Chapter 841: Oscar Shows Up Again
"I don't mind crying my eyes out, as long as you're happy!" Susan said firmly. Hannah, though initially taken aback by the intensity of Susan's statement, felt her heart warm. Susan's unwavering support filled her life with love, making it worthwhile.
"Okay. Gotta go. I need to check on my edema at the hospital."
"Okay. Keep me informed. Love you."
"Sure. Love you too. Bye for now."
Hannah hung up, gazing at her swollen legs and feet. The swelling was significant. Sighing, she rose, slipped on her slippers, and went downstairs.
Max, busy cleaning, approached immediately. "Ms. Cooper," he said.
"I have edema," Hannah explained. "I need to see a doctor."
"Edema?" Max asked, surprised.
"Yes, my feet and legs are swollen," Hannah clarified. "It's probably nothing serious, but I want to be sure."
"I see. I'll send the car, and I'll go with you," Max offered readily.
The Kensbury City sun beat down as they drove. Hannah, feeling increasingly irritated by the heat, stared out the window.
The doctor examined Hannah, confirming physiological edema, a common occurrence in late pregnancy, which would resolve after childbirth. No special treatment was needed. Hannah and Max soon returned home.
Back at the villa, Hannah saw Oscar. Two months had passed since his last visit; she'd assumed he wouldn't return. Yet, here he was, on the brink of his wedding. Unsure how to react, she chose to ignore him. The edema, though deemed harmless, made walking difficult, adding to her discomfort.
Max, however, was more forthcoming. Approaching Oscar, he reported, "Master Oscar, I accompanied Ms. Cooper to the doctor. She has pregnancy edema, but it's normal. The doctor recommended massage, avoiding prolonged sitting or lying down, and elevating her legs to improve circulation."
Max had retained more detail than Hannah herself. She quietly excused herself, heading to her upstairs room. The climb proved arduous, prompting her to consider moving to a first-floor room. Oscar witnessed her struggle, noticing the significant changes in her appearance over the past two months: a considerably larger baby bump, weight gain, and shortness of breath.
"Master Oscar, how long will you be staying this time?" Max inquired.
Oscar, watching Hannah disappear, replied, "I leave tomorrow."
"Oh, okay," Max said, his disappointment evident. "I'm here on official business. I'll depart tomorrow morning."
"I see, Master Oscar," Max said respectfully. He suspected Oscar's return was more than just business, believing he owed Hannah an explanation and comfort after announcing his marriage to Lilian. He remained silent, however.
Oscar avoided the subject, unsure how to address the wedding. He numbly worked long hours, attempting to distract himself. Yet, each time he was in Kensbury City on business, he found himself at the villa. He went upstairs.
Hannah was massaging her legs as instructed, the baby bump making it difficult to reach her feet. The weight gain, initially unnoticed, was now undeniable, a stark reminder of pregnancy hormones. She often avoided mirrors, feeling unattractive, but her self-consciousness lessened when Oscar was near, highlighting the old adage that women primp for those they love—a sentiment irrelevant in this case.
"Lie down. Let me help you," Oscar offered.
"No need," Hannah replied. "The doctor said edema is normal during pregnancy. It'll disappear after the baby's born."
"Just lie down," Oscar insisted.
He positioned pillows to support her back and legs, then began massaging her. Hannah felt awkward but couldn't refuse.
The room fell silent. Oscar kneaded her legs while Hannah scrolled through entertainment news on her phone. The top story detailed Oscar and Lilian's upcoming wedding, a media sensation.
Hannah wondered about the wedding's scale, envisioning a grand, luxurious affair befitting the Commander-in-Chief's nuptials.
She grew sleepy, the weight gain and increasing physical limitations making her perpetually tired. She drifted off while reading.
Oscar, noticing her asleep, retrieved her phone. He paused at a picture of him and Lilian, their eyes locked in what the caption described as deep love. He swallowed, logged out of the news app, and put the phone down.
Hannah lay on the bed. Oscar gently lifted her and repositioned her, finding her heavier than expected. She stirred slightly but remained asleep.
He gazed at her sleeping face. Hannah’s strength impressed him; her ability to cope, to minimize harm, to navigate her life effectively.