“Jealous?”
Alden looked visibly disturbed, finding Bernard’s question absurd, unprofessional, and unreasonable.
“I’m thinking about the company,” Alden added.
Bernard responded quickly. “Sir, Texco is a strong company, capable of handling such gossip.”
Alden was silent.
“Are you questioning us who work here? Or Mrs. Harrison’s competence?”
“That’s not it, Mr. Gulfman.”
Bernard remained calm, returning Alden’s gaze with a serene look.
“Your words are confusing me,” Alden sighed softly. “Why did you suddenly think I was jealous?”
“Then what else? You yourself said that Mrs. Harrison is your wife.” Bernard cleared his throat. “And I admit, it was my mistake to invite her for coffee.”
“Yes, that…”
Alden couldn’t answer. He didn’t know how to justify it. Because indeed, he felt a spark of jealousy.
“Look, Mr. Harrison. It’s not a problem if you’re jealous of me, because there’s no way Mrs. Harrison would have feelings for me. That’s very unlikely,” Bernard said.
“Hm… is that so?”
“But, you should be jealous for Mrs. Harrison. First, she’s your wife. Second, a woman who has given her heart to someone cannot be swayed.”
Bernard’s words hit hard.
“If you don’t want me to be too close to Mrs. Harrison, I emphasize… our relationship is purely professional.”
“I understand,” Alden nodded.
“Is there anything else you want to discuss with me?”
Alden shook his head. “Sorry, I was presumptuous, Mr. Gulfman.”
Bernard just chuckled and laughed. “I’m glad to see you like this, Mr. Harrison.”
“What do you mean?”
“It means you’re ready to let go of the past.”
Bernard then excused himself and left. Alden remained alone in the meeting room, pondering for a while. Quickly, he typed a message on his phone and sent it to Hannah.
‘Meet me downstairs. I want to take you somewhere. Now.’
Alden reread the newly sent message. He wanted to edit it, realizing he should have added ‘please’. But Hannah had already read the message.
“Ah, stupid,” Alden cursed himself.
Alden hurriedly wheeled himself out of the meeting room towards the lobby. Just as he reached the lobby, he saw Hannah exiting the elevator.
“What’s going on?” Hannah asked.
“I want us to go out.”
Hannah looked at Alden in surprise. “I’m working.”
“And I’m your husband.”
Hearing that, Hannah couldn’t argue, she just nodded and walked beside Alden. They left the building, and Alden turned to Hannah.
“You’re driving,” he said.
“Me?”
“Didn’t you just get your driver’s license? I want to see how you drive.”
Hannah didn’t object. She handed the car key to the security guard who would bring the car around. They waited in silence. It felt like forever before the car was brought to the lobby.
“Where exactly are you taking me?” Hannah asked.
“For a drive.”
Ridiculous, Hannah thought.
They left the office, and Hannah drove around part of the city. Alden said nothing the whole time, just sat in silence. Then he pointed to a restaurant on the right.
“We’re going there,” Alden said.
“For what? Lunch is three hours away.”
“You haven’t had breakfast, Hannah.”
Hannah looked at him incredulously. Was that the only reason? If Alden wanted her to have breakfast, why didn’t he just order food to the office? Hannah couldn’t fathom his thinking.
Hannah helped Alden out of the car and into his wheelchair. The restaurant was still quite busy with people having breakfast. All eyes turned as they entered.
Oddly, Alden wanted to sit next to her, not across as usual. Hannah opened the menu and ordered, while Alden only ordered a cup of tea.
“I’ve talked to Bernard, there’s no issue between you two,” Alden said.
“There’s nothing at all.”
Alden glanced at Hannah, smiling. It made Hannah blink in surprise.
“What’s wrong?” Hannah asked.
Suddenly, Alden leaned in and kissed her on the lips.
Alden felt a great relief, the anger that had been gnawing at him all morning disappeared. Kissing Hannah was an impulsive act he hadn’t thought about at all. However, seeing Hannah’s shocked face, Alden felt very foolish.
“Why you…”
Before Hannah could finish, Alden interrupted, “I did it so people would see we’re fine. I told you, I don’t want gossip shaking the company.”
Hannah smiled, though it was faint. “Oh, I see… I understand.”
“Don’t think too much about it,” Alden whispered.
“Oh, don’t worry. I’m following your instructions? So when are we kissing again, ten, twenty minutes later?” Hannah chuckled. “Should I feed you?”
“No need.”
Alden realized that Hannah was actually very upset. And he shouldn’t have said something so hurtful.
“Hannah, I…”
“I won’t act rashly anymore, and you don’t need to worry,” Hannah interrupted. “I guess you’re just doing this for the company’s good. Thank you for taking the time to help me, Alden.”
That wasn’t what Alden meant. But his tongue felt tied, and Alden let it be.
Why is it so hard to be honest with Hannah? That Alden was jealous and didn’t want Hannah with another man.
Alden immediately contacted the driver, feeling it would be better to leave and avoid the situation. It was a cowardly act, but being with Hannah only tortured his soul.
“Hannah, I have to go,” Alden suddenly said.
Hannah looked at him indifferently. “Oh, okay.”
“Finish your breakfast, and have a good day at work.”
“Yes, okay.”
Alden kissed Hannah on the cheek, then wheeled himself out of the restaurant.
Hannah sat alone, feeling her heart ache. Alden was so cruel, showing off affection just for the company’s sake. Just to quell the gossip. Was there no hint of jealousy or fear of losing her?
Her phone buzzed, displaying Bernard Gulfman’s name on the screen.
“Hello, Bernard?” Hannah answered cheerfully.
“Is Mr. Harrison with you?”
“He was.”
“You mean?”
“He just left.”
“Oh dear,” Bernard sighed softly.
“What’s really going on, Bernard?”
“Nothing at all, Hannah. I’m just checking in.”
Hannah’s eyebrows furrowed. Checking in? What did that mean?
“I’ll be at the office after finishing my breakfast,” Hannah said.
“Alright. There’s a meeting in an hour, Susan will send you the file to review.”
“Okay, thank you, Bernard.”
It’s better to focus on work and not think about anything else, Hannah thought.
Another message came in, and it was from Alden.
‘Dinner at home. I don’t want you having coffee with anyone else.’
“Absolutely annoying,” Hannah muttered.