Hannah left work on time for her date with Oscar. His departure from the city loomed, a prospect she found unsettling. In the car, she asked Jimmy, "Will Theodore go with Oscar?"
"You mean Mr. Wold? I haven't heard anything about that," Jimmy replied, shaking his head.
"Will you go with him?"
"No. Mr. Wells told me to protect you. I'm not going anywhere," Jimmy assured her.
"He'll leave alone?" Hannah asked worriedly.
"Mrs. Wells, don't worry. He's been meticulously prepared. He's never failed to execute his plans." Jimmy held Oscar in high regard.
Hannah nodded. Though she'd only recently known Oscar—a former opponent in a past life—she'd come to appreciate his unexpected strength. He was far stronger than she'd ever imagined.
The car arrived home. Stepping out, Hannah's heart pounded. Despite seeing Oscar daily, she felt inexplicably nervous. Taking a deep breath, she entered the lobby, but Oscar wasn't there. Max, surprised by her early arrival, asked, "Mrs. Wells, what brings you home so early?"
"Has Oscar returned yet?" Hannah inquired.
"No, he hasn't," Max replied.
Hannah checked her watch. Oscar usually finished work half an hour later than her, so she wasn't overly concerned. After putting down her bag, she watched television, waiting. An hour passed. Dusk settled. Even accounting for rush hour, Oscar should have arrived by seven.
He still hadn't come home. Hannah's anxiety grew. He'd said he had no social engagements, yet it was now eight o'clock.
Oscar, you liar!
Frustrated, Hannah grabbed her bag and headed upstairs, losing her appetite for dinner.
"Mrs. Wells," Max called out, trying to stop her.
"I don't feel well. I won't have dinner. Tell Oscar to sleep in the guest room. I need to rest." She continued upstairs. Suddenly, the lights went out. Hannah switched on her phone's flashlight.
Then, candlelight flickered in the lobby, illuminating a charming smile. Hannah's heart leaped.
What trick was he planning this time? Had he feigned his absence?
Silently, he stood holding a cake with candles. He simply stared at her. It wasn't either of their birthdays. She knew Oscar rarely orchestrated surprises; perhaps he'd seen an idea online.
Though annoyed, she felt nervous as he approached. Her heart raced. Their eyes met, sparking nervousness, excitement, and thrill. She bit her lip, watching him stand before her, cake in hand.
The candles burned. They gazed at each other with affection. She admitted to herself: she was completely smitten. Enchanted.
"Are you celebrating my love for you?" Hannah asked.
Oscar's smile widened. His dazzling face remained charming, regardless of his expression.
"Yes," he replied.
She stared at the candles. "Should I blow them out?"
"Make a wish first," Oscar said.
She could tell he enjoyed this.
"And make a wish for me," he added.
Hannah looked at him quizzically.
"I already have a wish: that we have a lovely child," Oscar stated seriously.
Damn! She should have seen that coming.
Still, Hannah closed her eyes and made a wish—not his, of course. Her face flushed. Oscar gazed at her affectionately.
"Alright, I'm finished," Hannah smiled.
Oscar smiled back.
"Just blow out the candles."
Hannah took a deep breath and blew them out. Darkness fell.
"Oscar, turn on the light," she requested. She hated the dark, especially when she couldn't see his face.
"Hannah," Oscar said, his voice husky and serious.
Hannah located him by his silhouette.
"Will you regret it?" he asked.
"Will you let go of me if I say yes?"
"Never."
"Neither do I. I never regret it."
If fate were to repeat the cruel trick of her past life, she decided to accept it.
Hannah screamed as Oscar lifted her. She wrapped her arms around his neck. The next second, he carried her upstairs.
"What about the cake?"
"You want it?" Oscar asked.
Of course, she did. Cake after wishes and candles was tradition.
"Don't worry. We'll have it when we're hungry."
"I'm hungry now."
"You'll be hungrier later."
He carried her into the bedroom and switched on the light. He pinned her to the bed, the mattress yielding beneath them.