Chapter 322: Another Crisis

When Oscar, Theodore, and Jimmy arrived, they found others already there, hidden in the darkness. He recognized Hannah from a distance. To avoid alerting their enemies, they remained concealed. Only after Hannah was thrown into the river did Oscar dare to secretly rescue her.

Fortunately, Hannah could swim, preventing her from drowning. The thought nearly enraged Oscar. He wondered if Hannah understood the danger of her situation, her vulnerability in this unfamiliar place. He had many reproaches, but seeing her alive and well, he couldn't utter a word. He remembered his angry outburst after Charles assaulted her, and how it had frightened her to tears. His anger softened. He couldn't bear her tears; they made the world feel like it was ending.

Unexpectedly, Hannah confessed her love. Overwhelmed, he instinctively held her, their hearts and breaths mingling.

In the car, Theodore and Jimmy expected a confrontation. Instead, they witnessed a tender scene. Theodore, initially disappointed at the lack of conflict, suddenly grew serious. He glanced in the rearview mirror, then sharply back. This single movement conveyed a message to Oscar – a silent understanding.

"They're catching up," Theodore said gravely. "There are many."

Hannah stiffened at his serious tone. She pulled away from Oscar, seeing him also looking back. Several cars were pursuing them relentlessly.

"Jimmy, faster!" Oscar commanded.

Jimmy accelerated, the pursuing cars hot on their heels. Their intentions were clearly malicious. Hannah bit her lip, determined not to burden Oscar. Oscar watched the pursuing cars while Theodore scanned the road ahead.

"Jimmy, watch out!" Theodore shouted.

Jimmy swerved violently, the car shuddering. Oscar shielded Hannah, his body slamming against the window.

"Oscar!" Hannah cried.

"I'm fine!" he replied instantly, then ordered, "Get out!"

Cars were attempting to ram them from both sides. Staying in the car meant certain death. Jimmy unlocked the doors, and they all jumped into the fields, just as two cars crushed their vehicle. They had escaped death. Hannah, suppressing her fear, ran with Oscar, this time feeling safe in his presence.

"Theodore, let's split up," Oscar said, pulling Hannah and running. "Safety first."

Theodore looked at them both, wanting to speak but hesitating. He and Jimmy ran in one direction; Oscar and Hannah, in another. Separating was their best chance of survival.

Oscar pulled Hannah to a hiding place. She gasped, fearing she would suffocate from exertion, but pressed on, unwilling to endanger him further. Oscar noticed.

They stopped. As Hannah panted, she felt something cold placed in her hand – a gun. Oscar instructed her calmly, "Load before you shoot. Don't be afraid. Don't let your hands shake." He showed her how.

"I'll draw them off. You just stay safe. No matter where you are, I'll find you."

"What if you die?" Hannah asked, her eyes brimming with tears.

"I won't," he said with absolute certainty.

"Everyone dies."

"If I die, forget me," he said casually.

Her heart ached. How could he speak so lightly of death, telling her to forget him?

"If you die, I won't live either," she declared.

He seemed stunned, then touched her head. "I see," he said, leaving without hesitation.

His departure instantly drew the pursuers' attention. They chased after him relentlessly. Silence fell after the receding footsteps. The danger had passed, but the tension remained. Her safety came at the cost of his.

In the quiet field, gunfire erupted. Hannah felt drained, a mixture of fear and worry overwhelming her. She sat, unable to move, afraid that leaving would prevent Oscar from finding her. She would wait.

Clinging to her knees, she whispered that Oscar would return, and they would go back to Kensbury City together. Time stretched endlessly.