The next morning, Hannah acted as if everything was normal, or maybe she was just pretending. Because Alden hadn’t slept in their room last night, but Hannah didn’t want to make a fuss about something so trivial.
They still had a lot to learn about each other, and arguing over the past would only make things worse. Hannah thought if she started a fight, Alden might reminisce about his time with Sarah.
“Hey, are you feeling better?” Alden asked.
Hannah smiled. “Yes, darling. I’m sorry for my behavior last night.”
Ego.
That’s what Hannah tried to set aside. It wasn’t that she was pretending to be a sweet, obedient woman, but she didn’t want to clash egos with Alden. Hannah knew Alden had a very high ego himself.
“No, sweetheart. I understand how you feel,” Alden hugged Hannah immediately. “I’m the one who should apologize.”
“I trust you to be professional. Even though I feel a bit worried, that’s normal, isn’t it?”
Alden nodded. “I understand, and I will keep your trust. I love you so much.”
Those were comforting words after a sleepless night filled with negative thoughts. If Hannah kept imagining bad things, they might come true. So, think positively, and good things will happen.
“Do you want to come with me to Goldtime?” Alden suddenly offered.
Hannah released the hug and looked at Alden in surprise. “Why should I go there? I have work to do.”
“You’re the owner of Texco. You’re not tied down by your job all the time.”
“Darling, if I act irresponsibly, how will other employees be disciplined?”
Hannah was right; she had become a leader of a new company but showed excellent quality. Even the employees highly respected Hannah because she was dedicated to her work. Alden acknowledged that.
“Just for a while, so you can see what my work is like there,” Alden said.
“I already know your job there. We’re both owners.”
Alden laughed and pinched Hannah’s cheek playfully. This woman could drive him crazy every day. Hannah was smart, had a sense of humor, was hardworking, and honest.
“Come on, join me. Okay? Please…”
“For what, Alden? Do you want to show me off to the people in the office?”
Alden nodded. “Yes, I want them to see you as the owner of Texco and my wife, the owner of Goldtime.”
Hannah shook her head. “Oh, geez.”
“Besides, isn’t it normal for a wife to occasionally visit her husband at work?”
Yes, back at her old office, Hannah’s colleagues often had visits from their wives, husbands, or children. Many eventually became close to each other’s family members. Alden’s suggestion wasn’t wrong either.
“Okay, fine.” Hannah agreed.
*
The employees at Goldtime were friendly and welcoming when Hannah arrived, even though it was actually her second or third time there. There were a few names Hannah began to remember, particularly Dane, Alden’s secretary. The atmosphere at Goldtime was much busier, different from the working rhythm at Texco.
Texco wasn’t relaxed, but the environment didn’t make the workers feel rushed. Maybe because of the collaboration with Giantic, they had to push themselves because there would be big projects ahead.
Hannah sat on the couch in Alden’s office, busy with her phone. She was still replying to messages from Susan, Bernard, and checking incoming emails. Meanwhile, Alden rested his head on Hannah’s lap.
“Oh, this is so nice.” Alden stretched out and hugged Hannah’s waist. “Work here with me so I can do this every day.”
“Don’t joke.”
The door suddenly opened from outside, and a sweet voice greeted them.
“Good morning, Alden!”
It was Sarah’s voice.
Seeing Alden get up from Hannah’s lap, Sarah froze in place. Her eyes fixed on Hannah with an unreadable expression.
“Oh, I didn’t know there was a guest,” Sarah said with an awkward smile.
Hannah felt slightly offended. A guest? Hannah was Alden’s wife; even if she didn’t work there, it didn’t mean she was a stranger to Alden. Meanwhile, Sarah just walked into the room without permission. Even Bernard had never been so rude.
“What is it, Sarah?” Alden asked.
“Later, if you have time.”
Sarah quickly left Alden’s office, leaving a bad impression on Hannah.
“I’d better go too,” Hannah suddenly decided.
“Hannah, what’s wrong?”
“You should be working, and so should I.” Hannah forced a smile while standing up. “I have a meeting this afternoon, and I don’t want to be late. Besides, there are files I need to review first,” Hannah excused.
“You’re not leaving because Sarah suddenly walked into my office, are you?”
“No, it’s not that.”
“Alright. I’ll take you to your office.”
Hannah quickly shook her head. “No need. I can take a taxi or a bus; you don’t need to take me.”
“Bus?” Alden laughed. “Are you kidding me? No, I’ll have the staff take you to your office. Okay?”
Hannah finally nodded and kissed Alden’s cheek. She felt fed up staying at Goldtime for too long. She didn’t know how to face the days ahead with Sarah intruding on their marriage.
…
Hannah was escorted by Goldtime staff, and the light conversation made her feel better. Once she arrived at her office, Hannah had to focus. She didn’t want to worry Susan or Bernard. The car stopped at the intersection, and Hannah was busy replying to Susan’s message.
Suddenly…
A collision from behind startled Hannah.
It wasn’t too severe, but it was still shocking. The staff panicked and turned to Hannah.
“Are you alright, ma’am?” he asked.
“I’m fine.”
Hannah and the staff got out of the car, as did the driver who hit them. The man immediately approached Hannah, and his face turned pale. Suddenly, the man was shocked to see Hannah. Likewise, Hannah reacted the same.
It was Kenneth Young!
“Oh, it’s you? You’re Alden’s wife, Hannah?” Kenneth said.
“Yes, that’s me.”
“I’m sorry. I really didn’t mean to. I thought I had pressed the brake.”
“Mr. Young, it’s alright. I understand,” said Hannah.
“How about we pull over and discuss the damages? I’ll cover everything,” Kenneth offered.
Hannah laughed lightly. “Don’t worry, Mr. Young. This is Goldtime’s car, so you can just discuss it with my husband.”
“Oh, really?” Kenneth almost didn’t blink.
“Well, I have to get back to the office. See you later.”
Kenneth stood on the side of the road, watching Hannah’s car drive away. He folded his arms.
“Why are there such calm women in this world?” he murmured in disbelief.