Chapter 405: Scolded

Manuel stared at Henry. "Henry, I know what you're up to."

Henry didn't directly answer, knowing the truth was evident. A strange expression flickered across Henry's face.

"I'll allow you to be her lover if you behave. But if you fail..." Manuel's gaze intensified. "I'll do everything to break you up!"

Henry met his gaze coldly. Manuel left with that threat.

Henry gritted his teeth and returned to the ward. Susan lay in bed, sadness evident in her eyes, but he pretended not to notice.

"Have a good rest, Susan," he said.

Susan looked at him. "What did you say to him?"

"I asked him not to blame you. This isn't your fault, it's mine. But..." Henry hesitated.

Susan watched him. "I understand; it's his child. But it's cruel of him to let it go so easily."

Henry offered a weak smile. "I still have no right to demand a reaction from him."

"Stop worrying about it. It's our business," Susan said coldly.

Henry was surprised by her detached response. Her words felt like a rejection. Anger flared, but he managed to contain it. The child would remain a lifelong scar, adding insult to their already broken marriage.

"I'm sorry. I thought I could help," he said remorsefully. "It's my fault."

"I didn't mean it," Susan softened, realizing his guilt. "Manuel's angry; I assumed he'd just give you the cold shoulder."

"It's true," Henry nodded quietly.

Susan often pitied Henry, an orphan burdened by feelings of inferiority. She always tried to shield him from worry, wanting him to be happy.

"Henry, you need rest too. You're injured. I need to sleep."

"Will you be alright alone?" Henry worried.

"Yes," Susan nodded.

Henry left, relieved. But his expression soured immediately. Despite Manuel's threat, he could still gain an advantage if Susan supported him. That was enough.

Manuel drove home, his leg still hurting. The heavy rain added to his loneliness, and he slowed down.

His phone rang. "Mom."

"How's Susan? Where are you? Are you at the hospital?" Justine's anxious voice filled the phone. It was late; she must have been worried sick.

"The baby was aborted," Manuel said.

"What?!" Justine gasped.

"Yes. Susan's slightly injured, nothing serious, but she needs a couple of weeks' recovery. You should tell her father." Manuel's voice was flat.

His tone was hard to decipher.

"Don't be sad, Manuel. You're young; you can have another," Justine said, her voice tender, her emotion carefully controlled.

"I know," Manuel replied, hanging up.

But they wouldn't have another child. It was an accident, and they wouldn't risk another.

Manuel suppressed his feelings, a habit formed in childhood. He'd always borne burdens alone.

Susan pitied Henry's background, but she couldn't understand Manuel's suffering as an illegitimate child. She didn't love him; she ignored his sadness.

Justine told Edward, who immediately sent his driver to take them to the hospital. Tia accompanied them; Susan needed care.

They found Susan alone, depressed. Edward was angry, but seeing his daughter's distress, his heart ached. He approached her. "Susan, how are you feeling?"

Susan saw her parents and Tia, her expression falling.

"What are you doing here?"

"We came to see you, dear. You had an abortion. How are you feeling?" Edward asked with concern.

"I'm fine. You can leave." Susan was impatient. She didn't want to face them; their presence reminded her of her loss. She preferred her sorrow in private.

"Nonsense! Abortions have severe physical and mental impacts," Edward said soothingly.

"The operation was successful. I'm young. Stop fussing!"

"Fine, fine. You're young, you'll have more babies. We just want to be here for you," Edward conceded.

"I don't care. It was an unwanted child," Susan said.

"How cruel!" Justine couldn't contain herself.

Susan bit her lip, glaring at Justine.

"You didn't want the baby, but do you know how much we longed for it? How your father and I yearned for its birth? And Manuel! He drove alone to see you in this storm, with his injured leg! He was speeding! How can you be so cold-blooded?" Justine's voice was sharp with emotion. She'd tried to remain calm, knowing Susan would be upset and that the abortion would have physical consequences. But Susan’s coldness broke her.

Tears welled in Susan's eyes under Justine's sharp rebuke.