Chapter 7

Hannah secretly tugged at the corner of Calvin’s shirt, reminding him not to flash their marriage certificate as he had earlier. She hoped to avoid trouble by hiding the truth from Miranda for as long as possible. Tracy was aware that Miranda still saw her as the Fullerton family’s potential daughter-in-law given that she had initiated bringing her to the hospital. She wondered to herself, it seems like Miranda isn’t aware of Hannah and Calvin’s marriage. What should I do to make her loathe Hannah even more?

I’m not going to let that woman get away so lightly. Her life shall be a living hell! I thought the photos of the basement would cause Calvin to despise Hannah. Seems like I was wrong… Ding! Tracy’s thoughts were interrupted when she heard her phone buzz. She received a text message, the Queen of Ballad, Cindy Smith, is back today! Tracy beamed and thought, Cindy, is returning? She switched on the television to watch Greenville City’s entertainment news. Cindy was the country’s most famous ballad singer, and her name was frequently splashed across headlines. Hannah was stunned by the news and after a moment of hesitation, she glanced at Calvin to see his reaction. Only the news reporting could be heard in the background as the room fell silent. Everyone knew that Cindy was Calvin’s true love. They were trying to find the right words to say after hearing of her return. “Ahem.”

Godrick cleared his throat when he noticed Hannah’s flustered look. He tried to divert the topic by asking, “Are you coping with your work, Hannah?” Tracy knew that Godrick was trying to help Hannah out of the awkward situation. Hence, she quickly turned off the television before scurrying to Miranda’s side and putting on an apologetic look. The room became so silent that the sound of Godrick’s breathing was clearly heard. Hannah nodded her head and replied, “I’m coping well.” She then walked toward the elderly man, planning to give him a foot massage. However, before Hannah could start, Miranda intercepted, “There’s no need for the trouble.” She pressed the call button and instructed, “Get a nurse in here. Mr. Fullerton will like a foot massage.” Hannah was placed in an awkward position. Her hands stayed suspended in midair, unsure whether to continue or stop with the massage. Although Godrick was displeased at Miranda’s actions, he did not want to aggravate the matter. The woman had made clear her disdain for Hannah. In addition, he did not want to provoke Miranda, who was still grieving over her eldest son’s death. Hence, Godrick waved his hand and signaled Hannah not to take the matter to heart. Godrick announced, “I’m tired.” He then glanced at Calvin, whose eyes remained fixed on the television, before continuing, “Calvin, why don’t you accompany Hannah to shop for some clothes? She’s always wearing the same outfit.” Despite his reluctance, Calvin nodded his head.

Although Miranda was annoyed by the request, she did not object in order to avoid aggravating Godrick, who was in poor health. Instead, she grumbled to herself as she organized the bedsheets, “Why do you care if she has no clothes? What has that got to do with us? She’s an ungrateful brat!”

Stumped by the chasm, Hannah stepped awkwardly to the water dispenser, attempting to distract herself by refilling her cup. Tracy purposefully knocked against Hannah, causing the hot water to pour on Miranda’s body. “Are you blind!” Miranda screamed. The next moment, a loud slap sound was heard. Hannah’s face was covered with a fiery red palm print. Tracy immediately handed a packet of tissue to Miranda and coaxed, “Don’t be angry, Aunt Miranda. Hannah didn’t do it on purpose.” She glared at Hannah and signaled for the woman to apologize. Hannah covered her burning cheeks and thought to herself miserably, why did you push me, Tracy? She stopped herself from questioning the woman as she knew that it would incur Miranda’s wrath. She would be seen as a shameless person trying to push the blame. Hannah was not that ignorant, despite her lack of intelligence. “Aunt Miranda, I’m…” Before Hannah could deliver her apology, Calvin, who had remained stone faced throughout, interrupted, “I’ll send Hannah home first. Have a good rest.” Godrick replied, “All right. Remember to get some clothes for Hannah.” “Why the heck are you buying for her?” Miranda shrieked on her way to the changing room. She did not spare a glance at Hannah and spoke to Calvin instead, “I’ll not allow her to be part of the Fullerton family.” Calvin gave Miranda a half-hearted nod to appease her wrath. He then turned to Hannah and said in annoyance, “Why aren’t you moving?” Calvin thought to himself, how can Hannah be so stupid? Can’t she tell that Tracy has been ill-treating her from a young age? It was so obvious that she intentionally bumped into her earlier. Why didn’t Hannah speak the truth and instead choose to shoulder all the blame? Is she trying to act weak and dumb in front of me? My brother adopted her from the orphanage as she was the smartest and most lovable child. She has gotten along well with the Fullerton family all these years and has been tolerant of Miranda’s criticism.

Why is she acting so weak and pitiful in front of me now? What a hypocrite! As the vehicle entered Fielddell District, which had an abundance of budget hotels, Hannah tugged on Calvin’s sleeve anxiously and said, “Let me alight here.” The man shoved her away and tidied his sleeve before asking irritably, “Why?” Hannah uttered, “The motels here are… cheaper.” Ever since Liam’s demise, she was unable to enter the Fullerton residence nor gather her belongings. Godrick had rightly pointed out earlier that Hannah needed a new set of clothes. For the past two weeks, she had washed and re-worn the same outfit. Tears started welling up in her eyes when she thought of the old man’s warmth. She could not believe that there would still be someone in this world who would treat her with kindness.

Calvin asked, “You have been staying here for the past few days?” “Yeah,” Hannah replied. The car soon came to a stop. Hannah remarked before alighting, “Aunt Miranda will never let me return to the family.” With a cigar in his mouth, Calvin glanced in the rearview mirror and watched as the cars drove past. He was lost in his thoughts as the car headlights shone from every direction. His face twitched slightly as he thought of the discomfort Hannah had experienced staying in rundown motels. He always made sure to stay at decent hotels priced at least a thousand dollars a night to ensure maximum comfort. Calvin broke the silence and asked, “Did you ever dream of him?” Hannah replied without hesitation, “No.” The incident was a nightmare that she wished never to remember of again. The man expelled a large cloud of smoke, and the gust of wind blew the ashes on Hannah, causing a stinging pain. His fury sprang to life as he asked tersely, “Don’t you feel guilty?” Calvin let out a few more puffs and the stench of the cigar smoke overpowered the small enclosed car. He continued, “My brother has been kind to you all these years. You will be nothing if it wasn’t for his help. Do you think you can be a teacher like you are today? I don’t think you can even receive an education. Yet, you plotted the death of a great man like him. You were such a malnourished skinny child when you first arrived at the Fullerton family. Even though Liam had just reached adulthood, he took such great care of you. He personally prepared your meals and fed them to you. He’s such a good man…” Hannah interrupted before Calvin could complete his sentence, “Why did he choose me out of everyone in the orphanage?

Did you really think it was because I was adorable?” The woman spoke in a soft calm voice, nothing he had ever heard before. She took out a mirror and admired her delicate features before continuing, “Isn’t it because of my beauty?” Calvin finished the last puff of cigar and immediately unlocked the door. He demanded, “Get out!”