Unpredictable Betrayal : A Sweet of Revenge

“Nothing special. No need to be so nervous.”

After finishing getting ready and ensuring his appearance was 100% perfect, Alden paced back and forth in the hotel room. He anxiously awaited his turn to be called out by the Wedding Organizer.

Zendaya was getting dizzy with her son’s antics, all in an effort to drive away the nerves that were creeping in.

After what seemed like an eternity of waiting, the happy day finally arrived. Alden and Aurora were hosting their lavish wedding party at the Ritz Carlton hotel, and it was certain that there would be many guests in attendance.

Even though Aurora had been married before, Alden didn’t care. He wanted to make her the only queen today.

“How can I not be nervous, Ma? I’m afraid I might say something wrong. I’m even breaking out in a cold sweat.”

Zendaya laughed. Upon closer inspection, her son did seem a little pale.

“Oh, the nerves will pass in a moment. Once it’s official, everything will be fine, and the burden will be lifted.”

“I hope so. But, Alden’s makeup won’t smudge, right? How’s the powder? Is it fading? I’m worried it might look bad. That wouldn’t be funny.”

Zendaya shook her head. Upon careful examination, Alden’s appearance was perfectly fine.

“No, it’s all good. Besides, even if it smudges a little, it won’t matter. After all, Mama’s boy is naturally handsome, isn’t he? In fact, he’s very handsome. That’s why he’s often the envy of women.”

Alden chuckled and then laughed. His mother always managed to joke around to distract him from being too nervous.

“Alden…” Zendaya called out. She rose from her seat, then approached her son who was sitting on the edge of the bed. She got closer, then sat down beside him.

“Yes, Ma? What is it?”

Zendaya smiled first. Then, she took Alden’s wrist and squeezed it gently. There was something she had been wanting to say for a while now.

“In a few minutes, you’ll be Aurora’s husband. After that, you’ll have a new family. Umi hopes that you can be a good husband, leader, and friend to Aurora. Remember! The woman you’re marrying is a cherished daughter to her parents. She should be protected and her wishes respected. So, Mama hopes you can treat your wife as her parents would want her to be treated.”

Alden nodded. He knew exactly what he needed to do as a husband. And because he had loved Aurora from the start, Alden was determined to continue making her happy in their life together.

“Don’t worry, Mama. As long as Alden breathes, he’ll make sure Aurora is happy inside and out. Alden won’t let Aurora be sad.”

Zendaya didn’t doubt her son’s words for a moment. She knew Alden never broke his promises.

“Mama believes you. Mama prays for your marriage to be happy. Free from troubles. Blessed by God.”

“Thank you so much for your prayers, Ma.”

Alden then hugged her. Feeling sad because he would soon leave his mother and start his own family.

“If Alden has been wrong in many ways, Alden apologizes. Umi, don’t worry. Even though Alden is married now, Alden will always be there for Mama whenever Mama needs him.”

“Don’t worry,” Zendaya replied after releasing the hug. “The most important thing is to prioritize your wife. Because from now on, she’ll be entirely your responsibility. As for Mama, it’s easy. Mama is used to taking care of everything herself. So, Alden doesn’t need to worry or be concerned.”

Then they hugged each other again. Enjoying the last moments before Alden was called and asked to get ready to go to the ballroom, where the wedding ceremony would take place.

Accompanied by Zendaya, Alden walked proudly towards the venue. He was asked to sit down, and then he began all the ceremonial proceedings until he was officially declared a husband.

“Yes!”

The joyous celebration Alden displayed immediately caught the attention of the gathered family. Everyone laughed and shared in the happiness that Alden showed.

Afterward, with nervous anticipation, Alden awaited Aurora’s arrival, who had been waiting elsewhere. Moments later, she was escorted in and seated beside Alden.

“Aurora…” Alden whispered almost inaudibly. “Seriously, you look so beautiful.”

For a moment, Alden was mesmerized. For three days, he was told not to see her, and today he found Aurora looking so stunning. Yes, Aurora was inherently beautiful. Everyone acknowledged that. But today, her aura was different. Alden believed Aurora’s beauty had increased even more after officially becoming his wife.

Alden shed tears of joy when Aurora kissed the back of his hand for the first time. A sense of relief and immense happiness enveloped Alden’s heart.

He admitted, it wasn’t difficult to win Aurora and make her his life partner. There were many obstacles Alden had to overcome. There were hundreds of days he had to wait. And now? The sweetness of his patience and waiting were rewarded handsomely. Truly, Alden was happy with the scenario that God had arranged for his life.

Now, Alden’s only task was one. To make Aurora happy until death do them part.

***

“Welcome to the Harperwood family, Alden.”

Asher approached Alden and Aurora at the wedding stage. He congratulated the newlyweds on their recent marriage.

“I’m entrusting Aurora to you. Please take care of her and don’t forget to feed her. She eats a lot.”

Aurora frowned. This was supposed to be her happy day. But why was Asher spreading rumors like this?

“That’s not true. Don’t just say things randomly.”

“Well, isn’t it true? Haven’t you always liked eating?”

“Well, I do like eating, Ash. But that doesn’t mean I eat a lot.”

“It’s the same thing,” Asher debated, not wanting to lose. Meanwhile, Alden just laughed. He was used to seeing Asher and Aurora argue like this.

“Don’t worry,” Alden intervened. “I’ll make sure Aurora won’t go hungry or lack anything.”

Asher nodded happily. He was confident that Alden would take good care of Aurora. So, before leaving, he put on a serious face.

“I hope you can take care of Aurora well. Please, if anything bad happens in your marriage, don’t betray her. If you feel like there’s no compatibility, return her safely to our family.”

Alden nodded. He listened carefully to Asher’s request.

“Yes, Ash. I assure you that won’t happen.”

There were many unforgettable moments that happened today. Starting from the surprise birthday prepared by Aurora’s cousins, then continued with unusual gifts from close relatives and some business associates.

“I was actually puzzled about what to give. After some thought, I decided to give a honeymoon ticket to Switzerland this year.”

Rayyen also contributed by giving a birthday and wedding gift. He was also happy because Aurora could finally feel happiness again.

“Thank you so much, Ray. I’m really grateful for all your help.”

Rayyen nodded. Then, it was Azzam’s turn to approach.

“Since Rayyen has already given a honeymoon ticket to Switzerland, Alissa and I will give you a holiday ticket to Japan instead. May you always be happy, Aurora.”

Asher, who was there, intentionally took the last turn. After all his cousins had finished, he approached.

“Since Aurora has already received two vacation tickets and considering I’m wealthy, then for this birthday present, I can only give you this.”

Asher then took something out of his pocket. He handed it to Aurora.

“A key?” she asked to confirm.

“Yes. I’m giving you a car. But please, never drive alone. If possible, use a chauffeur or drive with Alden to be safe.”

Alden laughed. He himself had prepared a special gift for his wife. So, after the event was over and they were in their hotel room, Alden immediately approached her. He handed her a gift box that had been prepared to be given soon.

“For you. I hope you like the gift.”

Aurora smiled. She pulled the red ribbon around the box. As it opened, Aurora found something very familiar.

“A key?” Aurora asked to make sure.

“Yes. It’s the house key. Actually, I’ve prepared this for a long time and intended to give it to you after we officially got married.”

Aurora laughed happily.

“You’ve prepared it for a long time?”

“Yes,” Alden nodded.

“So confident about marrying me.”

Alden laughed now.

“I had to be confident. I prayed every day to God that my prayers for being matched and living together with you could be granted. And in the end, what happened? They came true, right?”

Aurora nodded happily. She never thought Alden had prepared this much. Even, with his confidence, he predicted that they would eventually be matched.

“Thank you. You always leave me speechless. I wonder where you learned this act of service modeling.”

Then without hesitation, Aurora gave him a hug. And this immediately surprised Alden for a moment. Also, this was the first time they hugged tightly without feeling awkward or afraid.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

“Don’t you want a kiss?” Alden teased when Aurora released her hug. Who knows, he might get more.

“Let alone a kiss, you can ask for more if you want.”

Alden smiled. He made a big mistake because Aurora just challenged him.

“Sure you can ask for more? Alright then,” he said, pulling the corner of his lips.

“Alright what?” Aurora pretended innocence. Although she knew exactly what Alden meant.

“Alright, have your fun now.”

Aurora burst into laughter. Did she need to grant her husband’s request just now?