Chapter 533: Visit in Prison (3) – Finally, They Meet

Charles smiled, his gaze lingering on the blood tooth mark on Hannah's neck. "Hannah," he said with satisfaction, "tell me, what will Oscar think when he sees this?"

Hannah remained impassive, betraying no pain or emotion. "Is that enough?" she asked coolly.

Charles knew she was pretending. He reveled in her silent torment. Stepping closer, he thoroughly searched her, looking for contraband.

Hannah gritted her teeth, disgusted by his touch. She knew he was searching for a hidden camera or recording device.

After a thorough search, Charles released her. He turned to unlock the door.

Hannah gathered her scattered clothes, but Charles snatched them away. "If you put them on," he sneered, "how can Oscar see the tooth mark?"

"I'm cold!" Hannah gritted her teeth.

Charles smiled. He picked up her coat, checked it for hidden items, discovered a mobile phone in a pocket, and tossed it to the floor before throwing the coat back to her. "Put it on!"

Hannah glared at him before reluctantly complying. She didn't want Oscar to see her humiliated; she feared it would worry him.

The door opened, revealing a windowless cell. Oscar leaned against the wall, his expression vacant and devoid of emotion. He didn't even glance up when the door opened.

Hannah's eyes welled, her lips trembling as she fought back tears. She had feared he might be weakened, unkempt, even thin, but his emaciated state surpassed her worst imaginings. A month had seemingly stripped away everything but skin, clinging to his skeletal frame. His thin clothing hung loosely. His stare was blank, empty.

"What? Now you see each other, nothing to talk about?" Charles's sarcastic voice cut through the silence.

Oscar finally turned at the sound of Charles's voice, and his eyes met Hannah's. Her tears flowed uncontrollably, a silent torrent she desperately tried to suppress. She feared upsetting him further. The sight of his haggard appearance, his confinement in such a bleak and desolate place—a stark contrast to the opulent playboy she knew—filled her with sorrow.

"Don't cry," Oscar's hoarse voice rasped.

Hannah's tears fell faster. Oscar rose slowly from the hard cot and approached her.

Hannah longed to rush into his arms, to offer him the warmth he so desperately needed.

"Bang!"

Hannah flinched, her gaze snapping to Charles, who had unexpectedly kicked Oscar in the stomach.

Oscar crumpled to the ground, coughing violently, wracked with pain. He finally vomited blood.

"Oscar!" Hannah cried, starting towards him, but Charles grabbed her.

"Let go of me!" she screamed.

"Yell again, and I'll kick him to death!" Charles threatened.

Fire blazed in Hannah's eyes. She would have killed him then and there if a weapon were at hand.

"I'm fine," Oscar said calmly, rising to his feet.

His resilience surprised her. What had he endured?

Hannah forced herself to calm down, knowing any outburst would only invite further cruelty from Charles.

"Not yelling now?" Charles smiled. "Now, I'll give you five minutes."

Hannah glared at him. Charles, showing no sign of leaving, announced, "Starting now!"

Hannah knew he wouldn't grant them true privacy, but she wouldn't waste a second. Tears blurring her vision, she lowered her head slightly. "Are you okay?"

"Yes," Oscar replied.

"I'll help you find the proof," Hannah declared. "I believe you didn't do it."

Oscar offered a small, sad smile, offering no comfort. Charles watched intently, assessing the possibility of a reversal in Oscar's case.

Suddenly, Oscar said, "Hannah, it's almost New Year."

Hannah nodded slowly, dreading the thought of another New Year's apart.

"After New Year's, it's my birthday," Oscar murmured.

"Yes," Hannah replied, remembering his January 18th birthday.

"I thought I'd celebrate it with you," he said, his voice heavy with unspoken pain.

Hannah's eyes burned with tears. The thought of him spending his birthday alone in prison was unbearable.

"I'm sorry to disappoint you," Oscar apologized.

Hannah shook her head vehemently. Without him, she feared she might never love again. This life, with its revenge and regained love, felt precious. Tears streamed down her face. "Oscar, I'll wait, no matter how long," she vowed. She would wait, even if he were convicted.

"Dummy," Oscar said gently, "If there's such a day, try to forget me. And love yourself."