Victoria’s face turned pale and she nearly lost her balance in shock. Ashton quickly grabbed his mother to steady her and cast a puzzled glance at Alden, who had just casually called her by name.
Ashton immediately turned his cautious gaze to Alden. “What do you mean, Mr. Harrison?”
“The name reminds me of someone named Victoria,” Alden replied. “Sorry, I was just babbling.”
“There are always coincidences,” Ashton replied. “Well, goodbye, Mr. Harrison.”
“Yes, goodbye,” Alden echoed.
Hannah, Ashton and Victoria hurried to the car. Ashton kept looking at his mother’s face, noticing how uncharacteristically quiet and shaken she was. Hannah noticed it too, wondering if Alden had triggered Victoria’s reaction. But why? Was there something between them?
In the car, Ashton looked in the rearview mirror.
“Mom, have you ever met Alden Harrison?” Ashton asked.
“No,” Victoria replied, shaking her head, though her eyes remained fixed on the window, avoiding her son’s gaze.
Her evasiveness only fueled Ashton’s curiosity. Victoria was usually direct and firm, always looking Ashton in the eye, never turning away.
“He mentioned your name and it felt really strange, didn’t it?” Ashton pressed.
“Well, maybe your father met him at some point, and I was with him. But I don’t remember him.”
Ashton nodded, accepting the explanation even though it only partially satisfied his curiosity. It was plausible.
After all, his late father, David Hemmingway, had been involved in many businesses, including the hospital they now ran together. It wasn’t impossible that Alden had crossed paths with Victoria and David.
“Where do you want to get coffee? I’ll drop you off,” Ashton asked, changing the subject.
“Somewhere near the hospital so Hannah doesn’t have to take a cab too far to work,” Victoria replied.
“Okay,” Ashton agreed.
…
When they arrived at the cafe, Ashton stopped. After saying goodbye, Hannah and Victoria entered, ordered coffee and pastries, and found a quiet, private corner.
Victoria’s face was still clouded with a heavy, burdened look.
“Victoria, are you okay?” Hannah asked, growing concerned.
“Not really.” Victoria gave a faint smile. “I don’t know what to do, Hannah. My God, I’ve done something so far-reaching and cruel.”
“Is this about Ashton being adopted by you and your husband?”
“He’s my biological son, Hannah,” Victoria sighed. “It’s the same situation Henry will be in after you marry Ashton.”
Hannah was beginning to understand Victoria’s past. Perhaps, like her, Victoria had gone through a difficult divorce and her ex-husband had shirked his responsibilities. When Victoria remarried, Ashton was adopted by David Hemmingway, just as Henry would be adopted by Ashton.
“Ashton will understand if you tell him slowly,” Hannah said.
“I was going to tell him after you were married,” Victoria sighed. “But it wouldn’t be fair to you to find out after the wedding.”
Hannah remained silent, staring at Victoria, whose words carried a heavy, puzzling weight.
“I want you to be my daughter-in-law, Ashton’s wife,” Victoria said.
“Well, I’m glad you accept me. That’s every future daughter-in-law’s dream, isn’t it?”
“Yes, but… there’s something you need to know. You’re about to marry someone who is closely related to your ex-husband.”
Hannah’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Alden?”
“Ashton is Alden’s younger brother, Hannah.”
Hannah’s mind flashed back to the time she had seen a family photo in Alden’s home. But Alden had never mentioned his mother or a missing sibling.
“I knew you were Alden’s ex-wife from the beginning,” Victoria confessed. “I honestly didn’t know what to do when you and Ashton started dating.”
“I… I don’t know what to say.”
“But I could see that you and Ashton loved each other. You’re perfect as a couple. Who am I to ruin your happiness just because Alden used to be your husband?”
If Hannah had known from the beginning, she might have stayed away from Ashton altogether. She would have avoided any relationship, but now that seemed impossible. After all, Ashton and Alden were two different people.
But the thought of marrying Ashton after being married to Alden made Hannah feel completely overwhelmed.
How could she marry the younger brother after marrying the older brother? It sounded so crazy.
“Hannah, please don’t call off the wedding to Ashton,” Victoria pleaded. “He loves you so much.”
Hannah nodded weakly. “I’m just a little shocked, that’s all.”
“I don’t want Ashton to be devastated when he learns the truth. But if you stay by his side, I think he’ll be able to accept it. I really believe that.”
“But don’t you think it’s unfair for Ashton to find out after we’re married?” Hannah asked. “After all, Alden is his older brother, Victoria.”
“I’m still thinking about it.”
“And what about Alden? He’s been living his life alone all these years, growing into the cold, unfeeling, distant man that he is, because you haven’t been there for him. Can you really abandon him like that, Victoria?”
Tears streamed down Victoria’s face. She shook her head repeatedly and whispered God’s name. She was heartbroken and confused. Deep down, she wanted to tell Alden that she was his mother as well.
“I’ll tell them both,” Victoria finally decided. “But only after the wedding. I hope you understand my decision, Hannah.”
“All right, Victoria.” Hannah held Victoria’s hand and smiled softly. “Everything will be fine. Thank you for being honest with me.”
“I pray the same, Hannah.”
As Hannah watched Victoria calm down from her sobs, she realized how heavy a burden Victoria had carried for decades.
But now Hannah was conflicted. She didn’t want to deal with Alden again, but reality wouldn’t let her escape. Not only were Alden and Ashton brothers, but Henry was Alden’s son.
How could Hannah avoid Alden any longer? Why did her life always seem to involve Alden Harrison? Would she be forced to confront him for the rest of her life and bury the feelings she once harbored?
Hannah knew she had to stop loving Alden. From now on, she would have to push those feelings away forever.