Unpredictable Betrayal : A Sweet of Revenge

“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 certain that many doctors and nurses would participate in making the celebration lively. Moreover, this celebration was only held once a year.

“But, it’s Saturday. Isn’t your schedule off too?”

Aurora nodded and then smiled. Understanding seeing Velia continuously displaying an unwilling expression. Aurora knew, surely during the gathering later, her friend would feel bored because she wouldn’t have anyone to chat and sleep with.

“Well, I’m a doctor. I have to be on standby whenever duty calls. Whether I’m sleeping, shopping, or eating. I have to be ready anytime.”

Velia couldn’t deny that. Doctors indeed were sworn to be ready to assist patients whenever needed.

“But doctors are human too, right? They need refreshing and a break from work for a moment.”

Aurora nodded again. There were times when tiredness arose and time was needed for a short break. However, once again, because of work demands, Aurora couldn’t just let go.

“Yeah. But, this patient is an emergency, Velia. Their condition is unstable. So, I have to make sure that they can get through the critical post-operative period.”

“Then, if your patient’s condition starts to normalize later, will you join us?”

The brown-eyed woman shook her head. She didn’t want to take the risk of going far away. Afraid that she might be needed suddenly and wouldn’t be able to handle it. Moreover, even if there was time, she believed Asher wouldn’t allow her to go alone to catch up.

“I can’t. You go on your own. There are other friends there, right?”

“It’s such a shame,” Velia murmured regretfully. It was evident that something was missing because Aurora was genuinely believed not to participate in this event. “Does that mean Dr. Alden will be there alone without you?”

“What can I do?”

Aurora was also reluctant. Truly, if asked what she wanted, she wanted Alden to stay and accompany her at the hospital.

However, Aurora realized that such an act would seem selfish. She knew that Alden also needed time to refresh or just have some fun by participating in activities with other doctor friends.

“But, does Dr. Alden already know that you’re not joining?”

Aurora shook her head. She hadn’t had the chance to inform Alden yet. She planned to tell the man directly when they met at the hospital.

“Not yet. If I meet him, then I’ll tell him. I’ve been busy dealing with this patient since this morning.”

“Do you want to switch shifts? So, I can handle your patient. Or… I could cancel my participation in the gathering so I can accompany you here?”

Velia offered. Perhaps with her presence, Aurora could be helped and not feel bored. Because almost all the doctors who usually accompanied Aurora were participating in the gathering event today.

“No need, Velia. I’m fine. Even if you take over my schedule today, it still won’t work. From the beginning, I’ve been the one handling this patient.”

Velia’s hope was dashed. If it’s like this, how could she force it?

And just before returning to the NICU PICU room, Aurora indeed bumped into Alden who had just come out of the elevator. The man looked surprised. Intentionally approaching, perhaps realizing that Aurora was wearing her duty clothes. Unlike other doctors who would attend the gathering today, they wore casual clothes.

“Where are you going?”

Alden looked curious. Making sure where Aurora would go.

“I’m going to the NICU room. There’s an emergency patient that I have to monitor until noon.”

Alden was shocked. He confirmed what he had just heard.

“Does that mean you’re not joining the gathering today?”

Aurora shook her head.

“Sorry, it seems not. I can’t leave this patient. Are you okay if I don’t join?”

Alden nodded. The man smiled understandingly. What else could he do, it was already a work demand. Like it or not, Aurora had to be responsible for the task given to her.

“Well, it’s okay. Maybe some other time we can go somewhere together. So, I’ll be the one attending the Gathering, are you okay with being left behind?”

Like a young couple, Alden seemed to be asking for permission. Making sure Aurora didn’t mind if he participated in the event held by their workplace.

“Yeah, of course.”

“Sure?”

Aurora nodded repeatedly.

“Absolutely sure. Why do you ask?”

“Who knows, maybe you’ll end up feeling lonely and missing me.”

Alden teased, causing Aurora to blush.

“Hahahaaha, you’re quite confident.”

“Just kidding. If it’s not okay, I’ll cancel. So I can accompany you at the hospital.”

Once again, Aurora smiled shyly. Though she was sincerely okay if Alden canceled his plans, she felt embarrassed to admit it.

“Alright, get ready. They’ll be leaving soon, right?”

Alden acknowledged that. Before he left, he asked for permission again.Please check at N/ôvel(D)rama.Org.

“I’m off then. I’ll let you know once I arrive. You also take care at the hospital. Make sure to go home with the driver.”

“Yeah,” Aurora replied softly. “You also be careful on the road.”

Like a scene from a romantic movie, Aurora bid farewell to Alden. But before anything else could happen, Regina appeared again, disrupting the moment. She suddenly arrived, approaching Alden while pulling her suitcase.

“Doctor Alden, let’s head to the front. Everyone else is already gathering.”

Alden nodded and prepared to leave. Then, Regina casually asked Aurora.

“Doctor Aurora isn’t coming along?”

Aurora shook her head briefly.

“No. I’m on duty today.”

“Ah, it’s a shame you can’t join. It’s going to be a lively event there.”

Aurora just smiled this time. Somehow she felt like Regina was deliberately taunting her.

“It’s okay. I can join next year’s event.”

“Alright then. Alden and I will go ahead.”

Ensuring all the doctors had left, Aurora resumed her work. She spent quite a while in the NICU PICU room. Fortunately, the patient she was attending to was gradually improving. The critical phase had passed successfully.

“Doc, if you want to rest or go home, please do. We can take over here. Besides, the patient’s condition is stable now.”

One of the nurses offered, ensuring Aurora had fulfilled her duties well, they allowed her to rest.

“Let me check and wait a little longer. If by two in the afternoon the status remains stable, I’ll hand over this patient to you for further care.”

While waiting, Aurora occasionally checked her phone, hoping to receive news from Alden about whether he had arrived at his destination or not. But so far, she hadn’t received any messages or calls. She began to worry, fearing that something might have happened to him. Especially since her last message had gone unanswered.

At exactly two o’clock, and ensuring that the patient she was handling could be left, Aurora decided to get ready to go home. Once again, she checked her phone, but still didn’t receive any response from Alden.

Aurora wasn’t angry. Instead of being upset, she was the one who sent another message.

Aurora: My work is done. The patient’s condition has stabilized. I’ll be heading home soon.

Aurora: How about you? Have you arrived at your destination?

Since she didn’t receive a reply, Aurora decided to go to the hospital lobby. She waited there for a moment, waiting for her private driver to pick her up.

“Aurora.”

Hearing her name called, Aurora reflexively turned to the source of the voice. At that moment, she was surprised to find the person she most wanted to see standing right in front of her.

“Alden… aren’t you supposed to be at the gathering?”