Sarah sat nervously, waiting for Alden to arrive. When she saw him approach, a smile spread across her face. Relief washed over Sarah; Alden was like a soothing balm to her. She quickly stood and stretched her arms, but Alden immediately sat down, making her uncomfortable.
“Is Hannah okay with us meeting like this?” Sarah asked with a slight chuckle.
Alden gave a quick nod. “She’s not worried about anything.”
“Even knowing we have a history?”
“Was, Sarah,” Alden emphasized.
Silence fell between them instantly. Alden’s demeanor was so cold, unlike when Sarah was in the hospital, which disappointed her. Sarah thought Alden must be confused, unsure whether to choose her or Hannah. Sarah only wanted to bring Alden back to her, believing they were always meant to be together.
“What do you want to talk about?” Alden asked.
“Well, what if we start over? I know I could be better right now. Sometimes I lose consciousness and can’t remember what I’ve done…”
Sarah paused, looking intently at Alden.
“I understand you married Hannah because I wasn’t there for you. But I’m here now. You no longer have to hold yourself back with Hannah, baby.”
Sarah even dared to call him by that endearment. She missed Alden calling her that, too. By doing so, Alden would surely remember their passionate love story.
“You said you wanted to apologize to Hannah. So why are you saying the opposite?” Alden replied coldly.
“Maybe I’m a hypocrite?” Sarah chuckled.
“We should focus on your treatment, Sarah. That’s what I promised Kenneth.”
Sarah started to feel anxious again, clenching her hands tightly. That wasn’t what she wanted to hear. Sarah believed Alden was lying to himself because his true love was her.
“Are you going to stay with Hannah?” Sarah looked sad. “Doesn’t she understand that we love each other?”
“Sarah,” Alden sighed deeply. “Think about something more important. Your health.”
“But our relationship is important too, Alden.”
“Listen, I’m not leaving Hannah.”
“I’ve tried to be patient and kind with her. But you know, I’m the one who’s hurt here. I should be the one in your wife’s position!” Sarah began to get emotional. “I’m giving in! Don’t you understand that?”
Tears started to roll down Sarah’s cheeks. She didn’t understand why everything had gone wrong. After the accident, she had forgotten many things. Sarah just wanted to restore her shattered relationship with Alden.
But why was Hannah there? Since when did that woman appear and become a nuisance?
How hard could it be for Alden to leave Hannah when Sarah knew she was better?
“Please, don’t cry, Sarah,” Alden asked softly.
“Can’t I stay with you, Alden? You and I are one; we can’t be separated. Make Hannah understand that you married her without love.”
“I can’t, Sarah. I love her.”
“No, you don’t!” Sarah screamed, covering her ears.
Sarah’s body trembled, and even her gaze started to change. Alden quickly moved to sit beside her and hugged Sarah. It was so sad to see her like this, a stark contrast to her former self. Because of an accident, Sarah’s life had been mentally shattered.
“Calm down, okay? Everything will be fine,” Alden whispered.
“You belong to me, Alden.”
“I just want you to focus on the present, don’t think about anything else.”
“Let’s start over, Alden. I won’t interfere with your relationship with Hannah until you divorce her.”
Alden felt he couldn’t handle hearing that. He didn’t want to leave Hannah, and hearing the word “divorce” made him shudder. Alden had to try his hardest to persevere, heal Sarah, and protect Hannah’s feelings.
Eventually, Hannah might turn against Alden if Sarah keeps disrupting their marriage.
“I’ll take you home,” Alden said.
Sarah looked up, staring intently at Alden and touching his chin.
“Will you come home with me? Sleep with me again?” Sarah asked softly.
“I have to work tomorrow, and Hannah is waiting.”
Sarah sighed softly, then released herself from Alden’s embrace. “Whatever. I can still be patient, but don’t blame me if I get rid of Hannah from our lives one day.”
Sarah then stood up and quickly walked out of the cafe. Her words made Alden immediately wary. What did she mean by getting rid of Hannah?
*
Alden returned to Hannah’s house and saw the meal on the table. Hearing someone arrive, Hannah quickly came downstairs, her lips curling into a thin smile. As she moved to hug Alden, she noticed a lipstick stain near his collar.
Hannah tried to suppress her feelings; she didn’t want to argue over a useless red stain.
“Did you talk to Sarah?” Hannah asked after briefly hugging Alden and then sitting next to him.
Alden nodded quickly. “Yes.”
“And?”
“And she’s still insistent that I shouldn’t leave her.”
“Can’t she be admitted to the hospital so everyone can live peacefully?” Those words slipped from Hannah’s lip because she couldn’t stand dealing with someone as unhinged as Sarah.
“If only it were that simple.”
“Isn’t it simple?”
“What if it were me in that position, Hannah?” Alden looked at his wife. “And the reason I’m like that is because of you. Could you bear to leave me in a mental hospital for the rest of my life?”
Hannah fell silent. Alden’s words hit her hard.
There’s no way Hannah could live peacefully, haunted by guilt. Indeed, she would try to heal Alden, no matter what it took.
“I’m sorry,” Hannah said.
“Please, be patient. I believe God will provide us a miracle and the best way.”
“Of course, honey.” Hannah nodded and held her husband’s hand tightly.
Alden picked up a plate from the table and pulled it before him. He was very hungry and couldn’t wait to enjoy the meal Hannah had prepared.
“By the way, I want us to go back home. Do you mind?” Alden asked.
Hannah didn’t answer right away; she seemed reluctant to leave.
“Why should I go back there?”
Alden couldn’t mention Sarah’s threat; it would create new problems. If they returned to the Harrison family residence, the security there was tighter.
“Well, there are still many rooms I haven’t explored with you,” Alden said lightly.
“Meaning?”
Alden smiled, half-grinning. “That’s why, come home with me. You’ll see.”