Chapter 408: Susan's Fate

Hannah sensed Manuel's distrust. Regardless, anyone hearing her story would likely find it unbelievable.

"It's strange, isn't it? That I'd reappear after ten years," Hannah asked. "Think carefully. Did I change drastically?"

Manuel nodded. It was true. He'd attributed her transformation to maturity. The concept of rebirth hadn't even crossed his mind.

"I can't explain it," Hannah said, finally confiding in Manuel. "If I said I dreamt the next ten years, I'd be saying I lived them. The joys, sorrows, pains—they weren't dreams." He was likely the only person she could trust with this secret, not her parents, her best friend, or even the man she loved most.

"What happened to you during those extra ten years?" Manuel asked, despite his skepticism. Hannah had no reason to lie, and her demeanor seemed entirely normal.

"Charles stabbed me to death," she replied.

Manuel's expression changed.

"That's why I married Oscar immediately upon my rebirth," she explained. "Knowing Charles, I wouldn't marry him again."

"So...Oscar's a rebound?" Manuel murmured. "I thought you two loved each other."

"I love him," Hannah affirmed. "Initially, I used him, but now I can honestly say I love him."

Manuel regarded her intently.

Hannah shifted the conversation. "I didn't come here to discuss my past. I want to talk about Susan's fate during those ten years."

Manuel felt a twinge of nervousness, though he'd anticipated Hannah wouldn't focus on herself. Her current self-assurance suggested she needed no help.

"In my past life, Susan committed suicide," Hannah said slowly, her heart still aching at the memory of the vibrant, cheerful girl's tragic end.

"Why?" Manuel asked, still struggling to accept this.

"Because Henry cornered her father, Edward, and he died," Hannah stated bluntly. "You might think she hated her father, but that's not true. You know her well; the more she cared, the more indifferent she seemed, fearing hurt. Though she resented his absence before her mother's death, she deeply loved him. After Henry seized Phillips Bank's shares and forced Edward's resignation, Edward couldn't cope and jumped from the bank, killing himself."

Manuel listened, lips pursed.

"Susan didn't know Henry's intentions then," Hannah continued, her gaze fixed on Manuel. "But after he took everything from her father, she realized it was a long-planned scheme. She jumped from the same spot."

Manuel remained silent.

"I don't want her to suffer that again," Hannah said. "I want to change her fate. I subtly pushed you together, knowing you'd marry her your way. Once married, I planned to alter your lives. She was pregnant in my past life, but Henry was the father, not you. It was the night of your accident; she left with Henry, promising to marry him. This time, I took Susan away. I didn't want her to repeat her mistakes. But she miscarried then, too. I thought it accidental, but now I suspect foul play, both times. I'm sorry I neglected Susan in my previous life, focusing on another man."

"I think I know why she miscarried," Manuel finally responded.

Hannah looked at him expectantly.

"I told you," he said. "To ensure Susan married me, Edward made an agreement with Henry, preventing him from sleeping with Susan. I imagine Edward used the same tactic in your past life."

Hannah nodded. "Possibly. But it doesn't matter now. This life matters."

Her eyes remained locked on Manuel's.

"This time, we can't let it happen to Susan," she continued. "If you break up because of the miscarriage, letting Henry back in, all our efforts will be for naught. Susan will be on an irreversible path. Manuel, I admit I'm selfish. Though I feel guilty for misjudging you in my past life, with Susan there, I chose her. I can't abandon her. I dare not tell her her future; she might not accept it, might not believe it. Henry pursued Susan relentlessly, just like Charles. If I hadn't experienced it, I wouldn't believe Charles was capable of such evil."

"I understand," Manuel nodded. "I didn't tell Susan because she wouldn't believe me. She'd resist, especially if we spoke ill of Henry. So I forced the marriage, hoping to change things. But in her eyes, I was nothing. She only cared about Henry; I was just the one destroying their relationship."

"Manuel..."

"Let me finish," Manuel interrupted. "In your past life, did you know Henry's true identity?"

Hannah hesitated. "Identity?" she echoed. What other identity could Henry possibly have?