Chapter 121: I Never Trifle With Marriage

Theodore returned to the box after using the restroom, finding Oscar already there, drinking. Thomas and Janet were also present.

"Where's Manuel?" Oscar asked.

Manuel had left hours ago and hadn't returned.

"He's been taken away by Susan," Theodore said, speechless. He harbored negative feelings toward Susan, recalling a past incident where Manuel had been badly hurt by her. He feared a repeat.

"Now that Manuel's gone, I'm heading home," Oscar declared, setting down his glass. The gathering had been intended to welcome Manuel; with his departure, the others dispersed.

"I'll go with you," Thomas offered.

Theodore was stunned. How could they be such party poopers? It's not even midnight yet! he thought.

"I need to use the restroom, Janet. Wait for me at the door," Thomas said.

"Okay," Janet replied.

They left together. At the gate, as Oscar prepared to enter his car, Janet stopped him.

"Oscar," she said.

Oscar paused.

"I want to break up with Thomas," Janet stated bluntly.

"That's your prerogative," Oscar replied indifferently.

"I've tried. I can't love anyone but you."

"That's also your business."

"I know your marriage to Hannah is a marriage of convenience. I'm willing to wait," Janet said, her voice laced with emotion.

Theodore, witnessing the exchange, remained silent. He, Oscar, Thomas, and Janet had been close friends, sharing many secrets since their days as classmates. Their bond had been strong until Janet confessed her deep love for Oscar, even professing a willingness to sacrifice her life for him. Despite repeated declarations, she was rejected, and a subsequent suicide attempt failed. Oscar remained unmoved. In a moment of anger, Janet slept with Thomas.

Thomas, who had always loved Janet but remained silent due to her affections for Oscar, subsequently began a relationship with her. However, it was clear to most that Janet's love remained solely with Oscar; their relationship was destined to end.

Before Hannah entered the picture, Theodore believed Oscar and Janet would eventually be together. Janet uniquely understood Oscar and was the only one capable of approaching him.

Then, unexpectedly, Hannah appeared, and Oscar fell deeply in love with her, marrying her swiftly. Janet was likely surprised, clinging to the belief that Oscar's rejection stemmed from his circumstances, anticipating a future together once those were resolved. She never expected a third party.

Initially, she rationalized their union as a mutually beneficial arrangement, a marriage of convenience for financial gain. However, as time passed, it became apparent that Oscar genuinely loved Hannah. Janet's patience reached its limit.

That night, Theodore witnessed Janet repeatedly pressuring Oscar. He remained patient, avoiding outright rejection, but offering no hope. His response was consistent: "I never trifle with marriage."

"Oscar!" Janet cried, breaking down.

Oscar entered his car and drove away.

Janet's tear-stained face reflected her sorrow. Theodore sighed, noticing Thomas behind him. He decided against intervention and departed in another car.

In his own car, he made a phone call. He couldn't comprehend the emotional turmoil of serious relationships, preferring transactional relationships based solely on money and sex.

"Darling, are you free tonight?" Theodore asked, a smile in his voice.

"Mr. Wold, you called! I thought you'd forgotten me," the woman replied, her voice sweet and soft.

"How could I forget your charming figure?"

"You're so sweet."

"Meet at the usual place."

"I work tomorrow, so I can't stay out late."

"I'll have you home before two."

"Promise?"

"Have I ever lied to you?"

"Okay, I'll be there in half an hour."

"Okay." Theodore hung up. This, he thought, was how relationships should be – straightforward and uncomplicated. Serious relationships were simply too exhausting.

That same night, Susan stumbled off the stage, intoxicated, her dance partner vanished. While she hadn't harmed him—she had a boyfriend—she often indulged in such fleeting encounters, unlike her more dedicated friends.

Feeling drowsy, she massaged her temples, regretting her decision to dance. Dizzy, she stumbled toward a parked car, collapsing into a seat. Unbeknownst to her, someone sat beside her moments later.

She longed only for her bed. She hadn't been this drunk in a long time. Hannah, she reflected, was the source of her current misery, her words fueling her drinking spree.

The alcohol likely fueled her next action. Susan angrily dialed Henry's number.

"Susan."

"Henry, when are you going to marry me?"

"Susan, are you drunk?"

"No, I'm not!" she insisted. "I just want to know when you'll marry me!"

"Susan, you're drunk. Where are you? I'll pick you up."

"I don't yearn for your gentleness, or your obedience. I want to marry you, sleep with you, and have your children!"

"Susan..."

"Henry, why are you hesitating? What are you afraid of?!" Tears welled in her eyes. "Is it really so hard to marry me?"

Manuel, seated beside her, watched silently as tears streamed down her face. He concluded her erratic behavior stemmed from her conflict with Henry.