Chapter 861: Theodore Comforts Susan
Justine and Susan compromised, briefly sharing a room before Susan left. She'd only accompanied Justine to encourage a rest; sleep was impossible for Susan, consumed by fear of losing Manuel. She returned to the CIU.
Theodore was there, tending to Manuel. Susan's previous perception of Theodore as a flighty playboy had shifted dramatically. Seeing him beside Oscar, composed in a suit, revealed a maturity and reliability she hadn't anticipated.
Approaching, Susan found Theodore already watching her. Exhausted yet resolute, she remained at Manuel's side. Theodore, however, was unsure of his own feelings.
Susan had been asked by Hannah to keep Manuel overnight—a shrewd move by Hannah, who understood the dangers of escape and sought to secure Manuel's presence to protect herself. Hannah, however, hadn't foreseen Manuel's willingness to risk his life, potentially even dying, for her. Theodore, too, would sacrifice everything for Hannah—all for Oscar. Since childhood, they'd been taught to prioritize the safety of those Oscar loved, their lives dedicated to Oscar and the Wells family legacy.
"Why not get some rest?" Theodore asked calmly, a stark contrast to his usual playful demeanor. His composure in this significant moment was striking.
"I can't sleep," Susan replied.
"You can't help here," Theodore said coldly, still angered by Susan's actions, even understanding the context.
Susan swallowed, acknowledging her helplessness. Indeed, she'd only brought Manuel misfortune.
Theodore glanced at her, then back at Manuel. "Manuel wanted to stay."
For a fleeting moment, a desire to punish her for Manuel's predicament consumed him. He'd foreseen this outcome. Yet, seeing her distress, he couldn't bring himself to hurt her. Manuel loved her, and even a rebuke from Theodore would cause him pain. The Wells men, he mused, were consistently undone by women—Oscar and Manuel alike.
"I didn't know it would end like this," Susan confessed, burdened by her inability to confide in others. Manuel's injuries left her feeling isolated.
She couldn't burden Hannah with guilt, nor Justine with further distress. Manuel's coma, a direct consequence of her actions, left her feeling unworthy of him. Theodore, strangely familiar yet reliable, seemed the only confidant capable of bearing her weight. For the first time, she saw him as a steadfast presence.
"I didn't imagine it would be life-threatening. I thought a minor injury, a quick recovery," Susan said, tears welling. "I'm a fool! So naive! I didn't see this coming!"
Theodore understood. The true danger often remains unseen until catastrophe strikes. Susan, sheltered from life's harsher realities, lacked experience with problems beyond the reach of the law.
"Manuel won't blame you," Theodore reassured her, conveying Manuel's understanding that his actions were deliberate, undertaken to protect Hannah and remain with Susan.
"Maybe I'm a jinx!" Susan sobbed.
Her presence had repeatedly brought Manuel harm—a disabled leg, a near-fatal fall, and now this. Perhaps distance was the only solution.
"If he survives, I'll stay away. I'll do anything if he lives..." she choked out, grief overwhelming her. The need to maintain composure until Manuel awoke held her back from fully expressing her sorrow.
"You fool!" Theodore exclaimed, his concern evident. "Manuel wouldn't survive if you left him."
He gently patted her head. "Would you like to cry on my shoulder?"
Susan stared, startled by his unexpected tenderness. He'd been a target of her dislike, yet now, a surprising gentleness shone through.
"We're good friends, right?" Theodore smiled softly, recalling their drunken vow of friendship, though neither had acknowledged it.
Susan wept openly, years of suppressed emotion finally breaking free. She'd learned strength, but the need for comfort and warmth was undeniable. Tears flowed freely.
Theodore opened his arms, offering solace. Susan, sobbing, glimpsed his broad chest, a symbol of refuge.
Then, abruptly, she wiped her tears. "No need. I'm fine. Thanks."
Theodore frowned, sensing her fragility and her longing for comfort. Her rejection surprised him.
Susan, regaining control, explained. "I'm afraid Manuel might wake up and see. I don't want him to think I'm...loose."
Theodore was speechless.