Chapter 1154: Unexpected Accident

Hannah and Theodore were on the phone when Theodore abruptly interrupted. "Hannah, weren't we discussing you and Oscar? Why are we now talking about me and Little Bunny? I'm trying to convince you to reconcile with Oscar." Theodore's frustration was evident.

Hannah laughed. "You're getting ahead of yourself. Oscar and I can handle things ourselves."

"You're avoiding the issue," Theodore insisted. "But you must believe me: Oscar only slept with you. Despite past hurts and annoyances, he's always been faithful…"

"Okay, I get it," Hannah replied, hanging up. She felt unsettled. Had Oscar remained celibate all these years? Theodore's words were surprising. Had nothing happened between Oscar and Lillian? Hadn't he pursued Lillian to gain her trust?

A heavy sigh escaped Hannah's lips; a weight settled on her heart. Yet, their past, good or bad, no longer mattered. She had let go.

"Miss Cooper," Max knocked.

"Come in," Hannah responded.

"Miss Cooper, you haven't had your bird's nest soup," Max said, offering a bowl.

Hannah smiled gratefully. "Thank you."

"I heard tomorrow's your departure date," Max observed, noting Hannah's continued presence.

Hannah nodded. "Thank you for your care."

"Must you leave?" Max asked.

"I never considered staying," Hannah replied.

"But Master Oscar…" Max began.

"Max," Hannah cautioned gently.

"Hmm… I'll say no more," Max conceded, respecting boundaries.

"Your soup is delicious," Hannah changed the subject, wanting to avoid saddening him.

"Master Oscar made it," Max revealed. "He soaked the ingredients nightly, then I finished preparing it each morning."

Hannah was surprised.

"He asked me not to tell you, but I couldn't help it," Max confessed.

"Um," Hannah murmured.

"I'm going to work now," Max said, departing.

Hannah looked at the half-eaten soup, a sudden lump forming in her throat. Yet, considering everything, reconciliation with Oscar and a return to the past were impossible.

Oscar returned late, finding the house quiet. He tiptoed through the living room, assuming everyone was asleep.

"Oscar," a familiar voice called from the darkness.

He saw Hannah on the sofa, the room unlit. "You're not asleep?" he asked, cautiously trying to contain his surprise and delight at her waiting for him.

Hannah approached, noticing the scent of alcohol on him. She frowned. "You drank?"

"A few drinks with Theodore," Oscar explained. "He's been down lately, so I kept him company."

Hannah offered a small smile. Who exactly kept whom company? she mused.

"I'm leaving tomorrow morning," Hannah announced. "My ticket's booked, so no need to see me off."

So, that was why she'd waited—to simply inform him of her departure. He'd foolishly hoped his late return might delay her leaving.

He simply nodded. "Okay."

"I'll go to my room," Hannah said.

"Hannah," Oscar called, "May I drive you to the airport tomorrow?"

Hannah hesitated.

"It won't be a problem. I'll drop you off and leave."

"Why, Oscar?" she asked.

"Even as friends," he replied resolutely, "I should do this."

"Good night," he added, leaving before Hannah could refuse. Watching him go, she silently resolved, "Forget it; it's the last time."

The next morning dawned bright. Hannah packed, preparing for her departure on a weekday to avoid Salem's farewell. She had informed him the previous night; thankfully, he was understanding, simply asking when he'd see her again and wondering if she'd return. Hannah promised to visit and take him for a while whenever possible, trusting Oscar wouldn't object.

After seeing Salem off, she waited for Oscar's car; her flight was at 11 AM, requiring a departure before 9 AM. It was already 8:30 AM, and Oscar hadn't appeared. Impatient, she considered leaving alone if he was hungover. She went to his room.

She knocked; no answer. Hesitantly, she opened the door. The bed was empty. Was he awake? Where had he gone?

Then, she saw Oscar emerging from the bathroom, completely naked. Panic flashed in his eyes as he hastily covered himself.

Embarrassed, Hannah turned to leave. Unexpectedly, he would be naked in his room. Oscar, in her memory, never had such a habit. She didn't question him, only wanting to escape. Entering a single man's bedroom had been a bad idea.

As she turned, she tripped, losing her balance and falling. Pain shot through her.

Oscar immediately appeared, nervously asking, "Are you okay? Does it hurt?" He seemingly forgot his own state of undress.