Chapter 849: Stay By Her Side

Manuel helped Susan into the car. The chauffeur quickly returned to his seat. Manuel slammed the door shut after settling Susan in the back.

Clara remained outside, watching them leave. Jealousy burned within her; anger propelled her to stamp her foot. She struggled to understand Manuel's affection for Susan.

She vowed to win his heart, no matter the cost.

Susan was startled, feeling she should remind Manuel that Clara was alone. However, a secret delight lingered. She'd been overwhelmed by jealousy witnessing their intimacy. This felt like revenge.

She tugged at his shirt.

"Are you unwell?" Manuel asked worriedly.

"Hug me tight. I'm scared," Susan said.

Manuel hesitated.

"I lost my baby in the last crash," Susan whispered, tears welling. She sought sympathy, yet the mention brought a sharp pang of grief. She hadn't wanted the baby then, but its loss shattered her. She'd often wondered if its survival might have salvaged her relationship with Manuel.

Manuel murmured, "What's done is done."

While it was just an old story to Manuel, the loss felt like an insurmountable agony to Susan.

Regret washed over her. As she looked at him, she saw his face nearing. He gently wiped away her tears, his warmth palpable. "You will have another baby."

Susan looked confused.

"You will have another baby," he repeated softly. His words evoked memories of his former infatuation. Perhaps he still held faith in their relationship, even though she had strayed.

Susan softly closed her eyes. "Manuel, I'm sorry."

His finger paused at the corner of her eye. She regretted pushing him away, regretted the growing distance between them.

"I want…"

"Mr. Johnson," the chauffeur interrupted.

Manuel cast him a cold glance—a stark contrast to his usual amiability. The chauffeur felt intimidated. He stammered, "There's an accident ahead. Should we detour?"

"You're driving. You decide," Manuel said sharply.

"Yes, sir."

Susan was stunned by his abruptness. His earlier tenderness had been a deception. She needed to be vigilant.

Noticing Susan avoiding his gaze, a change from moments before, Manuel saw her apprehension. She quickly said, "I'm fine…really fine."

Manuel felt like he was speaking to a fool.

At the hospital, a medical team awaited. They immediately helped Susan onto a stretcher and into the emergency room. Manuel followed.

Before disappearing through the door, she grabbed his arm. Despite fearing his annoyance, Hannah's mission was paramount. Even if he missed his flight, other options existed.

"Manuel, don't leave me alone," she pleaded. "I'm all alone! What if the worst happens?" she cried out.

The doctors were speechless. Her outburst was striking. Manuel felt embarrassed.

"You'll be fine."

"What if…"

"Enough!" Manuel snapped.

Tears welled up again. He'd yelled at her right after a car crash. His voice softened. "It's a routine check. You'll be fine."

"Don't leave me, okay?" Susan implored.

He didn't answer. Checking his watch, he calculated he could take a helicopter then a car, possibly still making his flight.

Tears streamed down her face. "Manuel, are you leaving me alone? I have no one—my dad is vegetative, my grandparents are gone, I barely know my relatives. Hannah's pregnant. I don't want to worry her. And your mother is in the Capital for Oscar's wedding. If you leave, I'll be alone…"

"I'm not leaving!" Manuel said, stunned by her words. He hadn't considered leaving since the crash.

"Really?" Happy tears erupted.

"Yes."

"Will I see you after the check?" Susan asked again.

"Yeah," Manuel nodded repeatedly.

"Don't lie to me."

"Have I ever lied to you?" His voice rose.

"Alright…" Susan stopped, reluctantly releasing his hand.

"Don't go," she whispered, turning back.

Manuel nodded. He had always stayed by her side.