Chapter 779: “Lilian Is Pregnant!”
Sarah loathed feeling belittled, a feeling ingrained since childhood. Hannah’s dismissive attitude infuriated her; she was also jealous of Lilian's higher standing. Faking a smile, Sarah said politely, "Long time, Hannah."
Hannah returned the smile, but Sarah detected underlying sarcasm and disdain. Pulling a long face, Sarah inwardly despised Hannah, yet remained outwardly calm, merely watching Hannah walk away.
The situation was becoming awkward. Oscar, seemingly disinclined to speak with Sarah, rose and followed Hannah, who sought fresh air in the garden. It was a pleasant spring day, and the garden offered a comfortable respite. Hannah settled into a deck chair, enjoying the sunshine, closing her eyes when she sensed someone approaching.
"I'll send her away later," Oscar murmured.
"You don't need to," Hannah replied lightly. "I hate being alone with you more."
Oscar started to speak, then hesitated.
"It's almost lunchtime. I've told Max to prepare your favorite food."
"I like whatever Max cooks."
"Mm. Take a break. I'll send it to you later."
Hannah remained silent, and Oscar left quietly. With a snort, she mused that Oscar's patience would soon wane; all she needed to do was wait for him to lose interest. Relaxing, Hannah lay down.
Suddenly, a female voice cut through the stillness: "The baby will come out soon."
Sarah scrutinized Hannah. Hannah's life was far better than Sarah had imagined; she'd expected defeat, but Hannah seemed to be thriving.
Hannah, anticipating this, knew an arrogant girl like Sarah couldn't tolerate being ignored. She ignored Sarah and continued her nap.
"Stop pretending! Oscar is dating Lilian! You're nothing but a mistress! A sluttish mistress! Shame on you! Who are you to be so proud?"
Hannah opened her eyes, regarding Sarah's malevolent smile. She sat up slowly and gracefully, seemingly unconcerned.
This infuriated Sarah. Fixating on Hannah, she hissed, "Do you know Lilian is pregnant?"
Hannah froze momentarily, maintaining a placid expression. They had certainly had sex, she reasoned; Lilian's pregnancy was plausible if their relationship was intimate. It was ironic; Hannah had taken years to conceive Oscar's child, while Oscar and Lilian had achieved it effortlessly. Their relationships mirrored this; years for Hannah and Oscar, instantaneous for Oscar and Lilian. It felt fated they would end in tragedy.
"Are you upset?" Sarah asked, pleased to finally see Hannah's emotional response.
"No. I just think you're pathetic," Hannah said.
"Me? Pathetic?" Sarah's voice rose. "You're the pathetic one! Does Oscar still love you? He wouldn't be with Lilian if he did. Does he keep you because he can't bear to lose you? Wake up! He only wants the baby!"
"I know my place. I'm a nobody. But you're different, Miss Collins. You're the darling of the Collins family, the center of attention since birth. Rich and pretty. Yet, you ended up like me. I feel sorry for you."
"What the hell are you talking about? How can I be like you!"
"We're both abandoned," Hannah stated bluntly. "Whatever I'm going through, you've been there, haven't you?"
"That's not true! I left Charles!" Sarah snapped.
"Do you believe I left Oscar? Do you think others would believe that? To outsiders, you're an abandoned woman, while Lilian is a respectable, wealthy young lady. You were born into the same family. Don't you think you're pathetic?"
"Hannah!" Sarah was on the verge of exploding.
"If you hadn't ruined your reputation, you might be with Oscar, his wife. Lilian would never have had the chance."
"Shut up! Lilian's with Oscar only because…" Sarah began angrily, but stopped abruptly as Hannah reached out. Instinctively, fearing a blow, Sarah raised her hands, slightly pushing Hannah.
She hadn't pushed hard; she knew Hannah was pregnant and wouldn't risk harming the baby. Even her father wouldn't dare anger Oscar.
Yet, Hannah fell. An enraged man rushed to her side before Sarah could react.
Hannah, enduring the pain, asked, "Why did you push me?"
Sarah's face burned with anger and fear. Hannah had cleverly set her up, against all expectations.