Chapter 503: A Disappointing Dinner

Susan arrived at the restaurant where Henry had made a reservation. Though not a romantic man, she loved him deeply. He had even reserved the entire restaurant for a candlelit dinner.

They sat face to face. With a radiant smile, Susan confessed, "I didn't bring a gift."

Henry smiled warmly. "Your companionship is the greatest gift. I've been alone for so long. For years, I wished for someone to share my birthday cake."

Susan, deeply emotional, felt sorry for his past loneliness. Taking his hand, she whispered, "I'll be with you always."

Henry smiled, easing her distress. "I'm so happy. It feels like God compensated me for past hardships with your love. Meeting you made me a better person. Thank God."

Susan beamed. He always knew how to lift her spirits, unlike Manuel. The thought of Manuel briefly chilled her. She couldn't understand why he'd crossed her mind.

What a disappointment!

Henry seemed to notice her change in mood. Subtly, he rose and approached her. His movement made her heart race; it resembled a proposal. Although she'd anticipated intimacy, a proposal was unexpected. Her heart pounding, she gazed at him as he gracefully bent, extending his hand. "My lady, may I have this dance?"

Susan paused, relieved it was just a dance. A moment of panic had briefly gripped her, a mistaken anticipation of a proposal.

Melodious music filled the air. They danced, close enough to feel each other's breath, their bodies close enough to ignite desire. Susan wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.

After a brief pause, Henry responded to the kiss. They clung together in a romantic embrace. The kiss ended with soft gasps.

Susan whispered, "Your place or mine?"

Henry understood, but Susan saw no reciprocation of her excitement, no anticipation mirroring her own. He appeared frozen.

Susan frowned, surprised by the shift in his demeanor. Did he not want to?

Henry noticed her surprise. He composed himself and led her back to the table, pretending he hadn't heard her suggestion. However, his silence only intensified Susan's curiosity.

"Henry, you know what I meant," Susan stated frankly.

Henry hesitated. "I'm worried about your health."

"My health? Or do you find it disgusting?" Susan's voice sharpened.

Startled, Henry quickly explained, "Of course not! I'd never think that."

"I had a miscarriage after sleeping with another man. I know some men find that repulsive."

"Susan, that's not true! I've never felt that way…"

"Then why haven't you touched me since we rekindled our relationship?"

"I'm worried about your health after the miscarriage…"

"Should I get a doctor's note to prove I'm healthy enough for sex?" Her voice was strained.

Lately, he'd always found an excuse to avoid intimacy. Before, Susan had let it slide, but now his evasion angered her.

"Susan, calm down," Henry pleaded, flustered.

"I can't! I don't know why you won't touch me!" Susan shouted.

"I don't want to hurt you. After all we've been through, I've never compromised my values. Of course, I want to be intimate with you, but only after we're married…"

"I don't need marriage! I just want to be with you in bed. I don't care about marriage!"

"Susan, I'm conservative. I can't do it. And you need to calm down; you're too upset to reason right now. It's a bad time to discuss this."

"How can I calm down?" Susan mocked. His insistence on her calming down only fueled her anger.

"I need to drive you home. We can talk tomorrow."

"Just leave," Susan said coldly.

Henry stared at her, then finally stood.

Self-derision twisted her bitter smile.

"Susan, I hope things get better," Henry said before leaving.

Tears blurring her vision, Susan watched him go, a bitter smile on her face. Was it for their relationship's sake? Or did she disgust him?

She finished a glass of wine, then signaled the waiter for stronger liquor. She drank until she was drunk.

Apparently, Henry preferred leaving her to drink alone rather than sleeping with her. She wondered if he still loved her.

She stumbled out of the restaurant, hailed a cab, and gave her address. Perhaps tomorrow she'd understand.

After paying, Susan exited the cab and entered her building, walking to the elevator. She entered her apartment, kicked off her heels, and removed her mink coat, revealing a lacy slip dress. She shed her clothes as she walked to the bed, arriving naked.

Manuel watched her scatter her clothes and lie naked in his bedroom.