Chapter 4
After returning from the orphanage, Hannah headed straight upstairs, entering her walk–in closet to start packing her bags. Only then did she notice how pitifully few clothes she owned,
There were just a few outfits Cecilia had given her when she first married into the family, and in the five years of marriage, her husband had never thought to buy her a single piece of clothing.-
Once she finished packing her clothes, Hannah gathered up all the gifts she’d given Zachary over the years and sold them off as scrap.
She had painstakingly prepared many birthday presents to please him, but he never even glanced at them. The gifts had been tossed aside, gathering a thick layer of dust.
As she watched the scrap truck drive away, she was about to head back to the villa when a car horn blared behind her.
Turning around, she saw a Maybach parked in front of her. A woman in a red dress stepped out of the car – it was her sister–in–law, Yolanda Cole.
Yolanda glanced at the retreating scrap truck with a disdainful snort and turned to give Hannah a once–over.
“Typical of someone from a small–time background, taking cardboard to sell for cash.”
Hannah ignored her, turning away to leave. Yolanda’s mocking expression vanished as she hurried forward to grab her.
“Hannah!”
Ever since Hannah had married into the Cole family, she had been humbly trying to please them, never showing such indifference before.
Now, her acting like this triggered a surge of anger in Yolanda’s chest.
“Are you deaf? Didn’t you hear me talking to you?”
Hannah turned back, pushing her hand away, a flicker of irritation in her eyes.
Yolanda had never liked her, thinking she was unworthy of marrying into the Cole family. So for five years, she’d targeted Hannah – whether it was dumping the breakfast Hannah made or dirtying the clothes she’d washed. Now that she was finally about to be free, Hannah had no intention of continuing to pander to her. Yolanda was about to lash out again, but then seemed to think of something, a mocking smile playing on her lips as she glanced at Hannah.
“It’s good you’re selling that cardboard. You probably don’t know, but my brother’s true love is back. You, the cuckoo in the nest, will finally be kicked out.”
As she finished speaking, a woman in a white dress stepped down from the car behind her. This was the first time Hannah had seen Anna.
With well–positioned eyes that seemed to shimmer with untold emotion, long hair cascading freely, and skin like porcelain, she wore a simple white dress, devoid of any jewelry, yet exuded an inexplicable charm.
The five years of a broken marriage hadn’t left a trace on her. No wonder Zachary had never forgotten her all these years.
Hearing this, Anna walked over and gently tugged on Yolanda’s hand, her voice soft. “Yoli, don’t talk about Ms. Clarke like that. She is your sister–in–law after all.”
“Sister–in–law? Anna, I told you in the car, my brother has always liked you. He’s been pining for you all these years, flying out every week to see you. All those gifts were from him to you. Can’t you see how he feels?” Yolanda then turned to Hannah with a commanding tone. “What are you standing there for? Hurry up and bring
10:17
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Anna’s luggage inside. My brother agreed to have Anna stay here.”
Hannah glanced at the luggage, ignored it, and walked inside. Yolanda was left fuming, stomping her foot in frustration.
Eventually, the driver carried the luggage inside, and just as Yolanda was about to continue causing trouble, Zachary rushed in from outside.
His eyes landed on Anna, who sat comfortably on the sofa, and he visibly relaxed, addressing Hannah on the other side.
“Anna’s place hasn’t been lived in for years and needs renovations. So she’ll be staying here for a few days.”
Hannah remained silent.
In the silence, Anna bit her lip and stood up, her face full of unease. “Zachary, maybe I should leave. This is your marital home, and Ms. Clarke seems a bit upset.”
Zachary immediately reached out to stop her. “No need to leave. She’s always been generous and won’t get upset over something this small.”
Watching this unfold, Hannah finally spoke, a smile touching her lips.
“Indeed, I won’t get upset over something this small. Ms. Foster, make yourself comfortable here.”
After all, this home was destined to be Anna’s sooner or later.
