Chapter 798: Her Obedience

Hannah, despite sleeping all afternoon, felt sleepy. She stretched and said, "I'm going to bed. Will you keep watching TV for a while?"

Oscar shook his head and gestured for her to join him.

"Then I'll turn off the TV."

"Okay."

Hannah switched off the television and stood. Oscar supported her as they ascended the stairs. She didn't refuse his help, but said, "I'm just over five months pregnant; my body isn't that unwieldy." She was subtly indicating his attentiveness wasn't necessary.

Oscar supported her stiffly, replying, "Okay," before gently releasing his hands.

Hannah proceeded carefully, deliberately demonstrating self-care. She was showing him she wouldn't risk harming herself.

Oscar followed closely, his gaze fixed on her every step. Though he knew she wouldn't do anything reckless, he couldn't fully relax.

They entered the bedroom, one after the other.

"I'm going to take a shower," Hannah said.

"I'll help you fill the tub."

"...Thank you," Hannah murmured gratefully, observing his stiff posture. Their interactions had become strangely formal.

Oscar entered the bathroom. Hannah frowned briefly, quickly masking her expression as he emerged.

She even smiled, asking, "Are you done?"

"Yeah."

"Then I'll go in."

The simple words masked her request for his permission. It felt as though she needed his approval for everything. Oscar pursed his lips, sensing her forced compliance.

"Hmm," he responded. Only then did Hannah enter the bathroom.

As the door closed, her smile vanished. She worried he would eventually tire of her overly cautious behavior.

Hannah bathed carefully, making up for the inadequate shower she'd had at the hospital. Returning that afternoon, exhaustion had prevented her from showering immediately; hunger had taken precedence. Consequently, her shower took longer than usual.

Though it wasn't excessively long, Oscar, outside the bathroom, began to panic, softly knocking. "Hannah?"

"Yes?" Hannah answered.

His anxiety intensified at her absence. Hearing her voice, he visibly relaxed. "If you bathe too long, you'll lack oxygen. Keep it shorter," he cautioned.

"Okay."

The sound of running water ceased.

Oscar pursed his lips. Hannah's obedience caused him immense heartache.

After a while, Hannah opened the bathroom door. Wearing pink pajamas, her usually pale complexion held a rosy flush from the bath, her skin glowing. The sight almost made Oscar salivate.

His throat tightened.

He entered the bathroom. "Let me dry your hair."

"Okay," Hannah nodded, readily agreeing.

Oscar controlled his emotions, carefully drying her hair. Hannah sat before the dressing table, their reflections staring back at them from the mirror.

Slowly, she lowered her eyes. "Oscar, how about I cut my hair?"

Oscar paused.

"After pregnancy, my body becomes increasingly cumbersome. Cutting my hair will make washing it less tiring."

"Okay," Oscar nodded.

"Thank you," Hannah repeated her gratitude. It wasn't necessary; it was her hair.

Oscar remained silent. After drying her hair, he and Hannah went to bed. She fell asleep quickly. Seeing her asleep, he quietly left for the balcony.

Kensbury City's early spring night was cold. Oscar stepped out in only thin, dark green pajamas. Hannah opened her eyes, observing him. Despite her afternoon nap, sleep eluded her; she simply didn't want to be near him.

She knew he was on the phone. His phone had rung repeatedly, but he’d ignored it, silencing the calls. He was focusing on her.

He spoke for a long time; he clearly had much work, having left immediately after the coronation. A mountain of tasks awaited.

Hannah rose, putting on a thick bathrobe and fetching a man's robe, formerly their shared nightgown. A hint of irony clung to the gesture.

She opened the French doors. Oscar, mid-conversation, quickly turned at the sound.

"Go on, please. I'm just getting you some clothes, it's cold," Hannah explained, helping him dress, his body stiff and unmoving.

"Commander?" His caller, receiving no response, called out. Only then did Oscar react, just as Hannah finished dressing him and returned to the room.

His throat tightened again. He forced calm. "Continue."

"Yes," the caller respectfully resumed his report.

Back in the room, sleep still eluded Hannah. She picked up a book titled Parenting General Practice and began to read.

Oscar returned much later, still wearing the thick robe despite the house's central heating.

"Aren't you hot?" Hannah asked.

Oscar, slightly embarrassed, mumbled, "I just came in; I didn't feel it."

Hannah smiled, saying nothing.

Silently, reluctantly, Oscar removed the robe. He returned to the bed, sitting beside Hannah. "What are you reading?"

"Parenting General Practice. Just passing the time."

"Good," Oscar nodded, a warmth spreading through him. Sometimes, the word "baby" alone melted the hearts of expectant parents.

"Oscar, you could go back tomorrow," Hannah said unexpectedly.