Chapter 799: A Long-Term War

Oscar was visibly shocked. The previous excitement now contrasted sharply with a profound sadness. His throat trembled. Hannah still wanted him to leave, unwilling to burden him even for a moment.

Before Oscar could speak, Hannah said, "You have so much work. You don't need to be here with me. I won't go anywhere. I'll take good care of myself and the baby. Don't waste time on me. Lillian's right. You're the commander-in-chief, responsible for millions. I was foolish before, childish even."

Oscar, surprised by her honesty, looked at her.

"Go back to work," Hannah said, a reassuring smile playing on her lips. "I won't feel neglected. Be a responsible commander-in-chief."

Oscar, his emotions surging, simply nodded, "Okay."

Hannah smiled again, a smile that almost captivated him. "Then go to sleep. Tomorrow's flight will be tiring."

"Okay."

Hannah put down her book and lay down; Oscar followed suit. They switched on a dim light, bathing the room in warmth. Initially, they maintained a distance on the large bed, but Oscar shifted closer. Hannah, lips pursed, remained silent. He moved to her side, his breath lingering near her. Still silent, she remained still as he tentatively touched her, then finally embraced her.

He had hugged her while she slept that afternoon, but now, with her awake, he found courage in the embrace. Holding her eased his anxiety, a reassurance that she was still beside him, still in his heart.

Hannah leaned against his chest, listening to his rapid heartbeat. She closed her eyes and slept.

"Hannah, I love you," he whispered.

She would rather he hadn't spoken; the word "love" was unbearable. She didn't respond, and he knew she wouldn't. He simply held her close, and they fell asleep.

The next morning, Oscar left before she awoke. It mirrored the past—his quiet departures, born of a fear of hurting her. Now, however, she felt only relief.

Her sudden generosity the previous night had been a calculated move, allowing him to leave without worry. Lillian's words had resonated: he couldn't be ruined, and she couldn't be a danger to him. She couldn't gamble with her parents' lives; she'd already experienced a near-fatal separation and couldn't bear a repeat. Compromise was her only choice.

Yet, even with her carefully constructed rationale, she still wanted him to leave. Even if she had accepted her reality, she couldn't endure his constant, implied fault. Less contact was better.

She rose slowly. A note lay on the bedside table, Oscar's handwriting. With a sneer, Hannah picked it up and threw it in the trash unread. Once romantic, it now felt repulsive.

She washed and went downstairs. Max greeted her, "Good morning, Ms. Cooper."

"Is Oscar gone?" she asked casually.

"Master Oscar left early this morning. He didn't want to disturb you," Max explained.

Hannah nodded.

"Before he left, he asked me to ensure you eat properly," Max added.

"Okay," she replied, her response numb, even slightly disgusted by his concern.

Max prepared breakfast. Hannah sat on the sofa, observing the numerous bodyguards and medical staff. She wondered if she would live like a caged bird. She smiled faintly.

The phone rang—Oscar's number. Her emotions surged, but she quickly regained composure. "Have you arrived in the capital?"

"Yes," Oscar replied softly. "Are you awake?"

"Yes." Max had already informed her, but she didn't blame him; it was his duty.

"I may be gone for a while. After this, I'm visiting neighboring countries, about a month."

"Okay, take care," she replied, maintaining a mistress-like composure.

"Hannah, if you need anything…" his voice was gentle.

She frowned, uncertain of his meaning.

"Like, going for a walk, or staying with your parents…" he clarified.

"No need," she firmly refused. "My parents are fine, and I wouldn't want to disturb them. I'll follow the doctor's advice regarding going out. You don't need to worry; I can manage."

"Okay," was all he could say. He dared not offer more concern.

Lillian's voice interrupted, "Oscar, are you ready?"

"Do what you need to do. If I need anything, I'll call," Hannah said.

"Uh-huh," Oscar hung up. The facade dropped from Hannah's face. Would she ever acclimate to the constant presence of other women in his life?

Her mood swing lasted seconds. She knew what lay ahead: a long-term war.