39. A Sudden Meeting

Book:Marrying the Chairman in the Wheelchair Published:2024-12-6

Bernard glanced at his watch; it was dinner time, and he was right on time. At the restaurant, Alden was already waiting at the VIP table, which was set apart in an all-glass room. It wasn’t unusual for Alden to suddenly call for a meeting, but it was typically held at his house.
“Mr. Harrison,” Bernard greeted.
Alden nodded. “Sit down, Mr. Gulfman. I think you’ll find the menu here to your liking.”
“Well, whatever it is, I’m fine with it.”
Bernard was slightly puzzled as to why Alden wanted to meet so suddenly. They had already talked earlier that morning. It had been agreed that the rumors circulating didn’t need clarification. In fact, Texco’s stock, which was suspected to drop, had actually risen a few points.
Isn’t bad gossip also a form of benefit? It depends on the perspective.
“It’s unusual for you to ask to meet outside,” Bernard said.
“Because I don’t want our conversation to be overheard by Hannah.”
“Is this about the company?”
Alden shook his head. “No, it’s about me.”
Their conversation paused as they ordered food and drinks. Alden then diverted the discussion to work-related matters. Bernard didn’t press; he just listened and occasionally provided responses and opinions.
Finally, after forty minutes, Alden began to discuss what was on his mind.
“I’ve messed everything up, Mr. Gulfman,” Alden said, sighing softly.
Alden’s face looked so gloomy because he didn’t know how to solve his problem.
“About what?” Gulfman sipped his wine a little.
“What you said was true, that I’m very jealous of Hannah. And I didn’t realize it.”
One of Gulfman’s eyebrows raised, but he remained silent.
“I don’t know if Hannah has told you or not, but… our relationship has been complicated from the start.”
Alden briefly explained the chronology of events: their meeting, the agreement, and eventually getting married. Alden didn’t think Hannah would captivate his heart, as his mind was filled with thoughts of Sarah.
However, gradually, Hannah began to take Sarah’s place. Alden felt very selfish because he didn’t want to let go of Sarah’s shadow, causing Hannah to suffer. Yet, on the other hand, Alden didn’t want Hannah to leave his life; he wanted to have her.
“And earlier, I did something stupid again. I just want to fix things, but it’s very difficult, Mr. Gulfman,” Alden said.
“Have you completely forgotten about Miss Sarah, sir?”
“No.”
“Then what do you expect if you still have feelings for another woman?”
Alden remained silent, unable to provide any arguments.
“If you can’t make peace with yourself, then don’t hurt Mrs. Harrison anymore,” Bernard added.
“I…”
“She deserves to be loved; she deserves to be happy. For her own sake, sir. And I apologize for saying this so boldly.”
“Then what should I do, Mr. Gulfman?”
“My question is, do you want to continue your relationship with Hannah or pursue Miss Sarah, who knows where she is now?”
Alden sighed softly. “Of course, I want to be with Hannah!”
“Then forget Miss Sarah and go home. Mrs. Harrison is waiting at home; love and cherish her from now on. Nothing is difficult unless you make it so.”
It was the first time Bernard saw Alden looking so confused. Alden was a cold, logical, and unemotional person. But when it came to Hannah, Alden became unsteady and chaotic.
Bernard never thought that a woman’s influence could be so strong.
“So you think I should go home and…” Alden trailed off. “What should I do?”
“You’re her husband, Mr. Harrison. And don’t ask me what to do because I’ve never been married.”
“Oh my God,” Alden said, confused.
“Go home; you’ll know what to do once you get there.”
“Alright.”
________________________________________
Alden stopped his wheelchair in front of Hannah’s room. After coming home, he went straight to the dining room, but Hannah wasn’t there. Alden’s heart was pounding; he felt meeting Hannah at that moment might not be the right time. Or tomorrow? Or what?
Alden immediately knocked on the door.
Shortly after, Hannah opened it, and she seemed startled. Alden reacted the same way, especially after seeing Hannah only wearing a slightly revealing nightgown.
“Oh, Alden? Is there something?” Hannah asked coldly.
“I want to talk to you,” Alden cleared his throat, “if you don’t mind. I’ll just go back to my room; we can talk tomorrow morning or another time.”
Hannah blinked. “It’s fine if you want to talk now. Should I go to the living room or your office afterward?”
“Is it okay if we talk inside?”
“Well, yeah… sure.”
Hannah sat on the edge of the bed, and Alden positioned his wheelchair in front of her. They both remained silent for a while. Their minds were filled with various assumptions and possibilities.
“Well…” they both said at the same time.
Hannah immediately cleared her throat and looked away.
“I’m sorry,” Alden said.
“For what? You did nothing wrong.”
“Yes, I did.” Alden clenched his fists.
“But…”
“Listen, just this once I want you to listen to me, Hannah. I’ve done bad things, but I don’t want to make things worse. I want us to get to know each other better moving forward.”
Hearing that, Hannah couldn’t believe it. What had gotten into Alden that he could say such a thing?
“My behavior will probably still be bad and annoying. But if I do something you don’t like, just tell me. Do you understand?” Alden quickly corrected himself. “Yes, please?”
“O-okay.”
“No more digging into my past; what you should think about is the future.”
“Texco, you mean?”
Alden became frustrated with why Hannah had to link it to business matters. He was talking about their relationship, which had nothing to do with business.
“Our future, you and me,” Alden emphasized.
Hannah tilted her head. “Alright.”
“Is that all?” Alden was slightly taken aback by Hannah’s cold response.
“Then what should I do?”
Alden immediately moved his body, falling onto Hannah.
“At least be angry or express something, don’t act so cold. I can go crazy with your attitude!” Alden said, breathing heavily. “How can you make my mind this chaotic!”
“Alden, I…”
Suddenly, Alden’s phone rang, and he quickly moved to sit on the edge of the bed. Alden reached into his jacket pocket and looked at the screen.
“Yes, Edward?”
“Sir… this is an emergency. Something has happened to Mr. Harrison.”