Chapter 949: Oscar Leaves with Una

"I—I will," Oscar's voice choked, barely audible.

Hannah's eyes flickered, tears welling. They exchanged a wordless look, acknowledging their impending separation.

"Are you done?" Lillian asked, her tone frigid.

"Yes," Hannah replied softly.

There was nothing more to say. They held no regrets or grievances; their connection was severed.

"Oscar," Lillian called.

He didn't respond.

Undeterred, Lillian continued, "I'm giving Una to you. Will you take good care of her?"

Oscar nodded.

"Will you take better care of Una than Salem?" Lillian taunted, her cruelty extending to the very end.

"Salem will take good care of Una," Hannah stated firmly, a hint of anger in her eyes.

Lillian sneered. "In front of you both, I am truly unforgivable!" She felt monstrous compared to their selflessness.

"Come and take Una."

A sense of finality settled over them.

As Oscar moved, Lillian stopped him. "Don't move!"

Oscar and Hannah stared, apprehensive.

"Hannah, come here."

Hannah approached cautiously. Lillian handed Una to Hannah, who cradled the baby protectively. Una, unusually calm, gazed at Hannah with innocent wide eyes.

"Una, grow up to be a good girl," Hannah whispered.

Una, though not understanding, seemed to sense Hannah's kindness, smiling up at her. Hannah's eyes were red-rimmed.

"Cian, this is all I can do for you," Hannah thought.

Lillian saw Una's smile. Her heart ached. Una's emotions were reserved for Oscar and Hannah. Did she hate Lillian?

"Give Una to Oscar!"

Hannah walked towards Oscar, holding Una.

"If you try anything, we all die!" Lillian threatened.

Hannah remained silent, approaching Oscar until they were a step apart. She handed Una to him; their arms brushed, pushing Oscar to the brink of collapse.

"Oscar," Hannah said softly, "Once you've made your choice, don't regret it."

Oscar fought back his emotions.

"Leave now! Take Una with you!"

He stared at Hannah, unreachable, knowing he would never see her again.

"Oscar! Three seconds! Or I'll kill us all!" Lillian roared, her own emotions tumultuous, especially considering their sacrifice.

"Go," Hannah said calmly. Oscar remained frozen.

"Hannah..." Oscar finally spoke, an incomplete apology, an unspoken confession. He wished for a next life where Hannah wouldn't know him.

Hannah didn't reply, turning and walking away. Oscar watched her go. He squeezed Una's arm, eliciting a cry that jolted him back to reality.

He bit his lip, quieting his turmoil. "Goodbye."

He knew it was forever. Hannah remained impassive. Oscar departed, his heavy footsteps echoing.

Lillian watched him go. "Oscar," she called, "Let the ships leave."

He nodded, boarding a speedboat with Una. He watched the ships retreat into the darkness. Lillian looked at Hannah.

"Do you think I asked them to leave only for survival?" Lillian asked.

Hannah remained silent.

"No," Lillian said firmly, "I didn't want Oscar to see me die such a gruesome death. We'll be lost at sea, with no bodies to find."

Hannah swallowed hard, bracing herself for Lillian's next extremity.