Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

"Yes, and we're on our way home now," Hannah said.

"Thank God," Venus replied, her words bringing tears of joy to Venus's eyes.

"What about Oscar? Is he alright? He seems thinner. Could he come to my house, so I can take care of him?" Venus asked excitedly.

"You can talk to him," Hannah answered, wanting to give them some private time.

Oscar took the phone and spoke with Venus. Venus talked incessantly, while Oscar mainly offered reassurance. Hannah listened quietly beside Oscar until they arrived home. Oscar finally persuaded Venus not to worry, and hung up.

Hannah smiled. "How wonderful to have Mom by your side." She would never forget the suffering caused by Charles in her past life, the loss of her parents. Fortunately, those dark days were over. Rebirth had allowed her to change her destiny and finally bring Charles to justice.

Oscar smiled back, though he said nothing. Hannah believed he felt the same; few men publicly admitted their emotional dependence on their parents.

Jimmy opened the door for them. Max waited at the gate. "Welcome home, Mr. and Mrs. Wells," he said. "Knock on wood."

Hannah smiled at his warm greeting. Max asked, "Master Oscar, would you prefer a bath or dinner first? Everything is prepared."

"I'll take a bath first," Oscar replied.

"The bath is ready, sir. In your bedroom," Max said politely.

Max behaved as usual, yet Hannah noticed his red-rimmed eyes. She couldn't quite describe the feeling, but sensed Max treated Oscar as more than just his master.

Taking Oscar's arm, she said, "I'll come with you."

Oscar grinned, making Hannah blush. She simply intended to help him bathe.

They went upstairs. The bath was filled with perfectly tempered water. As Oscar began to undress, Hannah said, "Let me help you."

Oscar looked at her.

"Stop looking at me. I'm serious," Hannah said, her face burning. She only wanted to assist a man who had been hurt.

Oscar willingly accepted her help, allowing her to undress him. Seeing his thin frame, Hannah almost cried. What had he suffered?

"I'll rebuild," Oscar comforted her.

Hannah felt tears welling up. After undressing him, she helped him into the bath and cleaned him. Oscar remained still, passively allowing her ministrations. Hannah wasn't sure if he was enjoying it or simply too weak to move.

Her heart ached for him. Every touch of his emaciated body pained her. Charles should thank God for his survival; otherwise, Hannah would have killed him.

While cleaning him, Oscar suddenly said, "I think I might lose control if you continue."

Hannah paused, but Oscar immediately took her hand. "It's comfortable," he said.

Embarrassed, she released him and hurried away. "I'll get you a towel."

After Hannah left, Oscar spat blood, his hand covering his stomach. He swallowed it all, concealing his weakness when Hannah returned with a towel.

She helped him from the bath, dried him, and carefully helped him into his pajamas. They were now quite large on him. Hannah resolved to take good care of him and help him regain his weight.

Oscar dressed, brushed his teeth, dried his hair, and left the bathroom, seeming rejuvenated.

Hannah took his arm, ready for dinner. Suddenly, Oscar pressed her against the door, surprising her. The lust in his eyes held her gaze.

What had aroused him? He'd controlled himself perfectly, even in the bathroom!

"I was restraining myself because I felt too dirty," Oscar said, as if reading her mind.

His consideration touched her, though she hadn't minded the dirt.

"But now, I want you," he said, lifting her chin.

Hannah gazed into his eyes, filled with lust and love. Her heart raced, despite their many past intimacies. Separation had heightened her nervousness.

His face drew near, his slightly parted lips covering hers. Her heart pounded, her body trembling. For a moment, she lost herself in the kiss.

She was deeply in love, though Oscar hadn't initiated anything further. Was it love that made her feel this way?

Hannah closed her eyes, parting her lips slightly. Their mutual desire was overwhelming, nothing could separate them. The burning passion intensified the heat in the room.

They went to the bed, undressed, and were about to begin when Oscar suddenly clutched her, vomiting. His body convulsed uncontrollably.

Hannah turned and saw blood spattering from his mouth, staining the sheets. Her blush faded, replaced by horror.

"Don't worry," Oscar said. "I'm fine."