Chapter 831: Susan’s Call

Oscar didn't respond. He rose and walked toward her. Slightly hesitant, she nonetheless complied. He approached, positioned himself behind her, and fastened the necklace.

Her ear-length hair revealed the delicate skin of her nape and the charming curve of her ears. She felt his proximity, the cold weight of the necklace, yet remained outwardly unresponsive as he leaned in. His breath warmed her neck, but then he abruptly straightened and returned to his seat, his near-kiss seeming a mere illusion.

"It suits you perfectly," Oscar remarked casually.

"Thank you," she replied, acknowledging the necklace's undeniable value despite not examining it closely.

Oscar's reaction was unremarkable; he simply smiled. "Come on, time for dinner."

Hannah ate, the romantic ambiance a stark contrast to the deteriorating state of their relationship. Then, she turned to the window. A magnificent fireworks display erupted, illuminating the mountain in vibrant colors. It evoked their wedding, where Oscar had first surprised her with fireworks. While initially extravagant, she'd admitted then that any woman would be captivated. Now, however, it felt mocking.

A hollow emptiness settled in her heart. She watched the fireworks—brilliant then fading into the abyss—silently pondering whether her relationship with Oscar mirrored their ephemeral brilliance.

The display lasted a considerable time. From the height of Mount Northfield, Kensbury was visible in its entirety, making the fireworks spectacular throughout the city.

Theodore, leaning against the garden fence, observed the fireworks, recognizing Oscar's handiwork. He doubted their impact on Hannah, though. He smoked, watching. He’d been with Oscar for days, returning home only yesterday, sleeping until afternoon. Their prior overseas travel schedule had seemed puzzling then; now, he understood Oscar's haste—a birthday celebration.

Theodore sighed, unconvinced of any change in Hannah's resolve. He stubbed out his cigarette and went inside.

Little Bunny had just finished breastfeeding their baby; the scent of milk hung pleasantly in the air. As she handed the baby to the nanny, she saw Theodore. He’d arrived last night, slept soundly after dinner, and had only awakened this afternoon. Little Bunny hadn't anticipated his return and had even contacted her assistant, planning a return to her acting career once the baby reached six months. She didn't expect their marriage to last, nor did she want it to. She craved her own life, a sentiment she believed Theodore shared.

"Going to shower?" Theodore asked.

She nodded.

"Let me join you," he said easily.

She found the suggestion repulsive, feeling like a mere object of his lust. She longed to escape him permanently, to remove the possibility of his touch and even his thoughts. He, she presumed, believed her satisfied with her wealthy lifestyle, thus assuming her acquiescence.

As expected, his desires consumed him in the bathroom moments later.

The next morning, a ringing phone woke Hannah. Drowsy, she answered, "Susan?"

"Still sleeping?"

"Yeah…"

She and Oscar hadn't returned home until eleven last night. After showering, she'd gone to bed around midnight. Although pregnancy had sometimes brought insomnia, this was her latest bedtime yet. Luckily, Oscar hadn't shared her bed. She'd slept soundly, only to be roused by Susan.

"Did he do anything to you last night?" Susan asked anxiously.

Hannah frowned.

"It was your birthday yesterday! I planned to spend the day with you, but Oscar texted me to stay away, saying he'd celebrate with you. I was furious! And I listened! I'm such a coward!" Susan exclaimed, upset.

Hannah struggled upright. No wonder only Oscar had mentioned her birthday; he'd apparently instructed everyone, including her parents, to do the same.

"I don't think so. In fact, I see you've become more sensible," Hannah said.

Susan’s aggression subsided. She'd learned to compromise in the face of power; life demanded both yielding and resistance.

"Did he… sleep with you…?" Susan hesitantly asked.

Hannah's sleepy voice fueled Susan's assumption. That brute, overcome by lust! While sex was safe in her sixth month, Susan still found the idea infuriating considering Oscar and Hannah's impending divorce. This fueled her early-morning call; Hannah’s birthday had passed, invalidating Oscar's request.

"No, he didn't," Hannah replied, unfazed. Even if he had, fulfilling his sexual needs was part of her role as his mistress.

"No? Then why are you so sleepy?" Susan remained skeptical, picturing Oscar pinning Hannah down the moment he'd texted her.