Chapter 797: Living in Peace

Oscar froze, statue-still, questioning his perception. Did she actually mean they could share the bed? He knew Hannah hadn't softened; she still resented him. To his astonishment, she allowed him to sleep with her.

He'd prepared himself for a long period of solitary sleeping. He swallowed, too excited to speak.

"I'll take a shower first," Oscar said. He'd been in the hospital for days and hadn't showered, wanting to smell pleasant despite not sweating.

"Okay," Hannah replied.

He'd been right; Hannah was willing to share the bed. He suppressed his emotions and went to the bathroom. Hannah watched, listening to the running water. Once, the sound had ignited her desire; now, things were different. She closed her eyes, feeling like she was merely fulfilling a duty.

Oscar showered quickly, returned, and lay beside Hannah. He moved cautiously, fearing he'd annoy her. He kept a distance, watching her sleep. She'd lost so much weight. He longed to make amends.

He reached for her cheek, then withdrew his hand. Pushing his luck wasn't wise. He needed to proceed gently. He turned his back to her.

Hannah opened her eyes, noticing his movement. Not long ago, they'd clung together in this very bed; now, distance separated them.

Darkness greeted Hannah's awakening. She hadn't slept well in the hospital, but here, in her familiar king-sized bed, she'd slept soundly. She didn't know the time, but felt hungry. Having made her decision, further suffering seemed pointless. It wasn't worth it.

She didn't realize she was being held until she tried to rise. She'd slept deeply, unaware of when Oscar had drawn near and held her, his hand resting on her baby bump.

He slept soundly, his breath even and slightly heavy. Deep sleep was rare for Oscar; he was a light sleeper, easily awakened by the slightest movement. Yet, he hadn't stirred.

Was it the poor sleep in the hospital? She suspected so. She hadn't felt secure there, regardless of its pleasant appearance. But hunger urged her to eat. She gently freed herself from his arms and prepared to get up.

Her movement stirred Oscar; he unconsciously tightened his hold, as if fearing loss, leaving her breathless. Hannah groaned. The sound fully roused Oscar.

He released her instantly. "Are you okay?" His voice was anxious.

"Yeah. But I'm hungry. I want to eat. Sorry if I woke you," Hannah said lightly.

Oscar saw her face and relaxed. He sat up. "Let me help you up."

Hannah accepted. She was twenty weeks pregnant and capable of managing, but Oscar was the provider; she let him indulge. He helped her from the bed and walked her to the bathroom. They washed and went downstairs together.

Max waited on the first floor. It was 8 PM. He'd checked on them several times, resisting the urge to wake them. He was relieved to see them descending.

"Are you hungry, Master Oscar? Ms. Cooper?"

"Yeah," Oscar said.

"Coming right up."

Max went to the kitchen, returning moments later with a table laden with food—a fancy meal prepared beforehand, many dishes being Hannah's favorites.

She felt deeply grateful to Max. She ate quietly. Oscar didn't.

"Aren't you eating?" Hannah asked.

"The doctor recommended a liquid diet," Oscar replied.

Only then did Hannah realize she'd bitten his tongue—hard, nearly losing control. The memory frightened her. She could have been charged with a serious crime, jeopardizing her family.

"Is it bad?" she asked.

"Nothing major," Oscar said casually. "It'll heal in a couple of days."

"Can I see the wound?" Hannah asked.

Oscar was stunned. Hannah's concern was unexpected. He opened his mouth, showing his tongue. Hannah recoiled slightly at the sizable wound.

"Why didn't you push me away?" she asked.

Oscar retracted his tongue. "I wanted you to get it out."

"It won't happen again," Hannah said.

Oscar looked at her, confused.

"I'll control myself next time."

"Okay," Oscar nodded. He didn't mind her biting him; he'd rather she vented her anger than silently endured it. But he couldn't voice this fear of pushing her too far and losing her. He accepted anything as long as she stayed. They ate peacefully, though he only managed soup and oatmeal.

After dinner, they strolled in the garden, walking mostly in silence, shoulder to shoulder.

Back inside, they watched a show. Hannah smiled occasionally, and Oscar mirrored her. Max, cleaning the living room, sighed watching them. If nothing had happened, this was the life Oscar had always dreamed of.