Chapter 431: A Mocking Smile

"It's okay. I don't mean to rush you," Henry said thoughtfully.

Susan breathed a sigh of relief. Perhaps her feelings for Manuel were merely an illusion. After all, she loved Henry, she believed. He had professed his love repeatedly, even after her marriage, pregnancy, and miscarriage. She had no reason to doubt her feelings for him.

Manuel had agreed to a divorce. Perhaps he'd lost all hope for their marriage, she supposed. She made up her mind. "You still have a chance."

"Really? Susan, will you return to me?" Henry's voice was thrilled.

"Yes. I'll divorce him in a few days. Then we can be together."

"Great!"

"Alright, you should stop working. Time for bed," Susan said.

"Okay."

"Don't try to stall. Get to bed now."

"Okay."

"Alright, good night."

"Bye."

After Susan hung up, Henry called Martina.

"What's the news? Does Susan want to reconcile with Manuel?" Martina asked anxiously. She'd been watching Manuel and Susan closely. Learning Susan had visited Manuel's house that night had filled her with anxiety, prompting her to urge Henry to call.

"No," Henry replied.

"Really? Are you sure?" Martina was relieved. She'd worried Manuel still held onto Susan.

"Susan told me she'll divorce him in a few days and return to me," Henry said frankly.

Martina's heart swelled with a mixture of joy and irritation. "What a bitch! She's cheating on Manuel before the divorce!"

"Martina!" Henry's voice was sharp.

"Honestly, I don't think Susan deserves your affection. But at least she's rich. That compensates for your efforts."

"Enough! You'd better focus on winning Manuel's love," Henry huffed.

"Manuel's different. He wouldn't betray his marriage before the divorce. I won't act until then, but I'm sure I'll win his love."

Henry showed no interest in her plans.

"Alright, that's it."

Martina hung up without a goodbye.

After hanging up, Henry contemplated how to maintain his relationship with Susan after the divorce, especially considering the limitations on their intimacy. The thought left him dejected.

Susan took a deep breath after the call. She felt burdened by her feelings for Henry, though she couldn't explain why.

She went into Manuel's room to help him put on his pants before leaving. The kiss, she reasoned, must have been a drunken whim. A sober Manuel would never do such a thing. And if it happened during a drunken haze, it wouldn't matter.

She picked up his pants and approached the bed. Manuel lay with his eyes closed, seemingly asleep. Then, she heard his cold voice, "Don't touch me!"

His gloomy tone startled her. "What the hell are you shouting for? I've been taking care of you, and you don't even thank me! Do you think I want to touch you? Your kiss disgusted me! I want to puke!" Susan exploded.

Manuel's fists clenched in anger. Susan's did too. Harsh words flew back and forth.

"Fuck off!" he roared.

"Manuel, you ungrateful bastard! I've been caring for you for hours! How dare you?" Susan raged.

Her fury intensified. Tears welled up. Why had she even come? What an idiot!

Her vision blurred with tears. Manuel's cold face showed he didn't want to speak to her.

Susan finally left, slamming the door. The loud noise made Manuel look up.

He'd overheard her entire conversation with Henry. Susan hadn't closed the door while talking on the phone in the living room. Though he didn't hear Henry's words, he clearly heard Susan's—her intention to return to Henry after the divorce.

Minutes earlier, while she was on the phone, he'd mustered the courage to try to reconcile. He'd hoped her care that night meant rekindled feelings. He'd pretended to be drunk, fearing she'd leave if she saw he was sober. But as she neared, he lost control. Her care exceeded his expectations, fueling his desire.

The kiss surprised him—Susan didn't resist; she seemed to respond. He thought she'd developed feelings during their marriage. But he'd overestimated himself. Perhaps her care stemmed from conscience or Hannah's urging; it was clear upon reflection.

Manuel let out a mocking laugh.