Chapter 209: Hannah

I quickly went downstairs to let Viona in, clutching my robe close. The house was quiet; the festival was over, and Noah was asleep. Viona rushed into my arms the moment I opened the back door, tears streaming down her face.

“Hannah, I’m so sorry to bother you this late,” she sobbed.

I hugged her tightly, shivering in the cool night air. “It’s okay, Vi. I was still awake. Come on inside and let’s talk.”

Viona nodded and followed me into the kitchen. I switched on the light and gestured for her to sit at the kitchen island while I boiled water.

“Thank you, Hannah,” she sniffled, as I prepared two cups of tea.

I shrugged. My eyes fell on the two duffel bags at her feet. Something significant had happened. I wouldn’t pry until she was ready.

A few minutes later, settled in the living room with chamomile tea, Viona took a deep breath. She began to explain, without prompting.

“I went home after the festival and tried to talk to my parents about Andrew,” she said, her voice trembling. “I told them I didn’t want to marry him; I’m not ready for marriage.”

“Good for you,” I said, squeezing her arm as I sipped my tea. “You should stand up for yourself, especially about marriage.”

Viona gave a bitter laugh. “Yeah, well, my parents disagree. They gave me an ultimatum: marry Andrew or leave.”

“They really did that?” I murmured, my eyes widening. “To their own daughter?”

“Yep. I chose to leave. No amount of money is worth this.”

I sighed. “That must have been incredibly difficult, Viona. But I’m proud of you.”

“Thanks, Hannah,” she muttered, picking up her teacup. “But I don’t know what I’ll do now. I’ve never had to support myself.”

A long silence followed as Viona drank her tea. I frowned. Viona’s parents were wealthy; she’d always lived comfortably. I knew it sounded trivial, but being cut off would be a huge adjustment.

An idea struck me. “What if you worked for me? I could use another assistant for the eating disorder campaign. It would be part-time and temporary, but I could pay you, and it would look good on your resume.”

Viona’s eyes lit up; she nearly dropped her tea. “Really? You’d do that for me, Hannah?”