Adaline could only stare at the TV blankly. Eventually, what she tried to hide from her mother-in-law and aunt was exposed. Adaline and her mother-in-law had agreed to cover up the bad news that Jovanka was currently spreading. That's why ever since Adaline brought her mother-in-law and aunt to Delila's residence, they tried their best to keep both middle-aged women away from the television and engage them in various activities. Whether it was cooking, gardening, or just chatting. Turning on the TV was something they actively avoided.
However, this afternoon, Delila was careless. Violet turned on the television right when a program interviewing Jovanka was airing, and both women were transfixed by the contents of the interview. And during the commercial break, their eyes turned towards her.
"Is there...?" both her mother and aunt asked simultaneously. Adaline could only offer them her smile.
"It's all just slander, Ma, Aunty," she said reassuringly. "That woman used to be Altezza's girlfriend. But their relationship ended before we got married," she continued.
Both middle-aged women rose from their seats and approached Adaline, sandwiching her between them. Simultaneously, they gently stroked Adaline's hair and back. Meanwhile, their free hands tightly clasped Adaline's.
"I don't want you to worry. That's why I asked Mom and Aunt to stay here. So you wouldn't be bothered by the unclear gossip from the outside," Adaline said. "You believe me, right?" she asked, both of them nodding in response.
"But you're okay, right?" Violet asked worriedly.
"Mom and Aunt saw for themselves how Altezza treats me," they nodded again. "That's enough evidence for me to refute that woman's claims," she added, and they nodded once more.
"I just don't want you to get hurt, Darling. If there's anything, I beg you to tell me, okay?" her mother requested, and Adaline nodded in agreement.
"Don't worry. Everything will be fine. You trust me, right?"
"Yes, Darling. I trust you completely. Whatever decision you make, as long as it's right, I'll stand by it. But remember, don't hurt yourself, okay?"
"Sure, Mom. I have to think about the babies in my womb. I can't make decisions that would harm myself recklessly."
Violet hugged her daughter tightly. "You've always been like this, solving everything on your own. Sometimes I feel like as a mother, I haven't fully been a mother. I'm afraid you might not see me as one anymore."
"Mom, don't talk like that. You've always been Adaline's mother. Even though I wasn't born from your womb. But it's your hands that have taken care of me, nurtured me, fed me all this time. Your love that has helped me grow this far. If I've become independent, blame it on Dad," Adaline teased.
"Why do you have to bring up your late father?" her mother asked, puzzled.
"Have you forgotten the advice Dad gave me?" she asked, pouting. "Dad always said, 'Handle everything you can handle on your own. But if you feel incapable, the choice is to either stop or ask for help.' That's why I try my best before giving up."
Violet nodded. "That's why I didn't like your father. I wanted my child to pamper me. So I would have plenty of time to spoil myself."
"Oh, did you forget? What made Dad fall in love with you was your resilience and independence. That's why Dad wanted me to grow up like you," Adaline hugged her mother again. Unbeknownst to the woman who raised her, tears welled up in her eyes. Adaline wasn't her biological daughter, but her love for Adaline was no less than those women out there who could conceive and give birth to their own children.
"Am I not getting a hug?" Emma lightened the mood.
"Yes, my dearest Aunt. Come here, I'll hug you. Thank you for being my Aunt. For loving me and caring for my mother. I hope I haven't disappointed you. And I hope, in the future, I can become great women like you," Adaline hugged Emma and sincerely kissed her cheek. The three of them then laughed tearfully.
Delila Quirino, who observed their interaction, also felt moved. Unconsciously, her tears fell. She was proud of her daughter-in-law. Her gentleness, her affection, and her resilience. Adaline possessed all of that, and Altezza was truly fortunate to meet a woman like Adaline Scott. In her heart, Delila vowed that she would make her son kneel before Adaline. She wouldn't allow herself to lose a daughter-in-law like Adaline. Her only son might not find another figure like Adaline, who even though wounded, still tried to heal the wounds of others. Altezza had to realize it, whether through his own means or through Delila's.
Meanwhile, at Altezza's place...
Quirino Corp, the two-story architecture office owned by Altezza, lost its tranquility. Due to the news spread by Jovanka, now journalists were causing chaos down there. The residents around the housing area also complained to Altezza because of the disturbance.
Yes, Quirino Corp wasn't located in a tall building like Coskun or Kralligimiz. Quirino Corp stood in an elite residential area far from the hustle and bustle because that's the tranquility Altezza sought. And that tranquility had been elusive for him in recent times.
Altezza's office door was knocked, and his secretary appeared with a panicked face.
"S-Sir," the woman who had worked with him for the past five years stammered.
"Yes, what is it?" Altezza replied, annoyed.
"Downstairs, Jovanka Lawrence," the woman said, causing Altezza to tense up instantly. He looked at his secretary and then stood up.
"Now, what else does she want?" Altezza asked, irritated.
"The security team can't handle the journalists. And she said Jovanka Lawrence is at the forefront and keeps shouting your name even though she's been told not to. Should we contact the police?" she asked, confused.
Altezza shook his head. If the police were to come here, the situation would only escalate. He chose to go down and find out for himself what Jovanka really wanted.
"What else do you want, Joe?" Altezza asked coldly right in front of the woman.
Altezza had no intention of talking to the woman one-on-one. He needed witnesses more than falling into her trap again.
"Why are you doing all this to me?" The woman's voice sounded sad and loud. The voices that had been raised by the journalists suddenly disappeared, making the area silent.
"What do you mean?" Altezza asked, confused.
"Why don't you admit to everyone that I'm your wife? That you don't love that woman?"
"Jovanka! Are you out of your mind?" Altezza looked at her with disbelief.
"Yes! I am out of my mind! And it's all because of you! You told me you were going to leave her. But now you're leaving me instead! Why? Because that woman is pregnant? I'm also carrying your child!" Jovanka's loud shout was met with surprise from his employees and the journalists who intentionally brought recording devices closer to Jovanka.