Chapter 577: Love Was Gone for Good

"Miss Phillips," Tia whispered, appearing slightly timid.

Susan returned to the present, plastering on an exaggerated smile. "Um… Sorry. I didn't realize… I mean, I didn't know you were… well, forget it. Sorry. I seem to have interrupted."

Tia started to explain, but Manuel's sharp gaze stopped her. Susan remained oblivious.

"Well, I'll leave you two," Susan said, departing.

"Don't you want me to drive you home?" Manuel asked, his voice deep.

"No, I'm being silly. I can manage," Susan replied, forcing a natural smile. Manuel watched her strained expression.

"Do you want me to call Henry?" he asked.

"No," Susan immediately refused. "I don't want him to misunderstand."

Manuel nodded slightly, his lips pressed together.

"Gotta run. Bye!" Susan said, unable to add anything further or tease Tia, fleeing Manuel's apartment.

She slammed her car door, gripping the steering wheel tightly but not starting the engine. Tears streamed down her face as confusion overwhelmed her. She felt mortified by her mistake.

Manuel was with Tia tonight. How could he have been at the warehouse? Martina would do anything for Manuel; she recognized that inexplicable feeling. She’d assumed it was him. But that wasn't true. She needed to separate reality from imagination, to calm down. Yet, the image of Tia naked in Manuel's bed persisted. There was no forever love; once gone, it was gone for good.

Susan started the car and drove away. Manuel watched from the French window, cigarette butts scattered around him, his struggle to resist following her evident. He didn't.

He hadn't expected Susan to feel guilty, nor did he want to manipulate her gratitude. Having relinquished his love, there was no turning back. He hated being a burden. That's why he hadn't returned for her at the warehouse after throwing the bomb. The explosion had thrown him several meters; it took him a long time to regain consciousness. Afterward, leaving with her hadn't crossed his mind.

He didn't want Susan to know what he'd done for her. Using number-hiding and voice-altering software on his phone, he called Henry, waiting until he saw Henry leave with Susan in his arms before departing himself.

His back was severely injured. He knew Martina's death and the warehouse explosion would attract police attention. To avoid trouble, he went straight home, needing someone to treat his wound. With Theodore away, and Oscar and Hannah hospitalized, Tia was his only option. He couldn't tell his mother; he hated being a burden.

Surprisingly, Susan had stopped by. He’d thought she wouldn't notice him at the warehouse, believing her too preoccupied to register his presence. Yet, she had come.

Still, he hadn't revealed the truth; he didn't want her to feel guilty. His love, he realized, mirroring Martina's experience, would only cause Susan trouble. He knew the feeling all too well.

He'd asked Tia to be in his bed, to create the misunderstanding that they'd spent the night together, thus dispelling any doubt in Susan's mind.

"Mr. Johnson," Tia called from behind.

Manuel flicked his cigarette, turning around.

"Miss Phillips seemed heartbroken. Would you care to explain...?"

"No," Manuel responded curtly.

Tia couldn't comprehend why he pushed Susan away, given his profound love for her.

"Please help me clean this wound," Manuel changed the subject.

Tia nodded. Susan's unexpected arrival had panicked Tia, who worried about the extent of Manuel's injuries.

The next day, Hannah awoke. She’d spent the night at the hospital with Oscar; it would likely be her routine for some time. Turning over, she found Oscar watching her.

"Good morning, honey," he smiled.

"Why didn't you wake me?"

"You were sleeping like a baby."

Hannah blushed at his sweetness.

"What time is it?" she asked, sitting up.

"Past eight."

She usually woke at 7 AM; she was clearly exhausted.

"Honey," Oscar said.

Hannah's heart soared at the term of endearment. "Yes?" she replied calmly.

"Fix your gown," Oscar reminded her.

Lowering her head, she saw the improperly fastened hospital gown and blushed again. She'd been admitted in haste and hadn't had time to properly prepare. The gown was too large, exposing her breasts. She hastily adjusted it.

"I can't help myself," Oscar said, "It's torture looking at such beauty and not being able to..." He trailed off.

Hannah saw the desire in his eyes. He was clearly aroused.

She quickly got out of bed. "I need to wash up."

Damn it! They'd been married for years, had sex frequently, yet she still fell for his flirtations, burning with embarrassment.