Hannah just stared at Alden with a blank expression and nodded slightly. “Hello, Mr. Harrison.”
Of course, Ashton knew exactly who Alden Harrison was-Hannah’s ex-husband. For the past two years, Ashton had longed to meet the man and punch him right in the face.
Hannah rarely talked about Alden, but Ashton had heard everything from Elizabeth. Now it was time for Ashton to protect the woman he loved. His fists clenched tightly.
Ashton stared intently at Alden, surprised at how similar their faces were. It didn’t seem wise to hit Alden out of the blue, even if defending Hannah could be his excuse.
Finally, Ashton just cleared his throat quietly and extended his hand to Alden.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Ashton,” he greeted.
Alden shook Ashton’s hand, showing the same shocked reaction. “Alden. Alden Harrison.”
“Please enjoy your food and drink, Mr. Harrison. Excuse us for a moment,” Ashton said politely.
Quickly, Ashton led Hannah away from the crowd, putting some distance between them and Alden. The people began to disperse, some casting disdainful glances at Alden before moving away. Once again, Alden stood frozen.
Ashton? Alden’s mind couldn’t believe it.
When Alden turned around, Hannah and Ashton were nowhere in sight. He searched the room, but there was no sign of them.
“Where did they go?” Alden muttered, confused.
*
Meanwhile, Ashton had taken Hannah to the Director’s office. As soon as they arrived, Hannah collapsed on the sofa, clutching her hands tightly together. Her hands felt ice-cold and her face was ghostly pale.
Ashton grabbed a bottle of water from the mini-fridge and handed it to her. He sat down next to Hannah and looked at her with concern.
“Are you okay, sweetheart?” Ashton asked.
Hannah nodded.
“I know you must have been shocked to see your ex-husband.” Ashton stroked her hair lovingly. “That’s why I got you out of there. I’m sorry if I acted impulsively.”
“You were only trying to protect me. I understand.”
“Of course you will be my wife.”
Hannah gave a small smile.
“Which is better, taking you away or punching that guy in the face?” Ashton teased.
“Don’t even think about doing something that barbaric.”
“Hey, I do it for love.”
“Oh, shut up.”
Ashton had always been so sweet and caring.
In the two years Hannah had spent in Europe, her relationship with Ashton had blossomed. At first she worked as an administrator, but eventually she became Ashton’s business partner.
Together, they began running Ashton’s mother’s hospital, which grew rapidly, especially as it became a major medical research center in Europe.
After a year of working together, Ashton confessed his love for Hannah.
Although Hannah wasn’t ready to open her heart again, Ashton was so kind that she couldn’t bear to reject him. They began dating, and last week Ashton asked her to marry him.
They were officially engaged.
Hannah had decided to marry Ashton.
But why had Alden suddenly reappeared in her life?
“Summerhill is such a big city. I didn’t expect Alden to show up at the hospital opening,” Hannah muttered.
“He’s not in the medical field, is he?”
Hannah shook her head. “No. That’s why I don’t understand why he’s here.”
Ashton just wrapped his arms around Hannah and gave her a warm hug. Ashton knew Hannah’s story only too well. He had been by her side through the hardest times, including the birth of her son.
To Ashton, Henry, Hannah’s son, was like his own child.
“Would you like to go back to the apartment?” Ashton asked. “I can take care of the guests until the event is over.”
“Really? You’d do that?” Hannah chuckled softly. “You’re a doctor, not a social butterfly.”
“I’m friendly.” Ashton pouted. “Kids love me.”
Hannah nodded. “All right. I’m counting on you.”
“Mom should be here soon.” Ashton glanced at his watch. “It’s not a problem if you want to keep her company in the apartment, Hannah.”
“It’s okay.”
“I’ll have the driver take you home right away.”
Ashton kissed Hannah’s forehead and gave her a soft kiss on the lips. Then they both got up and left the director’s office and walked to the back exit of the hospital.
Once in the car, Hannah sat quietly and stared out the window.
Her feelings were indescribable, but sadness and pain seemed to take over. Regret filled her mind.
If only Hannah had refused Ashton’s mother’s proposal to build the hospital in Summerhill, she wouldn’t have had to come back. Even setting foot in Summerhill made Hannah feel uncomfortable.
But what could she do now? Everything felt like a dead end.
*
Back at the apartment, as soon as she opened the door, she was greeted by a happy scream from inside.
“Mamaaa!” Henry yelled as he ran towards her.
Hannah quickly knelt down and hugged her son. “Hey, handsome! I missed you so much.”
“Missed you so much!”
Hannah chuckled and picked Henry up. His nanny smiled and nodded politely as their eyes met.
“Ma’am, Miss Victoria has already arrived,” the nanny whispered. “She’s in her room.”
“Oh, okay.”
Victoria was Ashton’s mother. A brilliant and somewhat demanding woman, she could be a bit stubborn. But Hannah had learned to get along with her. In fact, Victoria was fond of both Hannah and Henry.
Of course, Victoria fully supported Ashton and Hannah’s impending marriage, even though she knew Hannah was a widow.
Hannah knocked on the bedroom door. “Victoria?”
“Just a minute,” came the voice from inside.
“Victoriaaa…” Henry echoed after her.
Moments later, the door opened to reveal Victoria, her white hair neatly in a bun, her hands on her hips. She stared at Henry intently.
“You should call me ‘Grandma,'” Victoria insisted. “Grand… ma.”
“Victoria!” Henry shouted.
“Oh, my God.” Victoria slapped her own forehead. “Whatever, Henry.”
Hannah felt a little guilty. Maybe Henry had picked up the habit from her.
“Go play with your nanny for a while, Henry,” Victoria instructed. “I need to talk to your mother.”
Henry hopped off Hannah’s lap and ran to his nanny. Hannah and Victoria hugged and kissed each other on the cheek.
“I thought the event wasn’t over until later. Why are you back so early?” Victoria asked, confused.
Hannah hesitated for a moment, not sure how to answer.
“Hannah? What’s wrong?”
“I ran into my ex-husband at the hospital opening.”
“What?”