“Yes, of course, Edward. What’s going on?” Hannah asked.
Edward approached Hannah but remained standing. His usually emotionless face now showed a hint of worry.
“Ma’am, I believe the Young Master has discussed his intentions with you. That’s why I’m taking the liberty of speaking about this matter,” Edward said directly.
“Well, yes, he did mention something. But what exactly did he tell you?”
Edward explained his conversation with Alden in the study. Edward had asked Alden what he planned to do now that Maxim was gone since Alden was no longer obligated to marry Aspen due to Maxim’s wishes.
Alden didn’t want to think about that anymore. Instead, he was focused on his relationship with Hannah.
“I asked him if he wanted to keep the marriage, and he said he didn’t know,” Edward said.
“He asked me to sign the divorce papers.”
Edward didn’t seem surprised, indicating he had known this beforehand.
“I urged the Young Master not to act rashly. I see that your relationship is improving, and I hope you can keep your marriage,” Edward said.
“So, he really does want to get rid of me, doesn’t he?” Hannah asked.
“No, Mrs. Hannah. The Young Master is just uncertain.”
“Uncertain about what, Edward? Texco is doing fine, even getting better.”
“Because of Sarah Young.”
The mention of that name always hurt Hannah. Although Alden had said they should focus on the future, he had never clearly stated that he would forget about Sarah.
Could it be that Alden couldn’t let go of her? Hannah thought.
Alden had decided it was better to divorce Hannah than to make her suffer. But Hannah was beginning to feel genuine love for Alden, regardless of his condition.
“Moreover, the Young Master feels his physical condition will be a problem someday. He’s afraid of being betrayed again, which is why he always uses the excuse that he still loves Miss Sarah,” Edward explained.
“But I didn’t betray Alden.”
“I know, ma’am. But he’s been hurt before and is trying to protect himself. I know the Young Master doesn’t think about Miss Sarah anymore. He just doesn’t want to let you into his heart, only to be hurt someday.”
“Why does he think that far ahead?”
Hannah found Alden’s thinking absurd and illogical. Alden was known for being rational and cool-headed in handling any problem, so why did he have such a bizarre mindset?
“I just want Mrs. Hannah to be more patient with the Young Master. Gain his trust because I know you two can love each other someday,” Edward pleaded.
“Yes, but if he keeps thinking that everything bad will happen, what can I do, Edward?”
“Stay, Mrs. Hannah.” Edward looked at her sincerely.
Hannah didn’t argue back, not knowing what action to take. It felt foolish to want to stay married when Alden wanted a divorce.
It wasn’t about pride, but if Alden wanted to get rid of her, why should she stay and feel like unwanted trash?
“You can help the Young Master recover, Mrs. Hannah. Only you can,” Edward said. “In fact, the Young Master can be cured. He still has a chance to walk again, but no one has pushed him to try.”
Hannah was shocked. “Really? You’re not joking, Edward?”
Edward shook his head. “I’m not joking, ma’am. It’s just that the Young Master hasn’t wanted to seek treatment or make an effort anymore.”
Edward looked like he was trying to hold back tears as he spoke, “Please don’t divorce the Young Master, Mrs. Hannah. He needs you.”
*
The next day, the lawyer arrived. Hannah and Alden were waiting in the living room. The lawyer prepared the documents that needed to be signed. Hannah’s heart was pounding.
If she divorced, she wouldn’t lose anything. Alden would give her the house owned by John or its equivalent, and it was up to Hannah.
Hannah would still work at Texco, and even if she left later, Alden had prepared compensation. Leaving Summerhill, Hannah would actually have more than enough money.
However, Hannah couldn’t stop thinking about her conversation with Edward.
Hannah wasn’t Aspen, who might have married Alden just for money.
“You can sign here, ma’am. Then Mr. Harrison can sign here,” the lawyer indicated on the divorce agreement.
Alden glanced at Hannah, who looked nervous. With trembling hands, Hannah picked up the pen and was about to sign.
“No!” Hannah said firmly.
Both Alden and the lawyer were startled.
Hannah put the pen down and stared directly at Alden.
“I don’t want us to part. Because marriage to me is sacred. If you want to divorce me, go ahead. But I won’t!” Hannah declared.
Hannah then rushed out of the living room, running as fast as she could to her room.
A stunned silence fell between Alden and the lawyer, who exchanged bewildered glances. Alden, especially, looked pale.
“Mr. Harrison, you are still allowed to divorce Mrs. Harrison. Even if there’s no agreement after the divorce, the court will decide the terms,” the lawyer said.
“Postpone it. I’ll talk to my wife first.”
Alden hurriedly wheeled himself to Hannah’s room. He knocked and called several times, but there was no answer. He turned the doorknob and found it unlocked.
Hannah was lying face down on the bed, crying. Alden approached her carefully.
“Please, don’t cry, Hannah,” Alden pleaded.
“You promised me! That we would fix our relationship, but now you’re throwing me away?”
“I never thought of it that way, Hannah. I just thought this was the best for us.”
“The best for you, but not for me!”
Hannah sat up, her eyes swollen, her nose and lips red from crying. Seeing her like this, Alden felt even more guilty about divorcing her.
“I’m sorry, Hannah,” Alden said.
“I love you! And I don’t want us to separate!”
Alden couldn’t believe his ears.
“Maybe it sounds foolish to you, and I’m a stupid woman for loving you. But I can’t lie to myself! If you want to divorce me, go ahead!”
“Hannah…”
“I’ll leave if that’s what you want.”
“Would you listen to me first?”
“No! I’m tired of holding back my feelings. I’ve given you everything!”
Alden cupped Hannah’s face in his hands. “You are mine.”
Hannah just stared blanky.
Then Alden continue, “And I am yours.”