Chapter 789: A Fatal Hurt

The ward grew quiet again. The bloodstains on the floor were removed, and everything appeared normal, as if the incident had never occurred.

The door opened. Hannah looked up, saw Theodore, and quickly averted her gaze with distaste; she knew his purpose was to persuade her.

Theodore was reluctant to undertake the challenging role of peacemaker. He believed sex was the ideal solution to marital discord and wondered why this couple had made things so complicated.

He approached her bed and sat down. Max still held a bowl of hot gruel, which Hannah again refused.

Sighing, Theodore began, "Oscar is in a separate ward. The doctor says his tongue is quite seriously injured. He may not be able to speak for a day or two. But don't worry; everything will be fine once his wound heals."

Hannah sat silently, her expression emotionless.

"Oscar is finally asleep. It's been a difficult time for him. His trip back to Kensbury yesterday was squeezed into an already tight schedule. He worked on the coronation preparations until midnight. He didn't get a minute of sleep; he received word of your hunger strike afterward. When I picked him up this morning, his eyes were bloodshot—like a rabbit's. He even got special eye drops from the doctor. It was awful; he looked as if he'd risen from a coffin."

Hannah glanced at him impatiently.

Theodore paused, then continued, "I'm not asking for your sympathy for Oscar, but I wonder if you'd feel better knowing he's suffering too."

"It's none of my business," Hannah replied indifferently. "These are all his choices, aren't they?"

"True. He can't abandon his family, nor the power they've earned at the cost of generations."

"But he can abandon me," Hannah said slowly.

"Do you think he can endure life without you?" Theodore asked.

"No one is indispensable. Time heals all."

"Do you know how many years Oscar has loved you?"

"At least, it happened because of me. I was the one who initiated it."

She was clear; in her previous life, they had been parallel lines.

"If I leave him, he'll adjust eventually."

"True. You're the catalyst in this relationship. Before you entered his life, he was a soulless creature. He was reborn by your appearance, and began to truly live." Theodore added, his unusual emotionality stemming from his shyness. But Oscar was a friend worth challenging himself for.

"But he has Lilian now, doesn't he?" Hannah countered lightly.

"Do you think he loves her?"

"Perhaps he will."

"Anyone could be misled into thinking Oscar loves Lilian, but not you!"

Hannah shook her head. "I thought the man I loved was Charles Sawyer, and I wouldn't change that. However, I married Oscar and fell in love with him. I believe he can forget me, just as I could forget Charles Sawyer."

"So, you've given up?"

"Theodore," Hannah said, "Separation is best for both of them. Talk to your friend."

Theodore was speechless; he knew she was right. Separation was the best solution, but how would Oscar cope?

After some hesitation, Theodore said, "I'll consider your proposal." This meant he would consider getting her released. But Hannah had little hope; Theodore was loyal to his friend. Without Oscar's agreement, freeing her was impossible.

Theodore left, a failed peacemaker, unable to alleviate the conflict.

That day, Hannah continued her hunger strike, and Oscar didn't return to her ward. She suspected he had flown back to the capital.

On the second day, Manuel visited. His visit was likely at Theodore's behest. Unburdened by Oscar's influence, Manuel remained her friend, and she was kinder to him.

"I can't believe how thin you've become," Manuel smiled, feeling sorry for her condition.

Hannah smiled back. "And I didn't expect to show you this awful sight."

Manuel shook his head. "I understand your suffering; I've been through it before." The pain he suffered for Susan mirrored Hannah's pain for Oscar.

"Are you here to persuade me or help me?" Hannah asked directly.

"Neither. I hope you'll eat something," Manuel replied frankly.

Hannah remained silent.

"It's not easy to have a chance at rebirth. Are you going to give it up so easily?"

"Of course not," Hannah said. "Life is precious."

"But you're destroying yourself," Manuel added. "There are many ways to hurt my cousin. Why choose self-destruction?"

"True. There are many ways to destroy Oscar. But my way is the most fatal."

Hannah was adept at exploiting weaknesses. Her answer silenced her second visitor.

That morning, Manuel received a call from Theodore, who complained about the troublesome couple. He added that their fight would ruin everything. Theodore wasn't exaggerating; given Oscar's position, his current state could collapse Northfield.

Theodore spent a night persuading Oscar to release Hannah, even if only superficially. He suggested surveillance to prevent other men from approaching her. But Oscar refused. Without permission, Theodore couldn't discreetly release Hannah. This wasn't fear of Oscar's revenge, but concern that his friend might crack.

Theodore, helpless, turned to Manuel. Their situation wouldn't be so dire if Hannah weren't so stubborn. Theodore was at his wit's end. But Manuel doubted he could make a difference; he knew Hannah would leave her cousin at any cost.