3. Arranged Marriage

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?"