Chapter 228: Oscar, I’m Not Worth It!

Charles looked embarrassed, his attempt to hide it from the camera failing. However, people seemed to pay little attention. Given his record, it was understandable that he was overshadowed by Oscar. Audience comments about Charles were sparse and easily dismissed.

Ultimately, Oscar achieved the top score and secured the official position. Charles placed second and also received a job offer. Three others were hired as well. Only five positions were available in Kensbury's annual official examination; the competition was fierce, despite the fair and just process.

Oscar left with Theodore. Inside the car, his phone rang.

"Hannah," Oscar answered.

"I saw your performance," Hannah said plainly.

"Are you satisfied?" Oscar chuckled.

"Aren't you afraid of being targeted?" Hannah asked, amazed by him.

Logically, Oscar's carefully cultivated playboy persona had led people to underestimate him. Wasn't this a calculated strategy, a long game? Hannah believed his timing was far from ideal—at least three years off. His sudden prominence left her questioning his motives.

"I did it for you. It's worth it."

Hannah was stunned. She knew his words were romantic, pleasing but ultimately meaningless. Yet, she was always touched by him, her heart fluttering each time. She couldn't determine the truth of his statement.

"It's not worth it," Hannah said, hanging up. That was her unwavering response, regardless of his words. She would never give herself unconditionally to anyone.

She put down the phone, composing herself. Just as she was about to call Rose for work arrangements, her phone rang again. It was Susan.

"Hannah, I have to say, you have excellent taste," Susan said, eliciting a gentle smile from Hannah. "What a prize! You're with Oscar. They say reformed rakes make the best husbands. I used to doubt that, but Oscar proves it. Look how extraordinary he's become for you!"

Hannah found the comment somewhat absurd.

"I don't have much to do with it." Had she not lived twice, knowing Oscar's future, she might have believed his transformation was unrelated to her. Knowing the truth, however, she couldn't deceive herself.

"Can't you be confident? Don't you know what a jerk he used to be?"

"That's because he wanted to change. He couldn't remain a scoundrel forever."

"Why didn't he change before marrying you? But since then, he's changed completely. Don't kid yourself! I saw it, at your house—Oscar only had eyes for you, he didn't even look at me!"

"Because you provoked Manuel," Hannah thought, but remained silent; some things were best left unsaid. She was unsure of Oscar and Manuel's relationship. Susan was indiscreet, and news traveled quickly in Northfield. Hannah didn't want to cause trouble for Oscar; she sensed there was a reason for their secrecy and didn't want to interfere. After all, she had a partnership with him.

"Are you free today?" Hannah changed the subject, aware that Susan could talk endlessly about a captivating topic.

"Yeah, waiting to get married," Susan replied ironically. "Manuel's pretty good."

"Can you stop saying such disgusting things?"

"Well, you have to marry someone. Try thinking positively about Manuel, it might help."

"No, I'd rather feel bad than make Manuel feel better."

"Well, victory will be costly."

"I like it."

"Okay, okay, whatever you say." Further discussion was futile. "By the way, I asked you to make the wedding suit and dress, but I don't need them anymore."

"Why?"

"Why should I dress up to marry Manuel?!"

"So you're going to disappoint me, then?"

"L..."

"So I’ve spent all that time designing and making the finished products, and now you tell me you don’t want them. You really want to annoy me, don't you?"

"Next time," Susan said quickly. "I'll wear it when I get married next time."

"No next time. Marrying Manuel is a lifetime commitment..."

"No!" Susan retorted, "One day, Manuel will divorce me!"

"I don't think I'll design clothes for a second wife. It would lower the standard of my designs," Hannah stated pointedly. "Hannah, you're discriminating against second marriages."

"No, I just discriminate against you. Manuel is perfect for you, what are you thinking?"

"Why do you always defend Manuel? Hannah, what's wrong with you? Tell me, are you possessed? Like in the movies, another woman inhabiting your body..."

"Can you stop being so silly?" Hannah scoffed. But Susan might be right; a thirty-two-year-old Hannah inhabited her body.

"Then why have you changed so much?"

"I changed because I know what's good and bad now."

Susan didn't believe it, but she wasn't suspicious of Hannah, and wouldn't dwell on it.

"So that's it. On your wedding day, you'll wear everything I designed for you." Hannah's tone was firm.

To avoid disappointing Hannah, Susan reluctantly agreed.

"I'll wear your dress, but Manuel won't."

"Susan!"

"It's not the right size. Manuel and Henry aren't the same build. Manuel is almost two inches taller than Henry. It'll be hilarious if he wears the wrong size!" Susan offered a plausible excuse. "I know the clothes are finished. It's too late to make a new one."