Chapter 430: A Sudden Kiss

Susan helped Manuel remove his black hoodie, a difficult task due to his intoxication. She assisted him into a sitting position, but his weight, compounded by his drunkenness, caused him to lean heavily on her. "Damn, you're so heavy!" she exclaimed, feeling like she was caring for an overgrown child. Finally removing the hoodie and then his khaki pants, she carefully avoided looking at his genitals. She took him to the bathroom and cleaned him with a towel, momentarily recalling their wedding night and quickly dismissing the thought.

After retrieving pajamas from the closet, she dressed him, kneeling to button his top. As she rose, Manuel opened his eyes, staring at her. "Damn! He's awake!" she thought, exhausted from the task. She had come to care for him while recovering from a miscarriage, a fact that fueled her annoyance. "Hey, if you're awake, you should…" she began, but before she could finish, Manuel grabbed her arm, pulling her down into a passionate kiss.

His kiss was fierce, transforming him from a timid pet into a wild, domineering beast. Susan found herself unable to resist, questioning if his drunkenness obscured his awareness of who he was kissing. Yet, he felt entirely different from the Manuel she knew, leaving her mind blank and passive. The intensity of his kiss was almost overwhelming, causing her to instinctively grab and ruffle his top.

Suddenly, her phone rang, jolting her back to reality. She was horrified at having not only kissed him but also enjoyed it. Feeling crazy, she pushed him away, remembering her post-miscarriage recovery and fearing his potential to force himself upon her. Gasping for breath, her heart racing, she frantically answered the phone.

"Susan, haven't you slept yet? Why are you gasping?" It was Henry. She glanced at Manuel, whose face was flushed and who was also gasping. Standing to leave, she entered the living room before responding, "Still awake. You know I'm a night person. I find it hard to fall asleep."

"You're still recovering. You should take care of yourself," Henry advised. "Okay, I'll try." "Oh, why were you gasping just now? Did you start exercising?" After a pause, she lied, "Yeah, I was exercising on the treadmill."

She lacked the courage to reveal the truth, unwilling to hurt Henry. He continued to express concern for her health and advised her to rest. His call ended with reminders to mute her phone and get some sleep. Their conversation revealed Henry's ongoing dedication to his work at the family bank, even late at night. Susan expressed concern for his overwork. His response, revealing his loneliness and dependence on her, touched her.

"Henry, I'm sorry," she said. "Don't be sorry. I'm glad to know you still care about me." "Of course, I care, but…"

He interrupted, "Susan, do you still remember what I've told you?" "What?" "I will be waiting for you, always."

Susan was conflicted. She’d planned to divorce Manuel, but the kiss had left her uncertain, reluctant to let go.