Chapter 1126: Hannah's Refusal
"You know, Oscar has a younger brother, Cian," Justine explained. "The Wells family wanted an heir. If not for Cian, Oscar would have inherited their wealth and power. But with only one successor possible, they chose Oscar—older and easier to train. He was tasked with assisting Cian in taking over Northfield's empire."
Hannah sipped her warm tea, listening attentively.
"From a young age, Oscar was taught to protect and sacrifice for Cian. He rarely experienced his own emotions, growing up fighting and killing; hunting small animals as a child, and later, anyone obstructing Cian's rise. He left his biological parents early and received little love or affection."
Justine continued, despite Hannah's seeming disinterest.
"Despite this harsh upbringing, Oscar is surprisingly emotional—more so than expected. We anticipated coldness, but he cares deeply, especially for those close to him, like Manuel and Theodore, whom we sent to him during difficult times."
Hannah smiled faintly, continuing to drink her tea.
"But this was the desired outcome. For an emperor, emotionality is a liability. Cian was more indifferent, seemingly unaffected by the world's harshness. This made him better suited to govern, capable of fairer judgment and sustained leadership. Oscar is different; unsuitable for command. His actions are driven by emotion. Cian's unexpected death forced him to shoulder the Wells family legacy, a burden he's carried ever since."
Hannah nodded slightly, agreeing with Justine's assessment. Oscar had given everything for the Wells family's legacy and ancestral heritage. Who could blame him? It was his choice, a burden he bore despite the difficulty of expressing or controlling his emotions. But these were his struggles; others shouldn't pay the price.
"Hannah," Justine said, taking a sip of her tea, "I want you to know that Oscar is different from his public image. He values emotions deeply, and has always held strong feelings for you, from his forced marriage to Lillian to your 'death.' He holds a powerful position, yet feels burdened. I believe he's more oppressed than most. I hope someone can share his difficult journey, someone he loves dearly… I admit, I still want you two together again. You have Salem, such an adorable child! I'm sure you wouldn't want him to grow up without a complete family." Justine finally revealed her intentions.
Hannah calmly set down her teacup. She knew what she wanted before arriving.
"Justine, you've shared your thoughts; may I share mine?"
"Of course," Justine replied eagerly. "Say whatever you like; I won't judge."
"Oscar and I had a wonderful relationship. He was likely the person I loved most. No matter what happened with Charles Sawyer, or any man afterward, none compared to my love for Oscar."
Hannah reflected on their relationship; it was the pinnacle of her life.
"Perhaps we loved too much, understanding heartbreak profoundly. Charles and I were discussing marriage when he betrayed me. We were beyond engaged, and all I felt was hatred. Revenge became my only goal. But with Oscar, it was different. I wanted a peaceful end; ultimately, it wasn't his fault. As you said, he carries immense responsibility. Letting go was understandable on his part. But it wasn't my fault either; he was the one who betrayed."
Justine realized, from Hannah's words, that reuniting them would be a monumental task. Hannah sounded indifferent toward their past romance, indicating she had moved on.
"I don't know if another man will make me want marriage and children again, but one thing's certain: even if someone else comes along, it won't be Oscar. Relationships are fragile. Once broken beyond repair, they remain so. Salem deserves more attention, but my obligations to him don't change things between Oscar and me. I can't give him a complete family, but I'll compensate in my own way."
Justine sighed.
Hannah possessed clarity. She knew her thoughts and words. If she were like Susan, things would be drastically different.
"I'm sorry, Justine. I disappoint you."
"No, I phrased that poorly. I believed Oscar loved you, and you felt the same. You even have a child. Reuniting seemed ideal. But this relationship wounded you deeply. My words placed you in a difficult position."