Adaline lifted her head upon hearing her name called. A beautiful woman with long, flowing hair waved at her with a wide smile. It couldn't be said that she wasn't surprised to see her there. It was Joanna, her friend, who somehow looked even more stunning, especially since they hadn't seen each other for quite some time.
"How have you been?" Adaline approached, and they hugged each other, releasing the longing.
"As you can see, I always look as beautiful as ever," Joanna replied with her usual proud tone. "How about you? I really have to apologize for disappearing like that."
Adaline remembered the moment when Joanna instructed her to return the money she borrowed from Altezza. Her friend even willingly covered the losses Adaline had incurred. Or to put it more accurately, she was willing to cover all the costs of her mother's surgery. But Adaline hadn't had the chance to mention the continuation of the debt between her and Altezza because Joanna had already left due to a sudden job she accepted. And as usual, if there was a job, it would be difficult to reach her as her manager always kept her away from all her gadgets.
"Everything's fine. No problem," Adaline replied honestly.
"Is that one of the reasons why you got married? Did he threaten you until you agreed to marry him?" Joanna asked eagerly.
Adaline shook her head in response to Joanna's barrage of questions.
"I'm really sorry, my manager didn't allow me to use any communication devices. I was even quite surprised when I found out you were married to him. You're not lying to me, are you? Everything's really okay, right? He's a good husband, right? He never mistreats you?" Joanna asked with concern.
Adaline gently rubbed her friend's arm. "Don't worry, Joe. Everything you're afraid of never happened. Altezza is a good person, a good man, a good and caring husband. His family is also very kind."
"I truly feel accepted in that family, even though they know my true status," Adaline answered honestly.
Joanna observed Adaline closely. The girl never lied, so if her facial expression seemed a bit strange, Joanna would know if she was being deceived. And now, she only saw sincerity in Adaline's face.
"Alright, I believe you. I'm grateful for that. But if you ever need my help, don't hide anything from me. Promise?" she requested, and Adaline nodded in agreement.
"So, how's your film project going? Is everything going smoothly?"
Joanna nodded enthusiastically. And she flowed with the story of the film production process from beginning to end.
"This isn't my first project being paired with Jovanka. But it's our first project together in one film. And she's truly everything I imagined all this time. She even helped me a lot. If only I were a man, I'd surely fall in love with her," Joanna praised repeatedly.
Jovanka, why has that name been popping up so frequently lately? Why does Adaline's heart feel disturbed by that name?
"I also saw articles on the internet. Everyone even predicts that the film you're working on will be successful in the market."
"Of course, it's not without hard work. But for Jovanka herself, the shooting process isn't finished yet. I still have to go back for the editing process. And yes, there's still the promotional process from city to city. Although I'm not the main character, my presence there is said to be quite necessary."
"And does that mean you won't be staying here for long?" Joanna nodded, her face looking downcast.
"Not too short, but not too long either, just a few days. After that, I'll return to the shooting location. Actually, I miss your mom. Can I ask your mom to cook my favorite spicy squid?"
"Just ask, I'm sure Mom will be happy to make it for you. And later, I'll introduce you to Altezza. You should have met before we got married," Adaline replied, met with enthusiastic nods from Joanna.
That evening, as planned by the two friends, they gathered at Adaline's mother's house. Altezza mentioned that he would arrive late, but luckily, he came just before dinner was served.
Joanna, who initially had a skeptical attitude towards Altezza, eventually softened. Altezza's open demeanor and mischievous character made him easily likable by everyone, including Joanna. She no longer harbored suspicions about their relationship.
Joanna and Altezza were sitting together on the terrace while Adaline prepared drinks for them. Joanna tried to start a conversation.
"Sorry for not being present at your wedding. Not because I was pretending to be busy, but because I really didn't know," Joanna said with a regretful expression.
"Sorry also for only getting to know my wife's friend now," Altezza replied warmly.
Altezza considered Joanna to be a good friend, much like Tessa. However, he also noticed that Joanna was a more assertive figure than Tessa. He could see the immense love the girl had for his wife. From her body language, Altezza could ascertain that she would stand at the forefront to defend Adaline if she ever faced any problems. And upon reflection, it was likely Joanna who suggested Adaline return the borrowed money she used for her mother's surgery.
"Please take care of Adaline," she pleaded softly. "I've known her for quite some time. Even though it could be said that you're the one who knows her more intimately now. But before your presence, I was the one by her side. Not in the sense that I want to be praised for my affection towards her. But I love her as a younger sister that I've never had."
"Adaline is a gentle-hearted person. She's a very caring woman. Although she appears patient, she's not actually a patient person. And although she seems strong, she's actually a fragile girl. Her confidence is eroded because of her constantly highlighted status. I think you know what I mean. Adaline mentioned that you already know the truth about her," Joanna explained.
Altezza nodded. If Joanna was referring to Adaline's status as an adopted child, then yes, Altezza was already aware of it.