Chapter 873: Michelle's Criticism

Hannah was about to feed the baby with the nurse's assistance when Michelle interjected, "Why are you still here?" It was clear she was dismissing Oscar. He wanted to respond but remained silent.

"Don't you know how to behave? Don't you think you shouldn't be here?" Michelle continued, her dislike palpable. Her words were intended to embarrass him.

Hannah smiled, surprised yet pleased by her mother's bluntness.

"Get out," Michelle declared. "You're not to be alone with my daughter while she feeds the baby. She'll be married someday."

Oscar, embarrassed, glanced at Hannah, who seemed to find amusement in Michelle's criticism, her feelings clearly mixed.

"I'll wait outside," Oscar offered, nodding.

"Wait? For what? Aren't you busy?" Michelle retorted. "You're the country's leader. You should be working, serving the people. Wasting time here benefits no one. Go back to the capital."

"I've already arranged my work," Oscar explained.

"Oh, Your Excellency, you needn't tell me. Don't forget your conscience," Michelle sniped.

Feeling awkward, Oscar finally mumbled, "Okay."

"Just go!" Michelle urged, her voice sharp. The baby cried loudly from hunger. Oscar, noticing Hannah also wanted him to leave, departed immediately.

As soon as he was gone, Hannah laughed. "Mum, that was brilliant!"

"I'm furious with him," Michelle said, still angry. "I can't calm down thinking about how many times he's endangered you. If he weren't the leader, I'd kill him."

Hannah smiled. "Honestly, I feel great now. We're all safe. Manuel's out of danger, and my baby's leaving the hospital."

"You're speaking up for him."

"He's the chairman. How can I criticize him?"

"Well," Michelle sighed, understanding the constraints of Oscar's position.

Hannah said nothing, focusing on feeding her baby, a task she found unfamiliar.

"Ms. Cooper, you don't need to hold the baby with both hands. Just let him lie on one arm and use your other hand to support his bottom," the nurse patiently instructed. Hannah initially struggled; the baby cried louder from being inadequately fed. The nurse adjusted Hannah's position several times until she successfully fed him.

Latching on, the baby suckled vigorously, perhaps from intense hunger.

"Ouch!" Hannah cried out in pain. Recent use of a breast pump had left her nipples sore.

"Does it hurt?" Michelle asked, her heart aching for her daughter.

"Yes," Hannah frowned, but her pain was tempered by her baby's contented expression.

"That's motherhood," Michelle comforted her. "Feeding you was difficult. I had no guidance on colostrum, and it hurt terribly. But seeing you full was so rewarding."

Hannah nodded, understanding her mother's experience, and sharing the same feeling. She watched her baby suckle, his small fists clenched, feeling a surge of warmth. She fed him until he was satisfied; his face flushed, sweat dampening his hair, he looked adorably milk-drunk.

"Ms. Cooper, please pay attention to your chapped nipples. After feeding, apply this ointment. It's natural and safe for both you and the baby. Just wipe it off before the next feeding," the nurse advised.

"Thank you," Hannah replied.

"My pleasure."

"Let's go home," Hannah told Michelle.

"Okay. I'll inform your father and handle the discharge paperwork."

"Okay," Hannah nodded. Michelle left, leaving Hannah holding her content baby. Hannah felt she could gaze at him forever, until someone approached.

Oscar stood beside her, his eyes fixed on the baby. It was Hannah's first time holding him so close, as it was for Oscar, who showed obvious affection.

"Would you like to hold him?" Hannah asked.

Oscar looked at her.

"I know you haven't held him yet," she added.

Oscar's voice caught in his throat, suppressing his excitement.

"Yes," he replied.

He reached for the baby, who was drowsy. At the different touch, he cried. Both Oscar and Hannah jumped. Oscar quickly withdrew his hands. The baby nuzzled closer to Hannah, whimpering, then settling.

Did he dislike Oscar? He hadn't cried when Hannah first held him.

"Maybe he wants to sleep," Oscar said, embarrassed.

"Let him sleep," Hannah said.

"Mhm."

"My parents are checking us out; we'll leave soon."

"Okay."

"When will you leave Kensbury?" Hannah asked.

Oscar looked at her.

"I'm not rushing you. You've been here a while, which might affect your work," she clarified. "I agree with my mum, even if she was angry; you should focus on your work."

"I understand," Oscar replied.

"I'm going to visit Manuel," Hannah said, referring to his lengthy hospitalization.

"Let me go with you."

Hannah nodded. She went to Manuel's ward with Oscar, holding their baby.