Chapter 1123: Oscar, Don't Overthink It

"By the way," Oscar said, but Hannah remained silent. He continued, "Why don't you call Susan and let Manuel know you're back? Manuel reminded me about what happened to you."

That day, when she dropped off Manuel and Susan, Doyle appeared unexpectedly, and Manuel noticed something was amiss. Hannah was surprised Oscar knew she'd been held captive; Manuel had told him. Manuel consistently surprised her with his intelligence.

She responded calmly, walking toward the hall to retrieve her new phone. It already contained important contacts: Susan, Manuel, Salem's watch phone, and her parents—everyone except Oscar.

She gripped the phone tightly as she dialed Susan. The voice on the other end sounded groggy, as if just awakened.

"Hello? Who is this?"

"It's Hannah," she replied plainly.

The recipient's excitement was palpable. Hannah imagined Susan sitting bolt upright, startling even the sleeping Manuel. Edward and Justine, having cared for their baby all night—feedings every two hours—were exhausted. Susan's sudden movement had Manuel convinced there was an earthquake. He tried to grab her to flee, only to hear her exclaim, "Are you sleepwalking? I'm talking to Hannah!"

"Hannah?" he asked, calming down after the commotion. Living with Susan had made him prone to impulsive reactions.

"Has Hannah come back?" Manuel's excitement returned.

"I haven't even asked yet! You just pulled me to run—are we scared of being found out or something?" Susan retorted, exasperated. Manuel was speechless.

Hannah laughed. Despite motherhood, Susan remained as endearingly reckless as ever.

"Hannah, did you come back?" Susan asked.

"Yes, I did."

"Where are you?" Susan pressed. "Did you come with Doyle? I told him if you came to Northfield, I'd show you around."

"He isn't here."

"What's up?" Susan sensed something was amiss.

"I can't explain it over the phone. Let Manuel tell you."

Susan frowned. "Did he know? You guys are keeping secrets from me again!" She harbored resentment from their previous omission regarding "Besse's" true identity. This felt like another betrayal.

"It's not a big deal," Hannah attempted to soothe her.

"Even if it's not, you kept it from me. Where are you now? I want to see you," Susan insisted angrily.

"Aren't you supposed to be resting after giving birth?"

"Then come see me," Susan declared, her mood shifting instantly.

Hannah hesitated. It was best to avoid unnecessary travel; Oscar needed a month to settle things. But refusing Susan might provoke a tantrum. Just as she wavered, Oscar interjected, "Go ahead, I'll take you there."

His voice reached Susan, who gasped, "Did I just hear Oscar's voice?"

Hannah felt at a loss for words.

"Hannah, are you and Oscar rekindling your old flame?"

"No," Hannah denied emphatically.

"Really? Are you sure Doyle wasn't your true love? Did you regret marrying him the moment he proposed, then broke up with him and came back...?"

"You should ask Manuel," Hannah interrupted, hanging up. Susan's excitement was often overwhelming; only Manuel could manage such situations.

Hannah replaced the phone as Oscar appeared, saying, "Change your clothes; I'll take you there."

"Is that okay?" She worried about potential trouble. She didn't want another kidnapping so soon after escaping Jolencami.

"It's fine. We just left Jolencami yesterday; Doyle shouldn't be here yet. We're safe for a couple of days," Oscar reassured her calmly.

"Alright then, thank you."

"You're welcome."

Oscar turned to leave, then paused.

"Oscar!"

He faced her.

"You're bleeding again, your arm."

His arm, exposed in his casual attire, showed blood staining the bandage around his gunshot wound.

"It's probably from before," he said casually.

"Did you change your dressing today?"

Oscar shook his head. He hadn't had time; Theodore was supposed to, but had been too hasty.

"Where's the first aid kit?" Hannah asked.

Oscar indicated the nearby cabinet. Hannah retrieved it.

"I'll help you change your dressing," she offered.

Oscar, trying to conceal his pleasure, sat upright. As Hannah re-dressed his wound, she said, "Don't think too much about it."

He pursed his lips.

"Your gunshot wound is because of me. I'm just doing this out of humanitarianism."

"I know," Oscar replied. "Thank you."

A silence fell between them until she finished. They retired to their respective rooms to change. Emerging, they were both stunned—both wearing khaki coats over black pants. Hannah imagined Susan's reaction.

Annoyed, Hannah suspected Oscar's deliberate choice of clothing. She turned to change, but Oscar stopped her.

"I'll change my clothes," he offered, clearly noticing her displeasure at their matching attire.