Chapter 783: The Bottom Line

Sarah believed Hannah at that moment. Hannah's inherent charm often made others readily believe her. Sarah suspected Hannah might be unfaithful, yet still struggled to doubt her.

"Think carefully; it's not urgent," Hannah said slowly and peacefully, then walked away. She knew that further explanation might only deepen Sarah's skepticism. It was better to let Sarah ponder alone. Sarah's desire was for Hannah to leave Oscar—a wish now granted, as Hannah had confessed her intention to do so.

Hannah returned to her sickbed, her mind drifting back to the operating table. The doctor's assurance of her baby's safety and health had been a profound surprise. Having fallen heavily and bled profusely, she'd resigned herself to the baby's death. She couldn't recall her exact feelings at the doctor's announcement—perhaps numb shock—but she hadn't requested an abortion.

Hannah touched her belly, feeling the baby move, a seeming response to her touch. A wave of discomfort washed over her; she wondered if the baby would resent her if she abandoned it. With Oscar and Sarah absent, she didn't attempt to mask her misery.

Max, attending to Hannah in the ward, recognized her feigned strength. He couldn't help but say, "Miss Cooper, please eat, for yourself and your baby. Don't neglect your health."

Hannah looked at Max, who remained devoted to her care despite her difficult situation with Oscar.

"Thank you, Max," she said.

Max, slightly embarrassed by her formality, quickly added, "It's both my pleasure and my duty."

Hannah believed in gratitude. She had been thankful to Oscar, but things had taken a disastrous turn. "Please go home; I want to be alone," she told Max.

"But you haven't eaten your gruel."

"I'll eat later."

"Master asked me to ensure you ate it," Max insisted, Oscar's orders being absolute.

Not wanting to cause him further discomfort, Hannah ate a few bites. Her appetite was gone; too much weighed on her mind. She forced down half the bowl before saying, "I can't eat any more; I need to rest."

"I'll leave it on the cupboard. If you're hungry later, the thermos will keep it warm for at least three hours."

"Thanks."

"My pleasure."

"Please go home."

"I…" Max hesitated, wanting to stay.

"I'm fine with the nurses, and the doctor said I'm doing well. I'd like some chicken soup," Hannah said.

"I'll go home and make some then." The mention of soup readily spurred Max to leave.

Hannah didn't want to deceive Max. She worried he might not wish to care for her upon his return.

Max departed, leaving Hannah alone in the quiet, unsettling ward. After a moment's hesitation, she made a decision and rang the bell.

The doctor arrived quickly, his voice anxious. "Ms. Cooper, are you unwell? Do you have lower abdominal pain or bleeding?"

Hannah shook her head. "No, I just have a question."

Relieved, the doctor responded respectfully, "Please." His deference likely stemmed from Oscar's considerable influence.

Hannah realized, with a pang of clarity, how profoundly Oscar had changed. Once a Kensbury City playboy, he was now a highly respected chief commander.

"I want to have an abortion. Is it dangerous?" she asked calmly.

The doctor was stunned. The baby was healthy; why would she want an abortion? He questioned his own understanding.

"Doctor, yes, I want an abortion. Please schedule the operation," Hannah stated calmly, her resolve firm.

The doctor was speechless, hesitant to perform an abortion on the commander's wife. He nervously suggested, "Ms. Cooper, may I inform Mr. Wells? I think he should know…"

"No. My signature is sufficient," Hannah interrupted. "Just arrange the operation. I'll take responsibility for the consequences."

"But…"

"No more," Hannah insisted. "The sooner the better."

"Very well… I'll arrange it." The doctor had no choice but to comply.

"Thanks."

"You're welcome." He left.

Alone, Hannah wept, not out of cruelty, but because she believed she couldn't keep the baby. She didn't want any association with Oscar. The baby's existence would give Oscar reasons to maintain their relationship; its absence would force his hand. His pride wouldn't allow him to accept an abortion, and that was his bottom line—her freedom.