“Aspen is pregnant, she’s not working, and neither is Jeffrey. I don’t know what to do; everything’s gone. Please, sir, at least let Jeffrey work again,” Francesca pleaded.
“I can’t bring Jeffrey back to work at Texco because your daughter already caused trouble there. Besides, Texco belongs to Hannah, not me,” Alden said.
Francesca knelt. “I will do anything. But please, forgive me and my daughter. I will crawl and beg Hannah for forgiveness if she demands it. But don’t torment us like this.”
“Torment? We haven’t done anything to you.”
Francesca’s sobbing grew louder. Alden exhaled deeply.
“Please, don’t do this, Mrs. Sears,” Alden said.
“Please, I’ll keep kneeling…” Francesca trembled. “I don’t know who else to ask for help. Only you and Hannah can help. Please, Mr. Alden.”
“Stand up, Mrs. Sears.”
“No, not until you say yes. I’ll stay like this.”
Alden couldn’t believe Hannah lived with such a dramatic stepmother.
“I will help, but only this one time. I’ll give you money, and I’ll find a job for Jeffrey. But don’t bother us again. I’ve already warned you twice,” Alden explained.
Francesca stood, nodding.
“Alright, I promise,” Francesca sobbed.
Although Alden doubted Francesca would keep her promise once she ran out of money.
Alden led Francesca to his office and gave her a check. Francesca thanked him and hurried out. Edward entered Alden’s office after Francesca left.
“A very noisy morning, sir,” Edward smiled slightly.
“I don’t know how Hannah endured such a family. My wife is truly resilient.”
Edward just smiled again.
“Edward, do you think it’s wise to give a job to Hannah’s ex-boyfriend?” Alden pursed his lips. “I promised Mrs. Sears, but it was only to stop her crying.”
“Well, you’re not obligated, sir. Besides, Mrs. Francesca isn’t related by blood to Mrs. Hannah, right?” Edward replied.
“You’re right.”
“But if you look at it from a humanitarian perspective, helping them is okay.”
“I’ve given Mrs. Sears a $10, 000 check.”
“Does Mrs. Hannah know about this?”
Alden shook his head. “No. I’ll talk to her later.”
Alden left the office, with Edward following.
“Sir, there are only a few hospitals in Summerhill that handle accident trauma and therapy,” Edward said.
“Make appointments with them as soon as possible, Edward.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Oh, and Edward, please reserve a table at the best restaurant. I want to take Hannah out for dinner tonight.”
Edward nodded. “Right away, sir.”
*
Hannah was puzzled by Alden’s behavior. He had her leave work at three in the afternoon and go shopping at the mall. Alden bought her a dress that she had to wear immediately. Her curiosity was finally satisfied when Alden took her to a fancy restaurant for dinner.
“You bought me a dress just for dinner?” Hannah asked, giggling.
“Yes, I didn’t want dinner to feel like it was in the office.”
Alden’s answer made Hannah laugh.
“And you look very beautiful in that dress,” Alden added, complimenting her.
“Thank you. You look just as…”
“Beautiful, you think?”
“Handsome, cool, and dashing. Because you’re my husband.”
“You’re good at giving compliments, aren’t you?”
“Only to you, not to anyone else.”
They sat in a VIP room, enjoying a view of the city at night. Hannah felt fortunate to enjoy all the privileges after a life full of suffering.
What made Hannah most grateful was that Alden welcomed her love. It was an indescribable blessing. Before this, Hannah was heartbroken because of Jeffrey’s betrayal. But it seemed God had given her a path to happiness.
Did this mean Hannah had found happiness?
Their dinner was romantic, intimate, and warm. Hannah enjoyed hearing Alden share stories from his childhood, slowly learning more about her husband’s past.
Hannah also shared her sweet childhood memories until they started talking about Francesca and Aspen.
“By the way, Hannah, your stepmother wants Jeffrey to get a job,” Alden said.
Hannah sighed. “And?”
“I told her it couldn’t be at Texco. I said I would find a job elsewhere for him.”
“I don’t know, Alden.” Hannah shrugged. “That’s not your problem. Don’t make me feel bad because you get dragged into their issues.”
“I just don’t want Francesca to bother you again. And I’ve already given her some money,” Alden said.
“You did?”
“Yes, she needed it. I couldn’t bear to see her beg like that.”
Hannah nodded. How could she forbid Alden? What he did was his choice, and she didn’t want to interfere.
“You’re not angry?” Alden tilted his head, looking closely at Hannah.
“No. Because it’s your money.”
“My money is your money.”
Hannah chuckled and shook her head. “It’s not like that. The point is, whatever you do is your right. Unless you give my salary at Texco to Francesca.”
“I’m sure you’d be pissed off.”
“Furious, actually.”
They laughed softly, and without warning, Alden leaned in and kissed Hannah. He loved seeing her laugh and happy. How did love come so suddenly, making Alden crazy about the woman in front of him? They had been strangers to each other before.
Hannah whispered in Alden’s ear. “Does this mean I have to take off the beautiful dress you just bought?”
“Not now, wait until we’re in the room. And I’ll take it off for you.”
“You!” Hannah widened her eyes and lightly slapped Alden’s arm.
“Hey, you teased me first.”
“I did not!”
Alden caressed Hannah’s cheek, feeling like tearing the dress she was wearing. He didn’t care if they had to do it there. Alden wanted Hannah right then.
“Let’s go,” Alden said suddenly.
“But you haven’t even touched your dessert, Alden.”
“You’re my dessert tonight.”
Hannah was shocked. “What do you mean?”
Alden laughed softly and didn’t hesitate to kiss Hannah’s lips repeatedly.
“Let’s find the nearest hotel. I want you now,” Alden whispered.
“Alden, we just did it last night.”
“Didn’t I say I want it every night? That’s our deal, isn’t it?”