Substitute Mother

Chapters 177. Not That Easy

Not without reason Owen thought negatively. Not only because of how handsome the young master was, but also because of the fact that he knew behind that they had met several times when he was away.

“Alya? I want to ask you something, has Aleta eaten yet? I sent him a message a few minutes ago but it hasn't been answered. I was afraid the store was too crowded so he forgot to eat. If so, please order food first? don't ask for approval, because Aleta will answer later. Just order, he will not delay food that is already in front of the eyes”

“Stores are not too crowded, sir. Judith's sister is also having a conversation with Mr. Jeanno”

“Mr Jeanno?”

“Iya, handsome sir who was here at the time. Brother Owen also had time to shake hands with him. He's been here a few times to see Judith's brother. I don't know what they're talking about, but they look close”

“Oh so, thanks for the information, Alya”

Owen's car stopped after driving for about twenty minutes. Stopped in front of a two-story house that looks minimalist.

“Owen, whose home is this?”

Owen, who was taking off the seatbelt, smiled gently. “My house. I want you to get acquainted with my mother”

**

“So this is called Aleta? I'm so happy to see you in person, son. Owen's been telling me too much about you to Mom. Aleta is beautiful, Aleta is smart to cook, Aleta is good. All good things are told. Until I was curious, is it as perfect as that called Aleta? Owen's story is not wrong. Aleta is very beautiful, really in accordance with the description of the story of Owen”

A middle-aged woman sitting in a wheelchair relentlessly raining down on Judith would be a compliment. Now Judith knew where Owen had gotten his warm smile from. Of course from the inheritance passed down by his mother. Really similar to both. Their aura is so warm, making anyone feel at home will welcome both the mother and child pair.

“Thanks, Mom. Owen sometimes exaggerates the story. I.. not as perfect as that”

Mom shook her head, denying Judith's words. “Not at all. Oia, Aleta know that I really like Aleta's cakes? I'm sorry you can only reply through simple mother's cooking. But, Aleta likes it, right?”

Judith nodded. “One likes. Mom's cooking is good. Sorry for precisely inconveniencing mom”

“Mom can't wait to make you mother's daughter-in-law. When are you getting married? I've been dying to pet grandson”

Judith's smile escaped. He looked at Owen. Oddly enough, Owen pretended not to see the signal Judith gave him. The young man got up. “Owen to toilet for a while, bu”

The man left, leaving Judith still shocked without any answer and explanation.

“This year mom has entered the head 6. Owen was abandoned by his father when he was 15. Since then we've only lived together, only had each other. Three years ago, my mother fell and was declared paralyzed. Mothers feel unable to take care of the mother's son to the maximum because of the limited condition of the mother. That's why I always urge Owen to immediately find a companion so that mother can be calmer because she is there to accompany”

Mom's hand stretched out, grabbed Judith's hand.

“You know, son? There was never a woman introduced by Mom. Let alone be introduced, told never. Owen was too busy with his cafe business. He always said that his focus now was on the family backbone, making as much money as possible for the mother's medical expenses. It was only after meeting Aleta's son that he changed. My son finally fell in love. Falling in love with the right girl”

“Nak Aleta doesn't know how happy mom is when she hears stories about you. I hope you'll be the last girl for my son. She had lost her father's affection since she was a teenager, and had to bone down for the mother's treatment. I can assure you Owen is a good boy. He may be lacking a lot, but he will look for ways to make his loved ones happy”

“Mom knows this is our first meeting, still a long way ahead. But I asked son Aleta to consider Owen, huh?”

As if forgetting his goal from the start, Judith nodded slowly in the end. Made Owen's mother pull him gently into her arms. A mother's embrace that Judith rarely feels.

So this is what it's like to be hugged by a mother?

If the comfort is such, Judith is willing to trade anything as long as she can feel this warm embrace again.

**

“You angry?”

Owen's car stopped in front of Judith's apartment building. Realizing that all the way home Judith chose silence. “Aleta?”

“You should have told me first, Owen”

“I thought you enjoyed the time you spent with my mom all day”

Well, Owen is not wrong. Judith really enjoyed spending time with Owen's mother. Because, even though the first time to meet, even though the mother's space is limited, but the woman really treats her well. Very good in fact. The two talked a lot, cooked lunch and dinner together. Perform activities like mother and daughter mostly. Judith enjoyed every second of it, it felt like an experience she rarely had. So impressive, so fun.

“I did enjoy my time with mom. It's just that at least you shouldn't go too far about our relationship. I don't want you to hope”

Owen turned his head, a little hesitant with Judith's statement. “I just said my wish to marry you. Is that wrong?”

“Our relationship is still new, Owen. The road ahead is long. You also know that I. I still can't”.

“We can walk together. I'll wait for you, and still stay that way. As long as we walk side by side, instead of you letting go of my hand and go looking for your own happiness”

Judith fell silent. The series of words he had designed from last night to convey the final decision about his heart, was now crumbling.

“I can't let you go, Aleta. I just fell in love for the first time, and when the girl I love succeeds in my life, what do you think I can do other than try to maintain this relationship at all costs?”

Judith breathed a faint breath. The burden that was originally lifted when together with Owen's mother, now again makes his shoulders heavy. “I'm tired, we'll talk again tomorrow”

When Judith was about to open the door, her wrist had already been held by Owen. “Aleta”

“What else is it?”

“You said you couldn't love me yet, right? That's because I haven't been able to conquer your heart, or.. is it because there is another man who first occupies your heart?”

Judith closed her eyes for a moment. “The error is not with you, but entirely with me. I'm sorry, Owen. Good night”

Gently, Judith let go of Owen's hand on her wrist. Closing the door after saying good night. Entering his apartment unit without looking at it.

**