Chapter 1131: Making Breakfast for Hannah
Hannah lay on the bed, drowsy but awake. Oscar's words from the night before echoed in her mind: "You're a good person." Did he mean more? Had she been too kind?
She closed her eyes, attempting to sleep, but failed. Just as she drifted off, another knock sounded. Reluctantly, she rose, unwilling to disturb Salem, and opened the door.
Oscar stood there, a small bowl of bird's nest soup in hand. Though in casual attire, he remained tall and handsome, possessing an air of effortless charm.
"What are you doing here so late?" Hannah asked, suspicion coloring her tone.
"I brought you soup," Oscar explained. "Una came by; even though it hurts her not being my real daughter, she understands my love and wants me to stop being sad."
Hannah gazed at the bowl, surprised. "You made this?"
He nodded. Max had usually made her bird's nest soup, but she didn't believe Oscar was lying. "Do you know how long bird's nests need to soak before cooking?" she inquired.
Oscar fell silent, seeming to recall something.
"Thanks, but I don't usually eat before bed, and I'm very sleepy," Hannah said. "Please don't disturb my sleep."
Oscar forced a smile. "Okay, see you tomorrow." He left, closing the door behind him. He lowered his head, grinning at the soup in his hand.
The next day, another knock came. Salem sprang up, opening the door to find Oscar wearing an apron. Salem's eyes widened in shock at his father's appearance. Oscar whispered to Salem, then left the bedroom. Salem hurried back, whispering to Hannah, "Mom, let's have breakfast."
"So early?" Hannah murmured sleepily. She wanted to stay in bed, but Salem's request spurred her to sit up.
"Are you tired, Mom?" Salem asked, concerned. He would have let her sleep longer if not for his father's instructions.
"Not really. I'll get up," Hannah said.
Salem nodded happily. They washed their faces and left the room. As they stepped out, Una rubbed her sleepy eyes, looking embarrassed.
"Good morning, Una," Hannah greeted her, seemingly forgetting the previous night's events.
"Morning," Una replied softly, avoiding Hannah's gaze.
Hannah smiled, easing Una's discomfort. Salem pulled Una aside. "What's wrong, Una?"
Una bit her lip, unable to disclose her interaction with Hannah. "My mom is very nice. Don't be afraid of her," Salem reassured her, his eyes shining with affection for his mother.
"Okay!" Una nodded.
She liked Hannah, but the lack of blood relation to her and Oscar left her feeling sad and lonely. Her eyes welled up again.
"Don't cry, Una. I'll always protect you!" Salem comforted her.
She nodded. He took her hand, and they walked towards the dining room.
What they saw astonished themโtheir grandfather was cooking breakfast, wearing an apron. They had never seen their father cook before; servants and Max had always prepared their meals, though Max now only assisted in the kitchen.
Hannah, however, remained calm; she knew Oscar could cook, remembering his skill from their time in River Town, though the details were hazy and unwelcome memories.
Hannah sat on the lobby sofa, reading a newspaper. She was surprised to see Oscar still had the habit of reading newspapers. The thought occurred to her that perhaps she wasn't suited to living with Oscar long-term.
"Breakfast is served," Oscar announced, addressing Salem and Una, then adding, "Hannah, let's eat."
Hannah put down her newspaper and joined them. Oscar emerged from the kitchen, bearing their breakfast. Salem and Una received nutritious mealsโporridge, milk, eggs, toast, and salad. Hannah's plate, however, held spaghetti topped with a uniquely shaped fried egg. She tried to ignore it.
"Eat up," Oscar said calmly.
Salem and Una ate enthusiastically, showering Oscar with praise. His children's compliments pleased him greatly. He glanced at Hannah, who hadn't touched her food.
"Why aren't you eating?" he asked.
Before Hannah could respond, Salem chimed in, "Mom, why aren't you eating? Try Daddy's cooking! It's delicious. I'm serious." His face was earnest.
"Momโฆ" Una began, then corrected herself, "โฆAuntie."