Unpredictable Betrayal : A Sweet of Revenge

Aurora was completely surprised when she found Zendaya suddenly visiting that evening. After all, it was the first time the woman had set foot in Aurora’s residence.

In the past, although close and familiar with Zendaya, it was always Aurora who visited or picked her up first. Despite often accompanying her home, Zendaya never once stopped by herself.

And now, finding the middle-aged woman bothering to come over herself for a visit, Aurora believed there must be something important she wanted to convey directly.

“Can Auntie come in? There’s something Auntie wants to discuss with you.”

This sentence further unsettled Aurora’s feelings. The negative thoughts that had previously vanished now came rushing back.

“S-sure, Auntie. Please come in.”

Aurora led Zendaya into her home. She was invited to sit down immediately, while Aurora went to the back briefly, asking the household assistant to prepare drinks and some cakes.

“Don’t bother, Aurora,” Zendaya interjected as Aurora returned to the living room. “I won’t stay long.”

Aurora hurriedly sat down, preparing to listen to what Zendaya wanted to say.

“It’s no trouble. Auntie Zendaya rarely visits here anyway. So, why not let Aurora play host.”

Shortly after, Aurora’s household assistant arrived with a tray of drinks and some cakes. They were served promptly, and guests were invited to try them.

“Thank you.”

“Don’t hesitate. Please have a drink first.”

“How are you doing? Are you well?”

While sipping the warm tea in her cup, Zendaya slowly started the conversation. It seemed like small talk before getting to the main topic.

“So far, Aurora is doing fine.”

“Thank God,” Zendaya replied with a smile. “Auntie has just recovered from a cough and cold. Lately, the weather hasn’t been very good.”

Aurora nodded in agreement. It was true about the weather lately. The transitional seasons recently made many people susceptible to illnesses.

“Same here. Many people in the hospital have also been affected by respiratory infections. Anyway, just drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and keep our throats from drying out.”

Zendaya nodded.

“Yeah. That’s why Auntie also has plenty of vitamins at home.”

Then, Zendaya set down the cup she had been holding and slowly raised her face again. Seconds later, she fixed a deep gaze at Aurora, asking something again.

“How’s your relationship with Alden? Is everything okay?”

Aurora nodded immediately. Despite being hit by storms and harassed by unimportant people, Aurora admitted her relationship with Alden was still fine.

She admitted she had been angry and misunderstood about the arranged marriage yesterday. Not to mention Zendaya asking Alden and her to take a break from their relationship. But after a long explanation, she understood Alden’s situation.

“So far, Aurora and Alden are fine, Auntie.”

Zendaya nodded. They remained silent for a moment, with Zendaya observing Aurora sitting right in front of her. Whether she was formulating the best words. But this actually made Aurora feel even more anxious.

“Actually…” Zendaya continued softly. “There’s something Auntie needs to tell you, Aurora. And Auntie is 100% sure Alden must have already told you about the issue and Auntie’s request for both of you to keep your distance or take a break from your relationship for a while.”

Aurora nodded. She didn’t deny what Zendaya said.

“Yeah, Alden already told me.”

“So, what’s your response to that request? Is it wrong after the turmoil that happened, Auntie asked Alden to take a break from your relationship for a while?”

This time Aurora fell silent. Honestly, she wasn’t prepared to be bombarded with sensitive questions like this.

“Aurora….”

“Yes?” Zendaya pursued. “How?”

“To be honest, Aurora felt sad at first. Aurora didn’t want turmoil or complicated issues like this to happen. Besides, Aurora is also aware of her status as a widow. But, after thinking about it again, just because she carries the status of a widow, does that mean Aurora can’t be happy?”

Zendaya shook her head.

“You deserve to be happy, Aurora. And it’s important to underline, Auntie never questioned your widow status. Besides, you must know what led Auntie to ask Alden to keep his distance, right?”

“Yeah, Aurora knows. Alden has told me about the slander spread by Auntie Savana that has caused Mom trouble. My God, Aurora apologizes for the uproar that has occurred. But, Aurora and Alden agree to resolve this issue immediately. Aurora hopes Auntie will be patient, just for a moment. We are both dealing with this issue seriously.”

Zendaya sighed deeply. There were many difficult things for her to convey. Considering Aurora and her son seemed firm in their determination to persevere.

“Alden also mentioned the same thing about his desire to clear your name and hold Savana accountable for her actions. However, there are a few things that have happened to Auntie that Alden and you have no idea about.”

Aurora was startled by Zendaya’s confession.

“What do you mean, Auntie?”

“There have been many malicious words spread by Savana in several groups and at every meeting. She believes that you are having difficulty conceiving. She’s saying Alden is one of the reasons for your divorce and your son’s separation. Not to mention your habits of partying and squandering money, leaving behind a lot of debt. Most hurtful of all, Savana accuses me of deliberately offering Alden to be your companion because she’s lured by the lucrative family business your family holds. Truly, Aurora. Auntie is very saddened and disturbed.”Content rights by NôvelDr//ama.Org.

Aurora could hear how soft Zendaya’s voice sounded. Laden with sadness and so much hurt. Perhaps heartache from baseless accusations made by Savana.

“Just imagine. Mom worked hard to reach her current position. But, she’s casually accused of all sorts of things.”

“Aurora apologizes, Auntie. Aurora promises to resolve this issue.”

Zendaya shook her head.

“It’s not just that. What’s even more painful is that some of them have canceled partnerships because they think Auntie really deliberately offered her own son for business interests. This is seen as unprofessional.” Zendaya took a breath, trying to suppress the emotions that might be building up in her chest. “Moreover…” she continued. “They assume that Auntie is deliberately turning a blind eye to what Alden is doing. Moreover, until now, you’re still in contact and even seem more intimate outside. This strengthens their assumption that Mom is deliberately negligent because she wants to profit.”

Aurora’s chest felt painful. She didn’t know that the slander spread by Savana would have such long-term effects.

“So, what should Aurora do, Auntie?”

Truly, Aurora didn’t know what to do. On one hand, she also couldn’t bear to see Zendaya struggling like this.

“Because Auntie has asked Alden, but he doesn’t want to respond at all, now it’s Auntie’s turn to ask for your help.”

Aurora blinked. She listened carefully to Zendaya’s words.

“Ask for help? What does Auntie want to ask for help with?”

Zendaya seemed to take a deep breath. As if ready, she slowly informed.

“Auntie is asking for Aurora to stay away from Alden for a while.”

Aurora froze. She never expected Zendaya to ask for something unexpected. Avoiding Alden temporarily meant not being in contact with him anymore? Why did things get more complicated like this?

“Auntie knows this isn’t easy,” Zendaya added. “But, please also consider Alden’s reputation. Because of this issue, he’s labeled as a materialistic man. Whereas, Auntie worked tirelessly, day and night, to make Alden a man who should have a respected name. Just because of vicious slander, his reputation has been tarnished.”

“But, Auntie…” Aurora tried to provide an argument. If possible, she wanted to resolve this issue without hurting anyone’s feelings. “Aurora and Alden are working to resolve this and clear our names. That’s why, Aurora —”

“Auntie knows,” Zendaya cut in hastily. “You must resolve this issue. But, Auntie requests that you not have any contact until this issue is resolved. Let the rumors outside subside and disappear first.”

Aurora was at a loss for words. Moreover, Zendaya’s words just now sounded more like an order that couldn’t be disobeyed.

For a few days, there had been a nagging feeling. Eventually, today proved that her relationship with Alden was threatened to end at an indefinite time.

“Aurora…” Zendaya called gently as Aurora fell silent. Rising from her seat, unexpectedly the middle-aged woman knelt in front of Aurora.

“Auntie Zendaya… What are you doing?”

Aurora was extremely surprised. She asked Zendaya to immediately get up and return to her seat. “Why are you kneeling, Auntie?”

“I just want to ask for your help, just this once. Please stay away from Alden for a while. Auntie is sad to hear that he’s out there being accused of all sorts of things because of his relationship with you. If you really love and care for him, please consider this carefully.”

Pressed in such a way, Aurora finally nodded. Moreover, she had no choice but to obey.

“Fine…” Aurora nodded to Zendaya. “Starting today, Aurora will try to keep her distance from Alden.”