Chapter 1121: The Boy Who Waited at the Door

"How much longer do you have to wait?" Hannah stared at Oscar, instinctively shielding herself from his gaze. If Oscar were a gentleman, he would have closed the door and left. She didn't need this. But his prolonged stare annoyed her.

Oscar averted his gaze, saying, "I forgot to mention the clothes in the closet are new. You can wear them."

"Thank you," Hannah replied stiffly.

Oscar closed the door, but didn't immediately leave. The pain in his heart eased slightly. He heard the lock click from inside. He felt he’d disgusted her again. Hannah went straight to his closet; she needed new clothes after showering.

The closet overflowed with clothes of every style, even intimate apparel in her size. Its richness made her wonder if Oscar had planned this. Even if he had, what could she do? For now, she relied on him. She chose casual wear and sleepwear before showering.

The bathroom mirror reflected Doyle’s marks on her body, not easily washed away. Oscar hadn't seen her body; he'd seen those marks. A flicker of emotion stirred; he must have misunderstood. But she didn't need an explanation.

She showered thoroughly. The memory of Doyle’s actions caused a persistent unease. After blow-drying her hair, exhaustion finally claimed her.

Oscar’s scent was absent from the bed. Everything was clean and new, bringing her a sense of peace.

When Hannah awoke, darkness had fallen. She blinked, registering her location: Northfield. Jolencami and Doyle were behind her. Stretching, she freshened up and sought food; she was starving.

Opening the door, a small figure leaped into her arms. Hannah hugged Salem.

"Sal?" she asked. "What are you doing sleeping here?"

Salem straightened. "Dad said you were back, so I came to find you. But he said you were sleeping, and I couldn't disturb you, so I waited outside your door until I fell asleep."

Hannah smiled, crouching. "You silly boy," she scolded gently. "You should have knocked instead of risking a fall."

"I'm not afraid of pain," Salem declared bravely. "As long as Mom is with me, nothing hurts."

Hannah’s heart melted. Salem had been constantly on her mind during her captivity.

She stroked his head. "I won't leave you again."

"Dad already told me that!" Salem exclaimed, taking her hand. He felt the happiest he’d ever been.

Hannah smiled, touching his hair. "I'm hungry. Is there dinner?"

"Yes! Dad prepared dinner for Mom. I'll take you there." Salem pulled her hand, warming her heart.

They walked to the dining room through the dimly lit house, patrolled only by guards and a few servants. Passing the living room, Hannah saw the clock: 2 AM. How had Salem stayed awake so long? Had Oscar not cared? She wondered if Oscar would have let him stay outside all night if she hadn't woken.

"Mom, do you like all of these?" Salem asked, watching the servant. "Dad said these are all things Mom likes, right?"

Hannah looked at the abundant dishes. "Yes, but there's too much. We can't finish it."

"It's okay if we can't finish it. As long as Mom likes it," Salem replied.

"But we shouldn't waste so much food," Hannah said.

"Don't worry about it. Dad has a lot of money," Salem said confidently.

"Did he say that?" Hannah frowned. Oscar had instilled bad habits, she thought.

"I can see it myself," Salem replied knowingly.

Hannah pinched his cheeks. "Even with lots of money, we shouldn't waste. Saving is a virtue."

"Oh," Salem nodded. "Let me eat with you so there won't be any waste."

"Are you hungry?" Hannah saw through his ruse. Salem rubbed his belly. "Mm-hmm."

"Let's eat together then."

"All right."

Salem happily ate, awkwardly serving his mother. His grin widened with each bite she took. Hannah ate a lot.

It was 3 AM.

"Salem? Aren't you going to sleep now?"

"Don't you want to see me?"

"It's getting late. You have kindergarten tomorrow."

"But I'm afraid... when I wake up, you'll disappear again."

"How about sleeping next to Mom tonight?" suggested Hannah.

"Really? Can I do that?"

"Of course!"

"I want to go to bed now. I'm sleepy," Salem said, rubbing his eyes.

Hannah chuckled; he was a smart boy. After brushing his teeth, they went to bed. Hannah was finally reunited with Salem after years apart.