After hearing Hannah’s entire story, Joan felt a deep sense of empathy. Hannah had to bear such a heavy burden at such a young age. Now, the confusing part-Hannah, who was previously told she couldn’t get pregnant and was suspected of having a severe illness, was suddenly diagnosed as pregnant.
Even Joan couldn’t believe it, but perhaps it was a miracle from God.
“You need to take another test in a big city, Hannah,” Joan advised. “Your pregnancy is certain, but if you do have a disease, it needs to be treated immediately.”
Hannah remained silent, not saying a word.
“Do this for the baby you’re carrying,” Joan added.
“I don’t want to go back to Arkapolis. Alden has already thrown me out. Why would I go back there?”
“But staying in Sunnydale isn’t a solution either.” Joan stared at Hannah intently. “Soon, the news of a billionaire’s wife living here will become a huge rumor.”
Hannah bit her lower lip.
“I don’t think Don can keep you at the factory either. Thomas will likely refuse if you continue working, thinking about the company’s reputation and his two daughters.”
“I won’t demand anything, Joan.”
“Yes, but working at the factory isn’t your job. You need to understand who you really are. Unless, of course, you’re already divorced. That would be different.”
Hannah could imagine what would happen if the rumors spread. Don and Thomas would certainly be in the spotlight, and then there would be pressure from Alden. Hannah knew all too well what her husband was like when he was furious.
The knock on the door diverted Joan and Hannah’s attention.
Susan appeared in the doorway, followed by Elizabeth.
Hannah was shocked to see Elizabeth again after so long. The woman was Alden’s mother’s best friend. What was she doing here with Susan at the hospital?
“Oh, my poor dear!” Elizabeth exclaimed.
She hurried over to Hannah and hugged her tightly. Susan began to tear up and took her turn hugging Hannah as well.
Joan stood up; she needed to give space for Hannah to speak with those closest to her.
“I’m going to get some coffee. I’ll leave you for a bit, Hannah,” Joan said.
Hannah nodded. “Thank you, Joan, for staying with me.”
“Don’t mention it.” Joan smiled.
After Joan left the hospital room, Hannah, Susan, and Elizabeth could talk more freely. Elizabeth was still softly sobbing, seeing Hannah in such a pitiful state.
“Did you come with Susan from Arkapolis, Elizabeth?” Hannah asked.
The middle-aged woman shook her head. “We just happened to meet here, and Susan briefly told me what happened.”
Susan looked at Hannah with guilt. She didn’t intend to spread rumors about what was happening between Hannah and Alden, but she thought Elizabeth might have a solution. Elizabeth was kind and always showed concern for both Alden and Hannah.
That’s all Susan thought when she shared everything with Elizabeth.
Elizabeth folded her arms in frustration. “I need to teach Alden a lesson for mistreating you.”
“No need, Elizabeth. Our relationship was always going to end this way,” Hannah said, shaking her head.
Susan quickly took one of Hannah’s hands. “You can’t say that! I heard from Don that you’re pregnant. Your husband needs to know, Hannah.”
Hannah wore a reluctant expression, feeling too exhausted to explain things to Alden again. Not to mention the false accusations of an affair with Jeffrey. No matter what, Alden would always be suspicious of her.
Suddenly, Elizabeth pulled out her phone from her bag and, muttering angrily, searched for Alden’s number.
“I’m calling Alden. You two can’t go on like this,” Elizabeth grumbled.
“No, Elizabeth! Please don’t!” Hannah pleaded.
But Elizabeth ignored her request, stepping away from the bed and waiting for the call to be answered. However, she froze, staring at her phone screen.
“Why is Alden rejecting my call? This is outrageous!”
A notification popped up on Elizabeth’s phone, and she read Alden’s message.
“Sorry, Elizabeth, I’m in a meeting. What do you need to talk about?”
Elizabeth quickly replied, “Alden, I’m with Hannah. How could you accuse her of such things? Her condition is terrible right now, and she’s pregnant. You both need to resolve this. I’m waiting for you in Sunnydale.”
No response yet, and Elizabeth grew anxious. She saw that Alden was still ‘typing.’
“Hannah can’t possibly be pregnant. The doctor had already diagnosed her as infertile for life. And if she really is pregnant, then it’s probably Jeffrey’s child.”
Elizabeth’s eyes widened in shock at Alden’s cruel response.
“You have no heart, Alden! You’re not the Alden I used to know!”
“Never talk to me about Hannah again. I want to maintain a good relationship with you, so please don’t let Hannah’s name ruin our communication. Good day, Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth’s face turned pale as she hurriedly stuffed her phone into her bag. She sat at the edge of the bed, looking defeated.
“What did Mr. Harrison say?” Susan asked.
Elizabeth quickly shook her head. “He’s in a meeting.”
“That’s all?”
Elizabeth pursed her lips and nodded. “Yes, that’s all.”
Susan turned back to Hannah, feeling even sadder. Hannah’s face showed how devastated she was by Alden’s short, cold response. It seemed Hannah had no reason to hold onto hope any longer.
Elizabeth cleared her throat. “Once the doctor clears you to leave, you’ll come with me, Hannah. I have connections at many hospitals because of my medical equipment business.”
“Where are you taking her?” Susan asked.
“I have a colleague overseas. He runs a large, excellent hospital. I’ll take Hannah there for treatment,” Elizabeth said.
“Overseas?” Hannah asked, disbelief in her eyes.
“You need to think positively that the illness can be cured. And your baby can be saved if you cooperate with me,” Elizabeth urged.
“It’s worth a try, Hannah,” Susan added.
What did Hannah have left to hold onto in this country? There was no turning back if Elizabeth’s offer could help her heal.
Hannah weakly nodded. “Okay, I’ll go with you, Elizabeth.”
*
Sarah placed Alden’s phone back on the table, pretending to focus on her makeup as the man returned. The call from Elizabeth had already been deleted, so Sarah felt at ease. Elizabeth wouldn’t be able to reach Alden again.
“Are you ready? We have a meeting in ten minutes,” Alden said, glancing at Sarah.
Sarah smiled slyly. “Almost done. You seem excited about this meeting.”
“What else is there for me to focus on right now?”
“Yes, it’s better if you throw yourself into work. Don’t think about Hannah anymore,” Sarah said bluntly. “She’s out of your life now. That’s what she wanted.”
“Maybe…”
“Don’t worry about anything, Alden. I’ll be by your side.”