Chapter 883: Unwilling

Hannah sat beside Oscar in the back garden. His heart was touched; they hadn't been this close in a long time.

"The baby doesn't have a name yet," Hannah said. "Do you want to name him?"

"Okay," Oscar readily agreed. He'd considered many names, fearing Hannah's rejection. "Salem," he said.

Hannah looked at him.

"Peace and safety," Oscar explained. From the embryo stage, the baby had faced various dangers; his safety was her greatest hope.

"Okay, let's call him Salem Salem Wells."

Oscar smiled faintly. The heartfelt satisfaction of being acknowledged made it difficult to conceal his emotions. He'd previously felt unqualified to name his child, much less give him his surname.

"By the way," Hannah said, a sudden thought striking her.

"What is it?" Oscar asked.

"Did the Collins family cause you trouble?" she asked with concern.

Oscar understood her indirect approach. "No. They know Matthew crossed a line, but I can't kill him now. He's Rowan's only son; they wouldn't let it go. My biggest worry is the baby in Lillian's belly."

"I understand," Hannah said sympathetically, her support unwavering.

"Matthew broke a leg," Oscar stated.

Hannah was momentarily stunned.

"That's all I could do," Oscar said, looking at her. Further action would take time.

"That's enough," Hannah smiled. "I thought you'd just beat him senseless. I didn't expect it to cause such significant harm."

"I'll do what I promised," Oscar said firmly.

Hannah smiled, though it was perfunctory. She didn't hold high expectations for him.

They talked for a while, coexisting peacefully, if cautiously and courteously, like an ordinary couple.

During supper, a table laden with dishes sat before them. Oscar discreetly ate only from his plate. Hannah was about to speak when Michelle interrupted, "Oscar, why aren't you eating other dishes?"

"This is enough," he replied, aware of her insincerity and wishing to avoid awkwardness.

"You won't get enough nutrition," Michelle said, her tone strange. "If you only eat that rice, you'll get skinny after leaving my house, and I'll be the eternal sinner of Northfield!"

Oscar hesitated.

"Have some pig heart," Michelle offered, serving him.

Oscar was slightly flattered. "Eat what you lack," Michelle continued. "The chef made it for you. Try it."

Oscar pursed his lips.

"Mom, can't you just enjoy the meal?" Hannah said.

"It's for his good," Michelle retorted. "Compensating for his loss; he needs to eat more heart!"

"Mom," Hannah said again.

"Alright, I won't eat anymore," Michelle said, rising. "I'll check on the baby."

Hannah looked helpless. "Don't take it personally," she told Oscar.

"Alright," he responded.

Miguel, unable to bear it any longer, felt his wife had overstepped. Regardless, since Hannah accepted Oscar, the older generation should support her, lest their daughter be embarrassed.

"She's sharp-tongued, but not malicious," Miguel stated.

Oscar was surprised, not expecting Miguel to side with him, remembering Miguel's anger at the hospital.

"Thanks, Dad," Oscar replied.

Miguel's hand, reaching for the meat, trembled. He couldn't quite bring himself to say the word "Dad". He placed the meat on his own plate and took a couple of bites. "I'm full. Take your time." Lorie also ate sparingly.

Soon, only Oscar and Hannah remained.

"You didn't eat much at lunch," Hannah said calmly. "You should eat more now."

Oscar smiled, but melancholy tinged his expression. He ate little, and dinner ended on an unhappy note. The Coopers focused on the baby afterward.

By 9 PM, the baby was finally settled. Hannah, hesitant, went downstairs. Oscar hadn't eaten much all day, so she sought a midnight snack.

Finding nothing prepared, she reluctantly decided to make shrimp pasta, following an online tutorial. The process, though seemingly simple, proved nerve-wracking.

"What are you doing?" A familiar voice startled her; the garlic almost slipped from her hand.

She turned to see her mother. "You scared me!"

"What are you doing in the kitchen alone?" Michelle asked.

"I'm cooking pasta," Hannah replied, unhappy.

"Are you hungry?" Michelle asked.

"Well…" Hannah hesitated.

"Is Oscar hungry?" Michelle's expression changed.

"Mom, he's here. We can't just kick him out," Hannah explained. "I almost died trying to leave him before. Now I understand everyone lives differently. Taking care of the baby with you and Dad is the greatest happiness. Let's just take things as they come."

Michelle sighed heavily. "I thought you'd be happy marrying Oscar. His reputation wasn't good, but I saw his sincerity! I never expected this. I don't blame Oscar, but I'm unwilling to be good to him. You helped build his career, and now he's married someone else?"

"I'm unwilling, too," Hannah said softly, yet firmly.