Chapter 854: Leaving (2) The Wedding Day

Hannah smiled, trying to mask her emotions. She worried about disappointing Max; she would raise her baby alone.

She finished breakfast silently, then settled onto the sofa and switched on the television. The Command-in-Chief's wedding was being broadcast. Though not extravagant, it captivated Northfield's attention.

The early morning coverage showed arrangements and ceremony details. Oscar and Lillian hadn't yet arrived. Hannah periodically glanced at her phone. Max wanted to distract her from the television but several times hesitated, his words unspoken, as he cleaned the hallway. He lacked the courage.

Hannah watched with an unsettling calmness, as if observing a stranger's nuptials.

At 10:00 AM, Oscar appeared on screen. In a black suit and tie, his tall, handsome figure evoked dreams in many women. Hannah witnessed him become another woman's husband, another baby's father.

Oscar sat in a luxury car, holding a bouquet of white flowers. The motorcade proceeded down the pre-blocked street, arriving at the Collins mansion. He exited, walking directly into Lillian's boudoir, where she stood, back to the camera, in a stunning white wedding gown. The exquisite dress flattered her figure. Oscar approached and stopped behind her, creating a picture of princely romance.

"Lillian, I'm here," Oscar said gently.

Lillian turned, her sweet smile and delicate makeup transforming her into a fairy. Her eyes held genuine affection as she shyly replied, "Oscar."

It was, perhaps, the epitome of captivating love.

Oscar presented the flowers; Lillian's radiant beauty was breathtaking. He moved closer, she looked up at him. Everyone anticipated what would follow. A sneer flickered across Hannah's face. She thought she could watch serenely, but a tear rolled down her cheek. The sight still hurt; otherwise, she wouldn't have decided to leave Oscar, to escape far away. She averted her gaze to avoid seeing their kiss—a kiss she ultimately missed.

The wedding ceremony continued. Hannah waited in the garden for a message. With Oscar present, Lillian could now act.

Shortly, her phone buzzed: "Right now."

Hannah deleted the message, took a deep breath, and dramatically threw herself to the ground, scattering cups to attract Max's attention.

He rushed over, finding Hannah clutching her belly, in apparent pain. Panic etched his features. "Ms. Cooper, what's wrong? Did you fall?"

"It hurts!" Hannah groaned, clutching her stomach.

"I'm taking you to the hospital now!" Max exclaimed, his panic evident.

Hannah hadn't intended to deceive Max, but she felt she had no other choice. It might be for the best; Max wouldn't worry about her otherwise, she thought. With the bodyguards' assistance, she was placed in the car. Throughout the journey, Hannah maintained a pained expression.

Max considered calling Oscar, but hesitated, knowing Oscar couldn't leave the ceremony while millions watched. Even if he could, it would only add to his worry.

"Hold on a little longer, we're almost there. Don't worry, everything will be alright," Max reassured her.

Hannah wanted to tell Max she wasn't worried, to apologize.

They arrived at the hospital quickly, where doctors and nurses awaited. Hannah was rushed to the emergency room. Before the door closed, she glanced at Max's anxious face, mouthing, "I'm sorry, Max."

Hannah knew Lillian's people were present. As expected, a doctor approached respectfully. "Ms. Cooper, I'll take care of you."

Hannah sat up.

"Change into this gown; we need to avoid notice," the doctor instructed.

Hannah donned the hospital gown, cap, mask, and glasses, rendering her unrecognizable.

"Walk carefully, stay close to me," the doctor cautioned.

In the loose gown, Hannah appeared merely overweight, not pregnant.