Ch. 1021..1030
Chapter 1021
Hannah’s expression grew increasingly somber as she regarded the smiling senior editor.
She was not sure what Fabian said on the other end that had Bob nodding repeatedly in
acknowledgment. This went on for a while before he hung up.
The senior editor reverted to his poker face before he regarded Hannah. “Fabian has initiated a follow
up interview, and specially asked for you.”
Hannah looked up and met his stern gaze but was cut off before she could voice her protestations.
“Get yourself there if you want to continue at this company!”
She furrowed. The tone by which this order was issued left her in no doubt that she must abide. “I
understand.”
The man’s expression then softened alongside his inflection, “The fate of the magazine company’s in
your hands now, Hannah.”
The woman was oddly vexed as she nodded. She then made her way outside to pick up her backpack
and camera before she departed. Never could she had anticipated what was to come next.
“Are you Ms. Young? Mr. Norton’s in the middle of a meeting and will be with you shortly,” Fabian’s
assistant said cordially as he held her at the door.
“I can wait.” Hannah returned the smile and went on to make herself comfortable at the rest area.
From where she was at, the entirety of Fabian’s office was visible through the window.
As Fabian was not fond of vibrant colors, the interior was furnished in shades of simple monochrome,
and also obsessively clean.
“Please have some water, Ms. Young,” said the assistant.
Hannah promptly withdrew her gaze and nodded. “Thank you.”
“Relax, the meeting should be over soon.”
“Okay,” she replied staidly.
She was not worried though, as she had seen worse from Fabian.
The assistant bowed slightly before he recused himself to attend to his own affairs.
Hannah thought she might as well took the opportunity to review the questions she needed to ask later
in order to prevent a repeat the same hiccup from last time round.
“Whew…” She exhaled deeply after closing up the document, but there was no notable activity outside.
A quick glance at her wrist told her that half an hour had already lapsed.
Out of boredom, she walked up to the French window to take in the sights beyond which helped
improve her mood.
Her thoughts then wandered to that of the relationship between Yvette and Fabian, and what the future
might hold for Fabian and herself.
She did not even realize that the man was coming behind her.
“A penny for your thoughts?” His deep and husky voice rang up behind her unannounced.
Hannah was slightly taken aback but promptly regained her composure. She used the same tone in the
reply. “You could have scared people half to death sneaking up on them like that, Mr. Norton. Are you
ready for me now?”
Fabian scoffed as he loosened a button before he strode toward the office.
Hannah set the camera in position and took her seat opposite him.
The woman cleared her throat and asked gently, “Were you willing to accept our interview on the
account of Ms. Tanner?”
Fabian’s eyes lit up before he shrugged, “In part, yes.”
Hannah looked at his face vacuously. It seemed that she had spaced out.
She was mired with her own thoughts about him and Yvette.
“Hannah Young!” There was a certain severity in his tone.
Hannah was made aware of her own lack of professionalism but her brain bailed on her, unable to
recall what she was supposed to ask next.
She hastened to refer back to the set of document placed on her lap, but only managed to fumble them
all over the floor.
There was a cold furrow between Fabian’s eyes as he narrowed them.
“I’m so sorry,” the woman apologized as she tried to sort out the papers in her hands. She then went on
to clumsily knock over the glass on the coffee table as she got to her feet. Some of its contents were
spilled upon the hem of the man’s trousers.
The annoyance was apparent in Fabian’s eyes. “You should not have come if you aren’t going to take
this seriously!”
Chapter 1022
“I’m really sorry about this. Let’s start again.” She took a deep breath and rapidly switched into working
mode.
Fabian was fully aware of her emotional fluctuations but made no comment.
“We’re interested to know how you and Ms. Tanner met and what remarkable circumstances brought
the two of you together.” She appeared calm and collected, but her fingers could not be more tightly
wound around the microphone.
Fabian adjusted his own sitting posture and nonchalantly tapped away on his knee cap with his
fingertips. “I believe any man could appreciate a fine looking woman like Yvette. And her demure and
undemanding nature suits me just fine.”
He observed her face intently for her reaction as these words were purposefully meant for her ears.
A sliver of displeasure glinted in and passing across her eyes, but it only took a slight dip of her head
for her to recover the subtle smile on her lips.
She mostly kept to the script and refrained from asking anything intrusive, which pleasantly concluded
this round of interview. Hannah kept her head bowed as she leisurely went about organizing her notes.
When she glanced up, her eyes ran head along into Fabian’s burning gaze.
Her brows perked up slightly. “Is there a problem, Mr. Norton?”
“You’re truly a competent journalist, to be able to maintain such dignity throughout!” It almost seemed
like he was mocking her.
Hannah’s heart skipped a beat as she averted her gaze. “You are teasing me, Mr. Norton. Since our
interview has been completed, I shall not continue to hold you up.”
She proceeded to pick up her backpack but was prevented from doing so by Fabian’s strong hand.
He leaned himself in so close until they were mere centimeters apart. “Know your place, Hannah.
Remember that you are still legally my wife!”
Mrs. Norton. Such sweet irony.
She eked out a bitter smile. “Then, tell me, who’s Yvette to you?”
Fabian’s movements visibly stiffened. The look in his eyes was indecipherable to her.
He lowered his head as though he was contemplating.
Hannah quickly got the hint. “I’m leaving. Thank you for your time, Mr. Norton.”
With that, she bowed respectfully and then strode out of his office.
Fabian’s eyes were transfixed upon Hannah’s silhouette as she departed. Even though she had her
head held high, she was nonetheless fearful of hearing his answer.
But why did he decline to say it?
Bob was quite pleased after reviewing the work done upon Hannah’s return to the office.
“Your editing skills seemed to have taken a little step back, and it seems as though you have been
constantly lacking focus at work.” To which Hannah merely nodded profusely without reply.
“I would like you to handle all reports pertaining Mr. Norton moving forward.”
“Uh what? I…” Her first impulse was to refuse.
“Don’t even think about trying to get out of this one!” The senior editor stood up and drove his palms
forcefully upon the table. His sparse strands of hair fell out of place as he did.
“I’ve consulted the Chief Editor and we’re going to give you a promotion and a pay raise. From now on,
you’ll be a correspondent for anything related to Mr. Norton. Got it?” The man said as he patted down
his receding patch.
It took a lot for Hannah to keep herself from bursting out in laughter. She could only say yes.
The senior editor allowed her to go on leave after the completion of her second exclusive so that she
may make preparations ahead of the next one.
Hannah returned to her post and buried her head in her work. Regina strutted over in her platform
heels and leaned against the former’s desk. She then calmly regarded the seated woman with arms
across her own chest.
The expressionless Hannah stood up and looked the other woman straight in the eye. “What’s the
matter? Has being the other woman caused you to lose your spine?”
“Hmph. So what if you clinched interviews with the CEO of Phoenix Group in two consecutive issues?
There’s nothing to be cocky about!” Regina’s meticulously made up face was permeated with scorn.
Hannah stepped back warily from that woman who was clearly gunning for her again.
Regina cleared her throat and continued, “Don’t think that I don’t know you’ve been busy making a
cuckold of your pitiable pauper of a husband with the boss of Phoenix Group!”
Chapter 1023
The entire office fell silent and all eyes fell upon Hannah and Regina, not wanting to miss out on the
juicy tidbits that the latter spoke of.
“Huh. You really do seem quite fond of going around snapping at people at random. Old habits die
hard, don’t they,” Hannah prodded as she thought how beautiful veneers often belied an unspeakable
heinousness.
She wondered how Regina’s lover even put up with her.
“Goodness me, Hannah. Who doesn’t know you’ve hooked up with Fabian Norton, and slept with him,
his driver and his assistant as well? To think your poor husband has the misfortune of marrying a whore
like you,” Regina retorted, not willing to back down.
Hannah heaved, clearly incensed. “If you can’t respect the journalistic profession, you’ll eventually pay
the price.” Hannah stormed up and jabbed at Regina’s shoulder, sending the latter stumbling away
from the desk.
Regina’s face contorted as she looked to charge at Hannah. The smirking Hannah deftly dodged
backwards. Regina, who was too harried on striking, got her own feet entangled and her bum winded
up on the floor.
“I’ll get you for this, Hannah Young!” Regina howled. Everyone stared at the pathetic state she was in
without coming forth to offer help.
“Oh, and how do you intend to do that?” Hannah looked askance at her counterpart.
Regina shuddered. “Just you wait. Someone like you who pulled strings for advancement won’t get to
stick around for too long!”
“Speak for yourself!” Hannah was already packed up and ready to head home.
As she passed, Hannah stopped to loom over Regina. Regina raised her own head to stare back in
defiance. Hannah let out a sneer before she departed.
It went without question that this encounter deeply infuriated Regina. Her eyes burned in Hannah’s
direction before she clambered onto her feet.
Likewise, Hannah had a pair of platform heels on as well. However, she was not as dimwitted as
Regina. If not for the backing of her lover, Regina would not dare be so arrogant.
Besides, if Regina really tried to strike her, Hannah would be sure to remove her heels first time and
whack that woman with them.
But that was just a thought. She was going to restrain herself no matter what Regina said because it
really was not a big deal.
Ding! The elevator door opened.
Hannah was about to enter when someone shoved at her. She just about managed to stay on her feet
by putting her hands to the wall.
“You. I have never expected that I’d run into you even here!” It was Yvette’s assistant whose sharp
eyes enabled her to spot Hannah the moment the elevators door opened.
Yvette’s shades shielded almost half of her face from view. Even though Hannah could not see her
expression, seeing her assistant behaving so haughtily on someone else’s turf was more than she
could take.
Apparently, Yvette’s assistant was not done yet. “Are you still thinking about laying hands on our Yvette
when you haven’t provided compensation for knocking into her the last time? Do you think you can
even afford to pay for the damage?”
Hannah was almost knocked over herself. When she heard the assistant’s words, she responded
frostily. “Aren’t you going to rein your assistant in, Ms. Tanner? Beware that her attitude might get you
into trouble someday.”
The assistant looked to raise a hand against Hannah when she was held back by her employer. Yvette
lips curled. “Allow me to apologize to you.” Hannah simmered down and nodded at Yvette before she
passed them and into the elevator.
The assistant would not let up until the door closed. “How could you allow her to get away with it? And
apologize to her, at that?” The assistant shook Yvette, quite confounded.
“This person has connections with Fabian so we should best leave alone. Nothing good can come of it
otherwise.” Yvette looked at her assistant who nodded profusely. The latter genuinely did not realize
how her thuggish behavior might sully Yvette’s reputation.
Hannah breathed a sigh of relief as she exited the building. Everything to do with Fabian was more
than troublesome for her. So far, no one else on the streets recognized her, nor tried to make her feel
uncomfortable.
Chapter 1024
The occasional jet plane streaked across the backdrop of the clear blue sky. Several birds were
perched upon the tree in front of the office building. Hannah let out a rare laugh as she enjoyed the
sensation of the wind in her hair.
Barely two minutes passed before Hannah received a text from Fabian.
Reading its content brought her back to earth. She walked mechanically toward the station and hailed a
ride home like an automaton, completing the entire process without emotion.
His message said: Wait for me at home, Hannah. I’ll give you what you want.
She wondered why it those words stabbed at her heart the way they did.
Hannah towed her own weary body into the house. The cleaner had already left. Owing to Fabian, they
did not have a housemaid in their employ either.
She had the entire sizeable house to herself. After she poured herself a glass of water, she fell slump
into the softness of the couch.
Fabian was probably unaware that she had left work early. For all she knew, he might be pretty
preoccupied himself right now.
For this brief moment, Hannah rediscovered the simple pleasures in life.
After she finished her drink, she went upstairs to take a leak and a warm shower. Then, she applied a
facial mask and fell fast asleep.
The house was dark by the time Fabian got back. The hour-hand on his wrist watch pointed at eight.
A frown appeared on his face before he went upstairs.
Fabian pushed open the door and sighed in relief to see Hannah sleeping soundly. He involuntarily
walked over and sat by the side of the bed to check on her.
Her cheeks were delectably rosy in her sleep, which tempted him to chow down so that he might get a
taste of it.
She let out a moan and appeared to be stirring, which gave startled Fabian. He jolted to his feet, only
see that she was merely adjusting her position before she resumed her slumber.
He puffed out. His mental state was affected by her as he approached to pinch her cheeks lightly. “I’m
going to order some take-out. Come on down and eat later!” Satisfied that she acknowledged him
under her breath, he turned around to head back downstairs.
The woman in bed flipped herself around and ran a palm over the spot where Fabian sat. Fortunately, a
slight warmth still lingered. She smiled as though a great burden was lifted off her.
The first thing Fabian did when he came down was to call Caleb and get him to look into what
happened with Hannah over the past two days.
Next, he placed an order for four dishes and a soup with the hotel just outside of the villa. He went back
up to find that Hannah was still snoozing.
He became more mindful of his previously assertive movements and tread lightly to Hannah’s bedside.
The man was oblivious to this minute detail, but the woman who pretended to be sleeping did. Hannah
already knew that when he came up the stairs. She thought Fabian would be bothered by the fact that
she did not pay any attention to him and turn to leave. To her surprise, he sat by and watched over her.
The ensuing blush which appeared on her face eluded him. He stayed there for a while until the door
bell brought him away. Hannah then sat up, red to the ear like an apple. This was the most amount of
time he had spent looking at her since they were married.
Hannah leaned against the door to listen for Fabian’s activities downstairs. She could hear him
conversing with the delivery man, and then talk over the phone. Was her name brought up? Was I
mentioned? Who is he talking to about me?
Is it Yvette?
She had no idea. As Fabian was calling, she jumped up and got herself downstairs. The table had
already been laid and Fabian did not need her help at all. Hannah was astonished that a president
would see to something like that for himself.
The look in her eyes told Fabian everything he needed to know. His lips curled into a smile as he
reached out and ruffled her disheveled hair, leaving her completely bamboozled. He then nudged her
along to the front of the dining table and pulled out the chair for her. The impeccable service rendered
caught her quite off guard.
Is this Fabian?
The man ate a few mouthfuls before he realized that Hannah had the cutlery between her teeth while
she left the food untouched. He was quite amused when he poked at her head. “Tuck in, we still have
something important to discuss after dinner.”
Chapter 1025
“Something important? What might that be?”
It did not occur to her that they had anything of particular importance to discuss, apart from the
interviews. Does that have something to do with the phone call he made just now?
Fabian smiled broadly and his teeth showed. The exquisite face of his was in bloom and indescribably
enchanting. That markedly raised Hannah’s expectations as she sat herself upright and ate.
The man’s smile widened still when he helped put some fodder into her plate. Hannah was
overwhelmed by this display of affection that would really enhance their marital relations. Indeed, the
family that eats together stays together. Therefore, it could only be a good thing for them to do so more
often.
Hannah was grinning from ear to ear and wondered what motivated Fabian to do this. He was the one
who dictated terms for them right from the beginning.
After the meal, Hannah got up first to begin clearing the table. Fabian did not sound too pleased behind
her. “I won’t fight with you over that.”
Hannah was not going to be calculative with him about this, as she considered preparing meals and
taking care of the chores part of her responsibilities as a wife. Not only did he not wake her up when
she pretended to sleep, he made sure that she had food to eat and gently reminded her when she
became distracted from the task at hand. This Fabian was a completely different person from the one
at the office.
If only the interviews went as swimmingly as this. She hoped that he would not continue to make things
hard for her going forward.
When Hannah returned to the couch, Fabian as already there waiting for her. His slender legs were
crossed and his smile was perfect. It was difficult to read what was on his mind.
“How’s work these past two days? Were you pleased with your interview with me?” He then frowned.
He had not meant to be so direct in asking, as he did not want her to catch on.
Hannah’s eyes widened. That was not the question she was expecting to hear. “It went pretty well. My
boss gave me a promotion and raise after the interview. I couldn’t be happier!” Hannah sounded more
excited than she realized.
Fabian asked purely out of concern, but Hannah was under the impression that he was using the
interview as a prelude to broaching another subject, again. Hannah had not forgotten how Regina had
leveled some unfounded slander at her. All because she managed to secure the interview with Fabian.
“I have to ask, seeing that you went to bed quite early,” Fabian said. His eyelids twitched as he tried to
explain.
“I’m okay,” she replied. Fabian had no idea how troubling his womanizing ways had been for her.
Yvette?
That name popped up in her mind. Hannah looked expectantly at Fabian and wondered why he had
not spoken about what she most wanted to hear.
Fabian felt his chin when he saw her eyes fixated upon him. “Did I get something on my face?” He then
leaned in closer.
Hannah, who was angled forward before, backed off when he tried to close the gap. Fabian was
relentless and sat himself down right next to her. Hannah was exasperated and at a loss as to how she
ought to react.
The seasoned Casanova Fabian kept at it, pressing in and laying her down expertly. The cold sweat
against her back did not trouble him as he caressed her over her top.
The overwhelmed Hannah was dumbstruck and did not know where she ought to place her hands. His
pretty eyes hovered and magnified right in her face.
Hannah thought she might as well shut her own lids.
Fabian chuckled briefly and Hannah reopened her eyes to regard him, baffled as to why he was
laughing when she was already nervous to bits.
“What were you looking forward to?” Fabian asked as he beheld her cheeks. How could his little
woman be so impossibly adorable?
He absolutely loved this aspect of her personality.
Hannah was profoundly embarrassed. The man roundly thwarted every attempt of hers to push her
way up. He laid his weight upon her when she started to struggle. She thought that he was messing
with her and was about to kiss her today.
Fabian laughed heartily as Hannah’s bashfulness grew. She finally gave up on her futile resistance and
ended up leaning against him in exhaustion.
Chapter 1026
scared stiff. Her face was flushed like a lobster, as was her body as it shrunk from him.
The man smiled in gratification at the woman who felt so delicate in his arms. He pressed his hip
against the reticent woman who only buried her head deeper into his shoulder. She thought it was her
squirming that brought about this biological response, and had no idea that Fabian was feeling
desirous.
That night, Hannah was carried to bed by Fabian. Even though they did not do anything, she slept
more soundly than when she did alone. This was why she got married.
Though many things happened over the course of the day, she felt secure with Fabian beside her.
Fabian had a wet dream in which he had Hannah underneath him and…
When the rays of the sun came streaming in the next morning, Hannah was already up. The first thing
she did was look at Fabian. His serene expression as he slept felt less guarded. It must be that his
reluctance to open up to anyone that led to her getting hurt. His sleeping posture clearly indicated
someone who want to be protected.
Hannah wanted to take a photo of him while he slept but his eyes opened and regarded her, as though
he had sensed her intentions. “Why aren’t you preparing to go to work? Would you like me to send you
there?”
She was caught out red-handed and appeared sheepish.
Hannah pulled the blanket over him. “It’s fine. I can make my own way there.” She then quickly averted
his gaze.
She was going to take the subway to work today. While waiting, she turned her head to Yvette’s
advertisement board forcing itself into her consciousness. It did not make her feel very good so she
decided to move to another part of the platform.
There were few people around as it was earlier than usual. Hannah was seated at the front of the train
and unexpectedly ran into an acquaintance.
Regina! Had she noticed Hannah’s presence, she would surely approach. Regina’s platform heels
provided sufficiently elevation that she was able to hold on to the safety bar with tremendous ease.
Hannah was able to recognize her right away.
However, Hannah had no intention to relocate herself. Evasion was the way of cowards.
She pulled out her cellphone to browse the news. As more passengers filed in, she thought she would
finally be from that eyesore.
Many passengers came and went when the train pulled into a major stop. Hannah did not pay too
much attention to whoever was seated next to her.
Regina did not think that way. She took the opportunity of others alighting to seek out a seat quickly as
her feet were killing her. When her lover did not show up last night, she was unable to hitch a ride in the
morning and had to settle for public transportation.
What a small world it was for her to bump into the one she most disdained. Regina gnashed her teeth
when she walked over and took the spot next to Hannah. She took care to make sure her slightly
messy hair was tended to.
She glared at Hannah for a long time without yielding a response from the woman who remained
oblivious to her.
The clutch in Regina’s hand was the newest model released this year, and her feet was clad in leather
heels made in Italy. She was decked out from head to toe with the latest offerings from major fashion
labels which turned more than a few heads when she boarded the train. These were apparel that
Hannah was well acquainted with in her line of work as an entertainment reporter, stuff which she
would be able to recognize at a glance. However, Hannah paid them nor Regina no heed till the latter’s
eyes became strained from staring.
Regina was having none of it and reached over to obstruct Hannah’s view of her screen. “Hannah
Young.”
Hannah showed displeasure as she just chanced upon a tabloid report about Fabian lunching and
doing what-not with another celebrity. She was mentally prepared to read on before she was rudely
interrupted.
She shook her head and exhaled when she saw that it was Regina. “Oh, it’s you. Shouldn’t your lover
be sending you to work today?”
Hannah’s rather loud voice drew the scowls of those around them, and that made Regina a little
uncomfortable. “Don’t be arrogant, Hannah. Do you seriously think Fabian’s still interested in you after
you’ve seen all these reports on him? He’s only toying with you!”
Chapter 1027
Hannah snorted, “Isn’t that better than being someone else’s mistress?”
That irked Regina to no end and had others looking on in anticipation of the ensuing drama. Hannah
kept her head down and turned her attention back to her phone. Regina did not want to get snapped
and featured on Twitter for all the wrong reasons, so she could only restrain herself and gnash her
teeth at Hannah.
When they arrived at their stop, Hannah was the first one to exit the train. Regina, who was hampered
by her damned platform heels, struggled to make her way out. She also got groped and her bag tugged
at by opportunists in the process for her troubles.
Regina’s eyes were reddened in anger and humiliation but managed to leave the train. The hair which
she spent so much time styling was ruined as well. Ultimately, she blamed it all on Hannah.
Hannah minded her own business and shut out all the noise which surrounded her. Owing to her
promotion, she had the privilege of moving to a bigger office where she could focus herself on
gathering news on Fabian.
Hannah put down her pen. Having been an entertainment reporter for some time, she was adept at the
usage of language. She got down to typing, determined to get back at Fabian.
For instance, she portrayed Fabian as a serial skirt-chaser or exaggerated things between him and
certain celebrities.
In the end, she got called into the office after the review of her noontime submission.
The balding senior editor wanted her to do something about this negative portrayal of Fabian. “Readers
are seriously going to lampoon this bad writing of yours!”
There was no way Hannah could refuse to comply as Bob’s point were well reasoned. She had only
intended to punk Fabian so she had no choice but to get it reedited.
Hannah switched up a few things, deleted some, and inserted a few lines here and there before
bringing it over to her boss, who was surprisingly happy with the changes and had the edited copy sent
out to print. Hannah was not expecting to be able to be off the hook long before the day was done.
Bob was in fact effusive with his praise for Hannah, which left the eavesdropping Regina feeling a little
sour outside the doors.
The entire editorial department was a complete contrast to its usual rowdy atmosphere. No one spoke
a word since Hannah stepped out of the office.
However, Regina was not around. While Hannah neared the pantry, she heard a shrill voice made
several mentions of her name, sandwiched in-between some very unflattering words.
She quickly figured out what was going on and left her mug in the pantry before she walked into the
inner section. There, she saw Regina speaking animatedly to another girl.
“Don’t you know that the reason why Hannah was able to get promoted and secure the interviews was
because she slept with more than one guy? Fabian’s driver, his assistant and Fabian himself. They’ve
all had their turns with her.”
“But the man’s just toying with her.”
“To think she still dared to show off. I bet the senior editor most likely gave her a promotion because of
her connections to Fabian.”
“What do we have here? There seems to be quite a bit of tongue wagging and barking going around.
The hilarious thing is, is there a point to saddling me with these unfounded accusations?” Hannah
sneered. She was not mad and behaved as though Regina was referring to someone else.
She paused before she calmly shook her head. “On the other hand, there’s someone who willingly
became someone else’s mistress just so she could lead a life of excess. Pity. I really do feel sorry for
such people.”
She then leaned in toward the girl next to her with a curious expression on her face. “Do you think
anyone who hangs out with this sort for too long might someday get into trouble?”
That girl was clearly astonished to have Hannah walk in on them, and jumped onto her feet. “Umm…
I’ve got what I came for so I think I should get back to it.”
The girl scooted off before either of the two other had time to react.
Inside the room, Regina’s eyes were bloodshot and her face purple with rage.
“Don’t think that nobody knows what you did. With your level of capability, or should I say lack thereof,
there was no way you could have gotten exclusives with Fabian if you have not offered anyone sexual
favors. Truly, I sympathize with your husband for your promiscuity!”
Chapter 1028
Regina intentionally spoke loudly so that everyone in the office could hear her scathing words through
the door.
What followed was a flurry of voices engaging in discussion.
“I think Regina has a point. Many people have interviewed Fabian before. How is it that only she was
able to be so successful at it?”
“Right. I would think so too. Fabian never did exclusives before. If she didn’t do anything, how could
she have secured this benefactor?”
“Yeah. I don’t know who her husband is, but I wonder if he was aware that she’s this sort of woman.”
…..
The displeasure was apparent on Hannah’s expression in response to the commotion outside. “Not
everyone is as shameless as you are, Regina. I’ve done nothing that you’ve been making up time and
again, whereas you’re petty and unreasonable. Do you think I’m afraid of you just because I chose to
overlook your lack of manners?”
Regina had no retort for Hannah’s pointed barbs, and could only rage on about her own suspicions
surrounding the exclusive with Fabian. “Me making things up? Then, explain how only you managed to
clinch the interviews with him?”
“I…” Hannah was dumbstruck by that question and did not have a good answer for it.
Did Fabian agree to the interview because I am his legal spouse?
No, it can’t be, as all there is to us is a piece of paper. He was so cold to me and he has the vampish
Yvette. There’s no way he would have considered my position.
But what other explanation is there that could account for this fact? Is it my exceeding talent? Heh. I
need to stop kidding myself.
Seeing Hannah rendered speechless filled Regina’s heart with glee. She raised her head as much
pride as a crowing rooster and taunted, “What else have you to say for yourself? Did I just hit the nail
on the head? A woman should be chaste. You say that I’m a mistress and all that, but turns out that
underneath that folksy demeanor of yours lies the biggest slut of all!”
Hannah snapped out of it. She felt it laughable that a kept woman should be talking to her about
chasteness. The sheer irony of it all!
“I’d still say the same thing. I did none of those things that you’ve been accusing me of. Stop spreading
rumors and besmirching my reputation, or I’d take you up for slander. My conscience is clear so you
could go on and investigate all you like.”
She did not want to waste her breath against a conniving woman who would do anything for money, so
she left it at that and walked away.
All the skeptical eyes in the office regarded her with such intensity that it was almost like they could
pierce through her. Hannah maintained her composure and walked on unhurriedly. After she stepped
back into her own office, she plopped herself down on her chair and used her delicate digits to
massage her own temples.
Regina gave her a headache. She was not afraid of that woman but found her quarrelsome nature
extremely irritating.
Fabian sat at his desk, seemingly distracted and lost in his own thoughts. He picked up the letter from
the table and casually looked it over before he nodded and smiled meaningfully. He appeared to be
brimming with confidence.
He snapped his fingers before picking up the phone. “Help order a bouquet of roses, and have a car
ready for me.”
Fabian then stood up and checked his attire. He then put on his tailored suit and went downstairs.
Hannah checked the time and exhaled. She rubbed her slightly empty stomach before she stood up.
She was knocking off and wondered if Fabian would be home.
Sigh… I guess he could be canoodling with Yvette.
When she got out from the elevator, she was puzzled to see a crowd gathered near the front entrance.
What’s happening here?
What are these people doing?
Hannah used her lithe body to wade through the masses until she emerged from the other side.
Chapter 1029
There were a number of luxury cars parked right in front of the entrance to the building where her
company was based out of. The black Rolls Royce between the white Lincolns was especially eye-
catching.
To the front of the Rolls Royce stood two uniform rows of five men with arms akimbo, all dressed in
black suits and shades. Between them were two individuals in a similar getup, one of whom was closer
to the fore. The difference with this one was the exceptional make of his suit which accentuated his
frame perfectly.
The pair of shades added an air of mystery about him. Underneath it was a chiseled face which evoked
an unfathomable charisma.
The one right behind him who had a large bouquet of fresh red roses in hand yet appeared oddly out of
place.
Hannah was positively smitten. Her jaw hit the floor before she swallowed hard. Is this some profession
of love? Cause if that is, it is way too awesome!
When she thought about her own predicament, she could only lament. Never mind this sort of
confession, I should be thanking my lucky stars if that aloof man does not try to boss me around.
Hannah shrugged. She took a quick glance toward the man as she shifted to the side and prepared to
leave.
Huh? Why did that smile resembled Fabian’s? Hannah shook her head vigorously, and wondered what
had gotten into herself recently. She wondered why she kept compulsively thinking about him.
“Hannah!”
“Huh?” She turned back and replied instinctively upon hearing her own name called.
Hmm? She started looking around. It did not seem like anyone was calling her. Have I misheard?
“Over here.”
A voice seemed within earshot. This time she lifted her head in the direction of its source.
Hannah’s eyes widened. The one calling her was none other than the mysterious man who was at the
center of everyone’s attention. And that man was none other than Fabian. How could this not had taken
Hannah by surprise.
Her lips parted in abject disbelief.
Does Fabian stage this for me?
She had to pinch herself on the arm to make sure she was not dreaming.
Ouch. That hurts. Instead of frowning, Hannah’s face was filled with excitement. That feeling, however,
dissipated instantaneously when she saw the people around her.
She reverted to her usual sedateness.
At this moment, Fabian had received the roses from his assistant and was making his way over.
The onlookers looked on in bated breath, and strained their ears to pick up on whatever was being
said.
Fabian’s well-crafted dress shoes tapped crisply upon the ground with an almost melodic quality.
“Thank you for accepting my interview the last time, Mr. Norton.” Hannah tried very hard to suppress
her own delight. She smiled courteously and pretended to not know Fabian well.
“You’re welcome, Ms. Young. It was something I wanted to do myself as well.” Fabian smiled slyly. He
read her thoughts so instead of exposing her, followed up fittingly.
If this is how you want to roll, I’ll play along.
Fabian looked over to the eyes in the crowd which were transfixed upon them and laughed. He had not
really taken care of her too well so he considered this a form of reparation.
The man suddenly took to one knee, with back straightened and head tilted up. His expression evoked
a certain elegance and his eyes burned with passion as they gazed intently upon Hannah.
“I’ve fallen for you from the very first time we’ve met, Ms. Young. Through the process of our interviews,
I’ve only grown more certain of my feelings and after much deliberation, I’ve decided to confess my
affections for you. Ms. Young, I hope that you could give me a chance to date you.”
Fabian finished his declaration with sincerity before he extended the roses forward, his eyes locked
imploringly upon Hannah as he waited patiently for her answer.
“Come one! Say yes!” Someone in the crowd cheered and the others started to chorus after him.
.
Chapter 1030
“Say yes!”
“Say yes!”
…..
Amidst the ruckus, a sharp voice shouted, “Marry him!” That made Hannah sweat it.
Fabian was beaming.
What has gotten into him, acting out of character today.
Hannah was over the moon, yet some doubt lingered. Why was the aloof Mr. Norton suddenly so nice
to her today?
What should I do? Should I agree? Would other people think that I’m too easy? If she refused, Fabian
would be embarrassed, and there would be hell to pay when she got back.
After some thought, Hannah still accepted the roses from Fabian. “I… I’m quite overwhelmed.”
Fabian was all smiles. He got to his feet fluidly and dusted off around his knee. “I hope I wasn’t being
too abrupt, Ms. Young. We could start out as friends if you like.”
Hannah acted a little assured and avoided being overtly emotional. “Alright, let’s do that, and see what
happens.”
Fabian chuckled inside at the woman’s gift for words.
With that, he took a step forward and positioned himself right in front of Hannah. “How was that? Did it
make you happy?”
Hannah rolled her eye. Before she could speak, Fabian held her by the shoulders. Her face flushed red
as she chided him coquettishly, “What are you trying to do, Fabian?”
“Okay, show’s over. Let’s go for dinner. What would you like to have?” Fabian asked as he looked
straight into her eyes.
Being held in full view of a live audience made Hannah squirm uncomfortably as she sought to get .
That only made Fabian strengthen his grip and put an arm over her shoulders. “Better play ball if you
don’t want to be embarrassed in front of so many.”
Shameless! Hannah could only cuss in silence and follow his lead.
“The hero gets the girl, as it should be.”
“Right on. Just look at what a lovely looking couple they make.”
“I didn’t think Mr. Norton fancies that type. Looks like I’m shit out of luck.”
…..
The fervent discussions reached their ears. Some were of praise, and others were of teenage girls’
lovelorn lamentations. None of which bothered Fabian, who could not stop smiling. Hannah to the side
was thoughtful when she stole a glance at him.
Am I really compatible with him like the others said? But I thought Fabian does not really care for me.
The duo strolled up to the black sedan and prepared to get in.
The crowd was uproarious before they too prepared to disperse. Just then, a discontented voice rang
out and stunned all present.
“Are you sure you want to pursue a married woman, Mr. Norton?” An alluring woman decked out in
designer goods and a branded clutch took center-stage out of the blue.
That put a frown on Hannah’s brow, yet she remained undaunted. Don’t you know that I’m wedded to
Fabian? This Regina’s so annoying, I’m shocked that she hasn’t grown sick and tired of herself yet.
Fabian’s eyes darkened as he narrowed them. He let go of Hannah and turned around in search of the
woman who spoke. “Is that so? Kindly elaborate.”
Regina thought her instigation took effect when Fabian relinquished his hold on Hannah. Pitting
yourself against me, Hannah Young? Hmph! Now watch how I’ll ruin you.
She then strode forward smugly. “To the best of my understanding, Hannah’s already married but
avoided mentioning her husband so that she may continue to fool around with men outside. What a
loser this man must be to not only marry a loose woman like her but also let her do whatever she
wants. Do not be bewitched by this slut, Mr. Norton.”