Chapter 306: A Twist of Fate (6) Manuel, I Hate You!
Manuel watched Susan's collapse, feeling the full weight of her revulsion. Though he knew her eagerness to be with Henry, he refused to yield. He saw her sorrow and anticipated her anger upon waking.
"Susan," he said, "I know you hate me. You've never loved me. I know your resentment will be immense after tonight. I know I seem unscrupulous, but I will never return you to Henry. Even after witnessing your near-betrayal, I will keep you by my side. That's my final decision regarding our marriage."
The finality of his words was stark. Tears streamed down her face; she knew his resolve was unshakeable.
Depressed, she curled up and bit his shoulder with all her might, venting her rage.
Manuel winced, recognizing her restraint. It was revenge for his perceived cruelty.
"Don't worry," he said, swallowing the pain. "I won't touch you, and I won't leave. If you want to keep your virginity for Henry, so be it."
Her ears burned; perhaps rape would have felt preferable. At least then she would have a reason for her anger. But Manuel's restraint left her solely responsible, with no one else to blame. What a strange generosity he displayed!
She released her bite, unaware of the blood welling up. She lifted her head, her vision blurred by the love potion's effects, yet her mind remained clear. She sought his gaze, and he hers. A sickness battled with her desires within.
"Manuel," she whispered, "I hate you."
Those were her last words before she initiated an act that pained him. He was silenced by her sudden movement.
Both lost control. The scent of sex filled the room.
Meanwhile, Martina was pinned beneath Henry, feeling utterly helpless and enraged. She had expected Susan to be with him.
Earlier, she’d followed them from the nightclub to a hotel, intending to film their encounter and ruin Susan’s reputation, thus prompting a divorce. Instead, Henry dragged her from the hotel after leaving Susan behind.
Martina was bewildered. She struggled, but he overpowered her.
"Henry, are you insane? You left her alone? Do you know how potent that potion is? If she can't release her desires, she could die of a heart attack! You're not protecting her; you're killing her! You maniac!"
She raged as he dragged her to a taxi, ignoring her pleas. He gave the driver an address. The driver pulled out his phone, battling his own desires, and made a call: "You can get the room key from a flower stand by the lobby elevator. Now, call someone."
Martina was incredulous. He couldn't be indifferent to Susan; he wouldn't have taken her to the hotel. Yet, his actions were baffling. Was he going to let another man sleep with her?
"Henry," she cried, eyes wide, "Are you out of your mind? You refuse the woman you love, but you let someone else take your place? You cowardly bastard!"
The love potion's effects made Henry's face chillingly grotesque.
"Stop the car!" Martina shrieked.
"Don't stop!" Henry roared back.
"Stop the car!" she screamed, "Even if you won't sleep with her, I'll film her with another man. I'll send it to Manuel and get them divorced! Henry, you're losing your chance! You'll regret this!"
He ignored her, his expression darkening.
"Stop the goddamn car!" she yelled at the driver.
Before the driver could comply, Henry gagged her, ordering, "Drive faster!"
"But…" the driver protested, confused.
"Have you never seen a lovers' quarrel?" Henry snarled.
Gagged and restrained, Martina struggled, her eyes wide with fury. She wanted to tear him apart. The taxi reached its destination. He dragged her into his apartment; her initial aggression replaced by fear. He was consumed by desire, dragging her home.
No! She couldn't be raped. She needed to preserve her virginity for Manuel. She fought, but his strength was overwhelming. Helpless, she was dragged into his apartment, where something terrible began.