Chapter 153: I Hope You Can Stay Away From Me

Hannah hesitated. "Oscar," she said, "as I said last night, give me time. I can't convince myself to fall in love with you right now."

Oscar's eyes remained fixed on her. Hannah often struggled to decipher his thoughts, finding his emotional reserve unsettling. She wasn't sure if he was irritated by her words, recalling his promise to give her time to respond. However, she couldn't guarantee her answer would be the one he wanted. She hoped he wouldn't change himself to win her affection. Stopping the intimacy between Janet and Oscar earlier, she instantly regretted it, feeling guilty for hurting him.

This was her first experience with such paradoxical feelings about a relationship. Despite deeply loving Charles in the past—giving him everything without hesitation—she was completely lost with Oscar. "My love for Charles was superficial," she confessed. "Recalling it makes me feel foolish. I'm afraid of repeating that mistake."

Fear of a relapse made her flinch from Oscar's feelings, hindering her acceptance of his confession. "Oscar," she said, "it's unfair and selfish, but I'm trying to escape the shadows of my past. I hope…you can stay away from me."

The weight of her words settled heavily upon her, leaving her feeling suffocated.

"How far away?" he asked.

Hannah froze.

"Can't sleep with you? Kiss you? Hold your hand? Or…can't we even meet?" Oscar asked calmly.

Hannah bit her lip, silent.

"I gave you time to know me," Oscar said seriously, his gaze unwavering, "I don't want you to drift further away."

"Our relationship is a chance acquaintance," she countered. "I don't believe in love at first sight."

She didn't believe their relationship could blossom so quickly.

"Then I'll give you time until you believe it," Oscar insisted.

Hannah noticed his persistent attempts to convince her of his instant love. But when had it started? The car crash in Mount Northfield? She remembered no special feelings then; only his impassiveness, his impatient expression. What was he hiding beneath that charming facade? How could she confide in such a man?

Her decision was selfish, she admitted, but she had no choice. She couldn't afford to fail again; she wouldn't get another chance at life.

A heavy silence descended, broken only by the opening door. Venus rushed in, concern etched on her face. "Oscar, are you alright? What happened last night? Theodore told Thomas, who told me you were seriously injured!"

Hannah gradually regained her composure.

"I'm fine," Oscar said casually.

"Fine? You're in the hospital!" Venus exclaimed.

"The doctor said I can go home."

"Really?" Venus remained skeptical. Thomas and Robert entered.

"Oscar, don't play tough!" Thomas said.

"The doctor said he's fine, just needs to recover at home," Hannah explained.

Relieved, Robert said, "Go home and rest. We have plenty of servants to help."

"No thanks. Max can manage," Oscar refused.

"You don't even want to go home?" Robert sighed.

Hannah observed Oscar's family; they treated him with a gentle indulgence, showing him great respect, unlike the rest of the Wells family.

"Oh, did you bring clothes?" Oscar asked, changing the subject. He'd texted Theodore to bring clothes for both of them.

Theodore, though often casual, was reliable.

"Of course," Venus said. "Theodore had business, so he asked Thomas to bring them. That's how we know you're here."

Thomas produced a bag of clothes. "Some things from your closet."

"Thanks," Hannah murmured.

"No problem," Thomas smiled. "Let's wait outside." The three left the ward.

Watching Thomas leave, Hannah felt his genuine friendliness. It was a pity he liked Janet. She then noticed Jimmy on the balcony.

"Jimmy, leave for a moment. We need to change," she said.

"Yes…"

"Jimmy," Oscar stopped him. "Help me change."

Hannah watched, unable to read his expression. Was he still upset?

She took her clothes and entered the bathroom.

Oscar glared at her back, muttering, "Not even a thank you? How ungrateful!"