Substitute Mother

Chapters 180. The Time Will Heal

Judith never felt this uneasy looking at the clockwork. When the time showed two o'clock in the afternoon over ten minutes, that was where the peak of his heartbreak occurred.

Jeanno flight departure time.

If asked where Judith is now, the answer is in her own store. Yes, the woman did not follow her heart to catch up with Jeanno and chose her. No, not because Judith didn't love him. More so for now, logic is winning his mind.

After reconciling with Owen and spending more time with his lover's mother, Judith increasingly thinks that maybe choosing Owen is not a bad thing. It was precisely a gift when the man received it with a spacious chest in addition to his dark background. It was precisely a gift when Owen's mother treated him as well as her own child.

Perhaps marrying Owen, will realize Judith's dream of a sweet family and ‘normal’. Without the complicated drama of the dizzying rich.

Since last night, Judith has been determined to vote for Owen. Over and over again he suggested that Owen was the best. Last night he slept in a video call with his girlfriend, sharing stories of what was interesting that day. Judith went to sleep peacefully without dreaming about Jeanno.

Judith thought that she had been willing to let go of Jeanno and the anxiety of her heart. But he was wrong, because that day he went through heavily, due to his out-of-place focus. Make Alya stand next to the cashier to make sure his boss counts the cakes purchased correctly. The teenager frowned, thinking if Judith was having a fight with Owen again? Because last night Alya was both friendly.

“If you are tired just rest. I'm sorry to see my sister get nagged by buyers for miscalculating their groceries”

Judith pinched her temple. “Yes, I'm a little dizzy. I'm sorry, Alya”

“No need to apologize. Sana rest”

Without giving up again, Judith withdrew to the restroom in the back room. His head is throbbing pain. He should have slept, but his little heart actually directed him to dial one number that should not be.

“Hallo?”

“………”

“Judith?”

“Kak...”.

Breath sounds from across. As if she meant the girl called her. “Jeanno is gone. If you want to catch up, I'll give you the address in Japan”

“Not” is fast. “I don't intend to follow”

“He looks disappointed when you don't show up. Jeanno was expecting you to vote for him, Judith. But I understand if you're not here, for what reason. Jeanno respect your decision”

*

Judith bit her lip along with the clenched grip of her phone. “Sister Mark.. I've made a decision, but why am I unhappy with my decision? Like something's stuck. Am I wrong?”

“Judith...” Mark was silent a few seconds. “What happened between you guys was a weird romance. There are many considerations to consider before deciding to be together. If you do choose to let go of Jeanno, then go back to your normal routine. The mound must be there, but it will definitely fade with time. You can still be good friends. You're still considered a mother by Aera. Jeanno also said she won't limit your communication anymore”

“You're right, brother, maybe not together is the best. This upset.... is only temporary, right?”

“Ya.... let the time remove it, yes?”

Judith nodded even though Mark could not see her. “Yes. Thanks brother. I hope Jeanno finds a woman equal to her, so that she no longer has to go through a complicated relationship. I hope Jeanno and Aera are healthy always.”

“You too, Judith. Make your own happiness, even if it's not with Jeanno and Aera”

After greeting, Judith cut off the connection. Over and over again he strengthened his heart. He said what he chose was right. Not choosing Jeanno was the right thing, because he would not have any more severe problems. His life will return to normal. The normal routine he had long dreamed of. Working without showing his skin. Have a good lover and future in-laws who love him.

Isn't that perfect, Judith?

**

They say time will heal.

One day, Jeanno accidentally sees Judith's face making a video call with Aera. Throughout the day Jeanno passed without being able to focus, resulting in him having to end up in the police station due to his carelessness driving so that he grazed another car in front of him.

They say time will heal. It had been two months since he had officially lost, but he was still not willing. Judith took some of her heart space away, leaving it empty and hollow. Jeanno was still a professional Alexander at work, with no one else knowing that he was going through his day half-heartedly.

“What's up, Mark?”

The man could no longer ignore his flashing phone, revealing the cousin's name there. He had let Mark call for the fifth time that night, thinking of calming his mind first. But Hannah's husband doesn't seem to give up and has a strong purpose until Jeanno picks up the phone from her.

“You've been anywhere? I called aunty said you were still in the office”

Jeanno twirled a puffed-eye. “Ya, indeed. And you're bothering me”

“I just want to give you information”

“Quickly say, otherwise it is important I close”

Silent. Until Jeanno kept his phone away from his ear to make sure the phone was still connected. “Mark? Why silent?”

“I know it's none of your business anymore, Jeanno. But I think you should know”

“.... it's about Judith”

Deg.

His heartbeat seemed to decline as the name was pronounced by Mark. What important news? Judith's fine, right? It seemed a long time to wait for Mark to make a sound, until Jeanno's brain produced various possibilities regarding the news of the girl.

“Jeanno.. Judith is engaged to Owen”.

**

The pair of round netra did not look tired looking at the silver ring with a beautiful little diamond crown encircling the sweet fingers. It has only been eight hours since Owen ‘tied her’, showing her seriousness to get engaged when they had dinner. Judith nodded, handing her fingers over to put on that beautiful, simple ring. End with a hug and a standing ovation to restaurant visitors.

Two months since Judith decided to take Jeanno off and vote for Owen. Isn't this what Judith hoped for? Owen has shown his seriousness forging a relationship further. The closer the dream becomes real. Sweet and well-rounded little family. Judith should be happy, right?

Owen's mother's treatment has not changed. It's getting warmer on him. Judith had been staying at Owen's house several times, with different rooms, of course. And during that time he felt ‘live’ back. Like a daughter close to her mother, Judith is inundated with infinite affection by her mother and son. Had her heart not been in Jeanno's hands, Judith would have been the happiest woman in the world today.

Hannah was the first person she told me about her engagement. The response of his best friend was of course excited and happy too. Judith thought Hannah was going to talk to Mark. I don't know if Mark will pass it on to Jeanno, though Judith hopes so.

But what would Judith expect, if Jeanno knew she was engaged? Even good, it means Jeanno has to move on, just like him.

“You're just upset. I used to be so on my wedding day. Always assume is this the best?”

*

As Hannah said each Judith revealed the emptiness of her heart. What Hannah and Judith experienced was of course different. Hannah is distraught over her choice of whether it is appropriate not, while Judith is distraught because she still loves another man who is not her partner.

“It feels like to just run away” murmured Judith.