Chapter 147: Oscar and Hannah's Love Confession

"Hannah," Manuel began, "I told you all this not to make you feel indebted to Oscar, but because I want you to know he truly loves you. If you've moved on from Charles, consider being with Oscar. He…" Manuel paused, swallowing back the words, "He has loved you for a long time."

He felt Oscar should confess in person; as Oscar's cousin, he couldn't speak for him. He could only provide context to help Oscar win Hannah's affection, leaving the sweet words to them.

"He's a good man," Manuel added, "not the jerk people think he is."

Hannah was confused. She'd never considered Oscar a good man or devoted lover, despite knowing his wealth and success from a past life. She hadn't viewed him as a reliable partner. Yet, she admitted she was swayed. Any woman would be moved by a man willing to sacrifice his life for her.

Perhaps it was just sentimentality, she mused. But why this unexpected crush? She looked at Manuel, a mixture of emotions swirling within her. Curiosity piqued, she asked, "What's your relationship with Oscar?"

She'd never seen them interact, yet Manuel seemed intimately familiar with Oscar and Theodore. Their secrecy felt odd and mysterious.

Manuel smiled faintly, as if anticipating her question. "We're… sorry, I can't tell you," he replied calmly.

Hannah frowned.

"But you'll know eventually," Manuel reassured her. "Oscar will tell you someday."

Hannah was speechless. Manuel offered an apologetic smile. "Let's go. Oscar would prefer seeing you, not Theodore. He's… less perceptive."

Hannah was amused by Manuel's assessment of Theodore, but also touched by his concern for Oscar. They returned to the room, finding Theodore still talking incessantly.

"Theodore, it's late. Leave Oscar alone. We're going," Manuel stated firmly.

"Why?" Theodore protested. "I'll stay and sleep here tonight. The doctor said someone should stay to care for him."

Manuel stared, speechless.

"Damn it! What the hell are you thinking!" Theodore continued. "I mean, I was going to stay."

"She's here," Manuel said, gesturing to Hannah.

Hannah felt shy and embarrassed. Theodore glanced at her, but before he could speak, Manuel pulled him from the room.

"Come on, let's go."

Theodore, though reluctant, seemed to reconsider. He compromised, saying to Oscar, "Get well soon. I'll visit tomorrow morning."

"Okay," Oscar replied. Manuel, eager to leave, practically dragged Theodore out. They closed the door, leaving only Hannah, Oscar, and Jimmy.

Jimmy, ever astute, had already left, sensing their need for privacy. Hannah felt unsure facing Oscar alone. He was swathed in bandages, a comical yet heartbreaking sight.

She approached slowly, sitting beside his bed. She felt his fingers tremble slightly. Manuel had mentioned Oscar's anxious shaking ten years prior; Hannah didn't know the details of that event, but she knew he could truly die for her now.

"I'm sorry," she whispered.

Oscar, feigning sleep, felt an irresistible urge to open his eyes at her voice. He saw the sincerity in her gaze. He pursed his lips.

Hannah looked into his eyes. "I was so mean." She'd been in a foul mood then, her anger stemming not solely from Oscar, but from her frustration with Charles. She'd taken it out on Oscar, regretting it afterward, but her pride prevented an apology.

Living her life again had made her more selfish, fearful of hurt, and determined to protect herself. She'd become strong, rejecting those who threatened her vulnerability. This had led to her increasingly harsh treatment of Oscar.

"Thanks for everything tonight," she added. "Thank you for saving me."

"I don't know how to repay you, but…" she continued, "Oscar, please give me time. I can't immediately accept you and your love. I've been through a lot—it may sound unbelievable, but it's true. I've come a long way, so I can't easily accept someone or fall in love. I'm truly touched by what you did, but if I hadn't suffered so much, I might have fallen for you instantly; even knowing you’re a womanizer, I'd fall for you with determination."

Oscar simply listened to her quiet, sorrowful words.

She choked back tears. "It's not that you haven't done well, or aren't good enough. It's me, my problem. I can't let my guard down, be completely open, or get over the past. I'm afraid…"

"Okay," Oscar interrupted gently.

Hannah was stunned.

"It's okay. Take your time," Oscar said, his voice remarkably calm for someone who'd been in a serious accident. "I don't need to know what you don't want to tell me, or why you've changed. I just want you to know I'll be waiting." He would wait forever.

Tears welled in Hannah's eyes. She was deeply moved.