Chapter 842: Lillian's Offer

It was silent in the room. Oscar stared at Hannah for a long time and then fell asleep. He often felt overwhelmed. Sometimes, he slept only three or four hours a night, plagued by insomnia if he’d slept longer the previous night.

Hannah opened her eyes to find Oscar sitting beside her, leaning against the bed and holding her hand. She glanced at the alarm clock on the nightstand. She’d slept for over an hour. Had he slept like this the whole time?

Hannah felt not guilty, but uncomfortable. Regardless of her feelings for him, he had impacted her life, even in this moment. Should she withdraw her hand? She longed to, but what if she woke him? She preferred watching him sleep; at least then she didn’t have to face him or talk.

For a time, she was torn. Finally, she decided to pull her hand away. She needed to use the bathroom; her bladder couldn’t hold much urine at this stage of pregnancy. She finally understood the ordeal of carrying a child—it was exhausting. But Oscar woke instantly as she moved. He’d been deeply asleep a moment before, yet his eyes snapped open, as if his sleep had been an illusion.

"Sorry I woke you," Hannah said politely.

Oscar watched as Hannah struggled to get out of bed.

"Where are you going?" he asked.

"Bathroom."

"Let me come with you."

Hannah didn't object. Oscar supported her arms as she slipped on her slippers, too small for her swollen feet. He knelt to help her.

"These slippers are too small," Oscar murmured.

"My feet are swollen," Hannah said.

She stood cautiously. Pregnancy edema made movement increasingly difficult. Oscar steadied her, walking her to the bathroom, but he didn’t leave.

Hannah bit back a retort and let him stay. She doubted he was interested in a fat, pregnant woman.

She calmly removed her panties; her maternity dress made it easy. The only difficulty was her large baby bump, which made sitting on the toilet challenging. Seeing this, Oscar helped her settle onto the toilet and watched.

"Please wait outside," Hannah said. She couldn’t urinate while being watched, though she didn't particularly care about her appearance at that moment.

"I'll help you up when you're finished," Oscar said before leaving.

Finally, Hannah relieved herself, stood, and decided she didn't need his help. But Oscar arrived just then. He knelt, and helped her put on her panties.

Hannah pursed her lips. Oscar helped her from the toilet, led her to the sink, washed and dried her hands, and washed her face.

"I can do it myself," Hannah said lightly.

"I know," Oscar said, but continued nonetheless. Afterward, he escorted her from the bathroom.

"Wait for me here. I'll wash up and come downstairs with you," Oscar said.

Hannah remained silent. Oscar entered the bathroom, but Hannah left. He emerged to find her gone. He’d tried to be quick, but she’d refused to wait.

Downstairs, Oscar found Hannah watching television in the living room. Recently, there had been numerous news stories about him. Initially, they'd focused on current events and politics, but entertainment news had increased since his engagement to Lillian.

Hannah was calm; she was accustomed to it. She would confront it when avoidance was no longer possible. Oscar picked up the remote and switched to a variety show.

Hannah glanced at him and initiated conversation. "When's the wedding?"

The news had announced their engagement, but not the date. Oscar bit his lip.

"Lillian has a baby bump now, doesn't she?" Hannah said calmly. "It'll be hard to hide soon."

"Hannah, stop it," Oscar interrupted.

Hannah smiled. "Okay."

She’d only been trying to start a conversation. It was fine if he didn't want to discuss it. Hannah focused on the humorous show, smiling brightly. Oscar accompanied her in silence. His brief visit passed without argument; they interacted like strangers.

Oscar left the next morning, leaving a note for Hannah: "Take care." Hannah wasn't interested in reading it, but she saw it at a glance. She tossed it in the trash, rose slowly, and descended the stairs, pondering why Oscar and Lillian felt the need to inform her of their impending wedding, one after the other, seemingly to upset her. Why couldn't they give her a break?

Lillian waited for her in the living room. Hannah was surprised by how different she looked from two months prior. She composed herself, approached Lilian, and said, "Oscar left this morning."

"I know," Lilian replied. "I'm here for you."

Hannah had anticipated this.

"Would you like to talk privately?" she asked.

Lilian nodded. Hannah led her to the garden. The Kensbury City morning air was cool and fresh.

"I can't walk for long. Let's talk here," Hannah said, gesturing to a bench in the pavilion.

Lilian nodded; she was direct. Then she stated her purpose. "Hannah, you want to leave him, right? I can help you."