“What kind of emergency, Edward?” Alden asked.
“He’s in critical condition, sir. He wants to see you, and I hope you can come here. I’m not sure if Mr. Harrison will make it; I’m very worried, sir.”
“Alright. I’ll take the earliest flight tomorrow.”
“Thank you, young master.”
Alden hung up the phone, and his face looked grim. He turned to Hannah.
“My father’s condition is quite serious. Get ready; we’ll be leaving for Austria tomorrow, Hannah,” Alden said weakly.
“Oh my God.” Hannah stood up. “Alright, I’ll start packing my things.”
“Just the essentials. Clothes and small items, we can buy them there.”
Hannah nodded. “Okay.”
Alden moved back to his wheelchair. “Goodnight, and get some rest.”
“Alden,” Hannah called out.
Alden turned around.
“I believe Mr. Harrison will be alright. Let’s hope for the best.”
Alden nodded. “Thank you.”
Alden left Hannah’s room, leaving her standing there, feeling uncertain. Hannah’s feelings were in turmoil. She realized Alden’s words, that they needed to focus on the future.
“Does he mean, me and him?” Hannah muttered.
But Hannah didn’t want to dwell on that, because something far more important was at stake: Maxim’s health.
Hannah hoped Maxim’s condition would improve after seeing Alden.
*
The earliest flight for Hannah and Alden to Austria had already been arranged. The eight-hour journey was spent by Hannah sleeping and playing on her phone. Their seats were separate, with an aisle in between.
They arrived in Austria around two in the afternoon and were picked up by a driver. The car headed straight to the hospital. Along the way, Hannah admired the ancient buildings that were well preserved. It was like stepping into a country frozen in time.
“It’s beautiful,” Hannah murmured, her eyes glued to the window.
“Do you want to take a walk?” Alden asked suddenly.
Hannah shook her head. “We’re here to see your father. He’s far more important.”
“My father and you.”
Hearing that, Hannah was startled. It was strange to see Alden so soft-spoken. She feared that more bad things might happen, causing them to grow even further apart. Alden was hard to predict.
They arrived at a hospital that catered specifically to the elderly. There was also a nursing home with complete facilities. As they entered the exclusive grounds, Hannah realized it was a place meant for the elite.
Edward was waiting on the hospital porch, bowing respectfully as Alden and Hannah arrived.
“Where’s my father?” Alden asked.
Edward gestured for Alden to follow him inside. Alden suddenly took Hannah’s hand, and they walked down the quiet corridor. After two turns, Edward opened Maxim’s room door.
Maxim was using an oxygen mask, his breathing short and labored. The elderly man had his eyes closed. Seeing Maxim’s condition, Hannah felt a pang in her heart, suddenly reminded of her own father.
“Dad,” Alden called softly.
Alden held Maxim’s wrinkled hand, visibly holding back his emotions. Despite their cold relationship, Alden and Maxim cared deeply for each other. Though Alden seemed indifferent, he was attentive to his father in his own way.
Maxim opened his eyes and turned his head. The old man chuckled softly. “Alden, my son.”
“Sorry I just got here, Dad. Rest now, I won’t go anywhere. I’ll stay with you.”
“Ah, Edward must have called you, huh? I’m fine, really.”
Maxim’s eyes searched for Edward, and he was surprised to see Hannah there.
“Oh, you’re… you’re John’s daughter. Hannah, right? What are you doing here, dear? Come here,” Maxim requested.
Hannah approached Maxim with a bittersweet smile.
“Are you here alone with Alden?” Maxim asked.
“Yes, Dad,” Alden answered on her behalf.
“Won’t Aspen be jealous, Alden? Aren’t you supposed to marry her, son?”
Hearing this, Hannah was taken aback. She knew Maxim had Alzheimer’s, but it still hurt. Aspen had once caused Hannah’s life to be chaotic, though over time, Hannah had recovered.
“No, Dad. Hannah and I…”
Hannah suddenly interjected. “Alden and I have business, and I work at his company, sir. So there’s no need to worry. Aspen understands that I have to fly with Alden to visit you.”
“Oh, good,” Maxim nodded.
“Rest now, Dad,” Alden said.
Soon after, Maxim fell asleep. Alden and Hannah stepped out of the room and quietly spoke with Edward in the corridor.
“Is there nothing more the hospital can do, Edward? Should we transfer my father to another hospital?” Alden asked.
“Sir, there are things beyond medical treatment. Only God’s will can change the situation,” Edward replied somberly. “Mr. Maxim just wants to be with his family, which means you.”
“I’ll come back tomorrow or whenever. Keep me informed, Edward.”
Edward nodded. “Yes, sir. I’ll keep you updated as soon as possible.”
Alden and Hannah left the hospital and headed to the hotel.
*
It was a very luxurious hotel, and their room was exceptionally large and spacious. However, Hannah noticed there was only one bed.
“I’ll sleep on the sofa,” Hannah decided.
Alden glanced at her. “Why?”
Hannah sat on the sofa, still thinking about Maxim’s words. It was unbelievable that it still crossed her mind, especially since Maxim was ill and unaware. She shouldn’t take it to heart.
“Hannah?” Alden approached and sat next to her. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
“Are you thinking about what my father said? About Aspen?”
“Why would you think that?”
“Because you’ve been gloomy since we arrived. And it’s definitely not about work, is it?”
Hannah couldn’t lie. She remained silent, giving no response.
Alden suddenly lifted Hannah’s chin, bringing their faces close together.
“Hannah, I told you, whatever happened in the past, we forget it.”
“But…”
“My wife is you. Not Aspen. And Aspen will never be my wife, ever.”