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.

Hannah sat on the edge of her bed and stared at the door. It was already morning and she had not been able to close her eyes all night. She didn't know what to do now.

One option was to leave the room and act as if nothing had happened. Another was to stay in the room and wait for Edward or another servant to arrive. The last choice was to leave Alden's mansion quietly.

Hannah's thoughts were interrupted when the door to her room opened. She turned her eyes to the doorway and was startled to see Alden standing there in his wheelchair. His cold gaze pierced through her, intimidating her. Hannah lowered her head immediately.

The sound of the wheels coming closer to Hannah was like a horror in her ears.

"It's past eight, and you're not in the dining room," Alden said flatly.

"I'm not hungry," Hannah replied.

The wheelchair stopped in front of Hannah, their knees almost touching. Without hesitation, Alden reached for Hannah's chin, his grip slightly firm as he forced her to face him.

"I don't care if you're hungry or not, but you have to be in the dining room on time," he said coldly.

Hannah swallowed nervously. "I'm sorry."

Alden's eyes narrowed slightly, and then his fingers moved to touch the area under Hannah's left eye. "What's this scratch?"

"I don't know, I don't remember."

Alden was momentarily taken aback as he faintly recalled the events of last night. However, he did remember throwing a bottle of drink at the door. There was a worry in Alden's mind that Hannah might have been injured by broken glass.

Alden's hand moved to his lap. "I will have a servant attend to your wound after breakfast," he said.

Hannah nodded weakly. "Thank you."

Alden turned the wheelchair and left the room, Hannah following him. Hannah's feelings were all over the place. She hadn't expected Alden to come to her room himself. Though Alden's behavior was still a bit harsh.

At least Alden didn't insult her or continue his anger from last night. Hannah didn't need Alden to apologize for his actions. It was better for both of them to forget about it. Rather than start a fight.

They entered the dining room and ate breakfast without much conversation. In fact, there was no conversation at all. It was better to be a puppet, at least to be talked to. Hannah's presence was like a painting or a vase placed in the middle of the dining room table.

She was there only as decoration.

Alden wiped his mouth with a napkin that he threw on the plate without any courtesy. Without another word, he left the dining room. He left Hannah alone, confused.

"What am I going to do now?" Hannah muttered quietly.

As she pushed back her chair to return to her room, Edward entered the dining room. He nodded politely to Hannah.

"Good morning, how was your breakfast Mrs. Hannah?" Edward greeted.

"It was delicious, thank you."

"Mr. Alden would like you to go to Texco Company, Mrs. Hannah. Can you get ready? You leave at nine."

Hannah was stunned. Texco was the company that Jeffrey worked for. The company that had started in Summerhill about two years ago. Why was Hannah going there? What did Alden mean? Hannah felt anxious.

"What business do I have to go there for? Why doesn't Mr. Alden go himself?" Hannah asked.

"To meet the owner, Mr. Bernard Gulfman."

Hannah cleared her throat. "I mean, what's the purpose of me going there? Why doesn't Mr. Alden go himself?"

Edward paused for a few seconds, then said briefly, "Because you're his wife."

His wife.

That statement left Hannah motionless, nodding reluctantly to follow Alden's command.

*

Hannah sighed as she entered the large and modern lobby of the Texco building. The five-story building had high ceilings, perhaps designed for seven or eight stories. The lobby was spacious, dominated by clean white paint and futuristic minimalist furniture.

Awkwardly, Hannah approached the reception desk. Her body was shaking, not because of the air conditioning, but because she had come to the company without knowing what to do.

Edward had just handed her a file to deliver, and then all she had to do was introduce herself as Alden Harrison's wife. Truly strange.

"Hello, good morning. Welcome to Texco. How can I help you, ma'am?" the receptionist greeted her.

"I'm here to see Mr. Bernard Gulfman," Hannah replied.

"Do you have an appointment?"

"I... I'm Hannah Sears, and I was asked to meet him by Mr. Alden Harrison. Perhaps he has an appointment for me?"

The receptionist nodded, then looked at the screen as she clicked the mouse.

"Yes, at ten o'clock. You can meet Mr. Gulfman in ten minutes," the receptionist said. She then handed Hannah a 'visitor' badge. "Please wait in the visitors' room, turn right from here, and the room is in the corner."

"Ah, okay." Hannah nodded.

"Someone will pick you up to meet Mr. Gulfman at ten."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome, ma'am."

Hannah walked quickly to the visitors' room. The corridor leading there seemed deserted, the sound of Hannah's heels echoing. Hannah's hand pushed the glass door as she entered.

The Visitor Room was quite impressive, with couches, booths, a table for snacks and drinks, not unlike a workspace. However, there was one person Hannah hadn't expected to see there: Aspen.

Hannah's stepsister casually dipped tea into a cup and immediately turned to look at the door.

There was no turning back for Hannah, and she decided not to wait in the lobby since they had already made eye contact. Aspen just raised her cup with a grin, seemingly mocking Hannah.

Hannah entered and sat down on the sofa, her hand reaching for her phone from her purse. Hannah tried to ignore Aspen as much as possible. Aspen's footsteps sounded closer, and then she sat down across from Hannah.

"What a surprise," Aspen said, taking a sip of her tea.

"Yes, I didn't expect to see you here."

"I thought you were honeymooning. Didn't you just get married yesterday?" Aspen chuckled softly. "I saw the news on the Internet, buried under the main headlines."

"Actually, the wedding was not meant for public consumption," Hannah replied quietly. "My invitation was for family only."

"Well... we were too busy taking care of Dad. So we couldn't come."

"That's okay, actually. It's better that you and Mom take care of Dad." Hannah's eyes shifted to Aspen. "Since I'm the one paying for Dad's treatment. I think that's fair, don't you think?" she continued.