"What plan?" Ralph was curious.

"I can't tell you yet, but I'll let you know when I succeed," Hannah said softly, noticing his shocked expression. "It's not that I want to hide it from you, but I'm not sure if it will work. For our future, I have to take the risk!"

At the mention of "our future," Ralph felt touched and held her hand. "You saw what happened at the Russell Estate yesterday. I might have nothing left, and people will mock and look down on me. Are you sure you're willing to be with me now?"

"Yes, I am!" She nestled against his chest. "Those people know nothing about you. They're clueless about your ambitions. You've worked hard and been unlucky because your mother didn't help you. It's not your fault, but theirs!"

Hannah's upbringing had given her a cynical worldview. If parents could kill their children for a baseless curse, why should we care about kinship? she thought. So what if Ralph isn't related to Margaret by blood? She raised him for years, but how could she expose him like that? What's he going to do now? These people are cruel, and Ralph is simply too pitiful. He's just like me, deserted by the world. The world is huge, yet it has no place for us.

Her words moved Ralph deeply. He hadn't expected her to understand him so completely. He gritted his teeth, holding her tighter. "Yes! It's not my fault. Everything went well at first, but they were the ones who deserted and wronged me!"

"Don't give up, because you still have me! There will be hope as long as we stay together." Hannah felt blissful. She could finally be herself with him, and he loved her—only her. They needed each other. From now on, I'm no longer alone!

"Yes, I won't be defeated. I still need to plan for our future!" He had no idea how, but since Hannah had said so, he decided not to despair. As long as I stay alive, there'll be hope!

Hannah looked at him. "Don't worry too much for now. Get some rest for the next two days. It's small and a bit far from the city, but it's quiet. No one will disturb you. There are snack bars and supermarkets downstairs, and here's some money. I'll visit when I can."

Ralph held her hand. "You're leaving?"

"Yes, I've been gone too long. I was only allowed to leave because I had to do something for Heather. She's become lax lately, but I can't risk being late, or she'll get suspicious." She paused. "Don't call or text me. I'll contact you when I can. Please wait for me, okay?"

Ralph looked into her eyes, unable to bear her leaving. He pulled her close, lowered his head, and kissed her deeply and sincerely.