Chapter 625: Broke Up with Henry

Henry knew Susan had been having late-night business dinners with Manuel. He suspected that if he hadn't been there, she would have slept with Manuel, leading to a breakup. The thought fueled his anger, his eyes burning red as he stared at Susan.

Susan saw the hate and pain in his eyes, lowering her gaze, overcome with remorse. She couldn't understand why things had deteriorated so drastically. The love she once felt for Henry, the man she believed was her soulmate, was gone. The memory of her forced marriage to Manuel, a man she despised, intensified her distress, bringing tears to her eyes.

"No," Henry said, "I don't want a breakup."

Susan was shocked; Manuel watched indifferently.

"Never! I'll never break up with you!" Henry's voice rose, his agitation escalating into a frightening display of anger.

"Henry, but we don't love each other..." Susan replied.

"No! That's not true!" Henry interrupted. "You don't love me anymore, but I still love you. I love you with my life. I can't bear to break up with you, Susan. No. I won't accept it."

"Henry, please calm down..." Susan pleaded, frightened by his rage. He had never been so angry, so desperate.

She felt terrible about hurting him. Her love for him was gone, but she hadn't confessed it, fearing his pain. He had loved and cared for her deeply, and the thought of hurting him was unbearable. Yet, she couldn't force herself to love him. Her mind wandered to Manuel, her body betraying her affections. She knew a clean break was best, sooner rather than later, and believed both she and Henry could eventually move on.

She reached for his hand, attempting to soothe him. He seized her hand, pulling her into his embrace. Terrified, she struggled, a stark contrast to her reaction to Manuel's touch. Her resistance only tightened his grip.

Manuel's face darkened.

"Let go of her!" he snapped.

Henry ignored him, holding Susan tighter.

"I said, let go of Susan!" Manuel repeated.

"Who the hell are you? Who are you to tell me to let go of my girlfriend? You're nothing but the other man!" Henry retorted.

Susan was startled by his intensity. She struggled, but couldn't escape. Manuel glared, fists clenched.

"She said my name," Manuel said, each word measured.

Susan understood. She had called out to Manuel before they kissed. A wave of guilt washed over her, solidifying her decision to end things with Henry. It was her fault, and she was ready to face the consequences. Something had to change.

"Henry, please let go of me. Let's talk," she pleaded.

"I don't want to talk..." Henry cried out in pain.

Manuel had grabbed his arm, and Henry’s face paled in surprise at Manuel’s unexpected strength. He gritted his teeth, enduring the pain.

"Let her go," Manuel threatened.

Susan, held captive, only saw Manuel’s furious face before Henry released her, forced to yield to Manuel's strength. Manuel swiftly pulled her into his arms.

Again, fear gripped Susan. She felt like a possession, tossed between two men. Though excited to be back in Manuel's embrace, she felt overwhelming guilt towards Henry. Tonight's events had cemented her decision to break up with him, ending their wasted time. She knew he'd be hurt, but would try to make amends.

Susan remained in Manuel's arms without resistance. Henry, watching, looked furious and devastated.

"Susan, I'm so disappointed in you," he said.

Susan's head drooped. She had proposed to Henry years ago, only to fall in love with another.

"I..." Henry stammered, tears welling in his eyes.

Susan dreaded his heartbreak more than any reprimand. Guilt consumed her.

"I'm sorry, Hen..." she whispered.

"Those are the last words I want to hear," Henry said, turning to leave.

Susan tried to follow, but Manuel stopped her.

"Stay here if you want to break up with him," he said bluntly.

Henry, within earshot, slowed his pace momentarily. But Susan remained motionless, silent.

Gloomy and enraged, Henry stormed out, slamming the door shut. He vowed no one else would have Susan.