"I don't want to marry him!"

Hannah declared in front of Francesca and John.

It was the first time Hannah had expressed her refusal after years of acquiescing and silently following her parents' wishes or, more accurately, Francesca's whims.

"Are you stupid? Alden is richer than Jeffrey! You should be grateful that you get to marry him!" Francesca retorted even more strongly.

Alden Harrison, the 28-year-old son of a bankrupt billionaire, had recently used a wheelchair due to an accident.

Alden had kept a low profile, not appearing in the media before or after the incident. So, Hannah was unaware of Alden's condition and the struggles of Maxim Harrison's older son, who was depressed and ailing. But it wasn't about who Alden was or his status.

Hannah felt she had lost her dignity. Francesca casually offered Hannah to marry Alden as a substitute for Aspen. To make matters worse, Alden's right-hand man, Edward, would discuss it with his boss.

It felt like a covert trade in women! Hannah wasn't someone to be treated so ruthlessly anymore.

"Why didn't Aspen marry Alden in the first place?" Hannah challenged.

Suddenly, a brutal slap landed on Hannah's cheek. The stinging pain hit her as she sat frozen. She tried to hold back her tears, but they couldn't be held back.

"I raised you; I took care of you! How dare you defy me?!" Francesca erupted in anger.

"No, Frances, wait!" John tried to mediate the uneven argument.

"Look at your daughter, John! I've always tried to be patient, and now she's bold. But you always protect her!" Francesca exclaimed.

John looked at Hannah with a melancholy look and gently held his daughter's hand. "Hannah, listen to me for a moment."

Hannah shook her head. Wasn't the suffering enough for her? After letting go of Jeffrey for Aspen, did she have to replace her stepsister? Aspen ruthlessly took Jeffrey away just because she didn't want to marry a billionaire's son in a wheelchair.

Instead of hopeful dreams, Hannah's thoughts drifted to Jeffrey and Aspen, who were currently on the honeymoon Hannah had planned months ago.

It hurt; Hannah's heart ached terribly.

"Maxim is my childhood friend, and Alden is a good young man. You just need to get to know Alden," John said, looking deeply into Hannah's eyes.

"I don't want to marry a stranger, Dad," Hannah sobbed.

Francesca laughed discordantly, her hands on her hips. "Then who am I going to marry to Alden?!"

Hannah ignored Francesca and gripped John's hand tighter. "Why do I have to marry this man, Dad?"

"It's an old promise I must keep, Hannah," John replied quietly.

"Oh, your father is bankrupt! You're lucky to still live in this house if it weren't for Mr. Maxim's help! He asked for nothing but to marry his son to either you or Aspen!" Francesca ranted. She glanced at John briefly, then shifted her gaze back to Hannah. "But your father never rose from his fall either. Are you still willing to let your family suffer, Hannah?"

"Frances, please. Let me talk to Hannah alone," John pleaded.

"Can't you be firm with her! You're always weak, John!" Francesca glared in frustration.

"Stop! I need..."

John's words were cut off as he suddenly clutched his chest. He groaned and collapsed to the floor.

John lost consciousness.

"Dad! Dad!" Hannah screamed in fear.

*

Hannah looked through the glass window where John lay on the bed with various medical instruments attached to his body.

She hugged herself, feeling the deep silence and intense fear. Half of Hannah's soul had felt like it was floating away when her mother was pronounced dead.

"Oh, Dad," Hannah whispered sadly.

John had had a heart attack. The doctors recommended surgery to stabilize his condition. The decision to have surgery didn't guarantee that it would save John's life, but it seemed like the best option. Without it, John's life wouldn't last more than a few days.

But the cost was exorbitant. John had no health insurance because Francesca never thought about emergencies. The middle-aged woman only thought about living comfortably and having fun.

Now, it was unlikely that Francesca would risk anything to save John.

A cold feeling filled Hannah. What if she lost John forever? No, Hannah didn't want to lose her father.

"Will you just stand still?" Francesca suddenly asked Hannah from behind.

Hannah turned to see Francesca's troubled face. But when their eyes met, Francesca showed a sour expression.

"Where will I get the money for Dad's operation?" Hannah muttered in confusion.

"I don't have a job; I don't know how to get money!" Francesca replied in frustration.

Hannah sighed quietly. "Can't Mom contact Aspen and Jeffrey? Maybe Jeffrey's company can lend us some money."

"What about your company?" Francesca retorted.

Hannah shook her head. "I can't. There are still loans from the last time Dad was in the hospital."

"Aspen is stupid. Why did she marry that poor ex-boyfriend of yours!" Francesca cursed.

Hannah's heart felt torn.

"And because you wouldn't marry Maxim's son, your father ended up like this!" her stepmother accused.

Then Francesca walked away, hurrying down the corridor. Hannah felt deeply guilty. If only this marriage question didn't shake John, Hannah wouldn't mind. As long as John was healthy and lived peacefully in his old age.

At the end of the corridor, Francesca's sobs could be heard as she spoke on the phone.

There was no chance that Francesca was calling Aspen because Hannah's stepsister never cared about John. When John was struggling, his business was failing, and he was in pain, all Hannah heard from Aspen was complaints. How unfortunate Francesca was to marry Hannah's father and suffer such a fate.

Once again, Hannah's heart ached.

Hannah shook off her momentary reverie and approached Francesca. Regardless, John had to be saved, no matter the risk.

"I beg you, perhaps Mr. Maxim can help us again?"

Francesca pleaded. Whether she was really crying or deepening her role as a desperate wife was uncertain. "If only I could speak to him, Edward."

Hannah held her hand to Francesca, causing her stepmother to react surprisedly. Francesca's lips moved silently, "What do you want?"

"I want to talk to Edward," Hannah said clearly.

"Edward, wait a moment. My daughter wants to talk," Francesca said, handing over the phone. Again, she whispered something, but Hannah paid no attention.

Hannah pressed her ear to the screen.

"Hello, Edward? This is Hannah."

"Yes, Miss Hannah."

"I need to discuss something with Mr. Maxim or perhaps his son, Mr. Alden. It concerns my father's safety."

"Neither is available at this time. However, if you have something to say, I'm listening."

Hannah's heart was pounding. She kept telling herself that what she was about to say was an attempt to save John.

"Please tell them, I may sound rude and disrespectful... but I beg you, help my father. I'll do whatever Mr. Maxim or Mr. Alden offer. I will consent to the marriage if that's what your master wants, Edward."

There was silence. There was yet to be an answer from Edward.

"Hello? Edward?" Hannah called.

"Yes?"

Edward's voice changed, becoming heavier and slightly hoarse.

"Sorry, I was talking to Edward. There's something I want to tell Mr. Maxim or Mr. Alden," Hannah said impatiently.

"Just send the hospital's account number and the patient's name. Then come to our residence tomorrow."

The call ended immediately, leaving Hannah in stunned silence.

Who had just been talking to Hannah?

Hannah's eyes widened as she entered the Harrison family residence. It wasn't just a house; it was a mansion.

Despite Maxim Harrison's bankruptcy, remnants of the mansion's former glory were evident in its beauty and upkeep. A few luxury cars parked in the garage were enough to last a lifetime if the family chose to live modestly.

Hannah stepped out of the cab and approached the terrace. Her heart was pounding uncontrollably, but she had to keep moving. As agreed, Hannah had come to fulfill the promise.

Of course, she was grateful for the Harrison family's help in covering John's hospital expenses. If Hannah had to kneel before Maxim and Alden Harrison, she would.

Hannah's index finger pressed the doorbell as she stood motionless at the intricately carved wooden doors decorated with plant motifs. Classic.

The door opened, and Edward stood on the threshold with a thin smile. "Miss Hannah, please come in," he asked.

Hannah nodded awkwardly and stepped inside.

"Please, follow me."

Hannah walked through a relatively spacious hallway with paintings adorning parts of the walls. The house had an earthy feel, mostly cream with touches of brown. The ceilings were high and decorated with crystal chandeliers.

They passed several rooms with closed doors before Edward opened two glass doors that led to the back of the house.

A comfortable back terrace unfolded before them. Terrace chairs with soft brick-colored cushions were on the right. Decorated with hanging plants and flowers, Hannah could see a quiet backyard with a fountain.

To the left of the patio was an outdoor dining table. Hannah spotted a man sitting in a wheelchair, staring at a laptop screen.

"Young Master Alden? Miss Hannah has arrived," Edward called politely.

The brown-haired man with neck-length hair gave her a cold look. Hannah couldn't help but feel sorry for Alden, who looked somewhat messy and unkempt. He had an unshaven, thick beard and dark circles under his eyes. But underneath it all, Alden was undeniably handsome.

Taking the initiative, Hannah approached Alden and extended her hand. "Hannah Sears, Mr. Alden," she said, her nervousness making her sound overly enthusiastic.

Unfortunately, Alden's response was a cold stare, and with a nod of his chin, he pointed to the chair across from him. "Sit down," Alden ordered.

Hannah withdrew her hand and bit her lower lip. This wasn't what she had imagined when she first met Alden. She looked at Edward as if looking for help.

"I'll leave you two alone," Edward excused himself.

No! Please don't leave me! Hannah's inner plea echoed.

"Are you deaf?" Alden asked suddenly.

"What?"

"I said sit down."

Hannah's eyes widened. She cursed silently, appalled by Alden Harrison's rudeness. Yes, Hannah had heard rumors that the billionaire's son had a bad attitude, but she had never imagined he would be so harsh with someone he had just met.

Cautiously, Hannah sat across from Alden, who was partially hidden by the table. There was silence between them for several minutes, broken only by the sound of water running from the fountain.

"What makes you think I want to marry you?" Alden's words broke the silence.

Hannah stared at Alden, who remained fixated on his laptop.

"Do you think you're worthy of marrying me?" he continued flatly.

"I..." Hannah's throat tightened.

Wasn't it the Harrison family themselves who wanted this marriage? Because of the friendship between Maxim and John from the past? Or was it just the money? Suddenly, Hannah felt dizzy.

Alden glanced at Hannah briefly. "Can't you answer?"

"What kind of question is that?"

This time, Hannah and Alden's eyes met.

Alden's gaze was filled with anger and hatred, yet there was a certain beauty in those dark brown eyes. What made Alden's eyes reflect such pain?

A sardonic smile played on Alden's lips as he sighed. "So, what do you have to offer me?"

"I thought it was your father who proposed marriage?"

"Why should I marry one of John Sears' daughters? You have no advantage to offer." Alden rested a cheek on his hand. "Meanwhile, my family has to deal with your economic burdens."

Hannah's face immediately turned red. In her emotional state, she found herself gripping the arm of the chair. She felt the urge to slap the disrespectful man in front of her.

However, Hannah realized that the man in front of her was the one who saved John's life. Whether she liked it or not, she had to accept all the insults and perhaps even contempt. What good was dignity if it couldn't help? Alden's words were valid, and Hannah had to swallow this bitter pill.

"So, what can I do to repay your kindness, Mr. Alden?" Hannah asked, her voice shaking.

Alden looked at Hannah and smirked. "Tell me, maybe I'll consider it."

"Marry you?"

"Am I to be your scapegoat? Didn't your future husband choose Aspen? I asked that before, didn't I?" Alden laughed dryly. "Gosh, I thought this would never happen to me."

"Do you love my sister?"

Alden shook his head slightly. "Oh, don't get me wrong. I never cared for the arranged marriage between my father and John."

"So, are we getting married?"

"Your future husband has chosen Aspen. I've already discussed it before, haven't I?"

Whether Hannah was worthy to marry Alden echoed in her mind. Was her face and appearance so bad that Jeffrey would turn away? Alden's words only added to Hannah's misery.

"So what? Am I supposed to be your whore?"

Alden blinked when he heard Hannah's question.

"There are plenty of whores prettier than you. I don't know if you're good in bed," he replied calmly.

Hannah fell silent momentarily, feeling drained of energy from dealing with such a disrespectful man she couldn't resist.

"I will pay for everything, Mr. Alden. Even if I must serve you for the rest of my life, I have nothing to offer. If I offered you my life, would you accept it?" Hannah said resignedly.

Alden looked deeply at Hannah and didn't answer right away. It was as if he was undressing Hannah's body, dressed in a cream-colored shirt and coat. Suddenly, Alden closed the screen of his laptop.

"Go home, Hannah," Alden ordered, somewhat dismissively.

"But what about..."

Alden cut her off. "Go home to your father. Wait until he wakes up."

Hannah was perplexed, not sure what to do. Should she kneel before Alden right away?

"Tell your father you will marry me tomorrow as soon as he wakes up. And ask for his blessing," Alden continued.

Hannah stared at Alden in disbelief. "Tomorrow?"

Hannah hurried down the hospital hallway. On the way to the hospital, she received a message from the doctor telling her that John had passed the critical stage after surgery and was beginning to regain consciousness. It was an immense relief to Hannah.

The trip to John's room on the fourth floor, number 406, felt so far away. Hannah's breathing was erratic by the time she reached the door. She pushed the handle down and opened the door.

Hannah's chest felt like it had been hit by a hammer when she saw Aspen and Jeffrey in John's hospital room.

"Oh, it's you," Francesca said, glancing at the door and returning to her phone.

Aspen immediately grabbed Jeffrey's arm, fearing that Hannah would take the man back. Hannah looked disinterestedly at Aspen and Jeffrey but couldn't leave the room because two people had betrayed her.

Without further ado, Hannah approached John. She gently stroked John's graying hair and looked into his closed eyes. A soft moan escaped John's lips, and then his eyes slowly opened.

"Hannah?" John whispered.

Hannah's hand gripped John's warm one; she nodded, holding back her tears. "I'm here, Dad."

"I've been looking for you, dear." There were tears at the corners of John's eyes.

Francesca let out a sigh. "Yes, he kept calling your name, Hannah. Meanwhile, you wandered off and didn't show up," the stepmother said carelessly.

"I had to meet the Harrison family, didn't I?" Hannah turned to Francesca. Without the help of the former billionaire's family, John would not have survived. Yet Francesca dared to call Hannah irresponsible.

Aspen stared, eyes bulging, as if the name reminded her of something. Of course, it was a promise she hadn't kept, putting Hannah in an even more difficult situation.

"Why did you come to this family?" Aspen asked.

"To marry Alden Harrison," Hannah replied firmly.

Unexpectedly, Aspen suddenly laughed and shook her head. Hannah just stared at Aspen, trying to keep her emotions in check. Meanwhile, Jeffrey, like a statue, didn't say a word.

"Oh, are you that desperate to marry this handicapped man?" Aspen covered her mouth with her hand, seemingly pleased to see Hannah increasingly trampled.

Hannah ignored Aspen. Instead, she tightened her grip on John's hand. A sincere smile appeared on Hannah's naturally red lips. "Dad, Mr. Alden asked me to see you and tell you we're getting married as soon as you're awake," Hannah explained.

Tears fell from the corners of John's eyes. "I don't want you to marry him, dear. If you're forced to, I want you to be happy with your choice. Surely Maxim and Alden will understand if I call off the wedding."

"No, Dad. He is my choice, so I'm asking for your blessing."

"All right, dear. I bless you; I hope you'll be happy."

Hannah's eyes began to redden as she held back her sadness. She nodded firmly. "Thank you, Dad."

"Francesca tugged on Hannah's arm and moved slightly away from John. "Are you really going to marry Mr. Alden?"

"Yes, of course. Mr. Alden asked me to marry him," Hannah glanced at Aspen, who seemed slightly annoyed.

"Oh, I thought he was going to turn you down. But it's good." Francesca huffed.

"I think he was interested in me at first sight," Hannah lied. "That's why he didn't want to postpone our wedding."

Aspen snorted. "Oh, really? Is he going to marry you tomorrow? Don't joke, Hannah."

"You guessed right, Aspen. We are getting married tomorrow, and I hope you can attend my wedding."

Hannah quickly kissed John on the cheek and hurriedly said goodbye. She left John's hospital room, glancing once more at the family she had never considered part of her own.

Francesca stood there in shock. Aspen was furious at not being able to retaliate against Hannah's words and Jeffrey? He looked towards the door, his eyes fixed on Hannah.

There was nothing more Hannah hoped for than John's recovery.

If she had to get married tomorrow, she wouldn't run away. Even if she had to endure everything out of necessity.

*

Hannah entered the courthouse where Alden and Edward had been waiting. Hannah's appearance caught Alden's attention momentarily, but he quickly shifted his gaze elsewhere.

Hannah's attire was simple: a fitted, knee-length, long-sleeved white dress with no embellishments, just a plain satin gown. Still, Hannah looked graceful, adorned with natural makeup.

"Mr. Maxim apologizes for being unable to attend due to his failing health," Edward whispered as he approached Hannah. "He just left a message wishing you both the best."

Hannah nodded awkwardly. "Alright. Thank you in advance, Edward."

The judge asked Hannah to stand next to Alden, and they began to sign the documents that would legalize their marriage. No church wedding, no minister's blessing to live happily ever after. Hannah and Alden's marriage seemed more like a business deal.

The guarantee was Hannah's life until Alden got bored and dumped Hannah once John's debts were paid. No one knew when that would be.

"Sign here," the judge said.

Hannah tried to hide her nervousness, her hands shaking as she put her signature on the paper. Alden noticed. He suddenly touched the palm of Hannah's hand.

"Do you need some time? Or would you like to get some fresh air?" Alden asked quietly.

Hannah just shook her head. "I'm fine."

"Your hand says otherwise."

"Anyone would be nervous before getting married. Isn't marriage something very sacred, Mr. Alden?" Hannah whispered, glancing briefly at the man beside her.

Whether or not Hannah's words stung Alden, he immediately withdrew his hand and nodded diplomatically. His slightly attentive attitude toward Hannah returned to indifference.

"If you're done, don't keep me waiting," Alden muttered, suppressing his annoyance.

Then Hannah added her final signature. After checking the documents, the judge nodded and smiled at the newlyweds.

"Mr. Alden Harrison, do you take Hannah Sears as your wife?"

Alden replied coldly, "I do."

"And Miss Hannah Sears, do you take Alden Harrison as your husband?"

Hannah swallowed and nodded. "I do."

"I pronounce you husband and wife," echoed in Hannah's ears.

Hannah felt empty. She didn't know if she should be sad or happy. What kind of marriage would she have with a man she neither knew nor loved?