Chapter 734: Henry's Proposal

Susan whirled around at the sound, then saw Manuel’s white shirt, soaked in blood. Moments before, she had been hugging him from behind in the darkness, thinking him merely sweaty. The sight of blood shocked her. How had he been injured?

Before Susan could move, Henry stopped her.

"Susan!" he exclaimed, his tone serious.

"Let me go! I have to check on him," Susan insisted, struggling against him.

"Why? You need to rest," Henry said, forcibly pulling her away.

"Henry, let me go!" Susan was furious. She had never seen him so unreasonable. Regardless of her complicated relationship with Manuel, she felt a basic obligation to check on his well-being.

"Henry, I told you to let me go!" she shouted.

He ignored her, continuing to drag her away.

"Henry!"

He stopped, his eyes bloodshot. "I will stay with you," he said.

Susan glared at him.

"I promise to be with you for the rest of my life. I assure you, you will be safe," he stressed, his voice cold. He seemed like a stranger. Silence fell between them; perhaps it was time for a reckoning.

"I'll drive you home," Henry said, noticing her stillness. He took her hand, and this time, she didn't resist.

Hannah had been right—a clean break with Henry was necessary, Susan acknowledged. Her indecision had led to this situation.

As they left, Manuel watched them go, clenching his fists. He expected this—a tantrum followed by a return to Henry. There was no point in further effort.

The drive home was silent. The gap between them felt wider, a vast and difficult obstacle already established.

"Henry, let's talk," Susan finally said, her mind made up. No more hesitation, no more flinching. Even if she carried guilt for the rest of her life, maintaining their current relationship was unbearable.

Henry suddenly pulled her into his arms. Susan was startled.

"Henry?"

"Susan, I was so scared!" he hugged her tightly, cutting her off.

"Henry, let me go…" Susan felt uneasy, wriggling in his embrace. His hug felt repellent, unlike Manuel's.

"Susan, I can't lose you. Do you know how terrified I was when the guard called? What if the worst had happened to you?" He ignored her protests, still consumed by fear.

"I'm fine now. Just let go…" Susan struggled.

"I need a hug. I need to make sure you're still alive," he murmured.

Finding his embrace repulsive, Susan forcefully pushed him away. Henry looked shocked.

Susan, head down, mumbled, "Henry, stop…"

"Susan, I'm sorry…I was so scared…I can't lose you…I'm sorry for upsetting you," Henry apologized, stirring her guilt.

But this time, she didn't falter. She was resolute.

"Henry, let's break up…"

"Susan, will you marry me?" Henry dropped to one knee. It was his second proposal; the first, a month ago, had failed. She had assumed he'd given up.

"Will you?" he pleaded. "Susan, do you know how important you are to me? I can't imagine life without you. It would be unbearable! Susan, will you marry me? I want to be your knight, protecting you for the rest of my life."

His apparent sincerity swayed her again. She was easily moved by his displays of emotion.

"I'm sorry, Henry, but we have to break up…"

Henry's expression sharpened.

"I don't know when I changed my mind. I don't know when I fell for him. I know it's wrong, but I can't deny it. No matter how hard I try to suppress my feelings, telling myself he doesn't love me anymore, I can't stop loving him. I can't lie to myself that I don't love him, or that I should love you. It's unfair to you!" Susan confessed.

"I don't care if it's fair to me. I just need you by my side. I don't even care if you love me or not. Susan, I don't care…" Tears welled in his eyes.

"Henry, calm down, okay? I know you're hurting. But with time, you'll get over me. I used to love you, but now I realize I'm in love with Manuel. Nothing is immutable; love is no exception." Susan leaned to comfort him.

"No, never! My feelings for you will never change!" Henry shook his head vehemently.

Tears filled Susan's eyes. She knew how cruel she seemed.

"I'm sorry, Henry, I can't be with you."

Henry stared at her, speechless.

"I'll tell my father to return your shares. You're free to stay or leave Phillips Bank. Whatever you decide, the dividend will be transferred to you annually," Susan said, striving for composure. She knew that showing sadness would hinder a clean break.

"So it's just a money transaction?" Henry asked, his voice laced with mockery.

Susan didn't reply.

"You're dumping me after getting tired of me, buying me off with money?"

Susan felt guilty; his harsh words stemmed from his distress.

"Susan, don't you ever think about leaving me so easily!" A vicious thought crossed his mind.

The next second, he pinned her to the couch and began kissing her, tearing at her clothes.