Chapter 850: An Unexpected Kiss

The check-up was completed. Fortunately, her injuries appeared superficial, only skin deep. However, due to the head impact, the doctor recommended an overnight hospital stay. She could leave tomorrow morning if she felt well.

This perfectly suited her plan. The overnight stay provided the excuse she needed to ask Manuel to stay with her. If anything went wrong with Hannah's scheme, Manuel could help.

She found Manuel waiting outside the emergency room, just as she expected. He was easily spotted amidst the crowd. The doctor briefed Manuel on Susan's condition.

Susan noticed Manuel's sigh of relief; he still cared, she realized, a thought that touched her. The medical team escorted her to a VIP ward, followed by Manuel.

Once settled, the team left, leaving Susan and Manuel alone. While Susan received an infusion, Manuel browsed his phone. An awkward silence hung in the air. Then, he stood.

Susan quickly grasped his arm. "Where are you going?" She feared he'd leave once he was sure she was alright. She needed to stay vigilant; Hannah's plan hadn't fully unfolded.

"I gotta take a call," Manuel said. His phone was on mute; Susan heard no ringtone.

"Will you be back?" she asked anxiously.

Manuel nodded, and she reluctantly released his arm. He walked toward the window, thankfully remaining in the room. Still, she felt frustrated, wondering who was calling.

Was it Clara? Susan imagined Clara's anger at being left alone, and pictured Manuel soothing her with apologies. This thought ignited her anger. All men were fickle, she mused, remembering his former infatuation with her.

Manuel, of course, was unaware of her thoughts. He was speaking to Theodore. "I'm sorry, something urgent came up. I can't make the ceremony. I'll call Oscar later and offer my congratulations."

"Congratulate my ass! Can't you see how awful he feels? I only told you to come because he wanted a drink to cheer him up," Theodore retorted.

Manuel understood Oscar's feelings but didn't know what to do.

"Don't lie to me. You're there because of Susan, right?" Theodore accused.

"Yes."

"You fell into her trap! I knew it!" Theodore exclaimed.

Theodore considered Susan a formidable friend, but he couldn't forgive her actions toward Manuel.

"No, I know what I'm doing. I've learned my lesson," Manuel countered.

"So, you've restarted things with her, but learned to minimize the damage? Is that your 'lesson'?" Theodore challenged.

Manuel remained silent.

"Shit. You're just making excuses!" Theodore concluded, believing Manuel's renewed romance with Susan was incredibly foolish.

"Is Oscar there?" Manuel changed the subject.

"Yes, want to talk to him?"

"Yeah."

Theodore handed the phone to Oscar.

"Oscar, I'm sorry. I can't get to the capital tonight, or your wedding. Something came up."

"It's okay. Take care," Oscar said.

"Don't overdrink."

"Okay."

"Alright, I gotta go."

"Bye."

Manuel hung up, feeling distraught. He knew how much Oscar loved Hannah; Oscar was arguably suffering more than Hannah.

Returning to the room, he saw Susan's pleading eyes. He was taken aback; when had she become so attached? Nonetheless, he was touched.

He sat beside her. "Don't worry. I won't leave. Sleep if you want."

"I'm not sleepy, but I'm starving," Susan declared.

He realized neither of them had eaten.

"I'll order some food."

"Get me spicy Mexican food, like…"

"No, a light diet," Manuel interrupted.

Susan's eyes welled.

"You're injured! Be careful."

Susan knew she was fine, but hesitated to say so. She remained silent.

Nutritious, but bland, food arrived. Susan had little appetite.

"Open your mouth," Manuel said, feeding her.

She opened her mouth, then cried out, "It's hot!"

Manuel was startled. His annoyance at her earlier reluctance had made him forget to check the temperature. He looked apologetic, then leaned in and kissed her.

The air stilled. Susan's eyes widened as his lips met hers. He deepened the kiss, making her blush. He finally broke away, realizing what he'd done.

He looked at her, equally stunned, his own face flushed.

"Still hot?" he asked.

She wanted to say yes, craving more kisses to quell the burning desire.