Chapter 321: Hannah's Confession of Love

Theodore grumbled, then saw Oscar unceremoniously take the towel from his hand and gently, yet anxiously, dry Hannah's hair. It annoyed Theodore; Oscar treated her so differently. He still anticipated a fight.

In the backseat, Hannah’s gaze remained fixed on Oscar. He was furious, but restrained his anger toward her. Hannah sensed his effort. She offered a placating smile, a forced smile born of lingering fear.

Oscar frowned. "Why are you smiling?" he asked, breaking the silence.

"I'm happy."

"Happy? If I'd arrived a few minutes later, you'd be dead! Do you understand?" His face darkened, still shaken by her near-death experience in the river.

"I don't know why, but when I was thrown in, I felt you'd come," Hannah said. This belief had kept her calm, preventing her from fainting. She'd held on, clinging to the certainty of his rescue. His arrival had deeply moved her.

"Hannah, I'm not a god. I can't always save you," Oscar responded coldly. "If I'd been a little later, you would be dead!"

Hannah felt relief and delight, a stark contrast to the tension Oscar still held, taut as a violin string.

She nodded obediently. "I'll be more careful next time."

"There won't be a next time. Don't follow me to dangerous places. Stay away from me if I'm in danger!" he demanded, his tone brooking no argument.

"Can I just watch you in danger?" Hannah asked.

"I'm not asking for your opinion."

"Would you watch your beloved in danger?" she pressed.

"I've told you—" Oscar froze, seemingly realizing something. Their eyes met.

"Oscar, I love you," Hannah said.

Oscar's heart pounded wildly, his rapid pulse felt even by Hannah.

Theodore, in the passenger seat, overheard the confession, displaying disdain. A sappy couple, he thought, yet gratified that Oscar had found love.

"When I heard you were in danger, I hesitated. It was dangerous, but I came. I didn't retreat," Hannah said sincerely. "Oscar, I didn't decide on impulse. I wanted to test how much I love you." She was confirming the depth, not the existence, of her feelings.

"Now I know. I love you so much, Oscar," she confessed. This passionate declaration was a first, both in this life and her past. She’d liked Charles before, but pride prevented her from expressing such affection. Oscar was different. An overwhelming urge compelled her to reveal her true feelings. If she survived the river, she vowed to tell him everything. Life was short; she wanted no regrets.

Oscar was petrified by her confession. He knew she was interested in him, sensed her affection, but the intensity of her declaration was overwhelming.

Meanwhile, Hannah felt embarrassed and annoyed by his silence. Didn't he claim to love her deeply? Her confession seemed to frighten him. ‘Why is he so difficult?’ she thought angrily.

Then, Oscar embraced her tightly, as if to eliminate any space between them. Hannah felt his trembling—excitement. She returned his hug, smiling as she felt his deep love.

The drenched pair clung to each other.

…

Theodore glanced in the rearview mirror at the affectionate couple, rolled his eyes, and looked away.

Oscar’s deep voice broke the silence. "Hannah, did you say that to appease my anger?"

"Even without that, you wouldn't have yelled at me, would you?" Hannah countered. Her trip to Langley Town, her search for evidence—all endangered her life, yet she’d persisted. He'd been terrified when her phone was off; he’d raced to the Blue River, knowing the drug ring's ruthlessness. Her survival was a miracle.