Chapter 654: It Stings Her
Susan was tense, smelling only Manuel's breath and alcohol. Fear held her, yet she didn't push him away. She studied his face, admiring his flawless skin—a feature any girl would envy. So close, she saw no pores, only his beautiful eyelashes.
Her heart pounded. Arousal surged. Reason dictated pushing him away; the kiss was wrong. Yet, sensually, she’d accepted it. She parted her lips, seeking deeper intimacy.
Just as she was about to use her tongue, Manuel pulled away. His kiss had been wild, yet abruptly ended, as if he were lashing out. He kissed her and then left, his departure laced with disgust.
Confusion clouded Susan’s eyes. She had to admit her own arousal, her inability to resist Manuel. She felt out of her mind, torn and in tears, a torrent of words unspoken.
Their kiss had been meaningless. Manuel said coldly, "I'm an invader, Susan." He then violently shoved her away, sending her sliding back in the car. She watched him drive off, her lips pressed tight. His actions stung, leaving her heartbroken, tearful, yet clinging to a fragile smile. It had been her choice, and she wouldn’t regret it—or would she?
Turning, she saw Henry in the darkness. She didn't know how long he'd been there or what he’d witnessed. The crucial question was how to explain. Had Manuel kissed her solely to provoke Henry? Otherwise, his sudden outburst was inexplicable.
He hadn't been entirely out of control; her tongue inside him hadn't aroused him. She swallowed hard, stifling her tears.
"Are you waiting for me?" she asked, approaching Henry.
"I saw you were upset and wanted to keep you company. I went to your place, but you were out. I called, but your phone was off. So, I waited here."
Susan looked at him; his calm, peaceful demeanor after witnessing her kiss with Manuel filled her with guilt.
"Henry, let it go if you can't handle it. I cheated... I'm sorry," she confessed.
"I won't give up," Henry said firmly. "I know you feel bad, and I understand. But time will tell. Manuel harbors ill will toward you, and I can't stand idly by."
Susan offered a faint smile, a mere expression, even to herself.
"It's late. Go home," she said, wanting to end the conversation.
Henry understood her unspoken hatred, knowing he'd only intensify it by staying. He gritted his teeth, forcing a soft tone. "Okay. Sleep tight. Call if you need anything. I'm here, twenty-four-seven."
Susan nodded. Once, Henry's concern would have deeply touched her, but now, the feeling frightened her. She turned and entered her building. Henry watched until she disappeared, then his face fell, fists clenched, eyes blazing with anger.
Jimmy drove Manuel home in silence. Several attempts later, at a red light, Jimmy finally spoke. "Why don't you just tell Susan you love her?"
Manuel blinked, a faint trace of Susan’s scent lingering on his lips. He'd kissed her to anger Henry, yet nearly lost control.
"Not anymore," he said.
Jimmy's rare smile was unsettling; he didn’t believe Manuel. Older and wiser, having worked for Oscar, Manuel, and Theodore for years, he knew them intimately. He sensed Manuel's love for Susan rivaled Oscar's for Hannah, but he remained silent, accepting Manuel’s words.
A week later, Oscar’s transfer order arrived. He was leaving for the capital the next day. Hannah's anxiety was palpable; separation loomed, and this time, Oscar faced danger. She planned a night of intimacy, only to receive a text: City Hall was throwing a farewell party, and he'd be home late. She suddenly resented his devotion to his career.
She called Susan, regretting her recent neglect and fearing Susan's heartbreak. As expected, Susan was angry.
"Oh, look who's calling!"
"Come to dinner tonight," Hannah pleaded.
"Nope," Susan refused instantly.
"Oscar's leaving for the capital tomorrow. I've spent time with him, and then I'm all yours, right?" Hannah explained.
Susan exploded. "Do you think I care about your lovey-dovey stuff with Oscar? What I mind is that Theodore and Manuel were invited to that birthday party, but I wasn't!" The slight rankled deeply.