Chapter 961 Did You Do a Paternity Test?
Hannah just couldn't wrap her head around what Charles was feeling. She'd never been through it herself.
"Maybe it's just 'cause it's been seven years," Hannah said. "A lot can change in that time. Your feelings for her probably shifted, so now it feels different."
Back then, Charles was all about Violet, so of course, he thought she was amazing.
Now, Charles was into Hannah, and with Violet's breakdown and all, it made sense things felt off.
Charles took a sip of his porridge. "Yeah, maybe you're right. My mindset's probably changed."
Hannah scooped up another spoonful of porridge. "Did Carter do a DNA test when he found her?"
Charles nodded. "Yeah, Carter wouldn't skip something that important. How else would we know she's really his daughter?"
"DNA doesn't lie, right?" Hannah added casually.
Charles paused, staring at her.
Hannah noticed and looked up, meeting his gaze.
Seeing what he was thinking, Hannah's face got serious. "It shouldn't be wrong, right? They wouldn't mess up something that big."
Charles replayed it in his head and then shook his head with a bitter smile. "You're right. It shouldn't be wrong. Besides, if she wasn't Violet, how would she remember me after all that therapy? Carter and Lassie didn't tell her, and neither did my family. She remembers our past, so it has to be her."
Hannah smiled, trying to comfort him. "Yeah, without going through it, how could she have those memories? You probably just feel weird 'cause it's been so long. Carter and Lassie have that blood connection and guilt, so they don't feel the same way. But for you, it's just childhood friendship. After so long, it fades, and it feels different. Like you and Austin—you grew up together, but it's not that deep. You and Violet are just back to basics."
Charles finished his porridge in silence.
He thought, 'Maybe Hannah's right. I'm overthinking. After seven years, we've both changed. Violet's been through a lot, so it's normal she's different. I'm just overthinking because of all the recent stuff.'
Seeing his leg wasn't fully healed, Hannah got up to get him more porridge. "I'll get you another bowl. I made plenty."
Charles grinned. "Thanks, babe!"
Hannah blushed and playfully glared at him. "Don't call me babe!"
She went to the kitchen and came back with a full bowl, setting it in front of him. "How's it taste? Good?"
Charles took a bite and made a satisfied face. "It's awesome. Your cooking's the best!"
Hannah rolled her eyes. "You guys are all the same, always with the sweet talk."
Charles laughed. "I'm just being honest."
They chatted like any regular couple.
The vibe was super chill and cozy.
All the drama with Violet just melted away when Charles was with Hannah.
As long as he had her around, he felt totally at ease.
After dinner, it was already 10:30 PM.
Hannah got up to do the dishes.
Charles hugged her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder, and said playfully, "It's late. Why don't you just stay over tonight?"
His breath tickled her neck, making her blush.
She tried to wiggle free, but he just held on tighter.
Hannah sighed, "I can't. Stella's already mad at me. I promised I'd go back tonight. If I leave now, it'll be 11, and she'll be even more upset."
Charles chuckled. "What's she got to be mad about? Don't worry about her. She's just being a kid. You can smooth things over later."
Hannah rolled her eyes, rinsed the soap off her hands, and dried them with some paper towels.
After dropping her phone earlier, she made sure to keep a pack of paper towels handy.
"No, I've already spent three days here. I need to go back! And I probably won't be over tomorrow either. You need to work and take Violet to her appointments."
Charles frowned. "Why not?"
Hannah took off her apron. "I've missed almost a week of classes and need to catch up! I'm a sophomore, and my workload is heavy. I have a lot to prep for! Your job now is to help Violet get better. Once she's okay, we can get married."
Charles's eyes lit up at the word 'married.' "Deal! No backing out!"
Hannah grabbed her suitcase. "You should be more worried about Violet's condition than me backing out. Just hope her treatment goes well!"
"With Angela treating her, it should be fine!" Charles said, taking her suitcase and holding her hand as they walked out. "I'll drive you back."
Hannah wanted to spend more time with him, so she didn't argue.
In the following days, Hannah was swamped catching up on her coursework. Besides texting and calling Charles, they barely saw each other.
But Charles kept her updated on everything.
Whether he was at the office, doing rehab, or taking Violet to therapy, he told Hannah all about it.
With Charles's support, Violet's mental state started to improve.
By the end of the year, everyone was getting busy.
Seeing Violet's progress, Carter went back to Sunset Bay, leaving Lassie to take care of her and hiring two maids.
One maid handled daily chores, and the other helped Lassie with Violet.
Things were looking up.
Violet's mood stabilized, and she started remembering childhood memories, which made Lassie and Charles really happy.
Charles finally saw a light at the end of the tunnel.
Once Violet was better, he could explain everything to her and then marry Hannah.
Thinking about it made him feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
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