Chapter 401: A Sudden Impulse

Susan, engrossed in her game, ignored Manuel. She was annoyed when a spoon of porridge, obscuring her view, approached her mouth.

"Manuel Johnson, I'm interrupted," she said.

"You may continue after a spoonful," he replied.

Susan relented, opening her mouth. The porridge, soft and filled with fruit and vegetables, proved surprisingly palatable. Manuel attentively watched her reaction, refilling the spoon when she didn't reject it.

Whether from hunger or distraction, she felt no nausea. In fact, she wanted more, finishing the bowl unassisted. The porridge vanished spoonful by spoonful, unnoticed by Susan, who remained focused on her game and kept her mouth open. However, a prolonged absence of more porridge sparked her annoyance. Frowning, she looked up to find Manuel leaving with an empty bowl.

"I can have more," Susan hesitantly said.

Surprised, Manuel paused, then agreed. "OK."

"It's my daughter who wants to eat, not me!" Susan offered a far-fetched excuse.

A faint smile touched Manuel's lips. The words "your daughter" softened his heart. Susan immediately regretted her statement.

Damn it, who said it had to be a girl?

She attempted to control her frustration, remaining focused on the game. Soon, Manuel returned with another bowl of porridge, feeding her as before. Susan readily cooperated, finishing both bowls—her first time consuming so much since her pregnancy. She even burped afterward, genuinely enjoying the meal.

Previously, she'd felt compelled to eat for the baby's and her own health. Rarely had she savored a meal like this.

"Do you want more?" Manuel asked.

"No, I'm done," Susan replied, her tone softened by her good mood.

Manuel nodded, gently wiping her mouth with a tissue. Unaware, Susan grinned at a game victory. Lowering her phone, she saw Manuel carefully cleaning her mouth. Touched, she gazed at his long lashes and dark eyes.

A tug at her heartstrings, a magical pull, held her gaze. Manuel met her eyes. Their prolonged eye contact ignited an unspoken desire. It was an impulse.

Manuel's lips drew near. Susan nervously held her phone, yet didn't resist. His lips appeared so alluring, she almost wanted to bite them. She swallowed, as his lips met hers. A strange feeling stirred within her.

Manuel lingered, then deepened the kiss. Suddenly, the door burst open.

Both Susan and Manuel recoiled. Susan pushed him away, causing him to fall from the bed's edge. Startled by the sound, she hadn't intended to knock him down.

It was Justine, equally surprised. She hadn't expected to find them kissing. Having previously believed Susan hated Manuel, this was unexpected, though understandable given their adult status.

"You may continue. I just needed Manuel to check my computer. It can wait until tomorrow," Justine said, quickly closing the door.

Susan, staring at the closed door, felt mortified.

What the hell.

Despite her earlier attraction, intense embarrassment washed over her. Manuel felt the same, slowly rising from the floor.

Noticing his struggle, Susan offered help, but he surprisingly stood on one leg.

"Are you recovered?" Susan exclaimed, shocked.

She knew he underwent regular physical therapy, but always returned in a wheelchair. She hadn't realized he could use his right leg.

"Yes, this leg is mostly recovered."

"How about the other one?" she asked, excitedly.

"I still have no feeling in it," he replied.

"You can't feel it?" Susan's excitement waned.

Manuel nodded.

"Did the doctor say if it will recover?" Susan inquired.

Manuel remained silent. Susan sighed. His silence conveyed the grim possibility of permanent damage.

How could she divorce him if he remained injured?

Manuel understood her thoughts—her eagerness to leave once he recovered. His silence confirmed her fears.

In truth, the doctor believed recovery was highly likely; feeling might return to his other leg with sufficient electrical stimulation.

"Let me take this out," Manuel said, returning to his wheelchair and carrying away the bowl.

Watching his back, Susan recalled their wedding day.

"Manuel, forget it," she blurted.

He paused.

"Forget it. I was tempted. You're not unattractive, and it was a natural response," she explained, attempting to justify her lack of resistance.

"I see," Manuel replied flatly. His indifference seemed to highlight her own concern over the incident.

Susan bristled. He'd initiated the kiss, yet remained so composed. How could he be so calm?