Chapter 386

Vincent's eyes narrowed abruptly. The rage and suspicion that had burned only seconds earlier vanished at once, washed away by an overwhelming flood of concern. His muscles reacted before his thoughts formed-he darted ahead like a spear hurled from a sling.

Hannah bolted into the bathroom and crashed the door shut behind her.

Vincent halted outside as Hannah hacked uncontrollably, the sound tearing through the door, each spasm so harsh that it sounded like it would tear her apart.

He hammered against the wood, raw panic roughening his tone."Unlock it! What's happening? Didn't you tell me the checkup results showed nothing?"

Inside the bathroom, Hannah twisted the faucet, letting icy water splash across her cheeks. The instant had arrived.

She inhaled deeply and pulled the door open.

Vincent's towering figure filled the frame, his features carved with alarm and bewilderment. The second he caught sight of her, he extended his hand to steady her. "What's going on?"

Hannah stepped aside, slipping out of his reach. She remained silent. With deliberate care, she drew the folded document from her pocket and passed it over.

Vincent's forehead wrinkled, his puzzlement thickening. He yanked the sheet open in haste.

As his vision darted over the words, all remnants of concern As his vision darted over the words, all remnants of concern and bafflement drained away,leaving only astonishment.

His hold clenched on the page, tendons rising on his hand.His voice emerged ragged, disbelieving. "You're expecting?"

He stared at the print repeatedly, as though unwilling to trust what he read. His eyes fixed on the line that revealed everything-two weeks pregnant.

"Yes," Hannah replied faintly, her tone weary and delicate."The doctor confirmed I'm two weeks in."

Vincent couldn't restrain himself anymore. He swept Hannah into his arms. Her feet left the floor in an instant.

"Ah!" she exclaimed in shock.

Overwhelmed with delight, Vincent even twirled her around."This is wonderful! We're going to have a child!"

This marked the first time Hannah had witnessed him lose his composure, undone by sheer bliss.

Her body felt weary from being raised, but what unsettled her more was his unguarded rapture. Her thoughts drifted to the little life that had once grown inside her for only a month.Would he have rejoiced like this if he had known about the baby's existence then?

Hannah quickly shook her head, forcing away feelings she could not permit. Now was not the moment to break.

Vincent finally stopped his spin and lowered her softly to the floor, though his arms never released her. His eyes shone with feeling, rimmed faintly red. "Hannah, I'm... truly overjoyed."

At last, the weight of unease and suspicion he had carried these recent days began to ease, soothed by the vision of this unborn child. She shifted within his arms, raising her faco toward Him. "We have a child now, Vincent. Do you still think I'll try to flee?"

His words were hushed, heavy with truth. "Forgive me.I should never have suspected you."

At this, Hannah's seemingly long-suppressed hurt finally erupted. Her eyes brimmed as she struck his chest with her fists, her voice quivering. "You always assume I'll leave-how could I not ache inside? I've been trapped here nearly a month,held like a bird in a cage. And you? You've asked me to marry you here, in this prison, not once but twice! How could you not realize why I'd feel wounded?"

She shoved him back slightly, tears trembling as she glared up at him. "And when you propose in this place, with nothing but detached servants and soulless candles, roses, and trinkets for company, who is there to witness it? How can I know if you truly wish to wed me-or if it's simply another way to bind me here forever? I can't feel safe like this. Do you understand?"

Vincent's chest throbbed as her weeping pierced him. "I'm sorry," he murmured, his voice rough. "I failed to think it through."

Deep down, he recognized that his proposals had sprung only from fear she might slip away.

"This proposal doesn't count. You must do it properly!" She shot him a fierce look. "And make it soon-| won't accept walking down the aisle with a massive belly."

She described her dream ceremony, her eyes sparkling with a feigned longing for a shared tomorrow. "I want the grandest,most breathtaking garden. The sunshine must be flawless, and the scenery unforgettable!"

"Alright. You'll have every detail you desire," Vincent promised instantly.

"And you must bring my mother and your grandmother to witness it," Hannah insisted. That had been her hidden purpose all along-to use the proposal as her chance to take her mother away with her.