Chapter 878: Intermarriage Between Close Relatives Is Not Allowed!

News of Oscar and Lillian’s marriage circulated, intended to quell public suspicion.

Hannah, after a time spent playing on her phone, gazed at her soundly sleeping baby. A faint smile touched her lips; she felt a profound, cherishable joy.

A fortnight later, Hannah, recovered and residing at Cooper Manor, took her baby for a checkup. The report confirmed he was thriving, gaining nearly 1.65 pounds. At this rate, his development would soon match his peers.

Hannah then visited Manuel, now transferred from the ICU to a general ward. Susan was at his bedside, tending to him. Justine was absent.

Susan was overjoyed to see Hannah and the baby. Cradling the infant, she exclaimed, "What a cutie pie! Look at his mouth, so adorable!"

Hannah smiled. "When Manuel’s discharged, you'll have a baby of your own."

"I figured," Susan replied earnestly.

Manuel blushed, speechless.

"I asked the doctor," Susan explained, "and he said we can't… you know… for at least six months."

"When did you ask?" Manuel stammered, mortified.

"Just now, during his examination," Susan said. "And he confirmed the accident didn't affect your… abilities."

Manuel groaned. "You clean me every day! Why ask the doctor?"

Hannah laughed at their exchange. She'd expected Susan to be more emotionally distraught, but she had to admit, Susan certainly knew how to create awkward situations for Manuel.

"Oh, and he said gentle intimacy is allowed after three months," Susan teased.

Manuel rolled his eyes.

"Ahem! Susan, that's inappropriate with a child present," Hannah interrupted, chuckling.

"Oh, right! A baby!" Susan laughed, kissing the baby's cheek.

The baby smiled. Susan gasped, "Look! He likes me!"

Hannah agreed; her baby seemed fond of Susan. Perhaps babies preferred optimistic, talkative people.

"Will he be a two-timer like his father?" Susan asked abruptly.

Hannah bit her lip, avoiding mention of Oscar.

"Susan!" Manuel chided, having also heard the news about Oscar and Lillian.

Susan sighed; disagreements about Oscar and Hannah were a recurring issue. Turning to the baby, she said, "Don't be like your father. Be responsible. If I have a girl, I'll betroth her to you."

"Susan!" Manuel called again, his voice sharper. His recovery had brought a shorter temper; she missed his weaker, more docile state.

"Intermarriage between close relatives is not allowed," Manuel stated angrily.

Susan chuckled. "Isn't it? There's no blood relation between Hannah and me."

Manuel's understanding dawned.

"So, you want a baby with me," Susan stated.

Manuel thought, How did I fall for that?

"I know, you didn't say it, but you're happy," Susan laughed, convinced of his inner desires. She sensed his arousal whenever she cared for him.

Hannah listened, amused. She found a genuine warmth and openness in Manuel and Susan's interactions.

"Boy or girl?" Susan asked seriously.

Manuel remained silent, his expression cold.

Susan frowned, finding him petty, but it didn't matter; they were together again.

"A girl would be nice," Hannah suggested, "you could betroth her to Theodore's son. No blood relation."

"No! Theodore's son is likely to be a two-timer, too. Absolutely not!" Susan retorted.

Hannah was reminded of Theodore's son from her past life; she remembered him as adorable, inheriting his mother's traits. Ultimately, parents couldn't dictate their children's lives.

Before Hannah could speak, Theodore's voice echoed from the doorway. "Susan, I wasn't teasing! How could you say that?"

Oscar and Theodore entered. Hannah was surprised to see Oscar; it had been two weeks since he'd left. Their recent contact had been limited to messages and calls, mainly about the baby. Matthew hadn't been mentioned by either of them. Now, Oscar was here.