Venus said, turning to Karen, "You don't even care about your life for Karen's sake. I don't know what to say. Karen isn't that petty, is she?"

Karen quickly replied, "If I'd known Hannah couldn't eat mushrooms, I wouldn't have served them." She knew Hannah's behavior was intentional. Hannah placed the matsutakes before her, subtly prompting her to pickle one. Hannah's actions today intrigued Karen. Once Karen vented her anger, Hannah would be perceived as the victim. Karen hadn't expected Hannah to be so clever; she'd met her match.

"It's okay," Hannah said, "I'm just a little allergic. Don't worry, Mom. Don't feel guilty, Karen. I'm just glad you're here. I wish you'd come over more often. I live alone with Oscar, and the house is too quiet." She brushed aside the embarrassment, aiming to lighten the mood and alleviate Karen's discomfort, which reassured Venus. Venus recognized Hannah as a good daughter-in-law, smiling, "Alright, I'll bring Karen to visit. The doctor suggested she walk more when she's feeling better. It's the perfect opportunity."

"Okay," Hannah agreed.

Karen, noticing Hannah's delighted expression, felt a surge of anger. Hannah was a better actress. Hannah's smile widened as she looked at Karen, who was suppressing her fury. The best way to deal with a schemer was to let them play their hand! Sure enough, Karen wanted to leave after lunch, sensing she wouldn't gain anything, while Hannah basked in her mother's affection.

Venus, knowing Karen disliked extended outings, suggested they leave shortly after lunch. Hannah didn't make them feel awkward; she'd satisfied Venus.

"Well," Hannah said, feigning reluctance, "I failed to keep you and Karen company."

"Karen and I aren't going to work anyway, so we can come over more often when you have free time. When you and Oscar have a baby, you'll move back to the villa. I can take care of the baby, too."

Hannah felt shy again. Before she could speak, Oscar said, "Hannah's parents also want to take care of our child."

Venus was displeased. Oscar explained, "Hannah's parents have only one daughter. I took her away; I shouldn't let their grandchild be taken away too. So I plan to let them take care of the baby first." He spoke as if Hannah were already pregnant.

"Then you're supposed to give birth to two babies," Venus said, persuaded by her son.

"Okay," Oscar nodded.

Hannah was speechless; her opinion seemed irrelevant. When had she even mentioned wanting to be pregnant? Venus was delighted at the prospect of two babies. "Now we go back," she announced.

"Please wait a minute," Hannah said, hurrying to the garden and returning with two bouquets of flowers.

Venus was puzzled. Hannah explained, "They're from the garden I showed Karen. I thought she'd like them, so I asked Max to wrap two bouquets, one for you and one for Karen."

"Look, how thoughtful!" Venus exclaimed, delighted. No woman disliked flowers, except Karen, who, though flustered, accepted them.

"I'll walk you to the car," she offered.

"Well," Venus said.

Hannah and Oscar saw them to the car. Both sides waved goodbye. Once the car was out of sight, Hannah felt relieved. Karen was finally gone.

"Good performance!" Oscar whispered.

Hannah looked at him. He was a man of inaction, she thought, except when it came to those he cared about; then he was fiercely protective.

"Do you know Karen is ill?" Hannah complained.

"Otherwise she wouldn't have avoided medicine growing up," Oscar replied calmly.

Hannah was referring to Karen's feelings for her brother.

"Go back to the room," Oscar said, embracing her. Hannah tried to pull away but gave up; the outcome would be as Oscar desired anyway. She didn't want to waste her energy.

"This is the right time for a nap," Oscar murmured.

Hannah's body stiffened. She wasn't ready for intimacy.

"Take a shower," Hannah suggested.

Oscar took a deep breath, maintaining his composure. "You shower in this room. I'll shower in the next. Come on!"

Hannah watched him leave. 'Couldn't he wait two days? He still has a sling on his arm,' she thought.

She showered with apprehension. When she emerged, Oscar was waiting, his eyes gleaming. She was overwhelmed by the intensity in his gaze.

"Come here," he said, his voice filled with excitement.

Hannah approached. His Adam's apple bobbed. His fingers went towards her belt.

"Oscar, I'm on my period."

Oscar was stunned. He stared at her, his fingers frozen. His expression was unreadable. Hannah felt a pang of sympathy, though it wasn't something she could control.

"How many days?" he asked.

"What?"

"Your period," he gritted his teeth.

"Seven days is the norm."

Seven days, 158 hours, 10080 minutes – a torture for him.