Chapter 840: “I Hate Both of Them!”

Lilian’s sweetness had softened Theodore’s opinion of her. He had previously despised Rowan, but Lilian had changed his perspective.

“Okay, I’ll leave you to it. I have some unfinished work too,” Lilian said, smiling. “See you later.”

“Want me to walk you to the office?” Theodore asked.

“Nope, thanks. I’m good,” Lilian replied, her thoughtful demeanor endearing.

After Lilian left, Theodore sighed. “Gosh! Karma’s a bitch! But Lilian is strong.” Oscar didn’t respond.

Then, Theodore considered something. “But, Oscar,” he mused, “Lilian is sixteen weeks pregnant. When will you officially marry her? It’s not good for her reputation as the baby grows.”

“I know,” Oscar replied.

Oscar had already considered it. Theodore’s prompting only emphasized the urgency. He set down his report, lit a cigarette, and listened to Theodore’s further concerns, choosing to remain silent as Oscar’s bewildered expression deepened. He sighed heavily and smoked in companionable silence.

One month later, with Hannah twenty-eight weeks pregnant and Lilian twenty weeks pregnant, Oscar announced his divorce from Hannah. While normally impossible during pregnancy, their mutual agreement made it legally possible. The news caused a national stir. Many had suspected trouble but hadn't believed it; the announcement shocked everyone. How could such a seemingly perfect couple divorce? Was it true that no man could withstand the pressures of wealth and power? Regardless, the divorce was official.

Hannah read the news with relief. She no longer had to maintain the pretense of a happy marriage in public.

Susan, however, reacted violently. She called Hannah, launching into a furious tirade. “Damn it! Oscar’s a total ass! He’s divorced you! How could he do that, especially while you’re carrying his child? How dared he? Shit! I want to knock some sense into him!”

“Chill out, Susan,” Hannah soothed. “It’s better this way. I no longer have to endure the pressure and discomfort that title brought.”

Susan, after venting her fury, asked with concern, “Dear Hannah, are you okay?”

“Yeah,” Hannah replied.

“I think Oscar will announce his engagement to Lilian Collins next,” Susan said thoughtfully.

Hannah smiled; Susan’s insight was sharp. Oscar had orchestrated the divorce, despite the immense pressure, solely to marry Lilian; otherwise, he wouldn't have risked his reputation—and likely, he didn't want Lilian to have a child out of wedlock. Still, a deep bitterness remained for her unborn child, who would now be considered illegitimate.

“It’s not surprising,” she said casually.

“But don’t you care at all? Don’t you want to kill him?”

“I do, but I can’t, right?” Hannah joked.

“Hannah, it breaks my heart to see you like this. You can be sad. You can vent your anger. Don’t just grin and bear it,” Susan cried, her anger toward Oscar still raw.

“I’m really fine with it. I’m not just grinning and bearing it. I’ve been through tough times. I don’t care what Oscar is doing. I just don’t care anymore.”

“Really?” Susan doubted.

“Yeah.”

They spoke for a while longer before hanging up. Afterwards, Hannah felt a pang of sadness. Max remained by her side. Had Oscar truly believed she would self-harm again? It wouldn't happen. She wouldn't hurt herself for him again; it wasn't worth it.

When Hannah was thirty-two weeks pregnant and Lilian twenty-four weeks pregnant, Oscar and Lilian’s engagement was announced. However, it didn’t create much of a stir, as the groundwork had already been laid. The press had frequently featured Lilian attending public events with Oscar, tidying his suit, and receiving his smiles.

Their deep affection was apparent. Their impending marriage was therefore unsurprising and even welcomed; the union of two powerful families promised prosperity for the country. While sympathy remained for Oscar and Hannah, people understood Oscar’s decision from a national perspective.

Susan’s reaction to the engagement news was explosive. “WTF! I curse them! The jerk and the bitch! They’ll go to hell! God! Please put a curse on them!”

“What kind of curse?”

“May they never know true love!” Susan snapped. “They’re marrying for convenience, not love. They’ll never fall in love!”

Hannah smiled, recognizing Susan’s underlying kindness. To Oscar and Lilian, love was irrelevant.

“Susan, my legs are swollen,” Hannah said.

“What?”

“My legs and feet are swollen this morning. I can’t even put on my slippers,” Hannah explained.

“What’s wrong?” Susan asked, momentarily distracted. “I saw you the other day, and you were fine. You looked adorable with the baby bump.”

“I don’t know. I might need to see a doctor.”

“Want me to go with you?”

“No, thanks. I can handle it. It’s probably just pregnancy edema.”

“I’ll go with you.”

“Listen, Susan. Focus on work, or Manuel will find fault with you again.”

“Manuel, that asshole…” Susan muttered angrily. “They’re so annoying! I hate both of them!”

Hannah frowned.

“Manuel and Lilian!” Susan clarified.

Hannah realized the connection and was slightly incredulous.

“If only they made a couple!” Susan sighed.

Hannah laughed. “You’ll cry your eyes out then!”