Hannah sat curled up on the couch, her eyes swollen from crying, her face weary. The scent of chocolate wafted in from the kitchen next to the living room, slightly soothing Hannah’s nerves.
Susan approached, carrying two mugs of hot chocolate and handing one to Hannah.
“Chocolate boosts your endorphins,” Susan said. “It’s said to make you feel euphoric.”
Hannah accepted the mug with a weak nod. “Thanks,” she replied shortly.
“Care to tell me what’s going on?” asked Susan.
Hannah didn’t know where to start; her mind was foggy, overwhelmed with thoughts. Of all her assumptions, Sarah’s motive was the one she questioned the most.
Yes, Hannah knew Sarah was ill, but Alden allowing her into their home was even more sickening.
At the very least, Alden should have asked for permission. No, no, he should have refused in the first place.
“What was he thinking?” Hannah muttered.
“Hannah, are you sure the issues between you and Mr. Harrison are resolved? Could your husband still want Sarah?”
Hannah shook her head. “He said there was nothing.”
“But bringing that woman into your home is outrageous. Claiming Sarah wanted to apologize doesn’t make sense.”
Hannah stared sadly.
“She could come to his office or contact him privately, not through your husband. She’s just making excuses,” Susan concluded.
That thought had crossed Hannah’s mind, too. But Hannah didn’t know if Sarah was aware of her actions, wanting Alden while in the hospital. What was Sarah really apologizing for?
“What should I do now?” whispered Hannah.
“Talk about it firmly. You have rights as his wife, and if Mr. Harrison truly loves you, he’ll stay away from Sarah.”
Hannah nodded slowly.
“Has Mr. Harrison contacted you?” Susan asked.
“I turned off my phone on the way here. Honestly, I don’t want to talk about anything right now.”
“That’s alright. Stay here instead of at a hotel.”
“Thanks, Susan.”
Susan quickly changed the subject to help Hannah relax. They didn’t talk long because they both had to go to work in the morning.
However, even near midnight, Hannah couldn’t sleep. She just stared at the ceiling, her mind wandering.
Hannah couldn’t bear the thought of Sarah seducing Alden, and the two ended up kissing or sleeping together. It was like reliving old memories that Hannah had buried with difficulty, memories of Jeffrey and Aspen’s betrayal.
Hannah reached for her phone on the nightstand, staring at its dark screen. She almost turned it on but decided against it.
No, Hannah didn’t want to be disturbed. Even though she was curious and scared that Sarah was trying to steal Alden away.
…
Hannah woke with a start, and the thought of going to work instantly brought her fully awake. Sunlight tried to pierce through the curtains. Hannah shuffled out of bed, stepping sluggishly out of the room.
She wasn’t sure when she fell asleep, exhausted from crying many times.
When Hannah emerged, no one was there. On the coffee table was a plate of biscuits and a note underneath. Hannah picked up the note and read Susan’s message:
‘Don’t worry about work today. I’ll handle things with Mr. Gulfman. There’s coffee in the machine and milk in the fridge.’
Without Susan, Hannah wouldn’t know where to run.
Even her house was controlled by Alden now.
Should Hannah escape abroad, forget Alden, and start a new life? Hadn’t she considered this before?
Leaving Summerhill and never coming back.
Hannah glanced at her watch on the table, noting it was eleven in the morning. Alden was probably out of the house, and Hannah could pack her things and find a rental home or apartment. Even though he said otherwise, she didn’t want to be with Alden.
“Okay, Hannah… you have to be strong,” she whispered.
*
Hannah parked the car in the carport, relieved that Alden’s car wasn’t there. She walked wearily into the house and opened the door, still feeling strange with the completely changed interior.
In her mind, she planned to pack her clothes into a suitcase, go to the train station, and head to any city far from Summerhill. Maybe she would hop from one train to another until she felt far enough from Alden’s reach.
Hannah went upstairs and opened the bedroom door.
“Hannah…”
Alden was on the bed, sitting dejectedly with dark circles under his eyes. It looked like he hadn’t slept all night, and his face was a mess.
Hannah stepped back, ready to flee, but Alden leaped from the bed and caught up with her. Without hesitation, Alden hugged Hannah from behind and started sobbing.
“I’m sorry,” Alden said in a hoarse voice.
Of course, Hannah struggled. “Let me go!”
But Alden dragged her back to the bedroom despite her struggling and trying to scream. Alden covered her mouth, not wanting the neighbors to call the police.
“Please, don’t act like this. I want us to talk calmly,” Alden said.
Hannah mumbled through his hand.
“I never meant to hurt you, but I can’t deny Sarah’s wishes. She came here to make amends with you, Hannah. She’s still sick, but she’s trying to get better.”
Carefully, Alden removed his hand from Hannah’s mouth but still held her tightly from behind.
“Just cure her, and I’ll leave your life!” Hannah shouted angrily. “I don’t want to hear any more nonsense about her!”
“Hannah…”
“You can’t have two women in your life, Alden.”
“I never wanted her. Why don’t you understand my intentions?”
“If you truly care about me, then let her go! Whatever the consequences!” Hannah demanded.
“Hannah, the situation doesn’t allow it.”
Hannah’s body stopped struggling, and she remained silent for a brief moment. She sighed softly, then spoke in a low voice. “Then, leave me. Please, let me go from your life.”
“What kind of nonsense is that?!” Alden snapped.