Hannah’s life felt far from peaceful, even though she had returned to the Harrison family residence and reconciled with Alden. Hannah had to restrain herself every night when Sarah suddenly called, and Alden had to answer.
Alden’s demeanor was always the same, telling Sarah to rest and not worry. Still, it was very annoying. It seemed like Sarah was doing it purposefully, trying to make Hannah and Alden fight.
A disruptive woman who believed she could come between Hannah and her husband, that’s what Hannah thought. Unfortunately, Hannah couldn’t do anything about it.
Hannah poured her focus into work to distract herself from the worry, but it still affected her performance. Once again, Hannah made a mistake; this time, Susan reminded her as she entered the room.
“Okay, tell me, what’s wrong this time?” Susan asked as she sat in front of Hannah.
Hannah had miscalculated three projects, requiring Susan and Bernard to fix the reports. Fortunately, Susan and Bernard worked quickly and efficiently.
“Nothing,” Hannah replied weakly, shaking her head.
“Is this still about Sarah Young?” Susan stared at Hannah intently.
Susan knew Hannah had reconciled and returned to Alden’s home, so the couple should have no more problems.
“She’s still bothering Alden,” Hannah said softly.
“How? Is she flirting with your husband at work? My God, just report her behavior, Hannah.”
“Not like that.”
“Then how?”
“Sarah calls Alden every night, even though the calls are short. But still… it’s very annoying, especially to me.”
Susan was dumbfounded. How hard could it be for Hannah to take a firm stance? Why were Hannah and Alden so soft in dealing with Alden’s past, which should no longer matter?
“I don’t understand.” Susan took a deep breath. “Your husband can turn off his phone, can’t he?”
“Well… it’s not that simple.”
“Hannah, if you keep allowing this, that woman will only worsen.”
Hannah looked even more gloomy. This was part of Alden’s agreement with Kenneth to help Sarah recover. Hannah had agreed to it, but it was still hard to handle.
“I’ll find a way,” Hannah decided.
“You better. The company can’t function with you as its unstable pillar,” Susan sighed. “Sorry. It’s not that I don’t care about your problem, but many people depend on you right now.”
“I understand, Susan.”
“Go, get some coffee or something. Clear your mind,” Susan suggested.
“Don’t you want to come with me?”
Susan shook her head. “I still have reports to fix, and I don’t want you doing it in your current state.”
Hannah swallowed. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. Don’t worry about us; we’re worried about you.”
Hannah decided to leave the office to clear her mind. She walked to a coffee shop not far from the office. On the way, she received a call from Alden, feeling grateful that her husband was trying to assure her that their marriage would remain strong.
“Hello?” Hannah greeted.
“Hey, are you busy working? Or are you busy imagining what we’ll do tonight?” Alden asked, followed by a soft chuckle on the other end.
“Neither.” Hannah giggled.
“Ouch… that hurts my feelings.” Alden chuckled again. “Where are you now?”
“I’m going to get coffee near the office.”
“Isn’t there coffee at the office?”
Hannah paused briefly. “I just want to clear my mind, love.”
“Do you want me to come there? Accompany you?”
Without realizing it, Hannah shook her head. “No need. I’m fine,” she said, “it’s just that there’s a lot of work, and I’m a little overwhelmed. But I think a short walk will help.”
“Let me know if you have any trouble, I’ll help you.”
“You’re busy with your new project over there.”
“There’s no such thing as being too busy when it comes to you.”
Hannah smiled. “I’ve reached the coffee shop. See you tonight, love.”
“Okay, see you later. I love you.”
“Love you too.”
She ended the call and put her phone in her blazer. She pushed the coffee shop door, jingled with a bell, and walked to the counter. A man was ordering there, and when he turned, he was surprised. So was Hannah.
“Kenneth?” Hannah almost couldn’t believe it.
When Hannah wanted nothing to do with Sarah and her family, the universe conspired to bring her face-to-face with Kenneth. It was as if the saying “you attract what you fear” was true!
“What coffee are you getting?” Kenneth asked casually.
“I’m not sure yet.”
Then Kenneth spoke to the cashier. “Her order is on me,” he said, pointing to Hannah.
“No need, Kenneth. I’m fine,” Hannah declined politely.
“Please, it’s just coffee.” Kenneth tried to smile, but it looked bitter. “Okay?”
“Well, okay.”
Even though she wanted to leave, Hannah reluctantly had to sit with Kenneth and chat. However, Kenneth had something to discuss with Hannah.
“I apologize for my sister’s behavior, Hannah,” Kenneth began.
“I’m really furious, but I can do nothing.”
“I believe Alden has told you everything.”
Hannah nodded. “Yes, he’s been honest and hasn’t hidden anything.”
Kenneth didn’t respond; he just sipped his coffee slightly. He looked exhausted as if carrying a heavy burden.
Yes, anyone would feel exhausted if they had to take care of a somewhat mentally unstable sister who was still roaming around trying to ruin someone else’s marriage.
“I’ll try to stop Sarah from bothering you. But I need your help to tell me what Sarah is doing,” Kenneth said.
“Listen, I can’t keep being harassed by your sister. And I have to report to you? What’s the benefit for me? You should take your sister away from here.
“If only it were that easy.”
Hannah sighed heavily. “This must be about your family’s reputation. That sounds selfish, doesn’t it? You’re sacrificing someone’s feelings who knows nothing about your sister’s and Alden’s past. I’m the victim.”
“I understand, and I’m sorry.”
Hannah shook her head. “You don’t understand. My life feels so tiring because Sarah keeps coming into our lives. When will this end?”
“I’m working on it, Hannah. Sarah’s contract as Goldtime’s representative will end in nine months. After that, I’ll take her back abroad.”
“So I must endure your sister’s behavior for the next nine months, Kenneth?”