5. Dark Side of Alden Harrison

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.