Chapter 880: Cold-Shouldered
Hannah's words stung Oscar. He remained silent, helping her dress. Then, he instructed the driver and bodyguard to enter the car, and the motorcade continued to Cooper Manor.
"Will you stay with us at Cooper Manor?" Hannah asked.
Oscar hesitated, unsure of her parents' reaction.
Hannah, seemingly sensing his uncertainty, suggested, "Alternatively, we could stay at your villa."
"No," Oscar replied. "You're accustomed to living with your parents. Don't accommodate me; I might leave in two or three days."
"So, you'll stay with us at Cooper Manor?" Hannah asked.
Oscar nodded slowly.
The motorcade arrived at Cooper Manor, where Miguel and Michelle waited. Their expressions shifted dramatically upon seeing Oscar.
"Why is he here?" Michelle asked sharply, taking the baby from Hannah. The infant nestled quietly in her arms.
Oscar deliberately glanced at the baby, as if assessing his son's reaction to him. He bit his lip, concealing his emotions.
"He'll stay for two or three days," Hannah explained to her mother.
"He'll stay here?" Michelle exclaimed, her voice laced with agitation.
Oscar felt embarrassed.
"Mom," Hannah protested, pouting.
Michelle addressed Oscar with thinly veiled disdain: "Your Commander, we are greatly honored to have you at our humble abode. Please excuse our poor hospitality. And if you wish, you may leave at any time, Your Commander."
Sensing her sarcasm, Oscar replied, "Don't mind me."
"Humph!" Michelle snorted, entering the house with the baby. Miguel, equally unenthusiastic about Oscar, followed. The Cooper family's dislike was evident.
Hannah said to Oscar, "Forget it. They're just angry."
"It's fine," he replied.
"Come in," Hannah said, smiling. Her previous politeness had been superficial.
Michelle placed the baby in the cot upstairs before descending to ask Oscar, "Your Commander, which room do you prefer? Upstairs or downstairs?"
"Please, call me Oscar," he requested.
"No! That's disrespectful," Michelle sneered.
Oscar remained silent.
"Your Commander, upstairs or downstairs?" Michelle repeated.
"Mom," Hannah intervened, "He's staying with me."
"Hannah!" Michelle's anger flared.
Hannah yawned dramatically, pulling Oscar's hand. "Let's go to the room," she said.
Oscar's heart quickened. He felt the warmth of her hand as they ascended the stairs.
"How could Hannah do this?" Michelle exclaimed angrily.
"Give it time. Hannah has her reasons," Miguel said.
"You're bending to his identity? Miguel, Hannah is your daughter! Are you willing to see her upset by that man?" Michelle cried.
Miguel quickly comforted her. "Honey, I hate him as much as you do. I'll always be by your side, no matter what."
"That's better," Michelle said, "I'll never change my opinion of Oscar."
"Me neither," Miguel agreed readily, though he merely accepted Hannah's decision, sharing her parents' antipathy toward Oscar.
Hannah led Oscar to her room, where the nurse tended the baby.
"Put the baby's carriage in here; let the little one sleep with you," Hannah instructed the nurse.
"Yes, Miss," the nurse replied, leaving the room.
Hannah explained to Oscar, "The baby cries at night; you won't sleep well if he's with us."
Oscar nodded. His concern wasn't sleep, but his son's apparent aversion to him.
"Would you like a shower? Dinner isn't ready yet," Hannah said.
"Okay," he replied.
"I'll run you a bath," she said, entering the bathroom.
Feeling the warmth, Oscar followed.
Once the bath was ready, Hannah said, "You shower first; I'll get you some pajamas."
"Hannah," Oscar called.
"What is it?" she asked, turning to him.
"Thank you," he said.
Hannah smiled. "Have your shower." The smile vanished as she left. She soon returned with pajamas, sitting on the bed to wait.
After a while, hearing nothing, she knocked. "Finished?"
"Yes," Oscar replied.
Hannah opened the door to find him toweling himself. Setting the pajamas aside, she approached him. "Let me help you."
Oscar was stunned. The moment Hannah's fingers brushed his skin, he swept her into his arms, holding her close.