any more drama after this. Besides, if I were Alex, I wouldn’t waste the chance you’ve given. Just imagine, being betrayed like that, but still forgiven and given another chance.”
Aurora sighed, then smiled. Something was implied on her face.
“Making that decision isn’t easy, Ray. Just so you know, I’m trying to hold on because I don’t want a divorce. If I follow my heart, there’s no point in maintaining a marriage that is obviously flawed.”
“So, on what basis are you holding on? Sorry if I’m being bold. You’re independent. Moreover, what Alex has is mostly from your father. If you want, you could take it all without leaving a trace.”
Aurora nodded. Following evil desires or perhaps seeking revenge wouldn’t be difficult for Aurora. After all, as Rayyen rightly pointed out, what Alex currently possesses is largely due to her father’s contributions.
“I just don’t want to make Mom and Dad sad, Ray. I also don’t want to see them disappointed in their daughter failing to build a family. Besides, if I divorce, Nicole will be delighted. It’s like she wins because she successfully destroys the family I’ve worked hard to build.”
Rayyen unconsciously laughed. Not to mock Aurora’s logical explanation, but more of finding it amusing to see Aurora’s expression when mentioning Nicole.
From the looks of it, Aurora, who is patient and has even made peace with the situation, still feels annoyed when mentioning or talking about the woman who has disrupted her marriage.
“With the sincerest wish from the bottom of my heart, I hope your marriage this time will be better than before. Hopefully, there won’t be any more sharp pebbles disturbing it. If there are problems in the future and you need help, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. I’ll always be ready to help.”