Chapter 670: Worthless Delayed Love

"Manuel, do I deserve this?" Susan asked fiercely, her gaze fixed on his back.

Manuel clenched his fists, remaining silent.

"Just because I dumped you once, I'm forever guilty in your eyes?" Susan's vision blurred with tears.

Manuel remained indifferent, his back still turned to her. Tears streamed down her face. She chuckled, a self-deprecating sound.

"Manuel, if you're leaving, I'm giving up too."

She cried silently, telling herself it was over. She would relinquish her affections. From the start, they'd missed their chance—whether it was when he liked her or now, when she loved him. Perhaps they weren't meant to be.

Manuel paused at her words, his body tensing. A tremor ran through him; it was unclear whether it stemmed from desire or anger. Yet, he didn't turn around.

He knew that one glance would reignite his feelings. But he refused to be manipulated by Susan again. The hickeys on her neck were undeniable; he couldn't ignore the possibility of her infidelity with Henry. He couldn't endure another rejection.

Whenever Henry faced trouble, she chose him. Enough was enough. He wouldn't cling to these hopeless feelings.

Manuel left, slamming the bedroom door behind him.

The moment the door closed, Susan felt her world crumble. As she had suspected, this delayed love was worthless. Manuel felt regret, perhaps, but not enough to accept her. In that instant, she understood the chasm between them. It was over. She had foolishly believed in lingering feelings, in a silent love.

She left, unable to endure further humiliation. Manuel's well-being was no longer her concern.

Unbeknownst to her, Manuel returned to the living room, then retreated to his own room, closing the door firmly.

Susan drove home, forcing herself to remain calm after a past car accident. She didn't want another; she wouldn't die for a man. It wouldn't be worth it. Manuel wouldn't suffer.

Yet, she pulled over, hugging the steering wheel and weeping uncontrollably. It was her fault, she knew, but she still grieved for her lost love. Her sobs echoed, as if the world was ending.

After an indeterminate time, she forced herself to compose herself. Her throat was raw. She called Tia, the only woman she could think of who'd been in contact with Manuel. She wasn't sure of their relationship. Even now, her thoughts were consumed by Manuel, a fact that filled her with self-loathing.

Tia answered, surprised. "Miss Phillips?"

Susan's voice was hoarse, yet calm. "Manuel isn't well. Go to his house and look after him."

"What happened?" Tia's concern was palpable.

"You'll see," Susan replied, hanging up. This act of benevolence would be her last for Manuel. She restarted her car and drove away.

The next morning, Susan woke with a pounding head. The alarm clock jarringly announced the start of a new day, yet she felt utterly drained. Work loomed, a stark necessity.

While rinsing her mouth, her gaze fell upon her neck. She touched it, discovering numerous hickeys. She tried to wipe them away, but they wouldn't budge. A mirror confirmed their presence.

They were from last night, in the car, with Manuel.

Disappointment washed over her. He'd done this while sober, yet refused her advances when drugged. Was it control? The ability to stop himself when lucid, but not when impaired? For whom was this self-control? To prevent himself from sleeping with other women? The more she thought about it, the more uncomfortable she felt. She had to stop thinking about him. It was truly over.

After quickly rinsing, dressing, and applying makeup, Susan received a call from an unknown number. "Hello?"

"Kensbury City People's Hospital. Are you related to Henry?"

Susan's heart lurched. Another suicide attempt?

"Henry has a high fever and is delirious. We suspect pneumonia and need to hospitalize him. Your number was listed as his contact. Please come as soon as possible."

"I'll be there," Susan responded immediately, hurrying to the hospital.

Henry lay alone in his ward, weak and forlorn. Susan felt a pang of sympathy for his persistent solitude. She suppressed her emotions, sitting beside him. He awoke, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Why are you here?"