Throughout the drive, Hannah remained silent. Bernard glanced at her occasionally but didn’t dare to start a conversation. As the car approached a coffee shop, Bernard suddenly steered the vehicle toward it.
Hannah was taken aback for a moment and then turned to Bernard.
“Would you like to get some coffee, Mrs. Harrison?” Bernard offered.
For a moment, Hannah was stunned, but she nodded. “As a matter of fact, coffee is what I need right now.”
Hannah got out and followed Bernard inside. The coffee shop wasn’t crowded, and the atmosphere was quite comfortable. They ordered coffee and sat at a corner table next to a large window. Hannah gazed outside.
“I must sound really annoying, but… the media’s questions earlier really shocked me,” Bernard said suddenly.
“Why?” Hannah only glanced briefly.
“Is it true that you and Mr. Harrison got married for some reason? Business? That kind of stuff?”
Hannah fell silent, unsure how to respond. It was all true. How long could she keep denying it?
“We don’t need to discuss it,” Bernard concluded, sensing the awkwardness.
Hannah suddenly nodded. “Yes, we married for business. He doesn’t love me, and I don’t love him.”
Bernard was almost speechless upon hearing Hannah’s confession.
“I’m just trying to follow Alden’s orders. Nothing more,” Hannah continued.
“That must be hard for you,” Bernard commented.
“Not quite.”
Their coffees arrived, and they both took a moment to enjoy their drinks. By telling Bernard the truth, Hannah wasn’t sure if it was wise. Dealing with Alden and the people around him felt like facing a double-edged sword.
Except for Susan, who was genuinely kind and loyal to Hannah.
But Bernard? Hannah wasn’t sure. The man across from her seemed more aligned with Alden, making her feel cautious.
“Are you close with Alden, sir?” Hannah asked.
“Quite close.” Bernard nodded.
“You should know about my marriage with Alden being a business arrangement. Am I right?”
Bernard looked at Hannah, puzzled. He sipped his coffee and then rested his arms on the table.
“My relationship with Mr. Harrison has always been about business, ma’am,” Bernard said.
Bernard briefly shared that he used to work with Maxim. When Maxim’s health declined and the company was near bankruptcy, Alden took over everything. Eventually, Bernard and Alden worked together to rebuild the company, including Texco.
“I just wonder how Alden knew about the Sarah issue,” Hannah said.
Bernard couldn’t deny it. He never thought it would cause problems. He just wanted Alden and Hannah’s marriage to be okay.
“I told Mr. Harrison. I just didn’t want you digging into a past that should be left alone,” Bernard confessed.
“Well, yeah… I looked into Sarah not out of jealousy. Just to see if Alden wanted to go back to her, then I would step aside.”
“You’re jealous, Mrs. Harrison,” Bernard countered.
Hannah insisted, “No, I’m not.”
Bernard smiled. He was very handsome, even more so than his age suggested. His calm and wise demeanor made him cautious in decision-making. Observing Hannah, Bernard realized she had feelings for Alden.
Especially since their marriage wasn’t based on love.
It wasn’t impossible that feelings of affection could eventually emerge.
“Why did you say that?” Hannah pouted. “My goodness, Mr. Gulfman, you really make me overthink.”
“Well, wouldn’t it be nice if you started loving your husband? Although digging into his past might not be the right way.”
“Is that so?”
Hannah sighed softly, sipping her coffee with mixed feelings.
She had decided to keep their relationship flat, without anything, until the agreement ended. But hearing Bernard’s words, Hannah began to doubt herself.
“It feels pointless to love him if he doesn’t have feelings for me,” Hannah suddenly said.
“Oh, well… I’m glad to hear you open up eventually.”
They looked at each other, and Hannah’s eyes widened. How did she fall into Bernard’s trap, revealing everything? This man was so clever in extracting information.
“Let’s not talk about me. How about you?” Hannah quickly changed the subject.
“My life is work, and spending my money to find peace. Nothing interesting about me, Mrs. Harrison.” Bernard smiled again. “Your life story is more intriguing to me.”
Bernard rested his chin on his hand, looking intently at Hannah.
“No,” Hannah chuckled softly.
“Why?”
“Let’s keep our relationship like yours with Alden. Just business.”
“Aw… that hurts.” Bernard laughed. He nodded. “Alright. But if there’s anything you want to talk about, I’m here to listen.”
Hannah smiled. “Alright, Mr. Gulfman.”
“Bernard. Just Bernard.”
“Okay, you can call me Hannah then.”
They shifted the conversation to lighter topics. Hannah thought they seemed like they were on a date but quickly dismissed the thought. Bernard felt more like a good friend who was willing to listen.
Bernard also provided many insights that added to her knowledge.
After finishing their coffee, Bernard drove Hannah home. She felt much better after talking with Bernard. She was about to head to her room when she saw Alden just finishing dinner.
Hannah paused at the doorway and nodded politely.
“Good evening, Alden,” she greeted.
“Have dinner first. I know you didn’t eat at the event,” Alden suddenly said.
Hannah hesitated for a moment. She entered the dining room and stood beside the table. “Yes, I went for coffee with Mr. Gulfman.”
“Having coffee with him was more interesting to you? While the dinner event was a bridge to expand our network.”
“You don’t know what I experienced there.”
“Just because of the media’s questions?” Alden threw the napkin onto the table. “You shouldn’t let it bother you. Just answer briefly.”
“It’s not that simple.” Hannah felt annoyed.
“Listen, Hannah. I’ve been through the same thing, but the media won’t chase you forever. News about you will last no more than four months, then there’ll be other news.”
Hannah didn’t respond at all.
“That’s their job. If you give them what they want, you’ll destroy yourself,” Alden added.
Alden left the dining room, leaving Hannah alone.
Guilt settled in Hannah’s heart. Alden had experienced worse, that was true. Being the target of the media after his father declared bankruptcy and the accident that happened.
Did Hannah seem too whiny in Alden’s eyes?