Later that evening, they sat in the family room. Her mother-in-law turned on the TV, which was airing a talk show. What surprised Adaline was the guest who filled the show. Yes, the guest was none other than Jovanka Lawrence, the woman Adaline had begun to influence her thoughts without even realizing.
"So, can you tell us a little about the content of this film? What makes this film worth watching?" asked the host. The four main stars of the film being discussed looked at each other as if asking who would speak first before the main actor spoke up and answered the presenter's question. The film starring Jovanka was about a man's struggle to win the heart of his beloved woman who went abroad due to a misunderstanding. It was somewhat similar to the love story of Jovanka and Altezza, but with reversed roles. Adaline was tied up in her silence.
"It's quite interesting, the story," commented the host. "But regarding the love story. If I may ask, how about your love life in real life? Especially Jovanka. Honestly, I salute you because so far I've never heard about your love story. Do you not have a love story or are you and your agency just really good at hiding it?"
In her silence, Adaline noticed how Jovanka blushed.
"Not being heard doesn't mean it doesn't exist," replied one of her co-stars, making Jovanka seem embarrassed to the point where she unintentionally hit her co-star's thigh. "Jovanka is indeed good at keeping secrets. Her romantic relationships have never been sniffed out. Even though..."
"Yet there is, but deliberately hidden, right?" the presenter asked again.
"Not deliberately hidden, it's just that it's not time yet to be revealed to the public," Jovanka replied, looking a bit embarrassed.
"Hmmm, so there is indeed," the presenter nodded meaningfully. "In that case, give us a clue about your lover, the man who has captured your attention. After all, your fans are numerous, especially the male fans. Surely some of them are hoping to have you. Don't make them hope while they clearly don't stand a chance," said the presenter, making Jovanka smile sheepishly. "Tell us who the lucky man is. What does he do or where is he from?"
"Mmm... I'm embarrassed to say this, but I shouldn't let others hope in vain for me, right?" she asked shyly, answered by a nod from the presenter. "My boyfriend, he's a young entrepreneur, handsome, and he's in the field of architecture," she said with details that made people exclaim simultaneously.
"Who is he?" the presenter asked curiously.
"Later," Jovanka said with her cheerful smile. "When the time comes, I'll definitely tell you," she promised.
"Alright, alright, I won't push it. So, you gentlemen, you've heard that your beloved woman already has a boyfriend," the presenter said, eliciting cheers from the audience in the studio. "Promise me, when you're ready to announce your news to the public, I must be the first to broadcast it," the presenter demanded of Jovanka, who responded with a nod.
A scoff from Delila made Adaline turn. The middle-aged woman looked smugly at the television in front of them.
"What do you think of that person's personality?" she asked, tilting her chin towards the television. "Her, the woman named Jovanka." She repeated as Adaline looked at her with a puzzled gaze. "Do you like her? I, for one, don't like her," Delila answered her own question.
"Do you know her?" Adaline asked innocently. As far as she knew, Altezza had said that his parents themselves didn't know about his marriage to Jovanka.
"Not intensely. But I know who she is. Don't you also know her?" Adaline remained silent, unsure of how to respond because she feared her thoughts might differ from what her mother-in-law meant.
Delila reached for Adaline's hand and squeezed it gently.
"Don't think just because I often stay at home, I don't know what's happening out there. I may not be a smart person. I'm not a graduate of prestigious universities like my husband and Altezza. But I am a mother. I know what's happening to my children. I know what's happening to all of you," Mrs. Delila said.
Adaline couldn't help but look up and gaze at her mother-in-law intently. "Mom..."
"You know that I love you, right?" she asked softly, and Adaline nodded. "And it's not just words, Adaline. I love you as much as I love Altezza. To me, you're not just a daughter-in-law. But also my daughter.
"That's why I don't want you to get hurt. Especially if you get hurt because of my son, Altezza. If there are problems in your marriage. And if indeed the fault lies with Altezza, you should know that I won't defend him at all.
"So, if there are problems, tell me everything. Don't keep it to yourself. If you don't want to talk to Altezza or your mother, you can talk to me about everything. Especially if it's related to Altezza," Mrs. Delila said again.
Once again, Adaline nodded. A sense of emotion enveloped her heart. Tears slowly fell down her cheeks. Gratitude overwhelmed her for having a mother-in-law like hers. She didn't want to lose that affection.
"Is there something you're hiding from me?" the middle-aged woman asked. "You know, I even know all the secrets between you two," she added. Adaline looked up and stared at her mother-in-law with confusion.
"Do you think I don't know the reason why Altezza suddenly introduced you as his fiancée to us? I know everything, dear. So please, don't bury all your problems alone. I'm here to help you. Whatever your problem is."
Adaline collapsed into her mother-in-law's embrace, releasing all the tears she had been holding back, all the pain she had been containing.
"Mamma..." she sobbed. Delila Quirino gently stroked her daughter-in-law's back, crying together in their silence.
"I feel like a failed mother because I couldn't raise my son properly. I feel sinful for exploiting you and your mother.
"But honestly, I don't regret Altezza's actions towards you. Because truthfully, I am very happy that he married you and made you my daughter.
"All I can do is pray, no matter how your relationship began, may you end up happy," Mrs. Delila said.
Adaline simply nodded silently.
"That woman will continue to disturb your marriage," Delila warned again. Adaline wiped her tears amidst her nods. "I hope you won't give up on Altezza. I will help as much as I can to keep you together. You must remember that. Okay?"
"Yes, Mamma. I will always remember that."
"Do you love Altezza?" her mother-in-law suddenly asked. Adaline was surprised. She could only bite her lower lip. "I know Altezza has fallen for you now. He just hasn't realized it yet.
"Therefore, I will make him realize that the woman he loves now is you, not that woman. Altezza and his father are the same. Both need to be scolded first to realize," Mrs. Delila said with a smirk. Adaline just smiled at her mother-in-law's childishness.