"Were you expecting something?" Oscar smiled brightly.

She averted her gaze, unwilling to meet his. Hannah went to sleep with a huff. Oscar continued to stare at the back of her head, sensing her anger. He suddenly rolled over, turned away, and murmured, "Who is the one suffering when we share the same bed?"

To Hannah, the answer was obvious—she was the one at a disadvantage.

The next day, Hannah awoke frowning and slightly uncomfortable, dazed and unsure of the time. Her eyes snapped open, a chill running down her spine. "Don't move. Let me see if it's better," Oscar's deep voice came from behind her. He gently touched her calloused wound. Fortunately, it wasn't deep, a minor injury compared to his own—he'd been whipped by Robert. "I'll change your medicine one more time, then you can get dressed and get down," he said.

Hannah didn't respond. After a while, Oscar finished. Hannah stirred. "Is it done?"

"No," he replied.

Surprised, she wondered what else he would do. Then she felt his kiss on her back. His actions enraged her anew. She heard him smirk, "This is my reward," before he left the bed, clearly pleased with himself.

Gritting her teeth, she vowed, 'Oscar had better pray he doesn't fall into my hands one day!' She got up. Yesterday, even the slightest movement had caused pain, but today, her back felt much better. She moved again; the pain was minimal. Was it her quick healing, or some kind of miracle medicine?

Staggering from the bed, she gathered her clothes and headed to the dressing room. As she closed the door, she heard Oscar say, "Don't wear a bra."

She ignored him, but the moment she put it on, she felt the pain. Reason prevailed. She chose a thick hoodie and jacket, exiting to find Oscar already dressed.

She frowned. "Are you going somewhere?"

"Don't you go home to see your parents?" he reminded her.

She realized she should have gone yesterday. "Come on, let's go downstairs. We'll leave after breakfast," he said.

Hannah took a deep breath and followed him. Only Venus was there; it was Monday, and everyone else was likely at work. Venus rushed forward, exclaiming, "Hannah, are you feeling better? I wanted to see you last night, but Oscar wouldn't let me, saying you'd be embarrassed because you weren't fully clothed."

Who wasn't fully clothed? Hannah wondered. Forging a smile, she replied, "I feel much better today."

"That's good," Venus said, then added sadly, "Thanks to you yesterday, I learned about Karen. I spent the night talking with her, realizing I'd overprotected her. Because of you, she opened her heart. I can't imagine the consequences otherwise."

"As long as I helped Karen, it was worth it," Hannah said sweetly. "I was worried I'd gone too far and embarrassed her..."

"No," Venus interrupted. "You don't know how much your dad and I thank you!"

"It's too much," Hannah replied. "I just wanted to help my family, too."

"Oscar is so lucky to be married to you," Venus said sincerely. Her approval was palpable. Hannah felt it, but inwardly laughed at herself. In her past life, she'd strived to please the Sawyers, only to be victimized. In this life, she simply did her job, yet received such appreciation from the Wells family.

They chatted and ate breakfast, then left. Venus discreetly slipped gifts for Hannah's parents into their car. Her kindness was evident.

As the car pulled away from the Wells' villa, Hannah watched Venus standing in the doorway. "Your mom is so nice," she sighed. She and Loretta were worlds apart.

"My mom isn't nice to everyone," Oscar smiled. "It only proves you're good."

Hannah doubted his simplistic explanation. He added, "I don't have to worry about my mom's relationship with you anymore."

She rolled her eyes. When had he ever worried? Besides, their marriage was a sham; they'd eventually separate. Her relationship with his mother was irrelevant.

She didn't argue. She felt she couldn't compete with him on that point.

They soon arrived at the Coopers'. Entering the villa, Hannah stopped abruptly. Besides her parents, Roger Cooper's family and her grandmother were present.

A sarcastic smile touched her lips. Taking Oscar's arm, she met his slightly amused gaze. They walked towards the family.

Lorie spoke sharply, "Where have you been? You're so unruly!"

Oscar's pre-wedding visit had been delayed, a breach of tradition.

Hannah smiled. "Compared to my cousin seducing someone else's boyfriend, I'm hardly unruly."

Lorie, Roger, and his family fell silent.