Chapter 805: A Son or a Daughter

"Just try it," Hannah urged.

Susan's situation differed from Hannah's. Though both were divorced, Manuel lacked Hannah's family and national responsibilities. He hadn't sacrificed anything, and reconciliation remained possible.

"I don't dare!" Susan flinched.

She was content with their current relationship and resisted any further thoughts.

"The real shareholder of the Wells Group, Cooper Group, and Phillips Bank—all acquired by the CL Group—isn't Oscar. It's Manuel. Simply put, he's the boss," Hannah revealed.

She'd confirmed Manuel's legal ownership during a moment of boredom. Of course, she suspected Oscar was the behind-the-scenes power, but his identity prevented public association with the businesses. Still, Manuel's holdings were extraordinary.

"So?" Susan asked, confused.

"He's rich, but it's none of my business," she mused.

Hannah pressed on, "You're upset your family's company was taken, right? Consider this: if you marry him, have a child who inherits the business…your family's company will eventually return to you."

Susan found Hannah's logic sound.

"This would also ease your father's mind if he wakes," Hannah continued.

Susan was swayed.

"You have nothing to lose," Hannah encouraged. She knew Manuel would respond to a proactive approach. His past experiences had made him hesitant, but his love for Susan remained.

"As long as Susan pursues Manuel," Susan thought, "it won't be long before I'm at their wedding…maybe even their baby's first-month celebration."

Susan frowned, contemplating. The desire to remarry Manuel battled with her reluctance to pursue him. The internal struggle lingered.

Finally, she sighed, "Hannah, I'm hungry!"

Hannah rolled her eyes. Susan's still the same, she thought. But she wouldn't force Susan; excessive pressure would backfire. She'll figure it out, Hannah decided, instructing Max, "Max, could you make Susan some dinner?"

"Yes, right away," Max replied, hurrying to the kitchen.

Exhausted, Susan slumped onto the sofa. "Hannah, why do we live like this as adults? As a child, I dreamed of living on the moon!"

Hannah chuckled. That was a long time ago, she thought, her own childhood dreams forgotten.

Susan recovered her composure. "I can't upset a pregnant woman. What if I break your heart?!" She approached Hannah, touching her stomach. "Do you know if it's a boy or a girl?"

Hannah was surprised. Despite multiple pregnancy tests, she'd never inquired about the sex. Susan's question prompted her to consider it.

"You don't know?" Susan asked.

"I haven't asked the doctor."

"Do you want a son or daughter?"

Hannah hesitated. Initially, she'd preferred a girl, influenced by Oscar's preference. Later, she considered a boy's potential bravery, contrasting with her own sentimentality. Now, she replied, "A girl."

Susan's lips tightened. "Are you still considering Oscar's feelings?"

"No," Hannah denied, shaking her head. Oscar's preference, even if it still held weight, was irrelevant. Her child wasn't solely his anymore. Her current preference stemmed from a belief that a girl would face fewer conflicts and threats. Her only wish was for a happy, healthy child.

Hannah offered no further explanation; Susan didn't press. She understood Hannah's deep hurt.

Later, Max served dinner. Susan complimented his cooking. Observing Susan's carefree happiness, Hannah felt a pang of envy.

After dinner and television, Susan retired to Hannah's room. She showered, emerging to find Max changing the sheets.

"Hannah, you know I don't mind, why change the sheets?" Susan asked.

"It's time," Hannah replied, omitting Oscar's presence in the bed the previous night. She would have changed them regardless.

They shared the bed as they had in childhood.

Susan's tone softened. "Hannah, what are your plans for the future?"

Hannah pondered, "I want to live. I want to live, first."

The next morning, Susan's alarm startled her awake. She'd developed a habit of immediate rising to avoid prolonged sleep. In her sleep-daze, she headed in the direction of her old home, colliding with a wall.

Hannah awakened to the noise. "What happened?"

Susan realized her location. "Nothing. It's early; sleep more."

"Mm," Hannah murmured, falling back asleep. Her pregnancy brought bouts of both insomnia and excessive sleep. A sense of pleasure and relief washed over her before sleep claimed her. Susan got up early back then. She's grown, she mused.

After freshening up, Susan applied makeup and selected clothes from Hannah's closet. They shared similar sizes and had worn each other's clothing freely since childhood.

Leaving the villa quietly, she encountered Max. "Susan, your breakfast…"

"No, thanks. I have to go. Tell Hannah I went to work," she said urgently.

Max nodded. Watching her leave, he noted the changes in her. Life changes people, he reflected, glancing upstairs, uncertain about Oscar and Hannah's future.