Chapter 1182: A Little More Time

As soon as Hannah spoke, Oscar's eyes lit up with a wolfish gaze, as if he'd found his prey. "I'm going to sleep with Sal," Hannah added. That single sentence sent Oscar plummeting from elation to despair. The disappointment in his eyes was palpable.

Hannah turned and walked away, her smile unapologetic. She left him alone on her bed, the lingering scent of her perfume only intensifying his longing. He tossed and turned all night, close yet so far. Just when he thought he couldn't bear it any longer, the door opened, and Hannah stood there.

Oscar stared, afraid she would vanish. "Sal's door is locked," she said, her tone implying her parents' handiwork. They'd likely anticipated Hannah's inability to leave Oscar sleeping on the sofa. It was too late to wake the children, so, after much hesitation, she returned to her room. They slept separately, under separate blankets.

"Don't touch me," she said.

Oscar nodded.

"Stay on your side of the bed," Hannah warned sternly. "If you cross over, you'll be sleeping on the couch."

She added another blanket to the bed, keeping her distance all night, her back to him. He lay beside her, close enough to touch, yet he didn't dare ask for more.

"Sleep!" Hannah reminded him, sensing his gaze without turning.

"Okay."

"Close your eyes."

"Okay."

"Don't think about anything."

"Um."

Silence descended. Eventually, even their breathing became audible. After Hannah fell asleep, Oscar slowly inched closer, reaching out from under the covers to bring his arm near her. He yearned to hold her, but at the last moment, he pulled back, unwilling to risk pushing too far.

He turned, suppressing his emotions. But as he did, Hannah's eyes flickered open. She felt everything: his movement, his nearness, his restraint. She wasn't sure what she felt, closing her eyes again. Perhaps she needed more time—time to forget, to let go, to accept the truth.

Meanwhile, at Wolf Castle, Theodore, having seen everyone off, returned to the room where Little Bunny would join him later, after bathing and putting Nicholas to bed. He waited, a heavy expression settling on his face. The day had been different; unlike when he was with Oscar or Manuel, when laughter came easily, something troubled him deeply. Little Bunny looked surprised when he said nonchalantly, "You should leave for the Capital soon."

"So fast?" she asked incredulously. "Didn't you say we'd stay overnight?" They had agreed to stay an extra night to spend more time with Laird.

"I'll pack my things," Little Bunny said, assuming he'd leave with her.

"I'm not leaving."

"I mean, you'll leave tonight. I've arranged a flight and a car. Someone will pick you up later," he clarified.

"Am I leaving alone?" she asked, a sense of abandonment washing over her. She hadn't realized how dependent she'd become on Theodore.

"Mm-hmm."

"So, how long will you stay here?"

"Hard to say."

"Did something happen?" she pressed, needing an explanation.

"Um."

Without further explanation, Little Bunny forced a smile. "Okay."

"Pack your things; I'll wait in the living room."

"Um."

Theodore left.

Little Bunny sighed. She'd promised to take Nicholas to the amusement park. She'd envisioned Theodore joining them, but this was his decision. There would be other times.

She quickly packed and left. Theodore was waiting. He took her luggage and led her out. A black sedan waited. He loaded the luggage and opened the car door.

As Little Bunny entered, she turned, stood on tiptoe, and kissed his cheek.

Theodore was startled.

She smiled slightly. "I'll be waiting for you."

His throat tightened. He nodded.

Little Bunny got in. Theodore watched the car go. He wouldn't let her witness his punishment, nor did he want her feeling indebted to him. He didn't want her gratitude; it was enough that she felt it.

He touched his cheek. She'd tried so hard to please him, afraid he'd back out and expose Addison. He sometimes doubted himself.

Was it right, this manipulation to keep her? He wanted more—her body, her heart. He feared the longer he stayed, the harder it would be to leave.