Chapter 1197: Hannah's Final Struggle

Oscar was dissatisfied; his time with Hannah felt too short. He longed to spend twenty-four hours a day with her.

Hannah compromised, knowing he slept only three hours. She would leave after he awoke.

Oscar returned Hannah to the bed, holding her close, breathing in her familiar scent after years apart. He felt a profound satisfaction, as if the world favored him. He hugged her tightly, almost suffocating her, yet she felt strangely warm and secure, a feeling she’d thought lost forever.

However, as she relaxed her guard, shadows from the past resurfaced unexpectedly. She closed her eyes. Their conflict loomed—a chasm between them, its width and bridgeability unknown.

It was 7 AM. Oscar silenced his alarm, a rarity, as he usually woke naturally. But today, it served its purpose, rousing him from his deep sleep. Hannah lay beside him, making him reluctant to leave the bed. The joy of waking next to someone loved made him want to remain in that moment forever, despite responsibilities awaiting him beyond their bedroom.

He carefully rose, avoiding waking Hannah, and gently kissed her forehead before leaving quietly.

As soon as Oscar left, Hannah opened her eyes. Sleep rarely came easily, especially not beside Oscar, with their shared history. She saw he was gone but felt his presence lingering. A moment’s hesitation—should she remain in bed?

She closed her eyes, sorting through her thoughts.

She rose at 8 AM, exhausted from a restless night. But the thought of Salem being awake spurred her to action. And indeed, he waited outside her door, his eyes shining with excitement.

"Mom, good morning! Did you sleep well? Are you hungry? What do you want for breakfast?" Salem asked eagerly.

Hannah smiled. Salem always warmed her heart. She crouched beside him. "Good morning, Sal. I slept okay, and yes, I'm hungry. Breakfast with my favorite boy."

"Anything tastes good with Mom," Salem replied happily.

Hannah ruffled his hair, took his hand, and led him to the dining room. Una ate alone; Oscar had already left for work.

"Mom," Una greeted politely. Hannah felt uneasy but accepted the greeting, unsure when the pain in her heart would truly subside.

"Morning, Una," Hannah replied.

As they ate, Salem complained, "Mom, Dad stayed too long! I waited since yesterday afternoon!"

His innocent remark made Hannah blush furiously. Una, confused, asked, "Dad stayed too long?"

Salem began to explain, but Hannah interrupted, "Let's not talk during meals."

"Okay," Salem said obediently, adding quickly, "Dad can't do that again, it's too hard waiting."

Hannah blushed, knowing there couldn’t be another such occasion. After breakfast, Max took Una and Salem to school.

"Mom, will you wait for me at home?" Salem asked.

"I'm leaving soon, but I'll come back and take you to Kensbury this weekend," she replied.

"Why can't you live in the Capital with Dad and me?" he asked sadly. "If you miss Grandpa and Grandma, can they come live with us?"

Hannah felt uneasy, comforting him, "Sal, some things adults can't do. Be a good boy."

"But... I want Mom by my side, like other kids," Salem said, his expression pitiful.

Hannah touched his face but remained silent. He was unusually understanding, not wanting to burden her. He left with Max, his small face pressed against the car window, his look heartbreaking. Hannah watched until the car disappeared, then breathed deeply, trying to relax.

That day, Hannah left the Capital, taking a taxi to the airport. Letting go remained difficult; she feared disappointing herself and others.

In the taxi, Susan called, asking about the previous night. Hannah couldn't hide it, telling Susan everything. Susan's scream nearly burst Hannah's eardrums.

"You couldn't escape Oscar's grasp, could you?" Susan asked.

Hannah smiled, looking at the bright sunlight. She had returned to Oscar. Perhaps her current struggle explained everything that came before.

For Salem's sake, she had compromised. After chatting with Susan, Hannah's phone rang. An unfamiliar number.

Hesitantly, she answered, "Hello?"

"Hello." A familiar male voice.

A tightness seized her chest. She gripped the phone tighter.

"Hannah, did you forget me? You remember my voice, don't you?"

Hannah bit her lip. Doyle's sudden reappearance after half a year was unexpected.