Chapter 8 Her Husband's Identity

• In the bustling city of Great West, old master Rudland stormed into Carlos’ workshop with a group of menacing associates and everyone scrambled for cover. Seeing the old master in broad day only spelt doom to whosoever he visited.
• “I’m here now, Carlos Aniston. If you don’t want blood to flow in your workshop, hand over my boy,” old master Rudland thundered.
• Carlos Aniston, sweating and trembling, rushed out. “Forgive me, master Rudland,” he pleaded, falling to his knees. “I had no idea Hanson was your grandson. The moment I discovered his identity, I freed him and did not pursue him.”
• “Carlos Aniston, don’t make me repeat myself,” old master Rudland roared.
• “I would not be so foolish to provoke the Rudland Dynasty, master Rudland. The young master never revealed his identity, and I made a grave mistake. However, I apologized and let him be the moment I discovered who he was. I am willing to pay whatever you demand for my foolishness, old master Rudland, but please spare my life and the lives of my family,” Carlos begged.
• Carlos Aniston, a top car manufacturer in Great West, realized the gravity of his situation. Despite his wealth and influence, it paled compared to the Rudland Dynasty.
• Weeks earlier, Hanson had approached him undercover, seeking to do business. Carlos had wronged him, unaware of his true identity. Now, he could only hope for a miracle.
• Kick!
• Crash!
• Old master Rudland’s kick sent Carlos sprawling. His toes ached from the impact, a reminder of his waning strength.
• As carlos lay groaning from the impact, Old Master Rudland’s men pulled him to his knees.
• “You should have returned him, fool,” old master Rudland growled.
• “It’s all my fault. I should have sent words to you the moment I discovered,” Carlos cried. If only I knew from the start, I wouldn’t be in this mess.
• “Terry,” old master Rudland called.
• “Yes, old master,” Terry appeared, head bowed.
• “Hanson has been away too long. He must be brought back,” old master Rudland ordered, his heart aching. “He has everything here. Why venture into uncertainties?”
• “I’ll gather more men, old master. The young master will be brought back soon.” Terry assured.
• “Spread the word, Terry. Anyone who dares to deal with Hanson will face me,” old master Rudland warned.
• Terry bowed deeply.
• Even without a warning, no one in the West would dare defy old master Rudland who was a formidable force feared by all.
• Old master Rudland returned to Carlos. “As for you, Carlos Aniston, pray my grandson returns soon. If not, I will be back,” he promised.
• “I... I will look for him this time, master Rudland, and I will personally bring him,” Carlos vowed.
• Kick!
• Old master Rudland kicked him again. “I will find my grandson myself.”
• Hearing this, Terry recoiled in fear. “You... you don’t... need...” he hesitated, sensing the old master’s fury.
• However, no one was prepared for the old master’s next words.
• “Prepare everything, Terry. I’ll choose a fitting bride for him from a prestigious family. It’s time he took responsibility.”
• *** *** ***
• Back at the city center, Alora questioned her judgment. She recalled John’s words about Hanson needing privacy but didn’t realize he was on the run.
• Maybe running away would have been the best after all. Uncertainty awaits her in the ranch, and she wasn’t braced up enough to confront it.
• Noticing her discomfort, Hanson said, “I will keep our secret, Alora.”
• Nervous, she managed a smile. If Carol should find out that the marriage was only a contract, she will not stop until she tore them apart. Alora must protect this secret and hopefully find a solution before Hanson leaves.
• “Isn’t it fitting to be Mr. Steele? We are married now, and we are one.” Hanson cut into her thought.
• “So, my lady, where do we live?” he asked.
• Alora stammered, “We... yes... we... Oh!”
• Suddenly, she remembered the errand. If she was returning to the ranch, she needed to address her aunt’s message.
• She glanced away when she noticed Hanson watching her.
• “I don’t bite, you know,” he told her.
• Hanson’s hazel eyes searched hers. He could see her anxiety and recognized a lady in need of rescue. He had observed her reluctance to defend herself and decline John’s help earlier.
• There was very little he knew about her, but he was here now and will take it upon himself that no one bullied her ever again.
• “I... I have to go get my kegs now, Hanson,” she said. “You wait in the shade over there, and I’ll be back... soon.”
• “I’ll come with you,” he said, taking her hand.
• “No, no, you can’t. It will be too much. See, the sun is very hot,” she protested. “I’ll be quick and back before you know it.”
• “I’m your husband now, Alora. I shouldn’t leave you to yourself. You’ll need help, and I can carry the kegs for you.” He was eager to embrace his role as her husband, especially since she had helped him.
• Alora was surprised. When she first met him, she had different expectations, but now he seemed caring and charming. She had always been alone and done everything herself, so his willingness to assist felt strange to her.
• To emphasize her point, she gestured at his attire which was an expensive gray suit and a luxury shoe. “You can’t do that dressed like this, Hanson.”
• Looking at himself, he agreed. “We can get a change of clothes somewhere, if you can spare a little money.”
• Alora searched around for the Wrangler but saw no sign of it. John was gone, and her husband had nothing—no clothes, no wallet.
• Resigned, she came to terms with the realization, and decided she would sacrifice everything for their union.
• The date was August 19th, the day Alora’s fate took a new turn.