In the romantic dining room, Charles meticulously placed the cutlery before Hannah, affecting the air of a thoughtful gentleman. Hannah's words, however, left him visibly embarrassed and frozen. She hadn't made him look good.

"All these years we've been together, and you don't even know I'm allergic to mushrooms?" Hannah asked.

It was ironic; he'd intended this dinner to showcase his love, yet he'd committed such a blunder. What a slap in the face!

Stunned for a moment, Charles quickly composed himself. "Oh," he said smoothly, "I simply wanted to share the delicious food. I forgot your allergy. Waiter, please replace this with the black pepper sauce option."

"Yes, sir," the waiter replied respectfully, as Hannah observed Charles's performance.

She saw through his clumsy attempts at damage control. Why hadn't she seen him clearly in her past life? Her unwavering trust had led to a miserable outcome.

Charles sought a change of subject. "Hannah, why are you suddenly going to the company? I didn't know you were going to work," he asked.

"Nothing to do, anyhow."

Worried, he pressed, "Did Oscar treat you badly, making you feel insecure?"

"Of course not."

"That's good," Charles said, forcing a smile. "I was afraid Oscar had wronged you. His reputation is… well, not good. I worried…"

Hannah interrupted, staring at him. "Instead of worrying about Oscar, you'd better pay attention to what happened between us. Didn't you say you wanted to make things clear?"

"Yes," Charles nodded quickly, careful not to offend her.

He continued, "Jane was buried today. It's… left me with a lot of feelings."

Hannah lowered her head and ate, seemingly enjoying the unfolding drama.

"I can't accept that she committed suicide because of her… evilness," Charles grimaced. "I should have reassured her, had I known she couldn't cope."

Hannah remained impassive. Embarrassed, Charles tried again. "Actually, Jane and Roger pushed me too far. Jane drugged and seduced me, then asked me to marry her. I loved you! How could I marry her?! But I didn't expect my refusal to lead to her vindictive actions. I was publicly penalized, forced to marry her to prove my innocence. You won't blame me, right?"

He reached for her hand, but Hannah deftly avoided his touch.

"That's a conflict between you and Jane," she said. "Why should I blame you? Jane could blame you, she wouldn't reproach me."

Charles felt a fresh wave of embarrassment. Hannah’s resistance was a stark contrast to her former docility, making his manipulations far more difficult. He gritted his teeth, controlling his irritation.

"Hannah, I'm worried about you because of Jane's death," he said.

Hannah chuckled, a sarcastic sound.

Charles pressed on, feigning guilt. "I'm afraid you'll be upset too. We loved each other so much, and I hurt you terribly. I'd be consumed by guilt if anything happened to you; I couldn't atone, even at the cost of my life!"

Hannah found his display sickening.

"You needn't worry," she said. "Oscar and I are very close. I even appreciate that you and Jane destroyed our relationship. I married Oscar."

Charles looked anxious. "Hannah, don't put on a brave face. I know you're saying this to protect me. I know you love me. The more you act like this, the more I'll worry…"

"I didn't love you," Hannah stated, each word precise. "As a child, my grandfather told me we were engaged. My world revolved around you. I thought I loved you. But I didn't. It wasn't love at first sight. I loved my grandfather; I'd have believed I loved any man he chose."

Charles glared. He found it hard to accept that Hannah hadn't loved him. He had always considered himself superior, believing he'd manipulated her. He couldn't believe she was without feeling for him, nor that she'd fallen for another so quickly. He clenched his fists, suppressing his anger.

"So, I'm grateful to you and Jane for giving me the courage to end our engagement and marry Oscar," Hannah said, a sweet smile playing on her lips. "I finally understood what it means to love someone."

Charles forced a nonchalant tone. "It's good you aren't affected by this."

A cruel glint flashed in his eyes. He'd never imagined the woman who'd loved him so deeply would declare her love for another. He'd invited her to dinner, believing a few sweet words would mollify her, that she'd return after the wedding, calmed and vulnerable. He wouldn't accept her then; she would be secondhand. He would make her life a living hell – his revenge for her rejection.

But things had gone wrong.

He raised his wine glass, a warm smile plastered on his face. "I thought you needed my comfort and apology, that we might get back together. But since you're happy… I wish you the best."

Hannah picked up her own glass. They clinked, a sly smile playing on Charles's lips.