"Ms. Phillips!" Tia was frightened by Susan's outburst.

Susan coughed violently. Manuel, on the sofa, swiftly maneuvered his wheelchair to her side. He saw tears welling in Susan's eyes as she swallowed the food with difficulty. Her anger erupted at Tia. "Do you want to kill me? I thought I was going to die!"

"I told you it was hot," Tia replied.

"Then why did you make it so hot?" Susan retorted.

"Heat is the only way to cook it," Tia explained.

"Tia," Manuel interrupted, "get an extra bowl."

"Yes, sir," Tia said, suppressing her resentment, and went to the kitchen. Returning after a short time with a small bowl, Manuel picked up the spoon Susan had thrown on the table. He filled two spoonfuls of porridge into the small bowl, stirred it, blew on it twice, and placed it before Susan.

"It's not hot now," he said.

Susan looked at Manuel.

"Aren't you hungry?" he asked, trying to appear composed.

Reminded, Susan felt hungrier than ever. Dismissing the need for self-restraint, she picked up the spoon and began to eat. This time, she carefully sipped the porridge to check the temperature before eating more. Meanwhile, Manuel had Tia fetch another bowl and spoon, intending to cool more porridge while Susan ate, providing a continuous supply. Susan enjoyed the meal.

Standing nearby, Tia chuckled.

Susan frowned. "What are you laughing at?"

"I suddenly felt like Mr. Johnson was taking care of a child."

Susan's face fell.

Tia said nothing more, silently thinking they were a lovely couple.

"Tia," Manuel said, "get me another bowl of porridge."

"Yes, sir," Tia nodded.

"Go away, I can eat by myself," Susan refused.

Manuel continued what he was doing.

"Manuel, I said, go away! I can eat by myself!"

"I'm not taking care of you," Manuel interrupted, "I'm taking care of my child."

Susan's blood boiled. "How did you know?" she demanded.

"Hannah told me."

Susan felt betrayed. She even suspected Manuel was the man who had ruined her relationship with Hannah.

"Fine, listen carefully," Susan said. "I don't plan to have this baby."

Manuel's expression changed, but he remained silent.

Susan continued, her voice rising, "Hannah persuaded me to keep it, but she's not me. She doesn't know how painful this marriage is, how painful it is to carry your child. I didn't argue with her because of you. You're not worth it. No matter what you do, I don't want this baby! Marrying you was my mistake. I will not have a child with you unless I die!"

Manuel held the spoon, his hand suspended in mid-air. He remembered Hannah's words: that Susan would not go back on her promises. Yet, her words about the baby and her pain in their marriage cut him deeply. He'd anticipated countless scenarios, but the reality was far harsher.

Manuel's silence fueled Susan's irritation.

"Anyway, I will not give birth to this baby. This isn't a discussion; it's an announcement."

"Please think about it," Manuel pleaded.

To Susan, he was just trying to control her.

"I don't need to. I never wanted a baby with you," Susan said.

"The child is innocent."

"I'm more innocent!" Susan shouted. "Manuel, I wouldn't have had sex with you if you hadn't forced me into this marriage. I wouldn't have this child! If I hadn't met you, I would have had a happy marriage and life. But now, everything is ruined! Having your baby is worse than death!"

Her anger escalated, fueled by the marriage, the pregnancy, and the morning sickness. She fought to distance herself from him.

Manuel remained silent, his typical response.

"Manuel, I repeat: this isn't a discussion."

Manuel put down his utensils, wheeled himself to his room, and closed the door. Susan was furious. She heard the lock click.

"Manuel!" she yelled, enraged by his silence.

Tia, summoning her courage, said, "Ms. Phillips, don't get angry; it's not good for the baby."

"Then don't make me mad!" Susan roared, her anger directed at Manuel.

"Mr. Johnson probably didn't mean to hurt you. You said you didn't want the baby, but he couldn't stop you. What else could he do but escape?" Tia said helplessly, unable to comprehend Susan's inability to see Manuel's kindness.