Chapter 1113

"I don't have the time," Hannah said, gripping the phone, her heart trembling. She would meet Ralph; she hadn't seen him for days. Every night, she dreamt of their happy moments—his sweet words, warm kisses—moments that brought a bittersweet ache when she awoke. She suspected an ulterior motive, a lie woven into his words, perhaps intended for Heather. Yet, Hannah clung to the self-deception that Ralph loved her.

For over twenty years, she had lived in her sister's shadow, never being Heather. Yet, Ralph called her Annie, publicly proposed, promised a lifetime of happiness. That day, she craved more—her own life, marriage, children—a normalcy Heather had cruelly denied her, declaring Hannah's happiness impossible, even destroying Ralph's engagement ring. Hannah's breath hitched, her heart clenching.

"You don't have the time?" Ralph frowned at "Heather's" reply, recognizing it as an excuse. Their previous conversations revealed her wavering commitment, and he feared losing her if he delayed. He pressed on.

"It doesn't matter. Where are you? At the company? I'll be there soon. It's fine if you don't have time, but I do. I can wait. Let's meet and talk."

Hannah was stunned. Before she could respond, Ralph hung up, fearing her refusal. She felt a conflicting happiness, realizing she might have refused if given time to consider. She knew she shouldn't meet him, especially without Heather's knowledge, yet a desperate longing remained—to walk, talk, hold hands, laugh with him. A smile touched her lips as she imagined his arrival.

Meanwhile, Ralph's thoughts shifted. After hanging up, he recalled his mother's secret visit to Alexander's house while he slept. He wondered about her motives, if she meant to warn Alexander. Margaret's recent behavior—closer to Alexander, yet distant toward him—felt unsettling. Something was amiss, but he couldn't place it. 'Should I chase after Mom or meet Heather first?'