Chapter 757: Leaving

The room fell silent. Two strangers lay on the bed, the atmosphere thick with awkwardness.

"Oscar," Hannah said softly.

"Yes?" he replied, remaining awake despite his exhaustion.

"How can I break things off cleanly with you?" she asked, her voice peaceful. Her strong ego couldn't tolerate living with him as his mistress.

He avoided the question, muttering, "I'm too sleepy to talk." It was a clear refusal.

"The doctor said the baby is strong," she changed the subject abruptly.

Oscar paused, his fingers trembling slightly beneath the quilt. "The baby survived?"

"Yes." Though absent during her ordeal, he knew every detail of her treatment. "The baby's stable now," she continued.

He nodded silently. He had no right to comment; he'd been absent when she and the baby needed him most.

"The doctor said I can have sex, if I'm careful. I'm five months pregnant," Hannah murmured.

Oscar's body tensed. Hannah turned, her gaze fixed on his back. He used to be her rock, but now felt cold and distant.

"Oscar, will you release me after… after I satisfy you sexually?" she asked, the question strained.

His burning desire was instantly quenched by crushing frustration. He was on the verge of a breakdown. Hannah knew exactly how to hurt him, mirroring his own actions.

"Hannah, I won't let you go. No matter what."

"I know… I'm too weak to escape a powerful man like you," she said with a wry smile.

"Then stop trying. Don't torment yourself."

She offered a mocking smile in response.

"I'll sleep in the next room," Oscar said, rising.

She watched him silently. She knew he wouldn't free her, but wouldn't give up fighting. Failure meant a lifetime of confinement.

"Oscar, aren't you afraid of driving me to suicide?" she asked from behind.

He froze. After a long pause, he replied without turning, "I know you won't."

She sneered. How could he be so sure?

"I know you won't leave your parents in sorrow," he added.

She clenched her teeth, realizing he was using her parents as leverage.

"Hannah, I admit I played dirty to keep you here. Take care of yourself. I'll try to avoid you for a while."

"Remember that," Hannah said bluntly.

"Okay…" He knew he wouldn't let her leave, even if he avoided her for days. He closed the door gently as he left.

Tears blurred Hannah's vision. She wanted him gone, to feel better. If he wouldn't let her leave, she'd find a way to drive him out.

Oscar went downstairs.

"Master Oscar, aren't you going to sleep? Why are you up so early? Dinner will be ready soon," Max said urgently.

Oscar looked at him, his voice hoarse. "Max, I have to go."

"But you said you'd stay tonight! I prepared Madam's favorite dishes…" Max stopped, noticing Oscar's distress. It was clear they'd quarreled. No one, least of all Hannah, would tolerate such a decision.

Though confused, Max knew there was a compelling reason.

"Max, take care of her," Oscar said, masking his frustration with a calm voice.

"Of course. But Master Oscar, are you sure you're leaving? When will you be back?" Max asked.

Oscar considered that Hannah might wish he never returned. He didn't answer, repeating, "Take care of her."

"Yes, sir," Max replied respectfully, sensing Oscar's exhaustion. He'd served Oscar for years, knew of his sleepless nights. He left utterly drained.

As Oscar drove, dizziness overcame him. He struggled to call Theodore. "Hey, Theodore…"

"Leaving?" Theodore sounded unsurprised. He suspected Oscar had been driven out after signing the divorce papers. Even though Oscar had said they'd leave tomorrow, he'd anticipated this.

"Yes."

"I knew you wouldn't stay."

"Yeah."

"Pick me up at the hospital if you can. Or I'll wait for you at the airport," Theodore offered. He was speechless at Oscar's plight. He'd considered visiting home, but changed his mind. Oscar needed his support.

"How's Manuel?" Oscar asked.

"He's still alive," Theodore replied, glancing at Manuel in the bed. "But you still have time for Manuel, so it's not that bad, huh?"

He meant their situation wasn't at its worst, but Oscar wouldn't explain otherwise.

"Stay with Manuel one more day. Come to me tomorrow. I'm going to the airport."

"Are you sure you don't need me?" Theodore asked, surprised.

Oscar hung up. His tears and choked throat remained unseen.