How could she forget him? Hannah dared not take her eyes off Oscar, fearing he would vanish.

"One minute left," Charles reminded them, pleased by their distress. He relished their suffering, their impending separation fueling his elation.

"Go back early," Oscar urged, leaving Hannah feeling abandoned. Her vision blurred; she knew he didn't want her to see him like this. She pursed her lips, preparing to leave.

"Wait," Charles stopped her abruptly. She met his approach with cold eyes. He turned to Oscar, sneering, "She's so beautiful. Without you, she could date a thousand men."

Hannah recognized his provocation; his cruelty disgusted her. "Come on, show Oscar how appealing you are," he goaded.

Hannah bit her lip. "Aren't you married?" Charles asked, as she stood motionless, tugging at her clothes. "Didn't you see each other's bodies? Why the shyness?" he taunted.

He felt like a cat toying with rats. For so long, he’d been aggrieved by their presence, finally able to inflict this torment.

"I get it. A month apart; it's normal to be a little strange," Charles declared, his performance self-consciously theatrical.

Hannah's hatred was palpable. This man would never stop his games. Charles saw her understanding but remained unconcerned. What could she do? She was helpless.

He believed ending their lives was now effortless. "Let me help you," he offered.

"Charles!" Hannah finally erupted. The pain of past memories, coupled with his current cruelty, sparked thoughts of mutual destruction. But she would protect Oscar.

Charles reveled in her scarlet eyes, recalling the wedding insult and past humiliations. This was his long-awaited revenge, his blood boiling with excitement.

His distorted face loomed, magnifying in Hannah's eyes. She clutched her coat, but his strength overpowered her. In the dim light, he removed her coat.

A bite mark, bruised and bleeding, was visible on Hannah's neck. Oscar, a few feet away, saw it instantly, his fists clenched, his expression ferocious.

Charles, pleased with his handiwork, asked with sickening sweetness, "Does it hurt?" Hannah felt he deserved a slow, agonizing death.

"I should have bitten lighter," he said with feigned remorse, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. He reached for her neck. Hannah flinched, but he quickly restrained her.

She could only stare defiantly. His pleasure fed on her misery.

"Let me blow it for you." The disgusting words echoed. She knew his cruelty had no bounds, but this humiliation in front of Oscar was unbearable. She didn't care about herself; she couldn't bear Oscar's pain.

Anger simmered, but she didn't resist. She preferred Oscar believe it was voluntary rather than see her discomfort. His distress would be greater.

But Oscar remained her protector, the man who would stand before her, shielding her with his life.

Before Charles could touch her, Oscar moved with impossible speed, kicking Charles away and enveloping Hannah in his arms.

Charles was stunned. He couldn't comprehend the raw power erupting from Oscar's weakened body, a body he’d deliberately starved and tormented. He lay twitching, unable to rise.

He'd believed Oscar helpless, unaware of his hidden strength, fueled by desperation and love. Charles, feigning composure, stood. He deemed Oscar’s outburst a mere performance, inconsequential within the prison walls.

He approached, observing them locked together, Oscar shielding Hannah, a cold smile gracing his lips. He realized he’d underestimated Oscar's love.