Chapter 1129: Hannah's Comfort

"Because she's just Salem's mom," Oscar said, summoning his courage. Una would eventually learn the truth about her identity.

"Isn't my mom also my brother's mom?" Una questioned.

"You're not your dad's biological daughter."

"Huh?" Una's blank expression betrayed her confusion.

"Dad had a younger brother, very dear to me, just as you and Salem are close. You're his daughter, but he passed away. I brought you up in his place. Even though you're not my biological daughter, Dad loves you as much as I love Salem."

Una murmured, still disbelieving, "I'm not Dad's daughter?" The realization that she wasn't biologically related to her father caused her already hurt face to crumple further. Tears streamed down her face. "Why not me? I'm not Dad's daughter! Dad is a bad person! You're bad! I hate you!"

"Una..." Oscar tried to comfort her.

"Don't touch me!" She pushed him away.

Oscar hesitated, then decided against forcing himself on the distraught girl. Una fled Oscar's room, crying uncontrollably, her face etched with despair.

Hannah arrived outside Oscar's room just as Una ran past. Their eyes met for a fleeting second; the sight of the little girl's distress was heartbreaking. Una didn't stop or look back. She locked herself in her bedroom.

"Don't worry," Oscar said to Hannah.

Hannah was speechless. She wished Una didn't have to bear this at such a young age, but she couldn't be Una's mother.

"I'll talk to her," Hannah offered.

Oscar was surprised.

"Thank you," he said.

Hannah approached Una's room and knocked. There was no answer.

"Una, open the door. I want to talk to you," Hannah called.

"No! Don't come to me!" Una cried.

Hannah gritted her teeth, but the door remained locked. She went to the lobby to find a servant.

"Do you have a spare key? Please help me open the lady's room door."

"Yes," the servant replied, promptly returning with a key.

Hannah took the key and returned to Una's room. The moment she opened the door—

Bang!

A picture frame struck Hannah's forehead, causing a small cut.

Una was shocked. She hadn't wanted to be disturbed but never intended to hurt Hannah. The sight of the blood terrified her, silencing her sobs.

Hannah, concealing her pain, picked up the frame. It showed a happy picture of Oscar, Salem, and Una.

She approached the frightened girl.

"I won't hurt you," Hannah said gently, smiling.

Una bit her lip, wanting to apologize but too stubborn to do so.

"Do you like this photo?" Hannah asked softly. Una remained silent.

"You must love Oscar and Salem, right?" Hannah attempted to ease Una's defenses, but again, there was no response.

Hannah sighed, then smiled. "Do you know your dad had a younger brother?"

Una's tears returned; the reminder that she wasn't her father's biological daughter overwhelmed her.

"Oscar's younger brother is your father. His name is Cian Wells."

"I don't want it!" Una cried.

"But it's true. You're Cian Wells' daughter," Hannah continued. "He and Oscar were orphaned young. They were each other's only family, very close, like you and Salem. They always looked out for each other. Then, one day, he passed away. Do you know who was most heartbroken?"

"Who?" Una asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Oscar. He loved his brother so much. Losing him was devastating. But his brother left you, a reminder of his love, a way for Oscar to continue loving him through you. Do you understand how much your dad loves you? He carries that love for both you and his brother in his heart. You said you hate him. Do you know how sad that makes him?"

Una sniffled, touched by Hannah's words.

"It's hard for you to accept that Oscar isn't your biological father," Hannah acknowledged.

Una was overwhelmed, torn between her feelings and her father's potential sadness.

Hannah gently patted Una's head. "Your dad's waiting for you. Don't let someone who loves you suffer." She knew the best way to reach Una was to emphasize Oscar's love and the pain of her rejection. Leaving the room, she saw Oscar in the hallway. He saw her forehead wound.

"It's just a scratch," she said, walking away.

"Thank you," he called after her.

"It wasn't about helping anyone. I did it for Cian," she replied.

Oscar chuckled softly, a glimmer of hope kindled by Hannah's words.