Chapter 219: What Was Your Relationship?

In the midst of his embarrassment, Manuel initiated, "Hi, Hannah." His voice was composed.

Hannah looked at him. "Hey, I need to talk to you."

"Okay," Manuel smiled, his expression so pure he didn't seem capable of underhanded tactics. However, Susan's actions had landed him in trouble.

"Why don't you leave? I'm fine now," Manuel said to Oscar and Theodore.

"Fine? You mean fine with a disabled leg?" Theodore muttered.

"Come on, let's go," Oscar said quietly. Theodore followed.

As they passed Hannah, Oscar said, "I'll wait outside." Before Hannah could reply, they left. Oscar's manner felt stifling.

Hannah took a deep breath, calming herself. She approached Manuel and sat down.

"Hannah, are you going to suggest I drop my idea?" Manuel braced himself for blame. He remembered her harsh words from her previous life. Knowing the truth, she desperately wanted to apologize, but the distance between them had grown, burying her desire to speak.

"No. I'm here to tell you not to give up. Whatever it takes, you must insist until she marries you."

Manuel was startled. He couldn't believe her words, especially considering everyone else considered him contemptible.

"Don't you think it's unfair to her?" Manuel asked.

"It's more unfair to you," Hannah smiled.

Manuel frowned.

Hannah continued, "Anyway, I'm sorry for what I said—the harsh things I said about you to Susan."

"What?" Manuel was more confused.

"I used to speak badly of you behind your back."

Manuel smiled. "Okay." He knew how much Susan disliked him.

"Just rest and recover. I believe a miracle will happen," Hannah said firmly.

"Okay," Manuel nodded, sensing the inevitability of her words.

"Alright, I have to go," Hannah turned to leave.

"Hannah," Manuel called.

Hannah looked back.

"Thank you." He hadn't expected anyone else's support. His mother's support was conditional—she wanted Susan to marry him—and Oscar and Theodore had urged him to give up. Only Hannah had supported him, and he was deeply touched.

"Don't mention it," Hannah smiled.

Manuel nodded.

Outside, Oscar waited; Theodore had likely left. They left the hospital and got into Jimmy's car. Silence filled the car. Hannah looked out at the sunlit city, squinting in the bright light, the warmth soothing her.

"You know Manuel, right?" she said.

"Yeah."

"Are you friends?"

"Yeah."

"Closer than I expected?"

"Yeah."

Hannah smiled, her eyes barely open from the sunlight. Then, adjusting her posture, "Oscar, what else have you kept from me?"

Oscar didn't answer. Hannah didn't press; she would wait for him to tell her. She felt sleepy, having slept only two hours after a busy day. As sleep overtook her, she murmured, "The closer I get to you, the more frightened I feel."

"Don't be frightened," he whispered huskily, unreal, like a dream.

After she fell asleep, Oscar told Jimmy to drive carefully, resting her head on his shoulder. Jimmy, watching in the rearview mirror, thought they looked like a romantic movie scene. A perfect match.

Sunlight streamed into the car, but a hidden storm awaited them, unnoticed.

After Susan left, she called Henry. He hadn't contacted her since morning, and she assumed he was angry, as she was. She needed to talk to him; she wouldn't break up with him, she wouldn't marry Manuel.

"Susan?" his voice was despondent.

"Where are you?" Susan asked.

"At home."

"I'm coming."

"Okay," he replied after a pause.

Susan took a taxi to Henry's house. He was a workaholic, but he wasn't at work today—because of her.

He opened the door in pajamas, looking upset and disheveled, forcing a smile. "Come in, but it's messy."

The smell of smoke hung in the air.

"How much have you smoked?" Susan frowned, surprised at his self-indulgence. She felt sorry for him.