4. I Do

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?