Hate You but Love You

That morning, Mario looked very impatient to get to work. He even skipped breakfast and only drank a glass of milk so he could get to the office on time.

Not without reason Mario behaved like this. Like Aurora, he couldn't wait to meet his wife.

Last night, Tristan called. The man gave the news that Aurora insisted on returning to work as usual.

"Are you sure you're letting Aurora get straight to work?" asked Mario worried in his telephone connection.

"You know how stubborn your wife is, Mario. I've asked her to rest for a few days at home. But she flatly refused."

"Oh my god," Mario muttered anxiously. "In fact, it's better for him to rest until he really gets better."

Tristan was heard clucking. He was also really tired of persuading Aurora to do what he said.

"I'm sure he's actually impatient like this because he wants to meet and see you in person, Mario. I can see clearly that Aurora misses you a lot."

"I know, that. You think I don't miss him too?"

"Then what are you waiting for?" Tristan chuckled as if exasperated.

"Just a little more, Tristan. Please give me a little more time. When the time comes, I will definitely come to pick him up."

"That's it. You just arrange how good it is. The important thing is, don't overdo it. Feel sorry for your wife and your future baby too."

"Don't worry. Today, I'm going to pretend to be delivering files so I can see him."

Even though he couldn't greet each other, Mario could still be grateful because at least he could see Aurora's face in the office. Also, you can also make small talk asking your wife to talk when handing over files or discussing work matters.

At exactly 7.30, Mario drove his own car to the Exon building in the city center. While on the way, suddenly his cell phone rang. When he glanced at it, it turned out that there was a woman's name that he knew so well.

"Hello Caroline, what's wrong? How come you're calling so early? Is there something urgent you'd like to tell me?"

"Where are you, Mario? Yesterday afternoon I visited the office, but you weren't there."

Mario thought for a moment. Recalling where he was yesterday afternoon.

"Ah, yesterday afternoon I was out. What's wrong?"

"Of course I want to meet you."

"I told you before, for what purpose do you want to meet me?"

"Because I'm missing you."

Mario laughed out loud. He was sure that the woman who was talking to him was boasting or could also be deliberately teasing him.

"You're exaggerating. If you say sweet things like that, there must be something you want from me, right?"

There was a squeak from across there. Followed by a slightly pleading expression.

"Oh, come on. Today I'm going back to Germany, that's why before I go home, I want to see you for a bit. There's also something I want to give you."

"I see. Just meet me in person at the office. I'll be there in maybe 15 minutes."

"Well then, see you there. I'll head over to your office right now."

Ending the call, Mario continued his journey to arrive at the Exon building. Entering the courtyard of the building, from behind the wheel, he saw Tristan and Aurora who had just gotten out of the car and entered the building together towards the lobby.

Imperceptibly, Mario smiled. Glad to see his wife back healthy and active as before.

As soon as he got out of the car, Mario rushed to the 10th floor. He really wanted to rush into the room so that later he could immediately look for the work files that were scheduled to be checked and signed by Aurora.

Passing Aurora's room, Mario pretended to be indifferent. Deliberately looking straight ahead, even though he was sure that his wife was watching his movements from behind the curtains.

Arriving at the room, Mario quickly looked for some documents to hand over to Aurora afterwards. However, before he had time to leave, there was a knock on the room. When he turned around, he found Caroline's figure who had already arrived at the Exon building.

"Gosh, it turns out that you actually met me this early," said Mario then spread his arms, inviting the woman in front of him to hug.

"I told you, I do miss you, cousin."

Caroline then approached Mario. Hugging, then kissing both cheeks of the time man alternately. It was always like this when the two of them met each other.

From the beginning, Mario had considered his cousin as his own brother. This is also the case with Caroline, she loves and considers Mario more than her siblings.

However, behind the familiar attitude that the two of them did, unexpectedly from behind the door appeared the figure of another woman. A figure that looked curious and was immediately surprised when he saw Mario and a woman hugging.

"Mario, what are you doing?"

Hearing his name called, at that moment Mario turned around. Unraveling the hug, then trying to be very relaxed in response to Aurora's question.

"I'm sure you know what I'm doing," the man said, being deliberately formal. "Of course I'm hugging. What else is there, madam?"

Aurora took a deep breath as she continued to stare intently at Mario. In fact, this was not the answer she expected to come from her husband's lips.

"You accidentally hugged another woman in front of me?"

"Sorry, madam. It looks like this is just a misunderstanding," Caroline said to Aurora. He tried to clarify so that Aurora would not misunderstand what he did before. "Me and Mario actually----"

"There's no need to explain to Caroline that we're really close to each other right now," interrupted Mario. Then what he said immediately made Caroline stare in disbelief. He must have wondered why his cousin was talking carelessly. Even though the two of them are basically close as cousins, Mario's tone of voice makes people who hear must have the wrong perception.

"You really are too much, Mario," said Aurora with a look of disappointment on her face.

Mario, on the other hand, laughed bitterly. Once again, it was as if the man didn't care about Aurora's protest. He didn't care in the least what his wife had to say.

"Which is more outrageous, cuddling with other women or deliberately lying saying he was sleeping. But, in fact, he went to parties and had fun. In fact, he dared to kiss other men?"

Mario's words sounded very poignant. Of course the man was insinuating what Aurora had previously done to him. A big mistake that seems very difficult for Mario to forget or forgive.

"I realized at that time that I had made a big mistake, Mario. I've even repeatedly apologized. So, is it appropriate for you to repay me like now?"

Mario pulled the corners of his lips into a smile. Instead of responding, the man casually shooed Aurora out of the room.

"I apologize in advance, madam. I need to know, it seems it is none of your business for me to do whatever it is in this room. If you have nothing important to say or do, madam, I suggest you return to your room immediately."

Aurora wanted to scream. However, realizing his position in the office, he tried to hold back his emotions and finally chose to leave Mario's room with a very sick feeling.

"Jesus, Mario. What are you doing?" Caroline scolded.

"I just did what I was supposed to do," the man said casually.

"But she's your wife. Why did you even misunderstand her? Aren't you sorry? Her face even looks red. She must be very upset and angry. Or she can also think about the two of us," said Caroline. He would feel bad if Mario and Aurora even misunderstood after what he did before.

"No need to worry. I did that on purpose to teach him a lesson."

"Jesus," Caroline squeaked. "You think your wife is a child to be taught all kinds of lessons?"

"Come on, Caroline, you don't need to think about it. Let this be my business with Aurora. Now, why don't we focus on what is your goal in the morning to meet me?"

Caroline chuckled while shaking her head. Really can't stop thinking about what Mario has done to Aurora. But, because she didn't want to interfere, Caroline returned to her goal, which was to meet her cousin.

"You know I have to go back to Germany today. I heard from your mother that Aurora is pregnant. So, I actually wanted to give this present to your wife and future child," said Caroline and then handed a paper bag to Mario.

"Present?"

Caroline nodded.

"Yes. This gift is also a sign of apology because at your wedding, I couldn't attend. I should have just given it when Aurora was here. But, you two got involved in a world war. Because I didn't have time to give it in person. So, I'll leave it to you. Anyway, this present must reach Aurora no matter what."

Mario chuckled lazily. But, because he was lazy to argue, he just accepted the item that his cousin offered him.

"I will definitely give it to Aurora. It's just that I can't promise to give it right away."

"How about you arrange it. Since there's nothing else to talk about, I'll take my leave first. Besides, I also have to rush to the airport."

After saying goodbye and hugging briefly, Mario escorted Caroline to the lobby. After that they split up and Mario himself returned to continue his activities.

***

Aurora entered her study feeling so annoyed. In one sweep, all the items that were on his desk immediately fell and scattered on the floor.

Hearing the noise, Gabriella, Aurora's assistant, was surprised. When checking the room and seeing the messy things, he approached and tried to calm Aurora.

"Mrs. Aurora, what's wrong? Are you all right?"

Aurora closed her eyes for a few moments. When she opened her eyes again, instead of answering Gabriella's question, the woman went to Tristan, who was in her office.

Without knocking again, Aurora walked right in. Walk closer, then stand right in front of Tristan's desk.

"What else is there, Aurora?" asked Tristan with a confused face. He, who had been focused on finishing work, was surprised by Aurora's sudden arrival.

"Why are you silent? Do you need anything?"

Instead of being answered, Aurora, who was standing still, was heard crying. This of course made Tristan even more confused and chose to get up, to then approach.

"Hey, what's wrong? Why are you crying like this?"

Aurora kept shaking. Seeing Tristan who was standing right in front of him, he could no longer hold himself back and then threw his arms around the man he now considered like his own brother.

"Gosh, what's really going on? What's wrong with you, Aurora?" Tristan inquired. While gently stroking Aurora's back, slowly Tristan led her to sit on the sofa that was right behind them.

"Come on, sit down first. When you've had enough of crying, tell me what happened."

Aurora obeyed. For a moment, choose to dissolve in tears. After he was satisfied and felt that his chest was no longer feeling tight, then he slowly told Tristan what had really happened.

"Am I too despicable to be forgiven?" the woman's great-granddaughter.

Tristan, who did not understand anything, immediately frowned in astonishment. Trying to digest the meaning of what Aurora had just said to him.

"Come on Aurora, just go straight to the point what really happened. What are you doing?"

"Mario, Tristan."

"Yeah, what about Mario?"

"I saw him hugging another woman in his room."

"Maybe it's a friend or cousin, Aurora. I'm pretty sure Mario isn't a disloyal jerk."

"But, his attitude towards me was too outrageous, Tristan. When I reprimanded him, he even brought up a mistake I had done before. To make matters worse, Mario even blatantly kicked me out of his room."

Tristan let out a long breath. Really, he is dizzy with the problems that are now being faced by Aurora and Mario.

"Be patient, Aurora. It can't be helped, you were wrong from the start. I also understand why Mario did something like this. You're just angry when you see Mario hugging another woman. So how did your husband feel yesterday? Anyone would be angry and annoyed at seeing a wife who once he loved lying and instead making out with another man."

"So, you're even blaming me? After all, I've repeatedly apologized, Tristan."

"I don't mean to blame you. Rather, it's more to tell you so that you are aware and don't act stupidly again in the future. You also need to know Aurora, it's not an easy thing to forgive and then just forget about what you did. It's better for you to be patient and give Mario time to improve his condition. her heart."

"But for how long?" Aurora exclaimed excitedly. "How long are you going to tell me to wait? Are you telling me to be patient and keep waiting until Mario actually sues for divorce?"

Tristan sighed again. Confused about what kind of understanding Aurora should have.

"If you are good at keeping your attitude, I can guarantee that Mario will not divorce you, Aurora. Instead of making him even more irritated and angry, it's better for you to try to win over him like what he did to you before."

"So you think I should do what he used to do to get his attention and melt my heart?"

Tristan nodded.

"There's nothing wrong with trying, right? And again, you also have to prove to him that you're really sorry and promise not to repeat the same mistake again."

"I'll do what you just suggested. Whatever it is, I'll do what's important is that I can get back together with Mario."