The hour-and-a-half drive out of town didn’t make Hannah comfortable. Early in the morning, she had told Alden she needed to go to the office early and had to skip breakfast. Alden didn’t protest; he simply agreed.
However, Hannah felt like a traitor, taking actions that Alden hadn’t approved of, even though her reasons were for his well-being. She wasn’t sure if that was enough justification.
Throughout the journey, Hannah didn’t talk much with Bernard, only occasionally engaging in light conversation, as Bernard focused on driving. He deliberately sped up to get them there sooner.
Bernard took her to a hospital specializing in therapy and trauma cases. Their arrival was greeted by the doctor in the hospital lobby.
“Bernard, how are you?”
The doctor, who seemed to be in his early 40s like Bernard, embraced him as if they were old friends. Hannah smiled awkwardly as she shook the doctor’s hand.
“Irving is a high school friend,” Bernard said. “And now he’s a doctor.”
“Nice to meet you, Mrs. Harrison.” Irving nodded. “Bernard has told me about your husband’s case. Did you bring the test results and everything? It would have been easier if your husband had come.”
“No, he couldn’t. So I had to come here,” Hannah replied.
“Alright, let’s go to my office.”
The hospital had only two floors, not very luxurious or grand, with the building looking quite old. However, the facilities inside were quite comprehensive for various therapies. Irving mentioned that the hospital had surgical facilities comparable to other hospitals.
Irving examined the test results and x-rays. He didn’t say anything for a long time, looking thoughtful. Hannah had lost hope, thinking the only solution was for Alden to use some kind of support or brace.
Alden would surely reject it outright.
“Surgery is needed on this knee,” Irving pointed. “Not a major surgery, but inserting a support that won’t bother the patient later.”
“So what’s the outcome? Will Mr. Harrison be able to walk?” Bernard asked.
“Yes, of course. I’m very positive about it. After surgery and less than five months of therapy, he could even run and play soccer. It’s very safe,” Irving replied.
Hannah’s eyes widened. Could it really succeed? Did she hear it correctly?
“But with the support, how will it be?” Hannah asked.
“It will stay there for the rest of his life. But it’s made from very safe materials, ma’am. It won’t pose any long-term effects or risks in the future.” Irving smiled broadly.
“Wow, this is really great news. Thank goodness Mr. Harrison can soon begin treatment,” Bernard said.
Irving nodded. “Just let me know when Mr. Harrison can come, then we’ll schedule it, and everything will go smoothly. There’s nothing to worry about anymore.”
“Thank you, doc. This is the best news I’ve ever heard,” Hannah said emotionally.
Hannah and Bernard returned to Summerhill immediately after the brief 30-minute meeting, but it brought great hope. Alden would recover and walk again. Suddenly, Hannah was startled-how would she tell Alden?
“I don’t know how to persuade Alden to come. What reason could be plausible?” Hannah asked, confused.
Her words broke the silence on their return journey as they approached the office.
“Don’t worry, I’ll talk to Mr. Harrison. I’ll explain about Irving and invite your husband to come. Irving can pretend he doesn’t know about you beforehand.”
“Yes, but the question is, will Alden agree to go?” Hannah took a deep breath. “He already told me he doesn’t want to see any more doctors.”
“We’ll give him space and time, no rush. I won’t hastily ask Mr. Harrison to meet Irving.”
“I’m sorry for troubling you, Bernard.”
“Not at all.”
Bernard had known Alden even before the accident. He cared for Alden like a son or nephew. Seeing Alden walk again would make Bernard very happy.
The car entered the office parking lot, and Hannah and Bernard got out. As they entered the lobby, the receptionist approached them.
“Mr. Harrison is waiting in your office, ma’am,” she said.
The receptionist’s face looked anxious.
Hannah was shocked, as was Bernard.
“I’ll talk to Mr. Harrison,” Bernard said.
“No, wait. Let me talk to him first. If he wants your testimony, you can come,” Hannah refused.
If Hannah and Bernard defended themselves together, Alden would be even angrier. He wouldn’t consider the reasons and might think there was something between Hannah and Bernard.
“I feel like a coward, you know?” Bernard sighed.
He pressed the button for the elevator. They remained silent as they went up, and the elevator stopped on Bernard’s office floor. However, Bernard didn’t get out.
“Why?” Hannah asked.
“No, I’ll stay with you. I’m the one who took you to see Irving without Mr. Harrison’s knowledge. It wasn’t your idea,” Bernard insisted.
“Please, let me talk to Alden first. Please, Bernard.”
“Alright. But call me immediately.”
Hannah nodded quickly. Bernard got out of the elevator, and Hannah continued to her office floor. As she walked down the corridor, she saw Susan in her office with the door open. Susan looked very pale and hurried to Hannah.
“Your husband is furious. Although he didn’t speak harshly, his face is really angry,” Susan whispered.
“I know.”
“Should I accompany you? I’m afraid he’ll be very angry with you.”
“No, Susan. I’ll take responsibility for my actions. Thank you.”
“Okay.” Susan nodded.
Hannah quickly entered her office and opened the door.
Alden was looking out the window, turning when he saw Hannah enter. His eyes showed a sharp and angry look.
“Where have you been?” Alden asked coldly.
“I went somewhere.”
“Deliberately with Gulfman?”
“Yes,” Hannah answered frankly.
“What were you thinking, lying to me? Do you really have an affair with my father’s colleague?”