Chapter 728: Break-Up

Susan's excitement was palpable on the other end of the phone. Perhaps even becoming First Lady wouldn't elicit such unrestrained joy.

"Hannah, where are you? Home? I want to see you!" Susan exclaimed. "I want to please you!"

Hannah considered refusing, but the thought of their long separation swayed her. "Come over. I'm at Oscar's villa."

"Twenty minutes!"

Susan hung up immediately.

Hannah replaced her phone and carefully climbed out of bed. The baby's arrival had left her feeling somewhat depleted.

Descending the stairs, she found a bustling scene, a slightly overwhelming contrast to Max's composed demeanor. He hurried forward upon seeing her. "Madam."

"Oh, I'm fine, Max. Please focus on your work," Hannah said, noting his nervousness.

"Yes, Madam."

"Susan will be coming. Prepare some of her favorite dishes."

"Yes, Madam."

"Thank you."

"My pleasure, Madam."

Max departed.

Hannah settled onto the sofa.

Soon, Susan arrived, her eyes wide with astonishment as she took in the villa's opulence. The transformation in Hannah's life, from wealthy woman to future First Lady, was breathtaking. For the first time, she felt the true weight of power.

Hannah understood Susan's silent appraisal. She beckoned her. "Come and sit."

Susan, seated beside Hannah, gazed at her with a furrowed brow. "Hannah, have you lost weight? You look so pale. What's wrong?"

"Morning sickness," Hannah offered as an explanation.

"Really? You look haggard. You're so thin! You didn't have these problems before, did you?"

"Probably because I haven't adjusted to life in the capital," Hannah replied.

"Oscar was thoughtless to take you there," Susan complained, quickly amending her statement. "I shouldn't disrespect the future commander-in-chief."

Hannah chuckled.

"So, Oscar didn't come back with you?"

"He's busy."

"That's true," Susan conceded, then a thought struck her. "Is the Collins family connected to Oscar?"

"I'm not familiar with the political intricacies," Hannah said vaguely.

"I saw the news," Susan murmured. "I inexplicably dislike the Collins family, especially Sarah Collins."

Hannah remained silent.

"And I saw the gossip about Oscar and the Collins' young daughter...," Susan said, looking at Hannah. "Just reporter speculation."

Hannah had also seen the reports of Oscar escorting Lillian Collins to the hospital. She'd been in the Capital Hospital for a week, yet he hadn't visited, instead spending time with another woman.

Oscar wouldn't involve himself with others without reason. Yet, neither Hannah nor Oscar had addressed the news. They'd tacitly accepted much.

"How's my goddaughter?" Susan asked abruptly.

"Very well," Hannah smiled, a feeling of contentment washing over her as she felt her baby move. The child was strong, brave in her mother's eyes.

"I want to touch her," Susan said, reaching to caress Hannah's abdomen. "Wow, it's hard to feel it through your clothes. Now I can."

"Yes," Hannah agreed. She'd lost weight, but her pregnancy was becoming more apparent.

"Where is my goddaughter? Here?" Susan spoke to the baby, her touch gentle and joyful. A distinct tremor rippled through Hannah's lower abdomen.

Susan gasped. "She's responding to me!"

Hannah found it amusing. What a lively baby!

Despite the past dangers, she felt certain this little girl wouldn't leave her, reassured by the daily signs of her health.

"I love her so much," Susan declared. "I'll take her everywhere, to the best restaurants, and introduce her to the most handsome boys!"

"If she's a girl, it will be hard to find someone more handsome than her father," Susan mused, a hint of sadness in her voice.

"Okay, your relationship is over, and you're still worrying about others?" Hannah teased.

Susan pouted. "When did it end?"

"Have you broken up with Henry?"

"I didn't say I was going to."

"Be clear."

Susan sighed. "I said I'd break up with Henry after a month. A month has passed, he's been good to me. Every time I try to end it, I can't. I'm miserable."

"So you're going to put it off?"

"I don't know," Susan confessed, slumping onto the sofa. "I'm so tired. Sometimes I just want it to be over. I want someone kind, someone from a good family. When we reach a certain age, we face death. Maybe everything we pursue now will mean nothing when we're old. It will all seem like tasteless water."

Hannah was surprised by this pessimism from Susan, usually so positive and vibrant.

Had life dealt her too many blows? Was she desperate for something more?

"Don't say that," Susan said, rejecting her melancholy. "Life goes on."

"Break up with Henry," Hannah stated bluntly.

Susan looked at her, surprised.

"I'm speaking from the heart. It's fine that you loved him, but if you don't anymore, end it. He's not as kind as you think."

"What do you mean?" Susan asked, frowning.

"If you don't love him, don't wait. Make a decision. If you can't say it, I'll talk to Henry for you."

Susan was astonished by Hannah's seriousness, seeing a level of concern she hadn't expected.