Chapter 442: A Celebration of Being Single

Manuel drove home, a frosty look in his eyes. The setting sun cast a warm glow, but it couldn't penetrate the chill within him; his heart felt cold. Yet, he remained composed, a statue of controlled emotion.

His phone rang. "Hello, Theodore," he answered, his voice betraying no sadness.

"Hey, I heard your leg's almost healed," Theodore said.

"Yeah, the right leg's recovered, but the left needs more rehabilitation."

"How long?"

"A month or two, maybe."

"So soon? I thought you were going to be crippled!" Theodore joked.

Manuel was accustomed to his friend's bluntness.

"Where are you?" Theodore asked.

"On my way home."

"I heard you got divorced..."

A subtle shift in Manuel's expression was almost imperceptible. "Who told you that?" he asked, his voice even.

Theodore remained silent.

"Hannah, right?" Manuel guessed.

"You can't blame her for having a big mouth," Theodore said kindly. "She's worried about you and asked me to look after you."

"I'm fine."

"Really? Don't be stubborn!" Theodore doubted.

"Do I sound like a mess?"

"No. But you're always good at hiding your feelings. Nobody knows what's going on in your heart. For a long time, Oscar and I didn't even know you liked Susan," Theodore complained.

Manuel was at a loss for words.

"You know what? Let's grab a drink tonight. Whether you're okay or not, I'm the only one who can help you celebrate being single, since your cousin's not around," Theodore proposed.

Manuel gazed at the bustling city, suddenly feeling profoundly lonely. It felt alien, as if he'd left a different country years ago, alone with his belongings.

"Okay, where?" he asked.

"I'll send you the location."

"Okay."

Manuel hung up, outwardly calm, yet inwardly broken.

He arrived home, using his crutches to enter. Theodore was waiting, and Manuel was startled by the opulent private room—a vast table, easily seating twenty, laden with food.

"Is there anyone else?" Manuel asked.

"No, just us."

"Can we finish all this?"

"That's not the point," Theodore said excitedly. "The point is you're finally rid of Susan. And I'm willing to treat you to dinners like this for a whole week!"

Manuel was speechless.

"Help yourself. Let's drink slowly," Theodore said.

They dined, drinking and chatting.

"I don't know why you liked Susan. She wasn't ugly, sure, trendy, good temperament, but not a beauty. You, on the other hand—talented, handsome, a noble man. She's got money but no taste, while you're elegant nobility. You two didn't match," Theodore disparaged Susan.

Manuel listened silently.

"Yes, she's got a good figure; I've seen her dancing at the club. But there are plenty of women with nice figures…and I don't think you're that shallow. I always thought you liked the sweet, pure type. Susan's a vamp!"

Manuel remained silent.

In truth, Susan was quite conservative sexually. She enjoyed going out, but wasn't promiscuous. But Manuel had no reason to defend her; they were no longer a couple.

"That's why I think getting divorced is the best thing you've ever done," Theodore declared. "To being single again—let's have another drink!"

Manuel readily agreed; he always did when Theodore suggested it. He wasn't a heavy drinker, but tonight, it was a welcome solace.

"But I was surprised Oscar and Hannah got married. I know Oscar liked her for a long time. Actually, I've just realized something," Theodore said excitedly.

Manuel looked at him.

"Don't you find you two are too dedicated to love? Liking one person for so long, no regrets. Is that a family tradition? Inherited?"

Manuel smiled. They'd simply found someone they liked and hadn't met anyone else.

"Oh yes, I'll go on about them. I always thought Hannah was eye candy, and she loved Oscar for his looks—he's dreadfully handsome, women throw themselves at him. But I didn't expect them to be so deeply in love. They're the opposite of you two. Hannah and Susan are friends, right? Susan's a love rat. How did that happen?"

"You're a love rat too," Manuel said with a smile.

Theodore was stunned. "Only with women."

"She was only with men as well."

"You still speak well of her. You're not over her yet?"

"Yes, I am. Real letting go means treating someone normally, without personal feelings. I was being objective."

Theodore conceded. "Oscar and you have always disliked my lifestyle, but my happiness is something you'll never experience."

Manuel chuckled, yet remained unmoved.