Divorce.
Hannah had imagined divorcing Alden countless times, and she thought she could handle it. But the reality wasn’t as simple as she’d imagined. It hurt so much when Hannah learned that Alden had made this big decision.
Hannah struggled to fall asleep all night, the memories of Alden haunting her. It wasn’t until the morning that she managed to get some sleep. She awoke when the maid asked her to join Elizabeth for breakfast.
When Hannah arrived in the dining room, Elizabeth looked shocked. Hannah’s face was very different from the night before; this morning she looked incredibly pale and tired.
“You look so pale! Are you feeling sick?” Elizabeth asked worriedly.
Hannah shook her head. “Maybe it’s just morning sickness.”
“Oh dear. Do you want some fruit? Or something that won’t make you nauseous.”
“I think just fruit, Elizabeth. Thank you.”
Hannah took a few pieces of fruit and chewed them without appetite. She looked at Elizabeth who was busy with her phone. It seemed that Elizabeth was going out that morning, as she was already dressed.
“I’ll be home before dinner,” Elizabeth said. “Are you going out? I’ve asked the maid to go with you.”
Hannah nodded. “Probably later this afternoon.”
Then Elizabeth reached into her bag and took out her wallet. She pulled out a card.
“Use this, and I’ll write down the PIN for you. Whatever you need to buy, don’t hesitate to use this card,” Elizabeth instructed. “I’ve also contacted a phone company, and you can pick up a new phone and number there.”
“I don’t know what to say except thank you.”
Elizabeth smiled warmly. “You’re like a daughter to me, Hannah. Don’t worry about anything.”
“Thanks again for your help, Elizabeth.”
*
That afternoon, Hannah went with a maid to one of the phone companies. During the entire trip, however, Hannah was lost in thought and unfocused. When they arrived at the phone store, Hannah bought a phone and took care of the necessary forms.
“Madam, are you all right? You look very pale,” the maid asked in a thick British accent.
“I’m fine. Just a little tired. Perhaps we should go home.”
Suddenly, someone ran into Hannah from behind, knocking her to the ground. Her bag was grabbed by the person who hit her. Both Hannah and the maid were in shock.
“Thief! Thief!” the maid shouted.
The people around them seemed confused because the sidewalk was quite crowded. It was impossible for Hannah to chase after the thief as she felt completely exhausted. Her vision began to blur and she passed out.
…
Hannah woke up on a slightly firm bed and realized that she was in a white room, some kind of clinic. She slowly groaned and tried to sit up when the door opened and someone entered.
Hannah was startled to see the man standing in the doorway. It was the man in the white coat she had met at the hospital.
“Are you awake?” the man asked.
“I fainted,” Hannah said, almost crying. “Oh my God, I have to call Elizabeth right away.”
“Your maid has already called someone, and the police are here. But it seems that the person who stole your bag hasn’t been found.”
Hannah was silent for a moment.
“Just rest for now until someone comes to pick you up,” he continued.
“Okay, thank you.”
The man left the room and Hannah guessed that he must be a doctor. Hannah immediately thought of her belongings in the stolen bag, especially her old phone.
How was Hannah going to contact Susan later?
It wasn’t long before Elizabeth burst into the room, her face pale. When she saw that Hannah was okay, Elizabeth looked relieved. The older woman immediately hugged Hannah.
“Oh God, I was so afraid something had happened to you,” Elizabeth said, almost crying.
“I’m fine, Elizabeth. But your card was in the bag that was stolen.”
“Don’t worry, I’ve already blocked it.”
“I’m so sorry I was so careless.”
“It was an accident, Hannah. Don’t worry about it. The important thing is that you’re all right. Ashton says your condition is stable.”
“Ashton?” Hannah asked, confused.
“The owner of the clinic,” Elizabeth smiled. “He’s the son of a friend. Luckily, Ashton found you and brought you here.”
So the man who looked like Alden was named Ashton? Hannah thought.
“I’ll go talk to Ashton. If you’re still feeling dizzy, rest a little longer,” Elizabeth suggested.
Hannah shook her head. “No need. I want to go home now.”
Finally, with Elizabeth’s support, Hannah left the room. In the lobby of the clinic, Ashton was talking to a nurse. When he saw Hannah, he smiled and quickly walked over to her and Elizabeth.
“Do you feel strong enough to go home?” Ashton asked Hannah.
Hannah nodded.
“Thank you for helping my niece, Ashton,” Elizabeth said.
“I didn’t know Hannah was your niece, Elizabeth.” Ashton looked at Hannah. “We met briefly at the hospital yesterday.”
“Yes, I wanted to introduce Hannah to your mother. She needs a job and was hoping for one,” Elizabeth explained. “Maybe there’s something at your mother’s hospital.”
Ashton wrinkled his nose. “No, Elizabeth. Don’t let her have anything to do with my mom. How about working here? In the clinic with me?”
Hannah was stunned by Ashton’s casual offer.
“The clinic is less stressful than the hospital,” Ashton said. “Besides, Hannah’s expecting, right?”
Elizabeth turned to Hannah. “What do you think, Hannah?”
“Well, I don’t mind working anywhere. But in this clinic, what would my job be?”
“Admin, of course. My previous admin just left a few days ago, so I need a replacement quickly,” Ashton replied.
Hannah nodded. “Alright. I’ll take your offer, sir. Thank you.”
“Just Ashton. I think we’re about the same age.” He laughed slightly after speaking.
Hannah held out her hand. “I will work hard and follow all your instructions, Ashton. Please guide me.”
“Sure thing. I’ll enjoy working with you,” Ashton replied.
They shook hands.