Chapter 1032: Parting

Manuel's conversation with Doyle revealed Doyle's lack of knowledge. If Doyle and Besse were both unaware, who was? What truly transpired between Hannah and Besse? Manuel sensed a hidden secret. Unraveling it would be key to restoring Besse's identity as Hannah—if Oscar consented.

Oscar's voice answered. "No need," he said.

Manuel sighed, his fear not of unverifiable facts, but of surrender.

"She's happy," Oscar continued. "I won't disrupt her life."

"It's not about disruption! You're giving her a choice—Hannah or Besse," Manuel countered.

"If she wanted to be Hannah, she wouldn't have lost her memory," Oscar stated flatly.

Manuel fell silent.

"Studies on amnesia show over 60% of cases stem from psychological, not solely physiological, reasons," Oscar explained. "Experts believe many forget because they don't want to remember, repressing their past under stress."

"Everyone's different," Manuel argued. "How can you be sure Hannah fits that 60%?"

"I can't guarantee it, but I won't take her happiness," Oscar replied gently. "For years, she seemed strained even when smiling. Now she thrives. I've investigated—she's flourished. Doyle treats her well; I won't disturb them."

"Even if she's given up on you, have you considered Salem? Letting them drift apart—is that fair to either of them?" Manuel pressed.

"It's unfair," Oscar admitted. "But life's full of unfairness. I'll compensate Salem. As for Hannah... she'll have her child, her family."

"But she's a substitute! Doyle believes Besse is just Besse, his childhood sweetheart. He loves her, not Hannah. What if he discovers the truth?"

"I know Doyle genuinely cares for Besse," Oscar said confidently. "I won't question his feelings; they're real."

Oscar had surrendered, prioritizing Hannah's happiness.

"Besides," Oscar added calmly, "if things don't work out, it's not too late for me."

He would remain her eternal backup. If she thrived, he'd bless her silently; if not, he'd welcome her back. Her happiness was paramount. This, he believed, was the truest love—self-restraint, blessing, and waiting.

Manuel understood his cousin's decision, yet felt regret. Had Hannah not "died," they would have reunited after all they'd endured. Circumstance had stolen their future, a loss that would forever linger.

Manuel put down his phone and entered the room where Susan wept inconsolably over Besse's departure. Her grief surpassed even the sorrow she'd shown when parting with him. He hugged her tightly, feeling helpless.

Life's greatest joy wasn't a declaration of love, but facing life's trials together.

Oscar sat in his office, heavily placing his phone on the desk. Manuel's words lingered. The impulse to act warred with his self-control. Besse's happy smile with Doyle flashed in his mind. He shouldn't have interfered.

He rose and walked to the window, gazing at the city skyline. Tears welled in his eyes, but he held them back.

Theodore entered, seeing Oscar's posture. Unspoken understanding passed between them.

Theodore quietly closed the door. Oscar needed solitude. Time healed, but slowly.

A black car sped toward the airport. Besse seemed lost in thought. Doyle noticed her unease.

"What's wrong?"

Besse shook her head, confused by the flood of memories—Susan, Salem, even Michelle, Miguel, Una, Manuel, Theodore, and Oscar, all vivid and recurring. The images played relentlessly.