Chapter 297: Farewell Dinner

It was ten at night when Hannah finally lifted her head from her work. She had been sitting there since afternoon, resulting in a stiff neck and aching arms.

Standing, she stretched and said to Jimmy, "Let's call it a day, Jimmy."

"Yes, Mrs. Wells," replied Jimmy, who remained close to her except when she was at Oscar's manor.

They left the building together. Hannah, feeling tired, leaned against the car seat and checked her phone messages. She was surprised to find a text from Oscar at 5 p.m., inviting her to dinner and including the restaurant address. She hadn't noticed it sooner, engrossed in her work. Oscar hadn't called to confirm or follow up. Pursing her lips, she called him.

Oscar answered, "Finally, you thought of me, Hannah."

"Why didn't you call?" Hannah asked, confused. She would have missed the dinner invitation entirely without seeing the text.

"You're a busy bee," Oscar replied. "Would you simply drop everything and join me for dinner if I called?"

"At least, I could have refused," Hannah retorted.

Oscar chuckled, seemingly unconcerned. "It made no difference. Why bother urging you? I figured you'd get off work eventually."

"You're getting on my nerves!" Hannah exclaimed, doubting their compatibility. Normally, a person would call to confirm, or go home early if their date couldn't make it. Oscar's approach seemed unusual.

Was he merely being polite? Or had he perhaps invited someone else as well, and this was simply a courtesy check? If so, Hannah felt less guilty.

"I'm heading home," she said, about to hang up.

"Shall I tell the waitresses to serve the dishes now?" Oscar asked.

Hannah paused, wondering if she'd misheard.

"I'm still waiting for you at the restaurant," Oscar clarified.

Was he serious? Had he waited the entire evening without calling or checking in? She found it unbelievable, yet strangely touching.

She hung up abruptly and told Jimmy, "Carole's restaurant, Jimmy."

"Yes, Mrs. Wells," Jimmy responded promptly.

"Does Oscar go bananas sometimes?" Hannah muttered, unsure how to express her feelings.

"Sorry?" Jimmy asked, confused.

"Does he ask someone to dinner without calling, then just wait and wait?"

"No," Jimmy replied earnestly. "Mr. Wells never takes anyone out for dinner," he added.

Hannah was stunned. Was she truly special to him?

They soon arrived at the restaurant. Hannah found Oscar alone, sitting at a table bathed in soft light. He appeared like a handsome, solitary statue.

Taking a deep breath, Hannah approached. Oscar turned at her footsteps, smiling and rising elegantly to pull out her chair.

Hannah sat, and at Oscar's gesture, the waiters began serving the meal, including expensive wine.

"Is it a special day?" Hannah inquired, wondering why he hadn't called if it was significant.

Oscar remained silent.

Hannah guessed, "Our one-hundredth day?" Oscar shook his head. "Your birthday?" Oscar frowned. She admitted she'd forgotten his birthday.

"My birthday is February 2nd," Oscar said. Hannah felt embarrassed; she hadn't known his birthday, nor did he seem to know hers. Then he said, "Your birthday is August 8th."

Hannah was speechless. He smiled lightly, "We're a perfect couple." He then stated bluntly, "It's not a special day."

"Then why all the fuss?" Hannah remained perplexed.

"I leave Kensbury tomorrow," Oscar explained. "I'll be gone for a while."

So, this was a farewell dinner. Even so, she should have been the one to invite him.

"How long?" Hannah asked.

"Ten days," Oscar replied. He explained it was a lecture tour for the City Hall, taking him to remote counties.

"What about Charles?" Hannah asked, wondering about his colleague's schedule.

Oscar's expression shifted slightly.

"Don't misunderstand," Hannah clarified, "I just want to know if you've been treated differently."

"He'll stay in downtown Kensbury initially, then go to suburban counties," Oscar explained.

"So, they made it tough for you," Hannah remarked.

Oscar seemed unconcerned.

"You're leaving tomorrow?" Hannah asked, knowing his schedule was likely fixed.

"Yes," Oscar confirmed. "That's why I wanted dinner tonight. I'll miss you a lot."

His words felt warm and sweet. He couldn't bear to leave her, yet she'd kept him waiting for hours.