What she expected was meant to happen tonight, she supposed. She even noticed the bed was covered with rose petals; obviously, Oscar had arranged it beforehand.

Their breaths mingled as their faces drew near. Oscar slowly straightened, and Hannah sighed with relief, thinking he might need time to gather his desires.

She watched him remove his jacket, loosen his tie, and unbutton his shirt. He kept his eyes on her throughout, making Hannah blush. She was still in her formal office suit, which accentuated her figure.

His Adam's apple bobbed with desire. However, he didn't fully remove his shirt. He climbed back onto the bed.

Hannah flinched instinctively. The closer he came, the further she recoiled until her back hit the headboard.

His dazzling face approached hers. They were close enough to feel each other's breath, a palpable chemistry building between them. Oscar suddenly reached out, startling her. Her shiver amused him.

Hannah felt annoyed by his smirk. She had every reason to be nervous; he was going to take her virginity tonight.

He caressed her face. Her initial startle transformed into a rapidly beating heart, threatening to overwhelm her.

"Don't be afraid," he murmured, his voice tender and gentle.

Oscar continued to approach. His lips brushed hers, but Hannah turned her head away. He tried again; she turned away again.

"Want to stop?" he asked, his tone devoid of annoyance.

Her lips pressed together, she remained silent. Oscar didn't push for an answer. He gently stroked her hair, then smiled forgivingly. "It's fine. I can wait."

He could wait; he was willing to wait a lifetime. He felt it in his heart. Just as he was about to leave, Hannah grabbed his arm. Oscar looked expectant.

"I don't know why," she explained, "I feel like I've fallen in love with you. And I'm ready, as I promised. But I don't want to do this out of instinct."

"It's okay," Oscar replied generously, his love for her evident. His composure surprised her.

"Perhaps it's my past suffering," Hannah continued softly, "It creates an instinctual fear of repeating past misery."

Oscar nodded. "Okay, don't worry. I won't push you. I can wait as long as you wish." He loved her so much; he was utterly pampering her. In fact, he knew her period had ended last night, but he held back his own desires because she hadn't mentioned it. He would compromise whenever she needed.

"Oscar," Hannah looked directly into his eyes, their light reflecting a pure glow.

"I just want to tell you, even amidst the panic, I am willing to have sex with you—because I love you." Hannah confessed. Expressing love had felt awkward, too serious before; now, it felt natural. She kissed him, taking the initiative. He seemed momentarily frozen.

Though not the first time she'd expressed her love, it still startled him profoundly, sending his heart racing. He gently cupped the back of her head, deepening the kiss.

Inside the room, Oscar suddenly chuckled, "Hannah, you're killing me!"

Hannah responded tentatively, "I just want you to turn off the light."

The room plunged into darkness.

"Oscar…"

"Sh! Quiet…"

After a moment, Hannah continued, "Oscar…"

"Hannah, I won't let you go even if your period returns!"

But she remembered his promise not to push her.

What a man! she thought.

"Oscar…"

"What do you want?" He sounded impatient.

He just wants to sleep with her. Why are there so many obstacles?

"I just want to say… don't be nervous," she whispered, clinging to him. She initiated further intimacy. Even the darkness seemed flushed with passion.

…

The next morning, slightly aching, she felt sore all over. Last night had been intense; Oscar seemed to have unleashed all his hormones. She should have been angry, but recalling the experience, she couldn't help smiling.

It was a sweet loss of virginity, unlike anything she'd experienced. She tossed and turned, finding herself alone. Oscar had left hours ago, likely reluctant to tiptoe out. His farewell kiss had been gentle enough to keep her asleep.

In her drowsiness, she vaguely remembered him whispering, "Take care, Mrs. Wells."

Hannah sat up, feeling sore. Lifting the quilt, she noticed a hole in the bedsheet—obviously cut. It felt odd, until she realized it must be where her virginity blood had stained.

'It must be Oscar! Did he take it? Is he some kind of freak?' The thought made her shiver. She found it hard to believe he'd kept it.