Whether it was the right decision or not, Hannah wasn’t sure as she stood at the door of her home. But there was no other place for Hannah to go but back to her father’s house. With hesitation, Hannah knocked on the door.
Shortly after, the door opened to reveal Francesca’s sour face.
“What are you doing here?” Francesca asked as if she was really bothered.
“I’m coming home.”
Hannah walked straight in, ignoring the shocked look on her stepmother’s face. The door was heard to be hastily shut, and before Hannah started down the stairs, Francesca intercepted her.
“What do you mean, ‘coming back’?” Francesca asked in a hushed tone.
“This is still my home.”
“You’re married, Hannah. You belong to your husband.”
“Well, apparently we’re getting divorced,” Hannah replied casually.
Francesca’s hand immediately grabbed Hannah’s arm.
“No! Get out of my house!” Francesca demanded.
“What is your problem, Mom? This is my house.”
“If you get divorced, who’s going to take care of your father?”
“Dad had an operation, the big problem is solved.” Hannah cleared her throat. “I will work harder to pay for Dad’s medical bills. Isn’t that what I’ve always done for our family?”
Francesca shook her head quickly.
Of course, if Hannah got a divorce, Francesca would have to live modestly again. The woman already had a plan to make more money if Hannah stayed with Alden.
How could Alden ignore John’s situation? If Francesca asked for financial help with her husband’s medical bills, Alden would not remain silent.
Even though Alden was only the son of a former billionaire, there must still be some wealth left.
But if Hannah really did get divorced, where would Francesca get the money? Relying solely on Hannah’s salary would make Francesca’s life very difficult.
“Go back to your husband. Apologize to him that the divorce is not going to happen! If necessary, get down on your knees and beg him!” Francesca insisted.
“I don’t want to do that.”
“Then are you heartless enough to make your father suffer?”
“I will take care of Dad. I won’t let anything happen to him again.”
Their conversation was interrupted by a faint cough from the room where John was resting. Quickly, Hannah ran to John.
When she opened the door to his room, Hannah saw John lying in bed. Her father was still weak, but he looked better, though his face was still pale.
“Hannah?” John’s voice sounded hoarse.
“Dad!”
Father and daughter hugged for a moment, then laughed softly. Francesca watched from the doorway, as if scorning the sight before her.
“What brings you here so late at night? Where is your husband?” John asked.
“He’s out of town. So he allowed me to stay here,” Hannah lied. “That’s okay, isn’t it, Dad? I’m alone there.”
“Of course, your room is still upstairs. Nothing has changed.” John chuckled softly.
“Thanks, Dad. Go back to rest.”
“Have you had dinner?” John looked at the door. “Is there any dinner left for Hannah?”
“She probably ate at a fancy restaurant, John. Her husband used to be rich, so at least they can still afford to eat out,” Francesca snapped.
Hannah looked at Francesca briefly. “Yes, I’ve eaten, Dad.”
Hannah’s hand gripped John’s warm fingers tightly. Staying away from Alden and returning home to face Francesca was better than facing Maxim Harrison’s son. Francesca’s sharp tongue was no problem for Hannah.
Hannah’s resolve was very clear; she would fight and work hard for John’s recovery without anyone’s help, especially Alden’s.
*
In the morning, Hannah was already tidying up and preparing breakfast for John and Francesca. Hannah’s plan that morning was to find a new job because it was impossible for her to stay at Texco.
Working at her ex-husband’s company would be very awkward.
“Where are you going, Hannah?” John asked.
“I’m actually still going to work, Dad.” Hannah smiled. “My husband doesn’t restrict me; it’s okay for me to work.”
“Alden is so nice,” John’s eyes sparkled.
Francesca rolled her eyes, tired of hearing her stepdaughter’s lies.
“I’ll be leaving soon, don’t forget to take your medicine and get plenty of rest, Dad,” Hannah said.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door that startled Hannah. Hannah felt uneasy, could it be Aspen?
Living with John would still be a problem because Hannah would surely run into Aspen and Jeffrey. If Hannah got a divorce, they would continue to taunt her.
Hannah wondered if she could handle it all.
Francesca got up and hurried to the door. Meanwhile, Hannah hoped she wouldn’t run into any of the people who were making her miserable.
A short time later, Francesca returned with a more cheerful expression. “You’re being picked up, Hannah.”
“Picked up?”
“Yes, your husband’s driver is here. Hurry, don’t keep him waiting.”
Hannah looked confused. She quickly grabbed her bag, kissed John on the cheek, and said goodbye. She couldn’t refuse the arrival of Alden’s driver, lest John become suspicious.
Perhaps on the way Hannah could compromise with the driver and ask to be dropped off on the road.
As soon as Hannah left, Francesca felt a great sense of relief; she could have breakfast in peace.
“Well, it seems young Mr. Alden can handle your stubborn daughter,” Francesca muttered.
John turned to his wife. “Hannah?”
“Yes. Who else?”
“Are they having problems?”
“Hannah came in last night because she ran away from the Harrison residence. Then she insisted on a divorce.” Francesca shook her head and sighed. “I advised Hannah; she can’t act so recklessly, especially when the Harrisons have helped her so much.”
“Hannah asked for a divorce?” John was genuinely surprised.
“You should talk to Hannah sometimes and give her some good advice, John.” Francesca spread jam on a slice of toast. “Marrying Alden Harrison is a blessing, not a curse.”
“Hannah wouldn’t be acting this way if she weren’t happy, Francesca.”
“What’s the point of being happy if you’re still suffering?”
“It’s not about money.” John became suddenly angry. “Aspen married Jeffrey because they love each other. I know Hannah is hurt, but she shouldn’t be hurt any more.”
“John, you’re overreacting.” Francesca chuckled sardonically.
“I’m after my daughter.”
For John, if Hannah is happy, then he will be happy. But if Hannah must endure a forced marriage, what father could be so heartless to his daughter? John would rather take Hannah back from Alden’s hands.
With unsteady steps, John walked down the hall to prevent Hannah from leaving, but after a few steps, he stumbled. Suddenly, John fell to the floor, unconscious.