The next day, Hanna returned back to Moon Villa. She couldn't stop whatever was bound to happen. She didn't even had time to overthink as she was busy handling her work for the whole week. Working as a Director in Evans Corporation, she had to handle almost all workload in absence of The CEO- her husband Riz Evans.
She didn't have college certificate or the experience to be the Director but still Riz's grandfather Robert Evan gifted her the position after her marriage. Everyone doubted her capabilities but she tolerated and gave her best. In the beginning, she worked like a donkey, no one was there to guide her but still she persisted and made progress. Now, she was the second in-charge of Evans Corporation.
As Riz was mostly absent, she had to handle all his matter. It wasn't unusual to not see him for few days to weeks.
Hanna tried her best to help Riz with whatever she could. It wasn't wrong to say she had given her best to be a perfect wife and a partner.
No one in the office or the public was aware that Riz, the most eligible bachelor, an epitome of Greek God, heartthrob of many young ladies was already taken.
…
Friday
After office hour, Hanna finished her work schedule before leaving. She was fatigue but still for her plan, she took care of herself and got ready. Looking at the mirror again and again, she wore a blue chiffon gown. Her beauty wasn't to be the limelight in the crowd but still had her own charm. She was confident, polite, gentle, friendly and a good listener.
Today was her and Riz's fifth marriage anniversary. A table was booked at Lightning Restaurant- one of the famous chain restaurants in Bregel City for the celebration.
She was planning to celebrate the day from a month. After leaving her on the old house, Riz was out of contact. But still, she believed he will come. He had promised her before to celebrate the anniversary together.
Arriving on the restaurant half an hour earlier, she went to the top floor. The decorated table at the corner facing the seaside was booked by her. The top floor had a handful of customer as it was only accessible to few. As she was taking her seat, a waitress arrived.
"Mam, would you like to make some arrangements?"
"Nah, all good. I will call you after my guest arrives." Hanna spoke politely.
"Sure."
After the waitress left, taking a sip of warm water, smelling the flower on the vase with a light smile, Hanna waited for an hour. The wait was really difficult for her. An hour seems to longer as a decade.
It already passed eight but still Riz didn't arrive. Dialling his number, she made calls several times but no one picked it.
She messaged but got no reply. Still, she waited in the restaurant. She had a confidence he would arrive before but now she began to doubt.
It was around midnight but Riz didn't appear. Again, she made a call but a mechanical voice of unreachable only sounded. Then, she made a call to Assistant Brian whose number was also out of reach. The logic told her to return back but the heart held her. Around two in the morning beside some workers no one was left behind. She could notice their gaze were filled with mockery and sympathy.
The manager of the restaurant politely told her that the restaurant would be closed and she had to leave but Hanna requested that she would like to wait and instead would pay a hefty sum. At last the manager agreed.
Seated, she looked outside until the sun rise. A sound of call make her wake from the daze. Holding her bag, she left the restaurant dejected. Taking a cab, she went to the City Center Hospital.
As she entered a VIP ward, an old man on the bed called her, "Hanna, come here. Happy fifth marriage anniversary dear. Tell me what do you want as a gift?" The old man was Riz's grandfather, Robert Evans.
"Nothing Grandpa. I only want you to be in good health and leave this stinky hospital soon." Hanna disguise her sadness with a fake smile.
"Hehe, as expected of my granddaughter-in-law. You are only the filial one. Other doesn't even give me a damn thinking I am getting old…Sigh, let's not talk about me. How was your anniversary celebration? Did you propose him? Tell me." Robert's enthusiasm always suprised Hanna. He was the only one person who was genuinely good to her.
"Good."
As if reading her emotions and thoughts, Robert hold her hand and asked, "Did he came?"
Chuckling a little, Hanna lowered her head and answered, "Yeah, but he left soon."
"Hanna, talk to me while looking in the eyes. I know when you lie. He didn't return, did he? That brat…" the old man raised his voice, the monitor near the bed showed his increasing hearbeat.
"Grandpa, calm down. It doesn't matter maybe he was busy handling some important matters." Pouring a glass of water, Hanna brought it to Robert.
Gulping the water, the man spoke, "Hanna, stop hiding his wrongdoings. Sigh, bring me to the garden."
Helping him to seat on a wheelchair, Hanna brought him outside. Both didn't talk for a while.
"Did he went to search her? Don't lie." The voice was low but still Hanna heard.
"Don't know. He didn't say anything."
"Everyone says you are not suitable for Riz. Only I know he isn't the one suitable for you. Sorry dear for holding you back. If I didn't–" Robert was sad for her.
"Don't feel sorry grandpa. I don't regret being with him. It was my choice too." Hanna replied.
"Hanna, will you leave him someday?" Robert didn't want to lose her. His eyes conveyed his longing for his granddaughter-in-law. She was always Robert's best choice for Riz.
"If someday he don't want me anymore then maybe. Otherwise I will stay despite any circumstances. I won't fight for the thing that will never be mine. Everything will depend on Riz." Hanna was sure about her principle.
"Umm. Hanna, whatever happens I will always be on your side. I only hope he won't make any wrong decision." Robert sighed and decided to return back to his room.
Even after that night, Riz didn't call back but two days later, a news regarding him made a headline.