Chapter 1200: Hostage Exchange
Doyle watched with excitement as Hannah's distress became evident. He had suppressed his rage while watching Oscar take her away, enduring until now, finally to make her regret everything. But it was late. Since her heartless departure, nothing could be changed. All he craved was revenge for her abandonment.
Hannah had no idea how deeply he loved her. He'd done anything for her, even alienated his parents. He'd worked tirelessly to be with her, only to be cast aside mercilessly.
She thrived in Northfield, while he, in Jolencami, found daily solace only in news of her. He knew she prospered abroad, flourishing more and more after leaving him. Her happiness fueled his resentment, his desire for revenge, his need to make her regret her actions.
He had finally succeeded. Her regret and distress were palpable, exhilarating in their validation of his revenge.
"Is it impossible for you to accept this?" he asked.
Hannah glared, tears in her eyes. She wished to die with him.
"If I detonate this bomb and kill your parents, would you… suffer to death?" he asked, a cruel smile spreading across his face.
"Are you crazy, Doyle? Insane?" Hannah screamed.
"Yes, insane. You drove me crazy, Hannah. Can you comprehend the pain of your leaving? No, you can't. It was a hundred times worse than what you're feeling now."
"Let me make amends. Die before you? Is that what you want?" Hannah demanded.
"I've considered killing you, to vent my hatred. But the thought is unbearable; my heart feels like it's been ripped apart," Doyle said, his voice heavy with emotion. "Look, I hate you so much, yet I can't bear to kill you. So, do you know how much I love you?"
"Do you know?" he repeated.
Hannah trembled, completely broken.
"Do you know what love is, because of Oscar?" he asked softly, his voice grim.
"Yes," Hannah admitted. "I love Oscar. I wouldn't torture him like this. Even when he abandoned me, my love kept me away, not driven to hate or revenge. Doyle, you're not in love; you're sick!"
"You finally admit you love him," Doyle said quietly.
How else could she have left with Oscar? How else could she call out Oscar's name in her sleep? He'd always indulged in extravagant desires; hoping for Hannah had always been a luxury.
"Hannah, do you understand the consequences of angering me?"
Hannah laughed.
"Do you think I fear death?" she asked.
Doyle's eyes narrowed.
"The moment I received your call, I knew the outcome. We were together for four years; I know you. You're extreme, resorting to drastic measures when things don't go your way. You'll satisfy your desires, regardless of the cost," Hannah stated, explaining why she'd finally told Oscar. Since Doyle came to Northfield, he hadn't planned on leaving alive. Without Oscar, she was doomed. But if Oscar knew, there might be a sliver of hope.
"You know me well," Doyle laughed wildly. "I thought I'd disguised myself. You're too smart, Hannah."
"Release my parents," Hannah said calmly.
Doyle stared, surprised by her composure. No wonder he loved her; he loved her strength.
"Release them. I'll die with you. Isn't that what you want? To make me regret leaving you, to die with you? Is that your revenge?" Hannah challenged.
"How did you know?"
"Free them, and I'll tell you," she negotiated.
Doyle laughed. "Do you think I'd fall for that?"
"You never considered killing my parents, did you?" Hannah said, finally calmer, having accepted her situation. "You could have killed them, making my life worse than death. But you only kidnapped them to see me. Your revenge is solely against me, isn't it?"
Doyle gave a cold laugh. He hadn't considered harming her parents; his anger was directed solely at Hannah. He only used her parents to force a meeting, to threaten her.
"Release my parents, and I'll die with you here," Hannah said, her eyes fixed on the bomb strapped to her parents.
Miguel and Michelle struggled; Hannah knew they'd sacrifice themselves for her. But she had no choice; she couldn't watch them die. She turned, giving Doyle a fierce look. "Is that acceptable?"
"Okay," Doyle readily agreed.
Hannah remained vigilant.
"Tie yourself up," Doyle instructed. "Let Manuel do it. No tricks. Don't make any sudden moves. I have the remote." He produced a remote control and waved it.