Chapter 859: Face Hannah
In the hospital ICU, they silently watched Manuel, still critically ill. Susan, seeking to break the tense silence, drew Theodore's attention to Oscar, who visibly suppressed his emotions.
"The ones you love most—your child and cousin Manuel—nearly gave their lives as a wedding present. Are you happy now?" Susan asked, her voice calm despite her inner rage. Oscar's fists clenched. His anger wasn't directed at Susan's sarcasm, but at himself. He abruptly turned and left, his heavy footsteps echoing down the corridor.
Susan felt his profound sadness, but he had caused this suffering. He deserved no sympathy. Theodore followed Oscar, casting anxious glances at the still form of Manuel, yet unable to fully express his own heartbreak.
Oscar went to the neonatal intensive care unit where their son was being cared for. He couldn't see the baby's face clearly, but through the incubator window, he observed the serious expressions of the doctors and nurses. The sight stung him. He regretted his actions. If he'd known Hannah’s hatred and resolve to leave him, he would have set her free. Compared to the present misfortunes, her leaving him seemed less painful now.
His vision blurred with tears. If the baby didn't survive, he would be utterly devastated. He then went to Hannah's ward, Theodore still at his side. They had learned en route that Manuel was severely injured but stable in the ICU, the baby was premature and receiving intensive care, and Hannah's family, though injured, were out of mortal danger. Hannah, having undergone a Cesarean section, was recovering well. Still, Oscar lacked the courage to face her, weighed down by his guilt. How could he face her after all he had done?
He lingered at the door, finally summoning the courage to open it just as Theodore expected him to retreat. "Leave me, Theodore," Oscar said.
Theodore marveled at Oscar's composure. He remained at the door, watching Oscar enter, believing Oscar would accept any consequence, even death at Hannah's hand.
Hannah, lying in bed, stared blankly at the ceiling, Miguel at her side. A heavy sadness permeated the room. Hannah seemed oblivious to Oscar's presence, lost in her thoughts. It was Miguel who reacted to the sound, his anger flaring at the sight of Oscar.
Despite his upbringing and refined nature, Miguel lost control. He lunged forward, punching Oscar and roaring, "Get the hell out of here!"
Hannah, seemingly aware of his arrival, remained unresponsive. Oscar apologized, "I'm sorry."
"Sorry?" Miguel scoffed. "Can I kill your family and just say 'I'm sorry'? What if I killed you and apologized?"
Miguel's outburst stemmed from suppressed rage. He had been simmering since Oscar had unjustly confined Hannah. The recent accident, caused by Oscar, had pushed him to the breaking point. He'd never been so furious.
Oscar remained silent, aware that while Miguel might want to kill him, the law would punish Miguel for murder—a debt Oscar felt he couldn't repay Hannah for. His silence further enraged Miguel. "I said, GET OUT OF HERE!"
"I want to talk with Hannah," Oscar said hoarsely, his voice choked with emotion.
"Don't ever talk to Hannah. You're not allowed!" Miguel declared, vowing to protect his daughter at all costs.
Oscar fought back tears, glancing at Hannah, knowing he could never touch her again, fearing he might lose her forever. He turned to leave, believing she wouldn't want to see him, only to hear her voice as he reached the door.
"Let's talk, Oscar," Hannah said.
Oscar's hand trembled on the doorknob; he could hardly believe his ears. He knew it might not end well, but he was grateful for the opportunity. He hesitated, fearing it was a hallucination born of his desperate longing.
"Please leave us alone, Dad," Hannah said calmly.
Miguel refused, unwilling to allow any contact between them.
"Dad, please," Hannah repeated, sensing his resistance.
Miguel sighed, fearing Hannah’s compassion would lead her to forgive Oscar. In his eyes, Oscar was unworthy, and his daughter deserved better.