Chapter 446: We Will Never Break Up

Hannah was deeply moved. She'd never before witnessed such a stark contrast in men: Charles's indifference and hypocrisy versus Oscar's unwavering affection and care.

"It's late. Are you missing me?" he chuckled.

Hannah suppressed her emotions. "Yeah," she replied.

Oscar was surprised; she rarely expressed her feelings so openly. He chuckled, "Count the days. I'll be back in ten days."

"For what?"

"Ovulation."

She was speechless.

He laughed. "For our baby, I have to do my best."

"Oscar," Hannah said.

"Yes?"

"Manuel and Susan got divorced."

"Uh-huh," he responded flatly. "Sooner or later, it happens."

"I just wonder if it will ever be the same between us."

"No," Oscar said firmly, his tone serious.

Hannah pursed her lips. Susan's divorce had affected her deeply. She'd hoped to change things for Susan, but her efforts had been in vain. The events of her past life were repeating themselves. She wondered what, if anything, her rebirth had truly changed. Was the outcome predetermined, regardless of her actions? In the quiet of night, her thoughts raced.

"I haven't considered divorce once since we married," Oscar declared seriously.

Hannah suddenly realized his initial lie—his claim of "since we married" when she'd proposed their fake marriage. Damn.

"Oscar, when did you fall in love with me?" she asked seriously.

"Take a guess."

"No," she snapped.

"I won't tell you unless you do."

"Oscar!"

"Honey, all you need to know is that I love you. When it happened doesn't matter."

Hannah pouted. "Then, when I asked you to marry me, you pretended to be reluctant?"

Oscar admitted it.

"What were you feeling then?" Hannah pressed. Initially, she'd only sought an ally to humiliate Charles. But what about him? Was he secretly overjoyed? She recalled his apparent disdain and passive demeanor, his masterful disguise.

"What was I feeling?" Oscar paused. "'Finally, it's time to sleep with a girl,'" he answered.

"Huh, men!"

Oscar smiled, changing the subject. "Don't dwell on it. We're different. One of them loved and hoped for reciprocation, but we both love each other. Marriages don't last on one person's love alone. Don't overthink it. We'll stay together for life."

Hannah smiled. "If you do, so do I," she declared solemnly, then hung up. She rarely spoke so sweetly.

Lying in bed, she thought of Oscar. Had she found the right man this time? Yet, a sense of his aloofness persisted.

The next day, Susan struggled to rise. Her eyes were dull, her sleeplessness profound. The morning routine felt overwhelming; several times she considered returning to bed. Finally, she managed to leave the house. Her father, thankfully, had arranged a chauffeur, fearing she might drive recklessly or have an accident. Susan knew this, but she couldn't bring herself to change her attitude toward her father; the pain of her mother's passing remained raw.

In the car, she answered her phone. "Good morning, Henry."

"Are you up?"

"Yeah, I'm on my way to work now." Susan gazed out the window. "I'm so sleepy."

"It's your first day. You'll be fine once you adjust to the routine." Henry asked, "Did you eat breakfast?"

"No, I didn't have time."

"That's bad for your stomach. I bought some beef buns, your favorite. I'll bring them to your office."

"You're so nice," Susan said happily, her hunger and Henry's thoughtfulness making her eager to get to work.

"See you later," Henry said softly.

"Okay, see you."

Susan arrived at the Phillips Bank building and found Henry waiting. He was known as a model employee—always one of the first to arrive and last to leave. Susan felt they should treat him better, given his kindness to her family.

"Here," Henry said, handing her the buns. "They're still warm."

"Thanks."

"And soy milk. Make sure you finish it."

"Yes, sir."

"Then I'll get to work." He patted her head gently.

Their affection was open, even in the office. Susan's office was small, near the main office, and their interactions were witnessed by many, but people avoided comment, wary of repercussions. Yet, other staff felt Susan was unfair to her (unknown to them, ex-)husband, whom they'd heard was deeply devoted to her. They felt sorry for him.