Chapter 993: Besse's Favorable Impression of Oscar

When Una left her room, Oscar was casually reading the newspaper, appearing nonchalant. As Una spoke, Oscar was sipping tea; her words caused him to spit it out.

Salem and Una both looked at him with disdain. Oscar quickly wiped his mouth as the servant hurried to clean up.

"Sorry," Oscar mumbled, his face reddening with embarrassment. He clearly hadn't expected to make such a fool of himself.

Besse, witnessing his embarrassment, felt a surge of amusement. It seemed fitting; his usual serious demeanor in suits didn't reflect his true self.

Oscar regained his composure, explaining, "Una saw me looking at your photos; I was examining some designs, not what she claimed..." The more he explained, the worse it sounded.

He abruptly stood, scooping Una into his arms. "Daddy will take you for a walk in the backyard," he announced. He feared Una's candid words, but she protested, wanting to play with Besse.

Oscar left with Una, leaving Besse and Salem alone. Salem yawned, appearing tired.

"If you're tired, go back to bed, Salem," Besse said, her tenderness surprising even herself. She felt an instinctive protectiveness towards the child.

"But Dad said..." Salem began, then stopped.

"What did he say?" Besse asked, raising an eyebrow, wondering what Oscar had told him.

"Nothing," Salem shook his head.

"Well, then I'll go ask your dad."

"Miss Besse!" Salem quickly interjected, "Don't tell my dad, please! I don't want him unhappy."

"Okay," Besse smiled.

"Dad says you won't be around long, so I should spend more time with you," Salem confessed, revealing Oscar's earlier instructions.

Besse's heart stirred. Gazing through the floor-to-ceiling windows, she watched Oscar walking with Una in the garden.

"Miss Besse, please don't look down on my dad," Salem pleaded. "For years, except for Auntie Susan, he hasn't had contact with any other ladies. Una and I wanted a mom, but Dad refused until you appeared. He finally agreed to find us a mom, but said she got lost and wouldn't come back."

As a five-year-old, his articulation wasn't perfect.

"Although Dad is old and sometimes doesn't bathe, please don't look down on him. He's a great person. He's the most dedicated Commander in Northfield history and has made many sacrifices for the country," Salem said earnestly, seeking her approval.

Besse nodded. She knew of Oscar's reputation through his sudden appearance and news reports.

"Don't you blame your dad for spending so much time working?" Besse asked.

"I don't blame him. When I grow up, I want to be as great as my dad, serving the country," Salem said proudly.

Besse patted Salem's head. She'd previously felt Oscar lacked in fatherly responsibilities, but now questioned her definition. Was constant presence more important than instilling strong values?

Undeniably, Salem was one of the best children she'd ever met; self-disciplined, polite, faithful, and grateful.

"Alright then, I won't look down on your dad," Besse smiled gently.

"Thank you!" Salem beamed.

"It's time for bed," Besse urged. "If you don't sleep well, you won't grow tall."

"But Miss Besse..."

"Don't worry, I won't leave today. I'll still be here when you wake up."

Salem nodded sleepily, going to his room.

Alone in the living room, Besse glanced around, appreciating the simple yet elegant decor. Oscar's taste was refined.

Feeling tired, she looked at the figures in the garden, then went to her room. She longed for a shower, but her luggage was en route. Online ordering wasn't feasible; delivery would be to the Commander's house, likely revealing women's clothing. The potential repercussions were daunting.

"Oh well. I'll manage for one night," she thought.

She started to freshen up when there was a knock. Oscar stood there, holding two sets of clothes. "I thought you might need these," he said.

She did, but wearing someone else's clothes felt odd. Knowing he'd been married, and his wife had passed away unexpectedly, having women's clothing wasn't unusual, but she hesitated.

Realizing she couldn't refuse his kindness, she accepted them. "They're new," he added.

Besse felt embarrassed. Had her discomfort been obvious? Yet, she was usually so composed.

"Rest well," Oscar said, turning to leave, keeping a respectful distance.

When Besse agreed to stay, she’d felt many things, including regret. She understood the intensity of his feelings, fearing it a dangerous precipice.

But perhaps she'd overreacted. If he truly wanted something from her, he wouldn't have brought her home where his children could see them. He showed respect.

Besse sighed, a dawning realization settling within her. Her initial repulsion had given way to a favorable impression of this man.