“Are you sure?”
Susan’s question made Hannah hesitate, but it was time to go. The loudspeaker announced the train’s arrival, which was Hannah’s destination.
“Hannah, are you sure?” Susan took both of Hannah’s hands. “It’s not too late to explain. I’m sure your husband will regret accusing you.”
“Alden’s words hurt me too much, Susan.”
“He was angry, Hannah.” Susan’s face looked half-panicked as she tried to convince Hannah to stay. “Please, you’re both emotional right now. If you think clearly, There must be a way out of this.”
Hannah shook her head. “No, I have to go, Susan. Besides, what’s the point of me staying for Alden?”
“Please don’t say that.”
Susan hugged Hannah, and they began to cry. Hannah hugged Susan tightly, knowing she would greatly miss her secretary and best friend.
“I have to go now, Susan.”
“Take care, and don’t forget to call me as soon as you arrive,” Susan said. “I’ve already called Don, and he’ll meet you at the station.”
“Thank you. I owe you so much, Susan.”
“You do.”
They chuckled quietly as they wiped away their tears.
The train stopped, and Hannah boarded. Susan stood by and made sure Hannah was settled. Hannah waved goodbye, and a few minutes later, the train pulled away.
Susan stood, lost in thought, watching the train disappear into the distance. Her heart was heavy, not knowing what to do. All she could do was help Hannah escape from Summerhill.
Hannah had shown up at Susan’s apartment and said she had to leave Alden for good. Susan could hardly believe it, but she knew it was not a lie.
Alden had been foolish enough to believe Aspen’s accusations. But Susan wouldn’t try to convince the stubborn billionaire’s son otherwise.
In the end, Susan helped Hannah move to Sunnydale, far from Summerhill. There, Hannah would work with Don, Susan’s distant cousin. It wasn’t fancy work, but it would allow Hannah to make ends meet.
Hannah hadn’t taken a single penny from Alden, not even clothes or other necessities. She had shown up at Susan’s with only the clothes on her back, which had made Susan furious.
Susan promised Hannah one thing: she would never reveal her whereabouts.
Finally, Susan left the station and glanced at her watch, which was already 10:00 a. m. Just as she was about to get into her car, her phone rang.
Susan looked at the screen and was surprised to see Jeffrey’s name.
“Good morning,” Susan greeted as she answered.
“Susan? Where are you?”
“On my way to the office. I’m running late today; I’ve got some paperwork at home.” Susan cleared her throat. “What’s going on, Jeffrey?”
“Have you seen Hannah?”
Instinctively, Susan shook her head. “Hannah? Of course not; I’m still on the road.”
A long sigh echoed across the phone. Susan waited, curious to hear what Jeffrey would say.
“Alden came by earlier, and he’s looking for Hannah. She’s disappeared from her house!” Jeffrey sounded panicked.
“Really?”
“Alden accused me of having an affair with Hannah. That’s crazy!”
“Okay, Alden wouldn’t just accuse you immediately, would he?”
“It’s Aspen’s doing.” Jeffrey groaned. “I don’t know what Aspen wants, tearing apart her brother’s marriage and dragging me into it. She’s my wife… what was she thinking?”
Susan scoffed. Aspen, again.
“Well, she’s your wife. You should know better how to treat her, Jeffrey,” Susan replied sarcastically.
“I know, and I’m going home now.” Jeffrey sighed. “All the paperwork you need is on your desk. I’m sorry to bother you, Susan.”
“Yeah, don’t do it again.”
“I need to talk to Aspen and help Alden find Hannah. I hope she’s still in town, maybe staying at a hotel or an inn.”
“Yeah, I hope so too.”
“If Hannah contacts you, let Alden or I know, Susan.”
“Got it,” Susan agreed.
Jeffrey said goodbye and hung up. Susan sat quietly in her car, unsure if hiding Hannah was the right thing to do. But she didn’t want Hannah to get hurt again by Alden.
Susan tried to stop Hannah, but it was useless. So, she would support Hannah’s decision to leave.
Finally, Susan started her car and drove away from the station at a steady pace to Texco.
*
Jeffrey returned home uneasy. Francesca, who was taking care of their son, looked at him curiously. Jeffrey’s anger was evident as he opened the bedroom door and walked over to Aspen, lying on the bed with her phone.
“Get up!” Jeffrey ordered.
Aspen just stared at him, confused. “What’s wrong with you?”
“This is all you do while Mom takes care of our child? No wonder your head is full of nonsense!”
Hearing Jeffrey’s outburst, Aspen immediately threw her phone aside and stood up, glaring at him.
“I do whatever I want, just like you cheat behind my back!” Aspen pointed at him.
“Cheating? Have you ever tried to find out if that’s true?”
“I have proof, Jeffrey!”
Overhearing the argument from the hallway, Francesca tiptoed to the bedroom door. She looked worried as Aspen and Jeffrey began to quarrel, just like the last time.
“What proof? Was I in a coffee shop with Hannah? Hugging her? Is that what you mean?” Jeffrey shouted.
“So what if it is? Are you still going to deny it?”
“I admitted everything to Alden. Are you satisfied now?” Jeffrey glared. “Because Hannah is seriously ill and has been diagnosed with a dangerous disease! I couldn’t just stand by and watch! She needs us! Whether you admit it or not, Hannah is our family!”
“A dangerous disease?” The voice sounded like a squeak from behind Jeffrey.
“Mom, I…” Jeffrey got choked.
“What’s wrong with Hannah? Jeffrey, tell me what’s wrong with her?” Francesca added.