When they arrived at the restaurant, Hannah quickly pulled her hand away and tried acting as casually as possible, although she was uncomfortable with Ashton’s demeanor.
They sat across from each other, where Ashton promptly suggested some of the restaurant’s best dishes. Hannah just followed Ashton’s recommendations.
“So, what did you want to talk to me about?” Ashton asked.
“The financial report, Doc.” Hannah cleared her throat quietly. “After reviewing it, I found that the clinic’s expenses are higher than its income. Even though we have a lot of patients, the cost of treatments and the medicine we provide…”
Ashton rested his chin on one hand, staring intently at Hannah with a smile. Of course, that made Hannah feel self-conscious.
“Go on,” Ashton said, his smile widening.
“I mean, the cost of treatment is relatively low.”
Ashton just nodded, seeming to agree with her words, although his expression didn’t quite convey seriousness, which annoyed Hannah a bit.
“Do you think I’m exaggerating, Doc?” Hannah asked.
“No.” Ashton sighed and straightened up. “What you say is true, and I knew that from the beginning. But the clinic is for those who can’t afford much, Hannah.”
“Oh…”
“I know it’s not sustainable to continue relying on my mother for funding. That’s why I’m looking for donations from people who want to contribute,” Ashton explained, “to the health sector, of course.”
“I didn’t know that. I’m sorry.” Hannah lowered her eyes. “It’s just that if the clinic continues to operate as it is, these people may not be able to get treatment.”
“Because the clinic might go out of business?”
Hannah felt uncomfortable saying it so bluntly. “Yes, Doc.”
“Don’t worry, I can still manage. The only problem is that my mother is busy with a big project, so it’s hard to ask her for financial support.”
How rich is this man sitting in front of me? Hannah thought. But then again, Elizabeth’s family is also upper class, so they must have a similar financial situation. In fact, Ashton might be even wealthier.
“All right, Doc,” Hannah nodded. “I trust you to take care of everything.”
“Hannah, could you just call me ‘Ashton’?”
Ashton changed the subject, and Hannah was struck by how casual the doctor was in front of her.
“Why? All the other staff call you that,” Hannah replied.
“I’m bored. Could you help me shake things up a bit?” Ashton chuckled. “Do I have to beg you?”
Hannah shook her head quickly. “No, don’t. All right, I’ll call you Ashton.”
Then he held out his little finger. “Pinky promise?”
A shy smile spread across Hannah’s face. She linked her pinky with his. “Pinky promise.”
Their conversation was interrupted when their food arrived. Ashton took a sip of water from his glass and looked back at Hannah.
“I’d like to hear your life story if you don’t mind,” he said bluntly.
Hannah was indeed a little uncomfortable. While they worked together, discussing personal matters felt strange. Why was Ashton acting this way? She was confused by him.
“Actually, it bothers me,” Hannah said. “I don’t like to discuss personal matters.”
“Oh, all right.”
“Why are you being so direct?” Hannah sighed. “Honestly, it makes me a little uncomfortable.”
“Well, I’m just curious about you. Elizabeth once told me that you’ve had a difficult life.” Ashton shrugged. “And there’s a lot of talk about you coming here when you were pregnant.”
Hannah didn’t know how to respond, still trying to gauge the doctor’s character.
“If you still had a husband, I would have dragged him here so he could take proper care of you,” Ashton continued.
“And if I don’t?”
“Then I’ll take care of you.”
Hannah’s face flushed, and her heart raced. This was not something she expected to hear from someone over lunch. She suddenly wanted to call Susan and tell her about Ashton, but… she realized she couldn’t.
A sadness crept into her heart as homesickness and longing for Summerhill set in.
*
“Susan?”
Bernard’s voice broke Susan’s train of thought as she stared at her computer screen, pretending to work. She stood up quickly and smiled.
“What is it, sir?” Susan asked.
“Mr. Harrison wants to see you.” Bernard looked anxious. “He’s in my office.”
Of course, this made Susan wonder. Alden wanted to see her? Out of the blue?
Susan’s heart sank, especially when she noticed Bernard’s worried expression. What was going on that involved her? Susan had always done her job well.
She went to see Alden without wasting any more time. It didn’t take long for her and Bernard to reach Alden, sitting on the sofa staring out the window. His face looked worn and tired, or so Susan thought.
“Mr. Harrison, you wanted to see me?” Susan asked. “Is there a problem, sir?”
“Where is Hannah right now?” Alden asked bluntly.
Susan was stunned; she hadn’t expected Alden to ask that question. But she quickly shook her head.
“I don’t know, sir,” she replied.
“Don’t lie to me, Susan.” This time, Alden’s tone was impatient. He looked intently at Hannah’s former secretary. “I heard she left town, then there’s another story about her going abroad. Which is true, Susan?”
“I’m sorry, sir. But you’re her husband. You should know better where Hannah is,” Susan replied.
Alden’s face hardened. He couldn’t deny her words, for what she said was true.
“I wanted to ask if Hannah has ever contacted you. Or are the two of you still in touch?” Alden asked.
Susan was angry with Alden and wanted to curse the man across from her. But Susan knew she couldn’t interfere in Hannah’s personal life, especially Hannah’s marriage.
Ironically, Alden had already filed for divorce.
Susan pulled her cell phone from her blazer pocket and searched for Hannah’s number. She called the number, but it was no longer in service.
“I don’t know where Hannah is. I know this is the first and last number, and it’s no longer active.” Susan showed Alden the phone screen.
“All right,” Alden nodded. “I apologize for taking up your time, Susan.”
Susan nodded respectfully and hurried out of Bernard’s office. Alden’s face grew darker, and he fought back tears.
“We can still find Hannah, Mr. Harrison,” Bernard said quietly.
But Alden just shook his head. “I don’t know if there is time, Bernard. Hannah is very ill, isn’t she? Then why did I foolishly divorce her?”