Chapter 626: Be Together Again

Henry left. Susan still couldn't believe it. She knew she had just done the cruelest thing.

Tears welled in her eyes as she watched him go. Manuel released her hand, but she didn't reach for Henry. Manuel was right; she had to be resolute if she was breaking up with Henry.

She turned to Manuel, who was already looking at her. Their eyes met, and hidden emotions surfaced. Susan smiled faintly, tears streaming down her face. She hadn't expected Manuel to still love her, to take her back. She'd thought she'd lost her chance with him. Manuel gently wiped away her tears with a slender finger, then touched it to his lips. The tears tasted salty.

Susan was startled that he'd tasted her tears.

"It's alright. Don't cry," he said softly, his voice tender with love. He lowered his hand.

Susan wiped her eyes, but the tears continued to flow.

"I think you don't love me anymore," she whispered.

Manuel smiled, saying nothing. In that silence, Susan felt his love. He still loved her.

"I'll help you get rid of Henry," he offered.

"I'll help you get rid of him, if you want to break up with him," Manuel repeated.

"What are you going to do?" Susan asked anxiously.

"Nothing," Manuel smiled. "I'll make him leave you willingly."

"But..."

"Don't worry. I won't do anything illegal," Manuel reassured her. "Henry will leave you willingly."

Susan doubted it. She thought Henry, so angry and upset, wouldn't let her go easily.

"I'll take care of it," Manuel said, stroking her hair comfortingly.

Suddenly, Susan felt a rush of realization. She hadn't stopped loving Manuel; she'd just hidden her feelings.

"Take it easy. Good night," Manuel said.

"Are you leaving?" Susan asked, watching him rise.

"Or do you want me to stay?" he countered.

Susan blushed crimson.

She wondered what would have happened if Henry hadn't interrupted them. She wasn't sure she had the courage to betray Henry and sleep with Manuel. Yet, in this moment, she knew she didn't want him to leave. The feeling between them was profound.

"Do you want me to stay?" he repeated.

Susan bit her lip. She thought Manuel was teasing her. She didn't want to be the one to speak the words, preferring to wait for his actions. But she was also the kind of person who would do anything to be with the man she loved.

Just as she was about to say yes, she heard him say, "I think, it's not tonight."

Susan was irritated. Was he playing games? What did he want? Wasn't he trying to make her say it herself?

"It's not appropriate," Manuel explained. "I don't want to be seen as the other man."

Susan was speechless. Henry's angry departure confirmed there was nothing left between them.

"I have to go. Good night."

A moment ago he'd considered staying; now he insisted on leaving. What a frustrating man! Couldn't he stay a little longer, even if he wasn't staying overnight?

Finally, they were together again.

Susan, slightly unhappy, followed him to the door. Manuel opened it and stepped out. Susan watched him expectantly.

"There will be ample time," he said.

Susan was surprised, pondering his words.

Unexpectedly, just before he left, Manuel added, "It means exactly what you think."

Susan's face flushed crimson. Manuel smiled brightly.

After seeing him off, Susan returned to her room, Manuel's handsome face imprinted on her mind. She collapsed onto the couch, feeling a sense of relief she hadn't known before, though the thought of Henry still caused her some pain. Only now did she realize how much of a burden Henry had been.

Susan pursed her lips, touching them gently.

She should be sad about breaking up with Henry. She'd once believed she would only love and marry him. Yet, she'd moved on, forgotten their love. Now, she couldn't stop thinking about Manuel's touch, the softness of his lips. Perhaps another passionate dream awaited her tonight.

Manuel walked away from Susan's apartment building. Seeing his car, he remembered he'd told Callie and the driver to wait. He'd been gone too long.

As soon as he got in, they exchanged meaningful glances.

Manuel didn't explain; he didn't need to. They would find out soon enough.

Callie, in the passenger seat, glanced back, making sure she hadn't imagined Mr. Johnson smiling. She checked again; he was. It seemed they were finally back together.

The car soon arrived at Manuel's place. He went inside, sat on the couch, and felt his heart racing. He never imagined he'd be back with Susan.

He took a deep breath, then another. Alone in the house, the calm he'd maintained in the car vanished.

His hands trembling slightly with excitement, he finished a glass of cold water to calm himself. Then he called Hannah.

"Hi, Hannah. Do you think Susan can handle it if I tell her the truth now?" he asked.