Chapter 914: Taking the Initiative

After ending her call with Susan, Hannah felt emotional. Emotions were elusive, shifting in an instant. She recalled her intense feelings for Charles, how they'd changed after his hurtful actions, leading her to Oscar. He, too, might change his mind, swayed by her rejection and his life with Lillian.

Lost in thought, Hannah held her phone until Michelle entered, calling her name. Startled, Hannah replied, "What's up?"

Michelle, noticing Hannah's flustered appearance, asked if her voice was too loud. She explained that caring for Sal had made her voice stronger.

"Do you need something?" Hannah asked.

"Should we invite relatives for Sal's birthday?" Michelle inquired.

"No, Mom. We'll celebrate privately," Hannah replied firmly but politely, reiterating their previous agreement.

"Hannah, you can't isolate Salem forever. He'll grow up and meet people. What about kindergarten?" Michelle countered, clearly unsatisfied with Hannah's plans. Even after considering it overnight, she remained unconvinced.

"Let's take things slowly; he's not even three," Hannah reasoned.

"Hannah..." Michelle began, but Hannah interrupted. "Susan and Manuel are coming tonight. Prepare dishes they like."

Michelle sighed, resigned. Seeing her daughter's determination, she compromised again. Before leaving, she suddenly asked, "Is Oscar coming back?"

Hannah was surprised; her mother hadn't mentioned Oscar in a while, her tone devoid of blame or disappointment. The question caught Hannah off guard.

"Forget it," Michelle said, sensing Hannah's hesitation. "I'll arrange Sal's birthday dinner."

"Okay," Hannah replied.

After Michelle left, Hannah gripped her phone. She'd waited for Oscar to change his mind, for him and Lillian to become a family, for herself to detach. Frustrated, she dialed his number. Some things weren't easily forgiven; she wouldn't compromise.

Lillian answered. It had been a long time since Hannah heard Lillian's voice on Oscar's calls. Had things changed?

"I'll find Oscar," Lillian said. "He's in an important meeting. His phone's with me; I'll have him call you later."

"Thank you," Hannah replied.

Their polite exchange ended with Hannah hanging up, her eyes hardening. Lillian, too, felt a chill as she put down the phone. Oscar was indeed in an important interview; his secretary was keeping his phone. Lillian happened to be with the secretary and answered the call. Regardless of her feelings, Lillian remained determined to destroy Oscar and Hannah's relationship. A cold smile played on her lips as she watched Oscar; soon, she vowed, she would take away his glory. This was his retribution.

Hannah, unsurprisingly, received no call from Oscar. She anticipated Lillian might delete the call record and certainly wouldn't mention it to Oscar.

What saddened Hannah was Oscar's forgetfulness of Salem's birthday. He was too busy for a simple call. Remembering Salem's difficult birth a year ago, she dialed Oscar's number again. If it was Lillian, she'd give up.

But it was Oscar.

"Hannah," he said.

Hannah, stunned, was unprepared for his voice.

"Hannah?" he asked gently. She wondered sometimes if he had multiple personalities.

"I know you're busy. Lillian answered my call this morning," she said honestly.

"Mm-hmm," Oscar replied. He wasn't surprised Lillian hadn't told him; Hannah perceived this as indulgence born of their love.

Maintaining her composure, Hannah said, "Today is Salem's birthday."

"Mm-hmm," Oscar replied, his tone flat. He knew; he couldn't possibly forget. Did he not care?

"Manuel and Susan are coming tonight. Would you like to come?" Hannah asked hesitantly.

Oscar was silent, considering.

"If you're too busy, forget I asked. I'll send photos and videos," she added, fearing pushing further.

"I'll try my best," Oscar said.

Hannah froze.

"After work, I'll try to come. But don't wait," he promised.

He was placating her. A cold smile touched her lips; a pang of heartbreak followed.