Chapter 262: Chapter 262

Lyla blinked, as if startled by the question. "O-of course I’m fine," she said quickly, brushing at her cheeks again, though her red eyes betrayed her. "Just tired from the shifts, that’s all. These night duties are getting harder, you know?" She gave a weak laugh that sounded more like a sigh.

Alina nodded, though her heart twisted painfully. She wanted to ask directly if Uncle Luther was really cheating on her, but she couldn’t. She knew her aunt too well. If someone spoke to her openly about something that hurt, she panicked. Her breath would quicken, her eyes would dart, and she would feel suffocated by guilt and fear.

So Alina took a slow breath, steadying her voice. "You’re working too hard again. You should rest more, Aunt Lyla," she said instead, offering her a gentle smile.

Her aunt gave a quiet hum, pretending to fix her hair. "Maybe you’re right. But when you have responsibilities, resting feels like a luxury, doesn’t it?"

Alina’s throat tightened. She glanced toward her mother, who was asleep again, her face pale but peaceful. Then she looked back at her aunt, the woman who had carried everything for everyone, and for a moment, she wanted to hug her so tightly that all her pain would disappear.

Instead, she said softly, "You’re not alone, Aunt. You still have me... always."

Lyla froze for a second, then smiled...a fragile, watery smile that made Alina’s chest ache even more. "I know, my dear," she whispered, her eyes glistening again. "That’s what keeps me standing."

Alina sat quietly beside her, holding her aunt’s hand in silence.

After Aunt Lyla left for her hospital shift, the gentle warmth in Alina’s eyes vanished, replaced by a coldness. Her fingers tightened around her phone, and she stared at the ward door for a long moment, jaw clenched.

If Uncle Luther was truly cheating, if he had dared to betray the woman who had sacrificed everything for him, then she wouldn’t let it slide. Her aunt had been patient, loyal, exhausted beyond reason, yet still faithful. To see her breaking apart while that man walked around carefree made Alina’s blood boil.

She stepped into the corridor. Her expression softened only for a heartbeat before hardening again. "If it’s true," she murmured under her breath, "then she’s not staying with him another day."

She took out her phone and scrolled through her contacts, hesitating for a few seconds over a familiar name: Aaron. They hadn’t spoken in years, not since she left her old neighborhood, but he had once been the sharpest guy she knew, now working in private security and sometimes doing small investigations for people.

After a deep breath, she pressed call.

The line rang twice before a familiar voice answered. "Lina? Wow, it’s been ages. How are you?"

"I’m fine," she said softly, then paused. "Actually, I need a favor, Aaron. It’s personal."

His tone shifted immediately, serious now. "Tell me."

"It’s about someone close to me. I think her husband might be cheating on her." The words came out quieter than she meant them to. "I just need to know the truth. I can pay you for your time."

He was silent for a moment, then said gently, "Lina, you don’t have to worry about that. I’ll help you, no charge. Just send me the details and photos, and I’ll look into it."

Alina exhaled slowly, a mix of relief and sadness tightening her chest. "Thank you, Aaron. Really. I owe you one."

"Hey," he said lightly, though his voice carried warmth. "You always were the serious one. I’ll text you once I find something, okay?"

When the call ended, Alina stood there quietly, staring at her phone. She hoped she was wrong, prayed she was. But if she wasn’t—if Aunt Lyla’s tears were because of that uncle’s betrayal, then Alina promised herself one thing.

She would not let her aunt suffer in silence ever again.

Alina stayed by her mother’s bedside for the rest of the afternoon, her voice soft and steady as she spoke about her students, the little babies who filled her days with chaos and laughter. She described Boo’s endless mischief, Luna’s proud little growls, and Sable’s shy smile that always melted her heart. Even though her mother’s eyes were closed and her breathing slow, Alina kept talking as if every word reached her, believing deep down that her mother could hear her somewhere beyond the silence.

When she brushed her mother’s hand, she smiled faintly. "You’d love them, Mom," she whispered. "They’re so sweet... and so naughty. They drive me crazy sometimes, but they make my heart feel full. I think... I’m finally happy where I am."

Hours passed quietly. The light through the hospital window shifted from gold to pale blue as evening came. Just when she was about to stand and stretch, her phone buzzed. It was a message from Aaron.

Aaron: Lina, I’ve got some things you might want to see. Can we meet?

Alina: Yes, of course. Where?

Aaron: There’s a small café near Central Avenue. It’s quiet and perfect to talk.

Her pulse quickened. She typed back a simple "Okay, I’ll be there." Follow current novᴇls on 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩⁂𝖿𝗂𝗋𝖾⁂𝔫𝔢𝔱

Sliding her phone into her bag, Alina looked once more at her mother’s peaceful face. "I’ll come back soon, Mom," she murmured softly. "Don’t worry about me."

Then she stood up, smoothed her dress, and walked out of the ward.

Alina booked a cab, her hands gripping her phone tightly the whole ride. The streets outside blurred past, glowing faintly under the soft evening lights. By the time she reached the café, she stepped out and blinked in surprise.

The place looked nothing like what she expected. The café was decorated in white and red, silky ribbons, flower petals, and little heart-shaped candles flickering on every table. The warm scent of vanilla and roses filled the air. For a second, she almost thought she had stepped into a romantic movie set.

Her eyes widened slightly. "Oh no... don’t tell me he picked a date café for this," she muttered under her breath, cheeks flushing.

But when she peeked through the glass door, she quickly realized what was happening. The café owner and his wife were celebrating their anniversary, and the small staff had helped decorate the place for them. A few customers clapped as soft music played, and the couple exchanged shy smiles over a cake at the counter.

Alina smiled faintly at the sweet sight before quietly stepping inside. The gentle chime of the bell above the door rang as she entered, drawing a few glances. She looked around, scanning for Aaron.