Chapter 6

Elizabeth changed into a new outfit and headed downstairs.

"Jordan, Alexander's mom is almost here. Can you let the kitchen know to get ready?"

The butler looked genuinely surprised. "You mean Madam Hannah is coming over?"

"Yeah, she just called me."

Jordan immediately turned and left.

Elizabeth didn't even sit long before she heard the sound of a car outside. She quickly got up and walked to the entryway. When she opened the door, there was Hannah stepping out of the car in an elegant dress.

Her hair was perfectly styled in an updo, and there was just one simple bracelet on her wrist. Although she was nearly fifty, she looked like she was in her early forties. You really couldn't tell her age from her face—graceful and smooth. Every little gesture she made radiated gentle elegance.

As soon as Hannah raised her eyes, she saw Elizabeth standing there. Her face didn't show much expression as she walked calmly over.

Elizabeth was a bit nervous inside, not sure why Hannah had shown up so suddenly.

"Hannah, you're here," she said softly.

Hannah's gaze was unreadable. "That injury on your head... did Alexander do that?"

Elizabeth bit her lip and replied, "He didn't mean to."

A flash of surprise crossed Hannah's face. She reached out and gently took Elizabeth's hand, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Come on, let's talk inside."

That smile made Elizabeth breathe easier—seemed like she wasn't here to blame her for running away.

"Yes, Hannah, let's go in."

Hannah guided her to the couch and they sat down, her eyes landing softly on Elizabeth's face. "Elizabeth, I've heard about you and Alexander.

"I always assumed you only went through with it because you wanted him to take responsibility. I've also heard how things went afterwards. You didn't love him.

"I looked into things more, and I realized Alexander pressured your grandfather into agreeing. No wonder you resented him.

"But I also heard what happened when he had that reaction to the poison... the way you handled it when he was completely out of control.

"What I'm about to say might sound a bit selfish, but as a mother... would you be willing to give him a real chance? Get to know him? If you really find nothing worth loving in him, I'll support you in getting a divorce. How does that sound?"

Elizabeth froze.

Seeing her silent, Hannah looked concerned. "Elizabeth? Can you think about it—if—"

"I don't want to divorce him, Hannah." Elizabeth cut her off mid-sentence.

Hannah blinked, clearly caught off guard.

"...What did you just say?"

Looking into her eyes, Elizabeth said each word slowly and clearly, "I said I don't want to divorce Alexander. I admit—I married him partly because of the Harper family and what happened before the wedding. I did want to run away after we got married. But when I left him during his business trip, I ended up seeing some things more clearly.

"I didn't realize how blind I'd been. I was taken in by lies and manipulation. But now... I've made up my mind. I'm not divorcing Alexander unless he says to my face that he doesn't love me. Otherwise, I'm staying with him—period."

It took Hannah a while to process everything she'd just heard.

Eventually, she asked cautiously, "So... you're saying you're willing to make this marriage work?"

Elizabeth gave a firm nod. "Yes. I'll stay with him, unless he tells me to leave."

Hannah looked at her for a moment before gently holding her hand. "It's good to hear you say that," she said softly. "I raised Alexander myself, I know how he is—he rarely lets anyone get close. So when he called to tell me he was getting married, his grandparents and I were over the moon. I've always known how he's been all these years... He married you because he loves you."

Elizabeth's eyes started to sting a little. Everyone seemed to know Alexander married her for love.

Everyone but her.

"Hannah, I..."

Before she could finish, the front door swung open with a sudden thud.

Both Hannah and Elizabeth turned, only to see Alexander standing there, out of breath, clearly flustered. They both froze for a moment.

Elizabeth quickly stood and walked over. "Alexander? What are you doing back?"

He didn't answer right away, instead scanning her up and down. When he finally saw she was okay, the tension in his face eased, though he kept a blank look as he turned toward his mom. "Mom, why are you here?"

Hannah gave him a half-smile. "What? I'm not welcome now? Got married and forgot your mom already? Scared I came to pick on your wife?"

Alexander didn't move from his spot, just reached out and pulled Elizabeth to his side. "So, what brought you here?"

"I just wanted to see my daughter-in-law. Why are you so nervous?"

Elizabeth could tell he was on edge, and the thought warmed her heart somehow.

He must've been worried that Hannah came to scold her for running away.

His messy hair and heavy breathing all pointed to one thing—he must've rushed over as soon as he heard.

She grabbed his arm and looked up into his eyes. "Alexander, seriously, Mom just came to visit."

He didn't seem totally convinced, his eyes fixed on her face. "You're sure?"

"Positive."

Watching the two interact, Hannah's smile softened even more.

"I was just in the area and thought I'd stop in. Seeing you two like this—it really puts my heart at ease."

"Oh, and Elizabeth, I brought you some health supplements. Make sure you take them."

Elizabeth's smile was gentle, her eyes lighting up. "Thanks, Hannah."

"Well, I've got things to take care of, so I'll get going."

Elizabeth immediately stepped forward. "Hannah, you're not staying for the night?"

"No, it's fine. Seeing you both happy is all I needed."

And just like that, without giving either of them a chance to argue, she left.

Alexander turned to Elizabeth, still looking puzzled. He quickly masked it, though. "What did you and Mom talk about?"

Elizabeth didn't respond directly. Instead, she took his hand, rubbing her thumb over the healing wound on the back of it.

She looked up, eyes full of concern, and whispered, "Does it still hurt?"

His body stiffened. Something flickered in his dark eyes—something she couldn't quite read.

Avoiding her gaze, he gently pulled his hand back. "It doesn't."

"But it hurts me," she said softly. "Please... don't do this to yourself again."

Alexander looked at her, stunned. He could see the worry, the guilt, the care in her eyes.

The very things he'd been waiting to see... and now that they were right there, he almost couldn't believe it.

She'd hated him not long ago—what changed?

Or... was she just pretending, trying to trick him into lowering his guard again?

Even if he wasn't sure, he still found himself saying, "Okay."

He turned and left, his back to her—but there was something oddly rushed in the way he walked, as if he couldn't get away fast enough.

Elizabeth just stood there, watching him leave, her heart soft and full.