Chapter 828: Tears From Oscar

Her kiss ignited a wildfire in his heart. He felt he might die of exhilaration. His body remained rigid; he didn't dare move. He wondered if he was hallucinating.

Hannah kissed him.

He shivered, his mind going blank. He felt only the kiss. Before, he'd braced himself for a lifetime denied her touch, struggling daily to quell his desire. But her kiss shattered his composure; desire consumed him.

He wrapped his arms around her, her nape nestled in his palm. He returned her kiss, deeper this time. The air crackled with hormones. Nothing else mattered. He gently pushed her onto the bed.

"I will be careful," he murmured.

Even in the throes of passion, he prioritized her safety.

"Don't worry," she said. "The doctor said sex is safe in my sixth month of pregnancy."

A month later, however, it would be risky. Despite her reassurance, he remained cautious.

"Oscar," Hannah asked suddenly, "will you let me go afterward?"

In an instant, his desire vanished. Hannah, brilliant at striking at vulnerabilities, both his and his enemies', had done it again, mirroring her earlier manipulation of Sarah. She’d struck when his passion peaked.

He released her. Hannah knew he would never truly set her free.

"If you want to trade sex for freedom, I'm afraid I have to say no…" he began, then finished simply, "Never."

He lifted the quilt and left, the charged atmosphere replaced by sadness.

Lying on the bed, she wept. The pain was intense. Why did he persist? Would they torment each other forever?

Outside the bedroom, Oscar lingered, unwilling to frighten her with his tears. He, too, wept in pain.

Leaning against the door, tears streamed down his face. He'd considered freeing her countless times, letting her choose her own life, but the thought tore at his heart. He couldn't bear the idea of life without her. This internal conflict fueled his resistance.

Never give in.

"Oscar." A woman's voice.

He paused. He was usually hyper-alert, rarely missing an approach. He covered his face, wiping away his tears.

"Why are you standing outside? Were you arguing with her?" Lillian asked softly.

He lowered his hands, his composure restored. He looked cold, distant.

Lillian was upset. She couldn't sleep, perhaps due to the unfamiliar surroundings or the knowledge of Oscar and Hannah together. Agitated, she rose. Opening the door, she saw Oscar.

Was he crying?

She'd never seen his vulnerability. He'd been so alert, once waking himself when she approached, yet now he hadn't noticed until she spoke. Only then did he resume his mask, concealing his emotions. She wondered if he only revealed his true self to Hannah. Despite her turmoil, she offered a caring smile.

His composure was instantaneous, his previous sadness seeming almost illusory.

"You're still awake?" he asked.

"I can't sleep. It's hard in a new place. I came for water."

"It's late. I'll tell Max to bring some."

"I can get it myself."

"No, go back to bed." His voice sharpened.

She sensed she shouldn't press the issue, quickly nodding. "Okay. But Oscar, are you alright?"

"Yes," he replied.

"It's just a matter of time before you and Hannah reconcile. I felt the same way. I thought I couldn't cope. But for the baby, I persevered. Motherhood makes you strong. After she gives birth, her perspective will change."

"Alright, time for bed," he said, his tone rejecting her advice.

Annoyed, Lillian forced a smile. "Alright, good night."

He responded with silence and a cold expression.

Clenching her teeth, she left, her face instantly sour. The harder he made it, the more determined she’d become. He'll be mine, she vowed.

After Lillian left, Oscar returned to Hannah's room. Hannah appeared to be asleep, her face serene and beautiful in the dim light.