Chapter 229: I Will Try My Best and Take Care of You Forever

“You don’t have to worry about that. Just be a happy bride-to-be,” Hannah said, though he wouldn’t tell Susan she’d initially made a mistake with Manuel’s size. She knew Susan would marry Manuel.

“Damn bride-to-be!” Susan raged, slamming down the phone.

Since agreeing to marry Manuel yesterday, she’d been distraught, confined to her room, barely leaving her bed except to use the bathroom. Suicidal thoughts plagued her. She even fantasized about becoming a mummy before Manuel discovered her, hoping to scare him to death.

Then, an idea struck her. Excited, yet ambivalent, she considered the possibility of Manuel's genital injury due to his leg wound. Regardless, she resolved never to sleep with him, nor bear his child.

This seclusion lasted six days, a bleak and hopeless period. She wondered if Henry would call, if he'd overcome his difficulties to reach out. If he did, she'd refuse Manuel.

But Henry remained silent, neither calling nor posting on social media. She felt abandoned, her disappointment and desperation growing, despite knowing he acted for her own good.

Edward was discharged from the hospital on the third day, returning alone to Phillips Manor after finalizing his divorce from Justine. Susan had seen the papers; Justine received nothing. Susan wasn't sure if Edward would secretly provide for Justine—she couldn't stop him if he did—but she'd humiliated Justine, hoping to fuel Justine's hatred and inspire her to engineer a divorce between Susan and Manuel.

After Edward’s discharge, they rarely spoke, their mutual animosity palpable. Susan hated Edward for abandoning her mother after meeting Justine; Edward hated Susan for breaking him and Justine up. The rift between them widened.

On the fifth night, unable to sleep the night before her wedding, Susan considered running away, but lacked the courage.

A knock came. She refused to answer, wanting no contact, especially no unwanted reassurance. Others were oblivious to her distress; how could they claim to know what was best for her?

“Susan, it’s Dad,” Edward’s voice called from outside.

Susan hesitated.

“Just a few words,” Edward said, clearly aware she was awake.

Impatient, but complying, Susan opened the door.

“You’re getting married tomorrow,” Edward stated.

“I don’t need reminding. I’ve promised, and I won’t back out.”

“After the wedding, you’ll be a wife,” Edward continued, ignoring her sharpness. “Don’t try to persuade me to be nice to Manuel, or even to have a baby. I’ll never do that!” Susan retorted.

Their bond had weakened since their mother’s death.

“Here, this has been in our family for generations,” Edward said, producing a box.

Susan was shocked, expecting Justine to have sent him to persuade her.

“Your grandmother gave it to your mother. When we divorced, your mother returned it to me,” Edward explained. “Today, I can finally give it to you.”

Susan’s throat tightened. She asked, “Can I still be considered a member of your family?” She believed he was desperate to disown her.

“You silly girl,” Edward said, touching her hair. “You’re my daughter. Nothing can change that.”

His words unexpectedly moved her, though she attributed it to her own kindness, not his actions.

“I’ll help you put it on,” he said, opening the box and fastening a piece of jewelry around her neck. For once, she didn't resist.

“Our ancestors will bless you in heaven,” Edward murmured.

Susan remained silent, but accepted his kindness.

“Go to bed early. You’ll have a tiring day tomorrow,” Edward said, departing. He knew he couldn’t rush things; Hannah had been right—their conflict stemmed from poor communication and insecurity. Susan wasn't bad; showing genuine care would change her.

Edward felt responsible. Regardless of his reasons for divorcing her mother, he’d failed her during her illness, causing their estrangement. He wanted to devote himself to Susan while Justine was gone.

Watching Edward leave, Susan noticed his graying hair. His recent collapse had aged him.

Closing the door, Susan touched the cold jewel. She couldn't believe she'd accepted his gift, considering their estrangement inevitable after the wedding. She hadn't expected him to initiate contact. This frustrated her.

She picked up her phone, seeking distraction. A new message from Manuel appeared. She clicked to delete it, but saw the message: “I’ll try my best and take care of you for the rest of my life.”

Susan deleted it instantly, feeling a surge of revulsion.