“I hope your husband can keep his distance from Sarah,” Kenneth said suddenly.
Hannah raised her eyebrows. What did that mean?
“My husband owns Goldtime. How can he keep his distance when your sister suddenly becomes Giantic’s representative? That’s absurd.” Hannah replied bluntly.
“You know about their past, right?”
Hannah nodded. “I know very well. In fact, your sister left Alden, but I don’t want to dwell on the past. Alden is now healed and healthy, and has no business with Sarah except for work.”
Hannah’s voice trembled with restrained anger because she couldn’t accept the implication that Alden was the one pursuing Sarah. Alden had been professional, while it was Sarah who kept bringing up their past.
“It’s not that simple, Hannah,” Kenneth said.
“What do you mean?”
“My sister suffered severe mental trauma after the accident. I had to take her abroad for treatment. Sarah can’t handle too much pressure.”
Hannah was shocked by Kenneth’s revelation.
“I’ve been trying to protect her, to keep her away from things that would trigger her illness. But she’s very stubborn, and I can’t be harsher with her,” Kenneth explained.
“Sarah is sick?”
Kenneth nodded. “I don’t want her to disrupt Alden’s marriage. Though, to be honest, I hate seeing him happy with you while my sister suffers.”
“Why don’t you replace Sarah as Giantic’s representative?”
“I can’t.” Kenneth sighed. “The directors adore Sarah. She’s very charming and knows how to win people over.”
“If you inform the directors about Sarah’s condition, then…” Hannah trailed off.
Kenneth nodded as if understanding what Hannah was implying. “It would tarnish the Young family name. And I’m the backbone of our family’s future.”
Hannah was momentarily stunned.
There was the question of why Alden had to stay away, but Kenneth couldn’t remove Sarah.
“Does she still love my husband?” Hannah asked bluntly.
“I think so. I’m quite sure she does. I can’t stop her from clinging to Alden because of her illness. Sometimes she remembers her actions, sometimes she doesn’t. Oh, God…”
“I don’t know, Kenneth. This feels too complicated for me.”
“Sarah needs a chance to live a normal life. I’m trying to help her recover slowly. But after meeting Alden, she’s become erratic.”
Then why not just put Sarah back in a mental hospital if she causes trouble? Hannah thought simply. Why make others suffer when Sarah could ruin their marriage?
And using her illness as an excuse to let her be? To Hannah, that was absurd.
“You should keep a close watch on your sister or find a way to remove her from the company,” Hannah said firmly.
Kenneth didn’t argue.
“If you ask my husband to stay away, the answer will be no. My husband works professionally. Your sister is trying to relive the past. These are two different things.” Hannah took a deep breath. “I can’t say this. You should talk to my husband.”
“I still hate your husband.”
“Then don’t make me hate your words and actions, Kenneth.”
Hannah stood up and grabbed her bag from the chair behind her.
“Thank you for lunch. You don’t need to bother driving me to the office. I’ll take a taxi.” Hannah nodded briskly. “Goodbye.”
“Hannah, please don’t tell Alden about this until I find a solution to this problem.”
Hannah didn’t respond; she just continued walking without looking back.
*
After coming home from the office, having dinner together, and cuddling in bed, Hannah’s mind was still focused on Kenneth’s words from that afternoon. She wanted to tell Alden everything, but her tongue felt tied. Should she tell him, or keep the secret?
“Sweetheart? What’s wrong? Is something bothering you?” Alden asked suddenly.
Hannah just shook her head. “Nothing.”
“Okay, it seems we need to talk about this because your behavior is different. I asked you not to keep secrets because I don’t keep any from you.”
“It’s nothing serious, I’m just a bit tired.”
“Do you want a massage?”
Hannah pulled her face back. “No.”
Alden’s hearty laugh echoed. He didn’t know anything, while Hannah’s heart was in turmoil. And she wasn’t in the mood for intimacy. Her mind was cluttered.
“Come on, it feels good. I promise.” Alden winked.
Then Alden’s phone rang, diverting both of their attention. It was eleven at night. Who could be calling Alden at this hour?
Alden got out of bed, went to the dresser, and picked up his phone. He stared at the screen for a moment and sighed before answering.
“Hello?” Alden greeted.
Hannah watched from the bed.
“Calm down, Sarah. I can’t hear you clearly. Take a deep breath and stop crying. What’s going on?”
Hannah felt uneasy. What was happening to Sarah now that she was crying? Did she have a fight with Kenneth? Hannah listened intently but couldn’t make out Sarah’s words.
“Oh, hello… yes Kenneth? What’s going on?”
Alden remained silent, his face growing pale.
“Okay, okay. I’ll be there,” Alden replied.
Then Alden ended the call. He turned to Hannah.
“I need to go to the hospital, Hannah. Something happened to Sarah,” Alden said.
“What happened?”
“Kenneth said Sarah attempted suicide. I don’t know why, but Kenneth asked me to come.”
“I’m coming with you!” Hannah said firmly.
They quickly changed clothes and rushed to the hospital. During the drive, Alden held Hannah’s hand, not wanting to let go, but neither spoke a word.
…
Upon arriving at the hospital, they asked about Sarah and were directed to the psychiatric ward.
Alden looked confused.
“Psychiatric? What’s really going on with Sarah?” Alden muttered.
“Let’s just find Kenneth and Sarah first,” Hannah suggested.
“She was fine when she left the office earlier, Hannah. There was nothing unusual about her behavior.”
“Let’s just see how she is, okay?”
They walked down the corridor to Sarah’s room. They heard crying and screaming from inside. When Alden entered, he saw Sarah’s hands were tied, with bandages on her wrists.
Kenneth looked exhausted, worried, and shaken.
“Alden!” Sarah stopped crying immediately. “Alden, I miss you!! Please!!”
Sarah’s hands reached out for Alden, while he looked between Kenneth and Sarah, unsure of what to do.
“Sarah, what happened to you?” Alden asked.
Alden hurried to Sarah, and she hugged him, sobbing.
“Don’t leave again. Don’t leave me, Alden…”