Charles entered Hannah's room unimpeded. Many in the room gazed at them with admiration; Charles, ever gentle and modest, and Hannah, undeniably gorgeous—a perfect match. He looked at her with deep affection, knelt, and presented a bouquet. "Hannah, will you marry me?"

Hannah hadn't yet answered. "Marry him! Marry him!" others urged. She smiled, radiant, stunning Charles momentarily. He'd known she was pretty, but something had always felt…lacking, perhaps her submissiveness. He'd found her uninteresting. Yet, inexplicably moved, he felt a different Hannah before him, one he desired to conquer. He remained calm, concealing his feelings.

Hannah took the flowers. "Mm," she murmured, an unclear response.

Charles rose, approaching her. She averted her gaze. He assumed shyness. He'd initially found her unengaging, but now, without further hesitation, he bent, lifted her, and carried her from the room. The crowd followed. Hannah didn't cling to him, simply allowed it. He placed her in the lead wedding car, the guests followed suit, and the motorcade departed for the banquet.

The reception, held in Kensbury City's largest luxury hotel, was lavishly decorated. Many guests were already present, creating a lively atmosphere. Hannah was led to the dressing room to change into her wedding gown.

The dress, however, wasn't pretty. Susan wrinkled her nose. "Hannah, Charles doesn't have good taste…"

Hannah shrugged. Turning to Susan, already in her bridesmaid dress, she whispered, "Go see if Oscar is here."

"Hannah!" Susan exclaimed, shocked. "What's going on? Can't you just get married?"

"Don't ask. Go now," Hannah urged.

Reluctantly, Susan left, searching the hall for Oscar. His attendance, given their complicated history, was uncertain, but Theodore was present. At the entrance, she encountered reporters interviewing the Cooper and Sawyer families.

"Mrs. Cooper, any thoughts on your daughter's wedding? Sad to see her go?" a reporter asked.

"Of course," Michelle replied. "I'll miss her, but Charles is a good man, and I trust he'll treat Hannah well."

Another question followed: "You’ve been a homemaker for years, caring for your husband and daughter. How did you achieve such a loving marriage and raise such a wonderful daughter?"

"Housewifery is a career, too," Michelle answered skillfully. "Families are diverse, with varying roles." Her response was neither condescending nor superficial, perfectly balanced. Loretta, beside her, seethed with jealousy. She’d chosen a red gown and ruby necklace to upstage Michelle, still bitter from a previous encounter, but the reporters focused solely on Michelle, whose elegant blue dress and pearl necklace created a far more refined look. Loretta's attempts to interject were ignored.

Since Michelle's birthday celebration, her status in Kensbury City had risen considerably, even receiving invitations to exclusive social circles. She'd refuse, unwilling to be overshadowed.

Susan, receiving a call from Hannah, returned to the dressing room. Amusement flickered across her face, observing the reporters’ exclusive attention on Michelle and Loretta's distress.

"I didn't see him, but I saw Theodore," she reported.

Oscar's absence mirrored her last life. A flutter of anticipation remained despite her knowledge.

"But your mother completely outshone Charles's mother!" Susan continued. "I thought Loretta was so sophisticated, but compared to your mother…she's an upstart! I'm so glad."

Hannah shared her delight. Loretta had previously oppressed her mother; this time, she'd be shamed.

Then, Charles's voice sounded outside. "Hannah, are you ready? The wedding is about to begin."

There would be no wedding.