Chapter 7 A Secret Marriage To The Undercover Stranger

• John quickly pulled Hanson aside, before he ruined the plan that was yet to start.
• “What are you thinking, John? Treating me like a pawn in your game?” Hanson’s irritation was evident.
• “She doesn’t know your true identity, sir. This is the perfect cover, trust me,” John argued.
• Hanson glanced at the local country girl, his frustration mounting, and he couldn’t help but wonder what her true intention was.
• “She thinks I’m just helping you, and I’ve got everything figured out,” John reassured, and with his gaze lowered, he added in a grave voice. “You have to do this for the old master, sir. There’s a lot at stake. You have come too far to turn back now. Tristan is going to have the last laugh if that happens.”
• Hanson inhaled deeply. “Imogen was all your idea, and now this. When will this end, John?”
• “I agree Imogen was a mistake, young master. But this is our only chanced now. Look at her, see how naïve she is. All you need do is lie low while playing house with her,” John persuaded. “Once this is over with, we will be out of here and out of her life.”
• Resigned, Hanson pressed his lips together. John was right, he needed the arrangement more than anything else.
• “No one is forcing her into this,” Hanson said.
• John nodded.
• “Arrange for her compensation. I don’t care about your previous agreement with her—she must be adequately rewarded.” Hanson decided that this was partnership, and was only valid for the period it lasted.
• “But, sir...” John stuttered.
• “I know, John, after this is over,” Hanson said firmly.
• John smiled, relieved. “Yes, sir. I assure you, it won’t take long. A month, and this will be settled. I’ll make sure she’s generously compensated afterward.”
• Their men were on the lookout for the business associate that duped Hanson. And once they are discovered, Don Lloyd’s debt would be taken care of and Hanson will not need the cover anymore.
• Hanson turned back to the local woman. Despite her shy demeanor, something about her hinted at a noble background—perhaps her dignified posture or the way she had curtsied.
• “This is a crazy idea,” he muttered under his breath.
• “What!” A curious onlooker exclaimed. “Who is this stranger with her, and what are they doing at City Hall?” she wondered.
• Unbeknownst to Alora, Aimee Steele had been observing her every move from her air-conditioned car. Aimee, intrigued by the unknown man, was eager to uncover his connection to her niece.
• “I should hold off on involving anyone just yet. First I will find out what she is up to,” Aimee decided.
• Inside the Civil Affairs Bureau, Hanson spoke to his soon-to-be wife, “So, what do I fill in?”
• Startled, she struggled to focus. Her mind raced with unease. Oh what am I doing? I was going to run away from them, I wanted to be far away from here. What if Hanson was no different from the other men?
• Removing his dark shades, Hanson revealed his hazel eyes. “Are you okay?” he asked gently.
• She sighed. “Uh... yeah, I’m fine."
• She stared at him, her mind spinning. If before she thought he was handsome, with his eye revealed, his sight was breathtaking.
• “What should I write?” he asked again.
• “Write... um, yeah,” she mumbled.
• Steele! That was her name until now.
• “Is everything okay?” the clerk, who had been observing them, asked.
• “No issues, sir. My lady and I are having a private conversation,” Hanson replied.
• The clerk, still skeptical, turned to the lady. “Madam, are you alright?”
• She appeared to be lost the entire time, and the clerk wondered if she was been coerced into the marriage. If she was, then he would have to stop the marriage immediately.
• Composed, she turned to him. “Yes, sir. Hanson and I are fine.”
• Satisfied, the clerk resumed his work.
• “I need your details?” Hanson asked as he led her away from the clerk’s desk.
• “Oh, Alora...” she replied. “Miss Alora Steele,” she added.
• “Alora...” Hanson breathed out, pleased. “What a pleasant name.”
• Aimee watched as Alora exited City Hall, holding hands with the stranger. Alora wore a bashful smile, radiating a lightness Aimee had never seen before.
• Suddenly, the realization hit her. “Oh, they must have gotten married!” she gasped, covering her mouth with her hand.
• At the city center, Alora was focused solely on her new life. She had finally taken control of her life, and now she waited what awaits her at the ranch.
• “I need to get out of here right away,” Aimee said, rolling up her window and starting the car.
• She had seen them leave the Civil Affairs Bureau, and there was only one outcome possible. Their demeanor confirmed her suspicion.
• Alora is holding a bag, and she might just as well be planning to run off with the stranger.
• “What should I do now? Oh, dear old lady Steele. What do we do with Sir Edgar of house Keil? Carol had assured everyone that Alora herself couldn’t wait for the engagement.” she lamented, reflecting on the unexpected turn of events.
• A part of Alora imagined a future with Hanson—one of prosperity, children, and grandchildren, reminiscent of the elderly Mrs. Steele.
• She knew she lost the right to ask for more, but this dream was her hope, wishing Hanson would always be by her side.
• “Where do we go from here, Mrs. Steele?” Hanson asked.
• Alora lifted her gaze. “Mrs... Mrs... St... Steele...” she stuttered. This wasn’t how it was supposed to be.
• Unfazed, Hanson nodded.
• “I... I... we are married now,” she stuttered.
• Again, Hanson nodded. “Yes, I know, my Mrs.”
• “T... the name...” she persisted.
• Hanson drew her closer, cupping her face gently. “Alora,” he said softly. “I’m undercover, and we’ll use your surname,” he revealed.
• Alora shivered and recoiled under his hold. “Can I request a favor?” she spoke quietly.
• “Anything my lady,” he replied.
• “Please, I know it is only a contract between us, but I don’t want that revealed to anyone,” she begged.
• “Your wish is my command, my lady.” He bowed lightly.