“Aren’t you going to move? What are you still standing there for? Do you really think you’re on a break for two years?” Fabian bellowed at his assistant, who stood as if rooted to the spot.
“I’ll check on it immediately,” His assistant hurriedly replied. He broke into a little sprint, making the call when he was about equidistant from Xavier.
“Who would’ve thought you’d make a move so quickly, Fabian? Even Hannah’s sister has been dragged into it! I believe, however, that I’ll still emerge as the winner. That cruelty was simply uncalled for! You didn’t give a damn about Hannah’s feelings in your frenzy to get me. You’re really forgetful, aren’t you? Have you really forgotten how Vivian was snatched away by Finnick? If you carry on like this, don’t blame me for taking Hannah away from you either!”
Xavier tilted his head towards the sky. His eyes gleamed craftily, their depths unfathomable. There was a sly look on his face, and his mouth was curved into a smile that looked more like a grimace. He looked absolutely sinister.
After Fabian had finished feeding Winson, he brought the bowl of soup to Hannah’s bedside.
Hannah watched Fabian approach, glad and deeply moved. She refused him, however, on account of them not being actual husband and wife. Hannah was grateful enough that Fabian would bother to feed her even while she was presently incapacitated. “There’s no need. I can feed myself now, so I won’t have to trouble you to feed me anymore.”
Fabian’s brow wrinkled ever so slightly. An obstinate look flashed across his eyes as he commanded, “Open up!”
Hannah sighed, knowing that she was no match for Fabian’s determination. She humbly acquiesced.
Fabian was pleased with Hannah’s obedience. He visibly relaxed and directed a spoonful of soup into Hannah’s mouth. Just as she was about to drink, however, the door swung open vehemently.
“Um… I think I’m a little too early,” Helen gulped, turning to Jason. Both of them took in the sight of Hannah frozen with her mouth open, ready to drink the soup. Fabian’s arm, still holding the spoon, was similarly hovering in mid-air.
Jason emerged from behind Helen and silently surveyed the scene. He, too, bashfully stammered, “Uh… I think so, too.”
The two of them, usually at odds with each other, were in perfect sync for once. They turned on their heels immediately and prepared to march out.
Helpless, Hannah cursed herself for giving in to Fabian. How awkward this is! These two really chose the worst possible time to come back.
“Jason, come here and help to wash some apples,” Fabian ordered, unfazed. He reassumed his former posture, intent on accomplishing his task of feeding Hannah her soup.
Hannah looked shamefacedly at Jason and Helen, who were both entering the room slowly. Shyly, she opened her mouth a little, her face crimson with embarrassment.
Hannah didn’t actually strongly object to Fabian feeding her. In the presence of Helen and Jason, however, she felt unendurably self-conscious.
Glancing at Hannah’s flushed face, Helen couldn’t help but smother the giggle that rose within her. At the same time, she was impressed by Fabian’s gentlemanly manner. The sight further affirmed Helen’s resolve in her treatment of Xavier. If Xavier really succeeded in luring Hannah away, wouldn’t Hannah be losing a good man?
The bowl of soup drained rather quickly.
If Fabian feeds me like this every day, I’m going to turn into a big, fat pig! Hannah reflected, content.
His mission completed, Fabian suddenly invited Jason to step outside with him.
“Hannah, I didn’t know you still had some modesty left in you! When Fabian was feeding you just now, your face was as red as an apple,” Helen teased the moment Fabian left the room.
Hannah rolled her eyes. Trying to conceal her embarrassment, she replied, “You’re fond of teasing me, aren’t you?”
“Hey, are you denying it? I should have quickly snapped a photo just now! I’m absolutely certain he’ll do it again. Just you wait, I’ll definitely get a record of that,” Helen exclaimed gleefully.
