Chapter 1030

"From now on, don't call me Heather!" Hannah yelled.

Ralph blinked, confused. "Oh? Why? What should I call you then?"

She didn't answer, instead studying him intently, as if testing him. He thought carefully, then suddenly remembered. "Annie?"

"Mhm."

Hannah's expression softened; a twinkle appeared in her eyes. Her whole body seemed to relax. She liked the sound of it, much better than "Heather." Then, a thought occurred to her. "Have you called me that before?"

"Before? What do you mean?" Ralph looked bewildered.

Hannah considered this. "I mean, when I stayed at your house the past few days. I don't recall you calling me that."

Ralph carefully considered the past few days and shook his head. "No, I don't think so. Didn't you say I couldn't call you that unless you told me to?"

"Hmm! You're obedient!" She nodded, satisfied. It was crucial that her sister didn't learn of this little secret. However, hoping Ralph would one day use her real name was wishful thinking; she felt unworthy of being known by others.

After a pause, Ralph said, "You must be hungry. Shall I treat you to dinner?"

Hannah was supposed to return home immediately after handling the documents. But now that he was here, she didn't want to go back. She didn't want to be confined to that basement, to live in darkness again. Heather had even mentioned sending Hannah home. If Heather changed her mind, today might be her last day here—a thought she couldn't bear.

She nodded. "Okay!"

Hannah wanted to indulge her selfish desires, to share just one more meal with him. She could invent an excuse; however badly Heather scolded her, she wouldn't kill her. Hannah would risk it for this fleeting happiness.

She changed clothes and instructed Celine to take the signed documents. After explaining the situation, she followed Ralph out.

"Should we use your car or mine?"

Ralph, wanting to be a gentleman, offered his car. But this was no ordinary woman; her logic was unconventional. To be safe, he checked with her.

"Yours. I'm a little tired. I don't want to drive, and I don't want anyone else around," Hannah said, rubbing her temples.

Ralph was overjoyed. 'Does this mean we're going on a date?!' He exclaimed, "Okay, okay! I'll drive! You can rest in the car for a while, and we'll go eat some good food to make it up to you."