Chapter 443: Martina's Approach

"How about joining me? To make your life complete," Theodore smirked.

"No, thank you. I'm afraid of getting sick."

"Come on! You haven't tried it yet. You can't get sick with good protection. And rest assured, the woman I found is healthy. Do you think I'd sleep with just any woman?"

"Yes, you can."

Theodore glanced at Manuel, understanding his thoughts. He rolled his eyes. "You know nothing about having fun. Forget it. Just drink."

They drank. Dinner was just the beginning. Around 7 PM, Theodore took him to a nightclub, where they drank even more.

Around 9 PM, Manuel felt incapacitated. "I'm drunk," he announced.

"Is that all?" Theodore, still enjoying himself, pressed on.

"You know my limits."

Theodore sighed. "I finally got leave from my dad to go out with you. If you leave now, I'll be dragged right back. He's driving me crazy."

Manuel empathized with the runaway's predicament. But he couldn't drink anymore. He didn't want to repeat his last drunken episode, including the impulsive kiss he'd given Susan. He wouldn't risk another uncontrollable situation.

"I have to go," Manuel stated firmly.

Theodore, seeing Manuel's flushed, unwell appearance, didn't press. "Okay, see you next time."

"I doubt you'll get out."

"Don't worry. As long as you guys ask me out, I know how to manage my dad."

Theodore's understanding of Laird Wold was limited, far from shrewd. Oscar and Manuel, however, treated Laird with immense respect, knowing any transgression would invite considerable repercussions. The thought alone was terrifying.

"I'll walk you out," Theodore offered.

"No," Manuel refused. "You stay. Your dad won't know I'm gone for a while."

Theodore agreed, having already dismissed his companions. "I'll go then."

Manuel, his head still spinning, grabbed his crutch and exited. He navigated the crowded hall with difficulty when someone bumped into him. Just as he was about to fall, a hand steadied him.

He turned to thank the person, then stopped. It was Martina.

Martina held him tightly. "Are you okay?"

Manuel nodded, surprised to see her. It was, of course, her plan. Martina had been following Manuel and Susan, fearing their divorce wouldn't be smooth. She’d learned of Manuel and Theodore's dinner, and though unsure of their connection, she’d waited for this opportunity.

"Thank you," Manuel said, indicating he wanted to be released.

"I'll take you home."

"No, it's okay."

"You're drunk and can barely walk. I'll take you home," Martina insisted.

She led him outside. Manuel remained silent, acknowledging a need for change, however improbable.

She helped him into her car and sat beside him. They remained quiet during the ride. For Martina, simply being near Manuel was enough.

Upon arrival, Martina helped him inside. Despite his cold demeanor, he didn't refuse. Martina wondered if this was her chance; he'd always kept his distance.

Her heart pounding, she entered his home and helped him to the sofa.

"Thank you," Manuel said, the polite dismissal of a guest.

But Martina didn't want to leave, sensing a shift in Manuel's attitude. She couldn't contain herself any longer.

"Manuel, I know you're divorced," she began. "Now that you're free, can I be with you?"

"No, you can't."

"But I love you, so much."

"I don't love you."

"I don't need your love. You've never given me a chance, how can you know you can't fall in love with me? Your feelings for Susan stem from shared history. You've never been with anyone else. Give me a chance, and I'm sure we'll fall in love."

"No." His tone was gentle, but the rejection was crushing.

He refused again and again.

"I won't give up. I will have you!" Martina declared passionately, her eyes welling with tears.

Manuel remained impassive, though touched, not by any feelings for Martina, but by a reflection of his own past humility toward Susan. Martina's arrogant yet vulnerable display mirrored his former self. He wouldn't give her false hope, unwilling to inflict similar heartbreak.

Martina, seeing his aloofness, was devastated. She turned to leave, then paused.

"I don't care what you think. I'll do whatever it takes to get your attention."

Then he saw her begin to undress.