Chapter 588: There Was No Return

She was interrupted by Henry. He chuckled, "I know you've been uncomfortable lately. Your father has forced you to do many things you don't want to, leaving you unhappy. Give me more time. I'll give you the life you want; you can do whatever you please."

She looked at him, sensing apprehension and unease in his eyes. Susan looked down, her eyelids drooping. She was disappointed in herself. She'd believed her feelings for Henry were unchanging, that he was her only love. Now, she recognized the shift within her.

"Susan," Henry gently took her hands. Susan pursed her lips. She wanted to refuse him but hesitated to rebuff him.

"I will try my best to be the best man I can be. I'll be your support." He seemed to be making a heartfelt vow.

She was overwhelmed. They had been together for years, since high school. He had worked hard for their future. Reaching this point, she couldn't be indifferent, much less hurt him.

Susan remained silent. Henry understood her unspoken words, knowing her nature: complete devotion in love, but equally swift and complete detachment once that passion faded. He’d seen her distance herself; he knew she’d loved someone else.

But he couldn't accept that she would end up with Manuel. He wouldn't allow her return to Manuel's side after the effort he'd expended to win her back. Fortunately, Susan was soft-hearted, prone to compromise out of guilt. As long as he expressed his feelings, it would be difficult for her to refuse him.

Sure enough, Susan nodded. "Yes," she replied. Though perfunctory, at least she didn't suggest a breakup. Henry saw only what he wanted, ignoring her hesitant response. "It's late," he said. "Get some rest. See you tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow."

Susan opened the door and left. Henry watched her go. The moment she entered her house, his caring façade vanished. He clenched his fists, a grim expression twisting his face. He wouldn't be defeated by Manuel. In two months, he'd deliver Manuel a humiliating defeat! He swore it.

A week later, Oscar was discharged from the hospital. The doctor recommended a few more days of observation, but Oscar strongly resisted. Hannah arranged his discharge and took him home to his villa.

They were having breakfast. Oscar was limited to liquid foods. Hannah found it heartbreaking to see him so thin, unable to exercise or eat properly. It caused her considerable anguish.

"If you look at me like that again, I won't be able to control myself," Oscar muttered, head down, yet seemingly aware of her gaze.

Hannah rolled her eyes. "You know I've been…"

"No," Hannah stopped herself.

They were interrupted by Max. Hannah's face flushed, and Oscar appeared embarrassed.

"No sexual intercourse during this period," Max stated gravely. "You can resume after recovery."

Oscar coughed, signaling him to stop. But Max continued, "If you can't control yourselves, I'll handle your care. And Ma'am can sleep in another room."

Oscar's face darkened. Who would want an old man?

Hannah found it hilarious, laughing aloud.

"No," Oscar refused flatly. "I'm not used to being cared for by others."

"Am I 'one of others'?" Max seemed hurt.

Hannah felt rotten with guilt.

"Well, I mean…" Oscar attempted to explain.

Max pressed on, "I've been with Master Oscar my whole life. You were afraid of the dark, and I comforted you. I was with you throughout your childhood. You asked me to stay with you always. Now you have a wife, do you despise me?"

Oscar was speechless. Hannah sided with Max, still amused by Oscar's helplessness. There were things Oscar couldn't handle.

"Max, Oscar is afraid you'll be tied down. You're older now; you should prioritize your health," Hannah interjected.

Max looked at Hannah with sorrowful eyes.

"I just wanted to say I've been on vacation a long time. My father called yesterday to ask when I'd return to work. I promised him today. So Max, please look after Oscar while I'm gone…"

Oscar glanced at her.

"You don't have to rush back. I've already requested leave for you from City Hall. Rest at home for a month; return when you feel better," she told Oscar.

"Okay," Oscar replied.

Turning to Max, Hannah asked, "Was he afraid of the dark as a child?" She aimed to comfort Max with a shared memory.

"Yes," Max said eagerly, "When Master Oscar was three or four, I started caring for him. He was just a little child. I thought he was the most beautiful child in the world. Indescribably handsome."

Hannah pictured a young Oscar. She'd seen him as a child, but her memories were hazy, her focus then on Charles.

"The first time I met Master Oscar, he was cool and aloof. He didn't talk or smile, like a little adult. After a year of caring for him, he warmed up to me," Max recounted eloquently.

Hannah listened intently. Oscar didn't interrupt, seemingly using this opportunity to let Hannah learn about his past.