-Resign?
Albina was stunned for a moment.
Ariana nodded her head.
-Yes, I will resign. I started teaching at that school because a teacher asked me to, and I also wanted to do something in Sogen City to pass the time. Now that that scandal that more or less affected the school has passed, it’s better that I resign before things get worse.
The school of fine arts, where I was teaching, had a lot of fame in Sogen City, and what happened today was big, therefore, it would soon spread.
Resigning beforehand could not only prevent the school from getting into trouble over her affair, but it would leave a good impression on the school.
Albina was convinced.
-All right. With today’s scandal, tomorrow at school there will be a lot of rumors, so it’s better to resign than to be discussed in that atmosphere every day. Then you’ll be free to do your creative work. Ariana, you can do whatever you want, I will support you unconditionally. But if you have any difficulties, tell me, don’t face them alone, okay?
I was no longer an orphan with no one to turn to, and I had to protect Ariana as I had protected her before.
Ariana was very touched and showed a soft look.
-Yes, when I run out of food, I will definitely come to you.
-Don’t worry, there’s plenty of delicious food for you.
Ariana could hear Albina beating her chest through the microphone.
Ariana was worried about Albina again.
-Ya, don’t beat your chest. It even hurts to hear it.
Albina laughed.
Ariana cleared her voice and said mysteriously:
-Ah, I almost forgot one thing after chatting so much.
Albina was instantly interested.
-What was that?
Ariana’s cheeks flushed slightly, her left hand stirred the sheet, and she said shyly:
-Well, I’m going out with Macos.
There was silence for quite a while.
Even Ariana thought Albina had disconnected.
-Albina, are you still listening?
Albina took a deep breath, then shouted:
-Oh my God, has Macos taken action? Yesterday he called me to complain that he didn’t know what to do, even acted pitiful, and today you’re together?
Macos played dumb!
He managed to be with Ariana so fast, he was a genius of love!
Albina’s heart was alarmed, not realizing what she had just unconsciously said.
As she continued to be amazed, it was Ariana’s turn to keep silent.
-Albina, did you already know that Macos likes me? Did you even talk on the phone yesterday?
Albina froze.
Oh no, her help had been discovered.
She laughed with embarrassment and said:
-I also recently found out that Macos is in love with you. You were missing and he ran into me and confessed that he likes you. Actually I recently found out that…
Ariana had been his friend for so many years that she knew what he was going to say as soon as Albina opened her mouth.
Of course she knew Albina felt embarrassed now.
Ariana growled twice:
-Make it up, keep making it up!
Albina knew that Ariana had discovered her lie and said quietly:
-I, I just gave some advice and offered some news. The cooking, the method of the food Umberto taught her!
She said the last sentence aloud discovering that her husband had also helped Macos.
Just Umberto returned from work and heard her say this as she entered the house.
He kept silent for a moment, took off his coat and walked towards her.
Albina was on the phone, unaware of her husband’s proximity.
-I didn’t think your Umberto would get involved, because he doesn’t like to meddle in other people’s things -Ariana said angrily.
Albina was ashamed of having betrayed Umberto and defended him:
-Macos asked him to do it, Umberto thinks he likes you a lot and that he is a good man, so he helped him.
Ariana laughed when she heard that.
-Sounds like you’ve been matchmaking for decades. Go ahead, what else have you done? I hear you and I definitely won’t get mad.
Albina swallowed.
-Then I’ll tell you everything, don’t get mad.
-Okay, I promise.
Only after Ariana agreed, Albina whispered:
-I was the one who told Macos that you had bought a house, and to buy the one across the street.
-What?!
Was the idea of living nearby also Albina’s suggestion?
Ariana gritted her teeth, it was no wonder she had run into Macos so casually when she had moved in. She had been curious, but Albina hadn’t shown surprise, it turned out she had known.
-You said you wouldn’t be angry,” Albina whispered with embarrassment.
Ariana took a deep breath and laughed.
-I’m not angry, I’m not angry, go on.
Albina paused for a moment before continuing:
-And it was me who encouraged him to pursue you persistently?
-Well…
Ariana stretched her voice and at the end there was the sound of gritted teeth.
Albina hastened to say:
-But you don’t have to pay attention to these details. Some tricks are always used to achieve a love. Look, I was also deceived by Umberto!
Umberto was standing behind her and raised his eyebrows when he heard her say this.
She didn’t notice at all and continued:
-He likes you and thinks of tricks to manage to be with you, if he didn’t like you, I’m afraid he wouldn’t even want to learn how to chase you with his heart. Look, he’s gone from being a kitchen idiot to a cook, he knows how to do housework too. Besides, his feelings for you are sincere. I think he’s much more reliable than Santiago, he’s a good man!
Ariana was amused by his words.
-Okay, you’re right about everything.
She was not angry at all, and she was glad to hear Albina’s words, because now she was even more aware of the efforts Macos had made to get closer to her and be with her.
-Albina, I didn’t think you would discover Macos’ love for me before I realized it, since you are such an idiot with your love.
Actually, it was Umberto who told Albina.
But instead of telling the truth, Albina raised her chin proudly.
-You were the protagonist of the affair, of course you couldn’t realize it.
Ariana laughed at her proud tone.
-Okay, I know you’re a love genius.
The door was knocked, Ariana looked sideways and said:
-Let’s not talk anymore, Macos already prepared the food, I’m going to eat.
-Okay!
Albina would be waving her handkerchief if they were talking face to face.
After hanging up the phone, Albina was still smiling and looking at her phone screen with glee.
It was great that Ariana and Macos were together.
With Macos’ protection, no one would dare to harm Ariana. Besides, Macos seemed to really like Ariana, so he would be very nice to her.
As she stared at the black, glowing screen of her phone, Albina suddenly saw a figure behind her and looked up to meet Umberto’s clear eyes.