Manuel vomited profusely; he'd been standing there a long while. Susan, annoyed, wondered if this was revenge, a spiteful act born of his unhappiness at her joy. He'd appeared just as she kissed Henry, then vomited. Did he find her so repulsive? Henry, too, stared, his expression shifting at the sight.

After a moment, Manuel calmed down. Without turning, he mumbled, "Sorry for disturbing you. Please continue."

How could they? Disgust washed over Susan. She glared at Manuel as he staggered into the villa's living hall and vanished.

"It's late. You should rest," Henry smiled, noting her anger.

"Manuel's born to oppose me, isn't he?" Susan fumed.

"Don't mind him. You won't live with him forever," Henry consoled her.

"Henry, I want to move out! I can't stay under the same roof with him," Susan insisted. "Let's find our own place."

Henry was stunned. After a pause, he asked, "Won't your father break your legs?"

"He won't. He's stubborn, but he wouldn't hurt me," Susan said, taking his hand. "Don't you want to move in with me?"

"Silly," Henry stroked her hair affectionately. "I didn't want to before marriage. High society is messy. I don't want them to speak ill of you..."

"Then let's get married!" Susan declared.

Henry smiled, resigned. "Susan, give me time. I want to marry you on my own terms. I don't want people thinking I'm relying on your family."

"Their opinion matters that much?" Susan felt a pang of irony.

"I don't want you to feel wronged."

"You don't know what I want at all," Susan pushed him away, turning her back.

"Susan," Henry held her hand. "I understand. You hate living with Manuel, his mother, even your father. That's why you prefer the club to home. I know you're unhappy, but give me time. I'll build a better future for us."

Sadness welled up; Susan bit her lip.

"Alright, I'll wait." Waiting years for him, a few more seemed insignificant, she thought.

"Susan, I love you," Henry said sincerely. He confessed, likely fearing resentment; sweet talk wasn't his style. Ultimately, he had a soft spot for Susan.

Susan composed herself. "It's late. You should go home. Work early tomorrow."

"Sure." Henry smiled tenderly.

Susan entered the villa. Each time Henry watched her disappear, the smile fading from his face, replaced by a cruel one.

The next day, Hannah swiftly silenced her alarm and leapt from bed. It was her first day; lateness was unacceptable. She showered, dressed, and hurried downstairs.

Max was cleaning. He greeted her, "Mrs. Wells."

"Please, Hannah," she corrected. She wasn't used to the formality.

"Master Oscar wouldn't allow it."

"He told me it's your first day and asked me to prepare breakfast. Would you like it now?" Max asked politely.

"Sure, thanks." Hannah smiled. Oscar's small gestures sometimes touched her.

At the dining table, a newspaper lay open, clearly read.

"Oscar awake already?" Hannah asked.

"Master Oscar had a flight this morning."

"A flight?" Hannah was curious. "Where to?"

"He didn't say," Max replied, setting down her breakfast. "But he told Jimmy to pick him up early."

Hannah felt a pang of unhappiness; he always left without a word.

"Enjoy your breakfast, Mrs. Wells."

"Thanks."

Max stood beside her, making her uncomfortable. "Max, please continue your work. I'll call if I need anything."

"Yes, Mrs. Wells."

Hannah ate breakfast, watching Max tend the house. She wondered if he was the sole servant in such a large manor. 'Too much for one person?' she mused.

After breakfast, she glanced at her watch and prepared to leave. Outside, Max held a stack of air tickets.

"Oscar's?" she asked curiously.

"Master Oscar travels frequently."

"Oh?" Hannah frowned. There were at least twenty or thirty.

"He's been traveling a lot these past weeks for wedding preparations," Max explained. "Usually less."

Hannah pouted. So, he was making an effort, and not just for show. She told herself to stop overthinking; no need to dismantle a positive impression.

"I have to go, Max."

"Drive safe, Mrs. Wells."

"Okay."

She took her keys, headed to the garage, and slid into the red Maserati. Definitely Oscar's choice; she liked it too.

Soon, she reached the Cooper Group building. Parking, she took a deep breath and entered the grand lobby, passing six impeccably groomed receptionists. She proceeded to the secure entrance, a face recognition system granting her easy access.

A confident smile touched her lips. She'd once hidden her talent, sacrificing her future, but now, she was reborn, ready to rewrite her story.