Alden half-threw Hannah onto the bed, pinning her arms so she couldn’t struggle. Alden’s eyes were red, holding back tears. Inside, Alden was truly tormented.
If it were that easy to get rid of Sarah, Alden would have done it long ago. However, what happened in the past was something Alden had to bear as punishment.
“Don’t say that again!” Alden half-commanded.
“You chose Sarah in the first place!”
“I choose you!”
“Even if you choose me, she will always haunt us. I can’t live a married life with another woman’s shadow,” Hannah retorted. “For how long? Forever?”
Alden couldn’t answer that because no one knew when Sarah would truly recover and let him go. Even the doctors couldn’t predict it. In his heart, Alden himself was anxious if Sarah would never be healthy like before.
“I choose you,” Alden repeated.
Alden’s tears fell and wet Hannah’s cheeks. For the first time, Hannah saw Alden so broken, even though they were still together. Was Hannah’s demand too selfish? To the point where Alden was this devastated?
Hannah’s heart began to soften, and she started to sob as well. No matter what, she loved Alden deeply. When Hannah was emotional and wanted to leave Alden, she couldn’t bring herself to do it.
“Oh my God, please don’t cry, honey… love…” Alden whispered.
Alden immediately released his grip and hugged Hannah tightly. Hannah’s sobs grew louder because she felt weak and powerless.
Did they have to separate just because of another woman? Hannah wondered.
“If you leave me, I’d rather die,” Alden took a breath, “don’t leave me.”
“You’ll still live. Don’t be dramatic. Maybe you’ll love Sarah again, like before.”
Alden released the hug and looked intently at Hannah. Alden cupped Hannah’s face with both hands.
“Listen. I used to love Sarah because I felt betrayed and abandoned. That wasn’t love, but disappointment,” he said. “But with you, you taught me acceptance. You made me able to love again.”
“Just stop.” Hannah tried to release Alden’s hands.
“I won’t let you go.”
“Stop it!”
Alden immediately kissed Hannah’s lips, ignoring her struggling and resistance. No matter how much Hannah’s mind rejected, her heart and body couldn’t lie. Hannah liked Alden’s touch and kisses, which were addictive.
When Alden’s hands began to touch her chest, squeezing gently, Hannah could only let out a soft moan.
She surrendered because she also wanted Alden to enter her body.
Hannah’s body was laid on the bed, and Alden began to explore her body wildly. When their emotions collided, they became even more passionate about each other.
“I love you so much, Hannah,” Alden sighed.
“Alden…”
“I’m so sorry for hurting you.”
“Do it, now… I want it right now…”
…
Hannah woke up in Alden’s arms, stretching slowly. Carefully, she got out of bed and walked unsteadily to the door. Hannah’s body felt so weak and sore in several places. She gasped at the many red marks all over her body. Hannah sighed softly.
She quickly headed to the bathroom.
Not long after, Alden opened his eyes, startled to find Hannah not in bed, but hearing the sound of water running from the bathroom, Alden felt relieved. Alden sat up on the bed, smiling at the memory of what had happened earlier.
Alden’s phone vibrated on the nightstand, he had ignored it while being with Hannah multiple times. When Alden looked at the phone screen, there were dozens of missed calls from Sarah. Then she called again. Alden sighed softly.
“Yes, hello?” Alden greeted.
“Alden? Why didn’t you pick up? Where are you? Why didn’t you come to the office?” Sarah rambled. “I was worried, afraid something happened. Especially since Hannah left last night.”
“I’m with Hannah.”
There was a brief silence on the other end.
“You’re at Hannah’s house? Can I come there? I want to talk to both of you.”
“Sarah, I don’t think there’s anything left to discuss.”
Alden knew his words might affect Sarah, but he didn’t want to lose Hannah. It was time for Alden to make it clear that he could help Sarah recover, but not to get back together.
“Please, Alden…”
“I will meet you, we’ll talk, but not with Hannah.”
“Okay, okay. Do you want to meet at a cafe or a restaurant, Alden?”
“Up to you, Sarah. Send me the location once you get there.”
As soon as Alden hung up, Hannah came out of the bathroom with wet hair, looking so fresh. If Alden hadn’t exhausted Hannah a few hours ago, he would want to kiss her again. However, Alden didn’t want to hurt Hannah, plus he had an appointment with Sarah.
“Sarah just called me,” Alden said, not wanting to hide anything.
Hannah just stood at the door, not responding.
“I’m going to settle things with her, whether she accepts it or not. This needs to be settled; I don’t want her to think there’s anything we can continue.”
Hannah’s face turned red, and she looked down. Alden had truly chosen her, and that made Hannah very happy. A few hours ago, Hannah had thought about running away from Alden.
“If you’re uncomfortable, I’ll go with you to meet Sarah,” Alden continued.
But Hannah shook her head. “That’s something you need to settle with her, because the past belongs to both of you. I’ll only interfere if she disrupts my household.”
Alden smiled, then got up from the bed. He hugged Hannah with passion, kissing her shoulder and neck gently.
“Thank you for trusting me, Hannah,” Alden whispered.
“What do you want for dinner? Or are you having dinner with Sarah?” Hannah asked, changing the subject.
“Anything, as long as you cook. Besides, I don’t plan to talk long with her.”
Alden was about to enter the bathroom, but Hannah stopped her husband’s arm.
“By the way, how long will you stay here?” Hannah asked.
“Until you come home with me, but if you want to stay, I’ll stay with you.”
“Don’t you think Edward will look for you?”
Alden laughed. “He won’t worry about me, honey. As long as you’re by my side.”