Hannah received a message from Alden on her phone, prompting her to head to his office. Upon entering, she found Alden intently focused on his laptop. Without looking up, Alden slid an invitation across the desk towards Hannah.
“Go to this event,” Alden instructed.
Hannah picked up the invitation and read it. It was an invitation to the launch of a new brand at a mall.
“With you, sir?” Hannah asked cautiously.
Alden quickly shook his head. “Just you.”
“Why should I go alone? This invitation is for you, sir.”
“Can you stop calling me ‘sir’?” Alden seemed irritated.
He sighed deeply and exhaled wearily. He stared sharply at Hannah, who returned his gaze coldly.
“You’re angry with me, I understand. But I don’t like your childish sulking,” Alden said.
“Sulking?”
“Do you think calling me ‘sir’ is going to make me feel chastised?”
Well, it did, but Hannah didn’t mean it that way. She simply didn’t want to get too involved with Alden again. It would hurt too much, as it had before.
Being lifted up only to be dropped again was painful. It was better to keep their relationship flat-like employer and servant, superior and subordinate.
“Stop calling me that again,” Alden warned.
Hannah diplomatically nodded. “Okay.”
“Go to the event alone on my behalf. It will be a chance for you to be better known to the public,” Alden said, ignoring Hannah’s annoyance.
“Okay.”
“Is that all you can say?”
Hannah stood up and grabbed the invitation from the desk. “Fine, I’ll go to the event on your behalf, Alden.”
With frustration, Hannah left the office, unaware that Alden was watching her back with a smile. For some reason, Alden found Hannah’s attitude endearing.
“I must be crazy,” Alden muttered, recognizing his own thoughts.
Gradually, Hannah’s charm was disrupting his logic. The image of Sarah was almost forgotten in Alden’s mind. Why did he hold on to his feelings when his heart was rebelling?
*
Hannah stepped out of the car after Bernard opened the door for her. She walked calmly as the security team greeted her. Bernard and Hannah were escorted to the event held in the middle of the mall.
Bernard glanced at Hannah, who looked elegant that evening. Her semi-formal attire was catchy and attractive, not too much like attending an awards ceremony but not too casual like a weekend outing.
“You look gorgeous,” Bernard complimented.
“Really? Alden bought this dress for me.” Hannah chuckled awkwardly. “Well, he has been somewhat controlling about my attire.”
Bernard nodded. “Yes, he does have great taste.”
“Any woman might look extraordinary if Alden manages her appearance.”
“I don’t think so,” Bernard shook his head slowly. “Mr. Harrison has taste, but you are genuinely perfect.”
“Don’t exaggerate, Mr. Gulfman.”
The area was already crowded with people as Hannah and Bernard sat in the designated section for guests. Unbeknownst to Hannah, Aspen and Jeffrey were among the crowd. Aspen’s face looked sour.
Aspen saw an acquaintance from the media and hurriedly approached.
“You came too,” Aspen said.
The man nodded and glanced at Jeffrey, who stood nearby. “Is that your husband?”
“Yes. Don’t mind him. So, will you take my offer?”
The media person nodded. Aspen quickly handed him a piece of paper, and they parted ways. Jeffrey, who had been observing Hannah, finally turned when Aspen stood beside him.
“Let’s go,” Aspen urged.
Jeffrey glanced briefly at Hannah again. Suddenly, Aspen hit her husband’s arm.
“What’s wrong with you? You look like a fool!” Aspen hissed.
“What?” Jeffrey was confused.
“Do you regret leaving her?” Aspen pointed towards the event guests.
“I don’t want to argue. Stop, okay?”
Jeffrey walked away, holding Aspen’s arm. Aspen didn’t need to see what would happen next-she would see it in the media. Aspen couldn’t wait for Hannah to lose face.
…
After the event, which lasted more than 60 minutes, it was time for Hannah and the other guests to be hosted at a restaurant. Reporters lined up, waiting to interview the important guests.
Hannah walked calmly with Bernard, not expecting to be interviewed, as there were other more prominent figures. Suddenly, several microphones were thrust at her.
“Mrs. Harrison, where is your husband? Why didn’t he come?”
As Hannah tried to answer, more questions bombarded her.
“Is it true that you and Mr. Harrison got married because you were arranged?”
“Is it true that Mr. Harrison still loves his ex?”
“Did your sudden marriage with Mr. Harrison happen only because of business issues?”
“Is Mr. Harrison not here because he is with Miss Sarah?”
Hannah’s shock was evident. She was genuinely stunned, unsure who had dug up such information and sought confirmation. She stood there, pale and dizzy, not knowing how to respond.
“Mrs. Harrison will only answer questions related to the company. Personal matters are very sensitive,” Bernard suddenly spoke up.
He turned to Hannah calmly. “She is highly competent in leading the company. If Mrs. Harrison had such personal issues, do you think she could lead the company well?”
The reporters exchanged glances.
“Thank you, we must go now,” Bernard concluded.
He then put his arm around Hannah to guide her away. Hannah felt weak, but Bernard supported her. They walked through the stores, then up to the second floor, and were escorted to a restaurant.
Suddenly, Hannah stopped. “Mr. Gulfman, I want to go home. I can’t attend the dinner now.”
“Alright, I’ll inform them we won’t be attending the dinner.”
“Hold on, I’ll call my driver to pick me up. You should stay here and represent the company.”
Bernard shook his head firmly. “No, Mrs. Harrison. I will take you home. The dinner is not important. Your condition is my concern.”