Chapter 1003: The Villa Given to Hannah

At the villa entrance, Susan said, "You don't need to walk me in. I can manage."

"I just want to see the inside," Manuel replied.

"What's to see? Oscar's place won't be shabby!"

Manuel couldn't think of an excuse.

"I'll stay with Besse for a week," Susan said. "After that, I'll be with you constantly."

Manuel was skeptical. He knew she'd leave again at the first opportunity.

Susan, a little exasperated, stood on tiptoe, hooking her arms around his neck. A kiss followed. Each time she kissed him, she sighed at the softness of his lips—soft enough to melt her heart. Though she initiated each kiss, he always reciprocated, taking the lead.

They kissed at the door for a long while, while Besse watched from an upstairs window. She longed to join them, but turned away, unwilling to disturb them.

Finally, breathless, they broke apart.

"When I'm four months pregnant," Susan teased, "I'll satisfy you then."

Manuel nearly choked.

"We could do it now, but you refused," Susan said.

"It would hurt the baby."

"Who says it has to be harmful? You've felt it, haven't you?" Susan asked with a sly smile.

Her words brought a blush to Manuel's cheeks.

"Oh, y-yes," he replied, his voice deep and magnetic.

"Are you looking forward to it?" she teased, knowing the effect her words had on him. She suspected his blush wasn't shyness, but excitement. His body was so sensitive, a touch could ignite him. She even felt she'd somehow ruined his life.

"Go back early," she urged. "I'll check on Besse."

"Besse needs company," Susan added. "But I don't understand why Oscar didn't seize that heroic rescue opportunity. Did he give up?"

"Maybe Besse's tired of him," Manuel suggested. Oscar was too cautious with her.

"I never expected Oscar to end up like this. So many women were interested in him then..." Susan shook her head. "Forget it. I don't want to kick him while he's down."

Manuel laughed, knowing Susan's tough talk belied her soft heart.

"I'll go then. Take care, and keep Besse company."

"I see."

"You go in first."

"I'll see you in the car first."

"I'll leave only when I see you go in."

"I get goosebumps just thinking about being so emotional," Susan complained.

Finally, she reluctantly entered the villa, Manuel watching with a warm smile. She felt incredibly lucky to have him.

Walking into the villa, Susan felt sentimental. The design was Hannah's style. She'd heard Oscar had given it to Hannah. Yet, Hannah had died without ever knowing about it.

Raising her head, she saw Besse descending the stairs. For a moment, she saw Hannah, returned as if nothing had happened. But Besse wasn't Hannah.

"Susan, I picked a room upstairs. Which one do you prefer?" Besse asked calmly, unaware of Susan's emotions.

"You choose. I'm fine with anything," Susan replied, fighting back tears.

Besse smiled, knowing Susan wouldn't fuss over details. They sat on the sofa.

Susan began, "Besse, what do you think of this place?"

"It's nice." It was more comfortable than Oscar's courtyard, and the style suited her.

"This is what Oscar wanted to give Hannah," Susan said, unable to conceal the truth. She felt a kinship with Besse.

"Really?" Besse looked surprised, noticing the similarity in their tastes.

"Oscar loved Hannah a lot?" Besse asked.

"He did," Susan confirmed.

"But if he loved her so much, why did he marry someone else?"

"It's complicated," Susan sighed. "Political reasons, mostly. Manuel won't tell me everything, but I suspect Oscar was forced."

"If so, Hannah would have understood," Besse said.

"But no woman wants to share her husband," Susan said angrily. "I was furious when I found out."

"I can imagine," Besse agreed.

"Yet, after all these years since Hannah's death, I feel sorry for Oscar," Susan sighed. "It's not easy pretending everything's fine when it isn't. But for Sal and the country... He doesn't live for himself."

Besse remained silent.

"But ultimately, he brought this on himself," Susan said, her indignation returning.

Besse smiled softly, appreciating Susan's directness, but a sharp pain pierced her chest, hidden behind her smile. Something troubled her deeply.