In the midst of a tantrum, Susan didn't return to her breakfast. Instead, she stormed into her room and slammed the door. Lying on the bed, burning with anger, she felt justified. She had been undressed without permission. How dare he imply it was her fault?
Tossing and turning, she called Hannah. "Hannah?"
"Yes? Are you awake from your drunken slumber?" Hannah replied, working.
"No!" Susan huffed.
"Did someone upset you?"
"Yes."
"Manuel?"
"Who else?" Susan admitted.
"Can't you two live in peace?"
"Impossible! I'll divorce him someday!" Susan declared.
"What if you fall in love with him?"
"That won't happen!" Susan gritted her teeth.
"Is this call about your determination to divorce him?" Hannah smiled.
"No! What kind of liquor did you bring last night? I passed out. My head and stomach still ache; it nearly killed me!"
"Brandy, your favorite. I knew you'd love it."
"But why did it feel so awful?" Susan was confused.
"Perhaps you drank too much?"
"I don't think so. It must have been Theodore! That crazy guy kept urging me to drink. He got me drunk!" Susan remembered.
Hannah smiled. "Did you know what you did with him after you got drunk?"
"What do you mean?" Susan was surprised.
"Think about it." Hannah teased.
"No way! Did I flirt? He's handsome, but not my type," Susan said, agitated. She'd flirted with handsome men before when drunk, and wondered if she'd done so again.
"You swore an oath to be his sister, and he yours. We witnessed it," Hannah said.
Susan felt as if struck by lightning. She couldn't remember!
"Don't you remember?" Hannah asked.
Susan vaguely recalled something. She cried, "What the hell? I made him my sworn brother? Am I going crazy?"
"That's what Theodore said after he woke up," Hannah smiled.
Susan was speechless.
"I have a meeting. Rest if you're still ill," Hannah said, checking her watch. "And don't argue with Manuel. Try to get along."
Susan hung up, sulking. Hannah then made an internal call: "Notify the sales department to prepare a meeting immediately."
"Yes."
The South Bay New Town project was her top priority.
Before Oscar left for River Town, he was incredibly busy. Hannah barely saw him at home. She'd return alone, only for him to arrive late, smelling of liquor. He'd be gone by morning. She felt a little upset. Sighing, she disposed of her menstrual pad, remembering his promise to sleep with her after her period. He'd forgotten.
After showering, Hannah went to bed. Oscar was leaving the day after tomorrow and was busy with social engagements. She understood; turning them down would damage his reputation among the upper class.
Again, he tiptoed in while she slept. Hannah kept the light on every night. The warm light seemed to comfort him.
He bent over to stare at her sleeping face, slightly drunk from the numerous toasts. He simply stared peacefully, longing to have her by his side.
He gently kissed her forehead, waking her. Frowning, she smelled the liquor.
"Oscar, are you drunk again?" Hannah pushed him away.
"A little," he said, offering an enchanting smile in the warm light. What a perfect-looking gentleman!
She found it hard to resist his charm. Before he could deny being drunk, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. Their bodies entwined under the warm light.
"Wait, there are 720 minutes left," Oscar suddenly pulled away.
Hannah paused, surprised. Was he still counting down? She wasn't a machine! She couldn't control her period. He went into the bathroom.
Hannah watched the closed bathroom door, then turned away.
When Hannah woke up, Oscar was gone. He'd slept late, partly due to his late return, but mostly because he'd spent hours satisfying his desires. He'd left early. Tomorrow, he'd leave Kensbury City, perhaps not returning for six months. It was a long distance. He wouldn’t return often.
Sighing, she got up. On the bedside table was a note: 'No social occasion to attend today. I will be waiting for you at home tonight—From Oscar.'
Hannah murmured his name, a smile spreading across her face. A true love brought great joy.