Chapter 614: Back to Kensbury City

Hannah and Oscar spent a week on the island. Laird departed early, seemingly hoping to escape notice. Rumor had it he left in a foul mood, but no one seemed to care. Mentioning their indifference would likely infuriate him.

Life on the island was idyllic for Hannah and Oscar. They sailed, fished, hunted, swam, and basked in the sun. It was the first time Hannah had completely forgotten her troubles and relaxed so thoroughly. She felt a pang of disappointment when Oscar announced their departure the following day.

Cian, however, seemed the most reluctant to leave. He and Oscar rarely spent a week together, highlighting the strength of their bond and Cian's apparent dependence on his brother. He ate his dinner silently, seemingly undisturbed by the impending farewell. Hannah wondered if Cian had grown accustomed to solitude.

After dinner, Hannah and Oscar strolled around the island. As darkness and cold descended, Hannah unexpectedly suggested, "Oscar, I want to see your parents' grave."

Oscar paused, hand in hers. "Can I?"

"Aren't you afraid?"

"Nope. Your parents aren't in it, after all," Hannah replied lightly.

"Yes, so it's not worth it."

"Oscar!"

He laughed. "It's a joke! I can take you if you want. It's just a tombstone."

They found a small tombstone hidden in a secluded corner of the villa's garden. Hannah bowed before it, saying, "You can trust me. I'll take good care of your son."

Oscar's heart softened; a beautiful smile graced his lips. Hannah wondered if his parents longed to care for him directly.

"You don't need to tell them, just tell me," he said.

Hannah playfully nudged him for his teasing.

"Why did your mother marry your father? Was your mother also of noble descent?"

"Strictly speaking, yes," Oscar replied. "My great-grandfather arranged their marriage before they were born. A pact between our family and another royal house stipulated that their grandchildren would marry."

"A political marriage?"

"Yes, but they were in love."

"I envy their enduring relationship. I can feel it, even though we've spent little time together."

"Is that why you long for a relationship and marriage?"

"It isn't."

Hannah sensed Oscar was deflecting, unwilling to admit his love for his parents.

"My longing for a relationship and marriage began with you tempting me," she confessed.

Hannah was speechless.

"Let's go," Oscar said, taking her hand. "I need to spend more time with Cian."

Hannah frowned. "Are you jealous?"

"It seemed Cian didn't want you to leave," she replied.

Oscar smiled enigmatically, seemingly unwilling to explain something Hannah wouldn't understand.

Back in their room, Hannah went to bed; Oscar left. His eventual return revealed the scent of alcohol on his breath. He'd been drinking with Cian.

The next morning, they departed by cruise. Hannah looked back, but Cian was nowhere to be seen. Amy later explained he'd gotten drunk and was still asleep. Oscar's impassive expression suggested he knew.

As they sailed further from the island, Hannah felt a growing reluctance to leave, a sense of leaving a tranquil life behind and facing the dangers of Kensbury City. Just as she turned to look back, she saw a small figure silently waving farewell.

Tears welled in Hannah's eyes. She recalled Cian mentioning his mother seeing him off as a child, understanding his mother's feelings through his own experience.

Oscar embraced her. She swallowed her tears, saying, "Let's make time to visit Cian here again."

"We will."

Hannah's heart ached for Cian's years of solitude.

After returning to Kensbury City, they visited Robert's house. Venus, worried about Oscar, had urged their return. Hannah felt differently about the Wells family this time. Once, she'd considered Oscar their child, but now she knew he wasn't. Seeing Venus's care and the family's acceptance, however, she realized she'd overthought it. The Wells family offered Oscar a warm haven in his turbulent life.

After dinner, as they prepared to leave, exhausted from their travels, Oscar suddenly became alert.

Hannah startled. Jimmy pulled over. "Mr. Wells, a car is blocking our way," he announced.

Oscar opened the car door. Hannah instinctively grabbed his arm, sensing danger.

"Take it easy. Criminals don't operate in public places."

Hannah bit her lip. Oscar gave her a reassuring look and then approached the car that would alter their lives.