The lawyer left with a relieved expression, and so did Edward, who escorted him out of the house. No one dared to approach the hallway leading to Hannah’s room, not even Edward. The head butler just smiled slightly, hearing the noises coming from Hannah’s room.
Inside the room, Hannah didn’t want to hold back anymore. Although she was not yet skilled in bed, she wanted to give her best to Alden. They became one, and Hannah lost count of how many times she felt pleasure, from gentle touches to wild and playful moments.
As night approached, they lay in bed, just holding each other. Hannah felt tired and sleepy, but her body was sticky with sweat.
“I want to take a shower,” Hannah murmured softly.
“Later, or tomorrow. I still want to stay like this.”
“But, Alden…”
“No!” he said firmly.
He began to act clingy, hugging her tighter and showering her neck with sweet, gentle kisses. Even though they had spent a lot of energy earlier in the day.
“Alden, no…”
“I don’t care. You’re mine.”
Hannah nestled into Alden’s warm embrace, feeling like she was dreaming. It was the best decision for her not to leave those deep, brown, comforting eyes.
“By the way, Alden,” Hannah said.
“Yeah?”
“Can your legs be healed?”
Alden suddenly froze, startled by Hannah’s question. On the other hand, Hannah feared she might have offended him. But she had to ask. She was determined to heal Alden and would do anything for him.
“Why do you ask? Are you ashamed of having a disabled husband like me?” Alden asked.
“I’m not ashamed. I just want to know if you’re willing to try to heal them or not.”
Hannah lifted her head and gently tilted Alden’s chin so they could look into each other’s eyes. Alden’s gaze was like a drug, and Hannah loved being looked at so tenderly.
“I don’t know, Hannah. I’ve lost hope,” Alden whispered.
“If I want to be with you to reach that hope, will you still refuse it?”
“I don’t know if it can be healed.”
“At least we should try.”
Alden quickly shook his head. “No, you have to manage Texco.”
“Then let Mr. Gulfman handle Texco. Because I don’t want to give up on you.”
“You’re very persuasive, aren’t you?”
Hannah showed a serious expression. “I’m your wife.”
Suddenly, Alden pulled Hannah onto his body. He admired her curves, touching her soft skin, making Hannah feel shy.
“Alright, but I have one condition,” Alden said, chuckling.
“What’s that?”
“I want to make love to you every night and all night long.”
“You’re unbelievable.”
*
Hannah adjusted her shirt collar, feeling uneasy. She wondered if Alden’s marks were visible or not, but she felt a bit anxious. When Edward brought breakfast with the maid for both of them, the butler only showed a faint smile.
Hannah felt even more embarrassed.
“Edward, I need a list of hospitals and doctors who can treat my legs,” Alden suddenly said.
The butler was taken aback but looked pleased. “Yes, sir.”
Alden continued. “Not just in Summerhill, even outside the city or abroad, it doesn’t matter.”
Hannah smiled in relief, holding Alden’s hand. They now sat side by side. Alden gently kissed the back of Hannah’s hand.
“I have someone who will accompany me,” Alden said.
Edward nodded. “I’m happy for you, sir, ma’am. I’ll find the information as soon as possible. If you’ll excuse me.”
The middle-aged man didn’t want to disturb the passionate romance between Alden and Hannah. Hannah cleared her throat and looked shyly at her husband.
“Why did you say that in front of Edward?” Hannah asked.
“Well, he needs to witness that you won’t break your promise.”
“Of course not, silly.” Hannah picked up a piece of fruit and offered it to Alden. “In better or worse, till death do us part.”
“I was thinking. Once I’m healed, I want us to have a wedding in a church,” Alden said suddenly.
Hannah looked confused. Alden finished chewing the fruit and swallowed.
“But we’re already married, Alden,” Hannah argued.
“I know, but not in a church. I want to walk down the aisle with you.”
“Please, don’t give me such sweet ideas. It’s going to be a sugar rush this morning.”
Their conversation was interrupted when Edward re-entered the dining room, looking rushed.
“Sir, Mrs. Sears is at the front gate. She’s demanding to see you and Mrs. Hannah. What should I do?” Edward asked.
Alden glanced at Hannah. “I can send her away if you want.”
Hannah shook her head. “Let her in. I want to know what she wants.”
“Send her in, Edward,” Alden ordered.
A few minutes later, Francesca arrived. She looked troubled, despite having received a substantial amount of money. Hannah thought Francesca would appear glamorous as usual, but she didn’t.
“Oh, thank you for seeing me,” Francesca said politely.
“What do you want, Mrs. Sears?” Alden asked coldly.
Francesca didn’t dare sit; she stood at a distance, looking very nervous.
“I need help. Aspen and Jeffrey are in bad financial shape. I helped them, and now I’m out of money. Neither Jeffrey nor Aspen is working,” Francesca explained.
“The money I gave you was no small amount, Mrs. Sears,” Alden replied casually.
“I know… but it turns out Aspen is in debt, and I had no idea. Oh, it’s really confusing me.” Francesca sighed. “Can you help me, Mr. Alden? Hannah? Please.”
Hannah stood up, not wanting to hear Francesca’s excuses anymore. The pain in her heart hadn’t fully healed. What if the house was sold to someone else? She wouldn’t be able to enjoy the memories there again.
Fortunately, Alden had bought the house. And now Francesca was demanding more money.
Completely shameless.
“I’m going to work, darling,” Hannah emphasized her last words.
“Okay, let me know when you get to the office.” Alden agreed.
Hannah walked past Francesca without saying anything. Francesca looked nervous.
“You seem happy,” Francesca said softly.
Alden smiled. “Yes, we are very happy.”
“Well… that’s good to hear.”
“What do you want, Mrs. Sears? I can’t help you continuously. We had an agreement before.”
Francesca held back her tears. “Please, sir. I just need your mercy for Aspen.”