Chapter 149: I Love You

Hannah turned her back on Oscar. He always disappointed her, and he always irritated her. She didn't even know when Oscar had noticed. Grieved, she closed her eyes, her mouth tight, and drifted toward sleep. The ward fell silent.

As the night deepened, Hannah neared slumber. Although a throbbing pain lingered from her anger at Oscar, she reached the edge of sleep. "Hannah, I love you…" Oscar's voice echoed softly in the ward.

Her body tensed. She wondered if he was sleep-talking. It was late; they had been silent for hours. He should have been asleep. Yet, his voice sounded as if he were awake. Hannah maintained her position, her back to him, seemingly unready to respond. She couldn't help but contemplate.

Charles had been scheming to drive a wedge between her and Oscar. However, he likely never anticipated that his assassination attempt had not only failed but had brought Oscar and Hannah closer. At least, that's how Hannah felt in that moment.

The failed assassination clearly exceeded Charles's expectations. He looked livid when he answered his phone. He'd been trying to create discord between Hannah and Oscar, hence his intimate interactions with her that evening. Their affection had garnered attention that rightfully belonged to him, fueling his efforts to sow dissension.

Charles assumed that Oscar, out of possessiveness, would quarrel with Hannah upon noticing her suspicious intimacy with him. It would serve as an outlet for Charles's frustration. His feigned intimacy also served as a cover for the assassination attempt; to others, he'd simply been chatting amicably with Hannah before the attack. This made him less likely to be suspected.

But the assassination's failure was beyond his wildest imaginings. After sending hitmen, Hannah had survived! She should have been dead!

Charles had considered giving her a chance, a divorce from Oscar, and a return to his side. Of course, he didn't love her; he would have used her. He felt nothing for her. Yet, that ungrateful woman had dared to refuse him! For a woman who only caused him harm, she had to die. Tonight was supposed to be her death.

Charles smashed his phone on the ground. Crack! It shattered. One day, he would smash Hannah just as he had the phone.

Manuel drove Theodore home. The car sped down the empty road, few other vehicles in sight. Lonely streetlights stood sentinel on either side.

"Manuel," Theodore said, gazing out the window.

"Yes?"

"Do you think they're a good match? Oscar and Hannah, I mean."

Manuel smiled. "Have you ever seen Oscar make a stupid decision?"

"But marrying Hannah seems like a stupid decision," Theodore countered.

"Hannah comes from a privileged family. Marrying her has enhanced his career," Manuel stated frankly.

"If self-interest is his priority, then perhaps… But I saw him tonight, overwhelmed with emotion. That's what worries me. If we'd been a little less careful, we'd be looking at his corpse right now." Theodore's voice held a tremor.

Manuel shook his head. "My cousin knows what he's up against better than anyone."

Even knowing the risks, Oscar had risked his life for her. Whatever the cost.

"Don't worry about it. Just trust him," Manuel said airily. "Besides, Hannah's a good match for him."

Theodore looked at him. "But you've never made a brilliant decision when it comes to women."

Manuel flushed.

"Susan Phillips, a prime example!" Theodore added.

Manuel was speechless. He was indeed a loser in love.

Soon, they reached Wold Manor. Theodore disembarked, and Manuel headed home, then to the Phillips Manor. Henry’s proposal had been successful; the wedding loomed. Susan would soon move out.

Manuel parked and entered the manor. Late at night, the building was hushed under the dim lights. He moved quietly, but as he reached the second floor, a shrill female scream pierced the silence.

"Ah!"

Manuel froze. It was Susan, appearing in a pink nightgown. He recognized her and composed himself.

"Why aren't you asleep? It's late! What are you doing here?" Susan demanded sharply. Her appearance was alarming.

"I just got back," Manuel replied.

"What took you so long?" Susan scrutinized him. "Got a girlfriend?"

Manuel remained silent.

"Is it Martina?" Susan's agitation was evident. She’d accept it if it were Martina; they were the two people she hated most.

"You want me to have a girlfriend?" Manuel asked abruptly.

Susan was baffled. She hadn't cared about his private life; she'd only been teasing him.

"You should go to bed," Manuel said casually. He didn't expect or need a response. He knew Susan didn't care. She never cared about his personal life.

He walked past her.

"I want you to be alone for the rest of your life!" Susan called out.

That seemed to answer his question. Manuel smiled. He took it as a curse, not a wish. And he smiled because she might be right.

He walked away, saying nothing. Watching him leave, Susan felt strangely conflicted. Her initial indifference had wavered, only to return.

'Why don't you stay abroad? Why do you annoy me?' she thought.