Chapter 1157: Travel

Hannah informed her parents of her experience. "I'll have my face treated," she said. "I've scheduled an appointment for a facial examination tomorrow."

"Okay, Mom will go with you," Michelle replied, readily agreeing at the sight of her daughter's altered appearance.

"Did you come back from Oscar's?" Miguel asked abruptly.

"Dad, don't overthink it," Hannah interrupted. "Oscar and I have resolved our issues."

"But Salem..." Miguel began.

"I'll make it up to Salem in other ways," Hannah stated firmly.

Miguel attempted to speak further, but Michelle stopped him. "Hannah's just returned, and you're already bringing this up. Even if Oscar did something wrong, we don't care if Hannah doesn't want him anymore. Hannah, Mom supports whatever decision you make. Even if you never marry again, Mom will take care of you."

"Thank you, Mom," Hannah said, offering a small smile. "From now on, I'll stay with both of you. I won't get married again."

"I was just talking casually..." Michelle murmured.

Hannah smiled gracefully, the atmosphere at home lightening with her return. After lunch, she rested on her familiar bed, untouched since her departure—not even a speck of dust marred its surface. This small detail deeply touched her. She would live well from now on.

A week later, Theodore waited outside the villa, smoking, anticipating Little Bunny's return. He contacted her agent, learning she had no further engagements. Knowing Oscar had little to do since his wife had left, Theodore took leave early.

Later, he saw Little Bunny alight from her car and speak briefly with her agent before walking towards the gate. She wasn't surprised to see him; his nightly vigil had become routine. She wondered about his motives—was he monitoring her, ensuring no other men escorted her home? Regardless, it didn't matter. Love was irrelevant concerning men; dominance was what truly mattered.

She accompanied Theodore home.

"Little Bunny," he began, "the flight is at 8 AM tomorrow."

She looked at him, questioning.

"We're going abroad on vacation."

Little Bunny nodded. "Okay."

She offered no further comment, her emotions unreadable.

"Get some rest early."

"Mm-hmm."

Theodore retired to the adjacent room. They slept separately that week. Hannah had instructed him not to touch Little Bunny, and he obeyed, though nightly desire and the proximity of her sleeping form tested his resolve. He resorted to cold showers to quell his urges, each one leaving him increasingly frustrated.

Past six the next morning, Theodore's alarm roused him. Another sleepless night. He quickly washed, dressed, and left his room, encountering Little Bunny already awake at her door. She seemed surprised by his early rising.

"I'll make breakfast," she offered.

"You came in late last night, aren't you tired?" Theodore asked, concerned.

"It's okay," Little Bunny replied indifferently.

"We can eat on the plane," he suggested.

"Okay."

"But you can still cook if you want; your cooking is better," he amended, torn between wanting to spare her effort and wanting her near.

Little Bunny glanced at him before heading to the kitchen. Theodore followed, settling on a stool, watching her work.

"How come you're so domesticated? Don't female stars usually avoid housework?" he asked.

"Isn't that a basic rule for a mistress?" she replied coldly, anticipating his anger. Sometimes, his anger was preferable to his constant presence; his attentiveness grated on her nerves.

Theodore, predictably, bristled. He felt Little Bunny would one day drive him mad. His efforts, attention, love, care—everything seemed futile against her indifference. Eventually, Little Bunny prepared a fruit salad and toast, eggs, and hot milk for Theodore. They ate breakfast in silence.

"Don't talk about 'mistress' anymore," Theodore said abruptly. "I don't like it."

"Okay," Little Bunny replied meekly.

Her submissiveness only intensified his discomfort. Would she always be this obedient?

He took a deep breath, suppressing his frustration.

After breakfast, they drove to the airport in silence, their conversation largely composed of Theodore's pronouncements and Little Bunny's nods.

The eight-hour flight passed with both sleeping, their interactions limited to meal service. Upon landing, an air hostess awakened Theodore.

"Where's Little Bunny?" he asked anxiously.

"Miss Little Bunny has already left."

"What?!" He bolted from his seat, finding her waiting at the gate. Relief mingled with fear that she might vanish again without warning.

"Why didn't you wake me?"

"You were sleeping soundly," Little Bunny said casually.

"Let's go." Theodore led the way, Little Bunny following.

A private car took them to their destination.

"It's a three-hour drive to the island," Theodore informed her.

"Um."

Silence descended again.

They arrived at nightfall. Little Bunny slept peacefully in the car. Theodore attempted to lift her gently, but she startled awake, disgust etched on her face.