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?

Hannah returned to the cemetery-like mansion owned by the Harrison family. Edward pushed Alden's wheelchair into the family room, and Hannah followed. It was the first time she had stepped inside a warm family room with earth tones. Beige suede couches and a thick dark brown carpet in front of the fireplace.

Hannah's eyes caught the family photo hanging above the fireplace. Maxim, his wife, and two boys of elementary and kindergarten age. Hannah was a little surprised to learn that Maxim Harrison had two sons.

"There are a few things you need to know after we're married," Alden started the conversation.

Edward motioned for Hannah to sit on the sofa, and quickly, Maxim's right-hand man handed Hannah a prepared folder and a pen.

"This is a prenuptial agreement," Alden added.

Hannah looked at the folder with a hint of confusion, opened it, and saw several neatly typed pages.

"What kind of agreement?" asked Hannah.

"Can't you read?" Alden's words were genuinely annoying. Hannah sighed and then began to read the terms Alden had presented.

The first few points were relatively straightforward, such as the agreement being valid for the duration of the marriage. The marriage was indefinite unless Alden decided to end it. Hannah had no right to ask for a divorce.

She had to keep secrets and protect the reputation of the family, especially the Harrison family. Hannah was prohibited from discussing marital matters with anyone, not even her family.

The absurd clause that Hannah couldn't bother Alden in any situation could still be tolerated by her. After all, who would want to deal with such an irritating man? That was Hannah's thought.

What shocked her, however, was the question of having children. If Hannah became pregnant and gave birth, the child would automatically become Alden's property. If they divorced after the child was born, Hannah would have no right to custody or visitation.

"Do we have to have a baby?" Hannah asked, horror in her eyes as she stared at Alden.

"The purpose of living things is simple: to procreate," Alden replied.

Reflexively, Hannah glanced at Edward, standing not far from them. Whether Edward was deaf or designed not to show emotion, he stood there stoically, without any expression.

Hannah lowered her head, unable to argue. After all, hadn't she told herself she would give her life to repay all the favors the Harrison family had done for her?

"All right," Hannah nodded.

"Is there anything else bothering you?" Alden asked.

Hannah shook her head in resignation. "No."

Finally, Hannah put another signature on the agreement with Alden, and Alden signed as well, handing the folder of documents to Edward.

"Escort Hannah to her room, Edward," Alden ordered.

Hannah got up and followed Edward out of the family room. There were many thoughts and questions in Hannah's mind, but suddenly, Edward cleared his throat quietly.

"Miss, I mean Mrs. Hannah."

"Yes?"

"There are a few things I want to explain so you can get used to it and feel comfortable staying here."

Edward explained the schedule for meals from morning to evening. The servants' schedule for cleaning the rooms, and he warned Hannah not to get too close to the subordinates, as it sometimes disturbed his young master.

Then there were Alden's habits, which Hannah was not to disturb when he was in his office or bedroom.

"For the next week, I'll be here to help Mrs. Hannah if there's anything you don't understand," Edward concluded.

Hannah looked confused. "Where are you going?"

"I will be accompanying Mr. Maxim abroad for a few months for medical treatment," Edward replied.

Edward's figure was no fairy godfather for Hannah; they were both strangers. But at least Edward's presence made Hannah feel slightly more comfortable because Edward knew how to handle Alden.

"Will I be alone here? W-with him? Alden?" Hannah asked, and her face immediately turned pale.

"You'll be fine," Edward said with a thin smile.

"But..."

"I will return as soon as dinner is served. For now, please rest. Excuse me," Edward cut her off without giving Hannah a chance to speak.

Hannah just stared at Edward's retreating back with a worried heart. Could Hannah remain intact and sane, living under the same roof as Alden?

*

Hannah ate alone and wondered why Alden didn't show up. Only a young servant waited on Hannah, and there was no small talk between them. The servants in the house were terrified of Alden.

It was the darkest and most depressing wedding night for Hannah. After finishing her dinner, she walked down the hall to her room. She could not do anything, so it was better to stay in her room. Hannah was no longer allowed to work for Alden, so she would not know what to do the following day if she went to bed early.

Suddenly, Hannah's footsteps stopped at the intersection of the hallway, and she completely forgot which way to turn. As far as Hannah remembered, the left path was right, so that's what she did. However, the atmosphere in the corridor seemed strange. The paintings on the walls looked new to Hannah.

"Okay, I think I'm lost," Hannah muttered.

She was about to turn around when she heard shouts from the end of the dead-end corridor. Usually, Hannah should not be curious and keep walking as if she hadn't heard anything. But the voice sounded like Alden's.

Hannah feared that Alden might have fallen out of his wheelchair and slipped in the bathroom, and all sorts of nasty things immediately popped into her mind. The door at the end was slightly ajar, and Hannah could hear the roar more clearly now. Without thinking, Hannah immediately pushed the door open wider and saw Alden sitting on the bed with an almost empty bottle of liquor in his hand.

"Sarah!! Sarah!!" Alden shouted in fear.

Hannah looked at him in confusion. "Mr. Alden? What's happening?"

Alden snapped out of it when he saw Hannah standing in the doorway. His eyes stared blankly. "What are you doing here?"

"I heard you..."

"GET OUT!!" Alden yelled.

Hannah jerked back in shock at the loud, harsh scream that echoed through the room. Then Alden violently threw the bottle in his hand. The loud 'clang' was so intense that it made Hannah scream in fear. She was showered with shards of glass that hit the bedroom door.

"GET THE HELL OUT OF MY ROOM!" Alden repeated.

Hannah glanced at Alden, then turned and ran out of his room.