Chapter 952: A Lovely Pair
Looking at Salem's familiar face, Susan squatted to hug him. Only Salem offered slight comfort amidst her grief over Hannah's departure. She wondered if Hannah had chosen to die with Lillian because she had Salem. Hannah, so intelligent, must have known that Salem's presence would deter suicidal thoughts.
"Aunt Susan, you're pregnant and can't hold me," Salem refused, his small face serious.
Susan felt nothing this time. Her first pregnancy had been marked by constant nausea, but this one was different. She'd considered a false pregnancy, but her doctor confirmed a healthy fetal heartbeat before her maternity leave.
"Uncle Manuel loves kids so much, don't disappoint him," little Salem preached.
Susan secretly rolled her eyes. Manuel's affection for children, particularly Salem and Una Wells, was undeniable. His demeanor changed completely around them; Susan envied their easy rapport. She envied even more how well he treated Una, the daughter of his enemy, while she struggled with his apparent inability to fully separate Una's identity from Oscar's.
Whenever Susan complained, Manuel explained that his love for Salem extended to Una, as Salem himself wished it to. And, truthfully, Una was quite likable. She possessed both delicate beauty and a charming personality. Watching them together, calling each other "Auntie" and "Uncle," their sweet voices elicited smiles from everyone. Salem also looked after Una carefully, knowing discord between them would only hurt her.
Gradually, the family's attitude towards Una shifted from initial rejection to complete acceptance. This extended beyond Susan and Manuel; even Hannah's parents now considered Una a part of their family.
Susan pursed her lips. She was unhappy with Manuel's professed love for children. When they'd first met, he’d promised a baby within six months. After Hannah's death, however, Susan was too distraught to consider starting a family. Only a year later, feeling herself again, did she suggest trying. Manuel gave lip service but never followed through, year after year.
In their fourth year, Susan acted. She sabotaged his condoms. Manuel was stunned by her pregnancy, having been so careful. Susan explained her actions, feeling she'd finally exacted revenge for years of denial. But pregnancy was not what she expected. Manuel transformed into an overbearing father-to-be, dictating her reading, meals (no spice!), demanding nutrient soup, and restricting her movements to protect the baby.
Was this his revenge?
"What's wrong, Auntie?" Salem asked, noticing her anger. "Nothing," Susan replied, forcing a smile. After all, she'd chosen this husband.
She took Salem's hand; Una clung tightly to Salem from behind. Sometimes, Salem's kindness towards Una made Susan jealous.
"Auntie's taking you both for a fancy meal," Susan announced brightly.
"Yay!" the children chorused, their enthusiasm brightening the mood.
Holding both their hands, Susan felt triumphant. She basked in the envious glances of others. The moment was perfect.
They entered an elevator and ascended to an upscale restaurant. A waiter led them to a private room with stunning views of the Capital.
"Sal, is that where Dad works?" Una asked.
Susan took their order as the children gazed out the window.
"No, it's over there," Salem pointed. Una looked in the indicated direction. "Sal, can we see Dad from here?"
"It's too far away," he replied.
"I miss Dad. Do you miss him?" Una asked. "Mhm."
"Dad's always busy and never takes us out," Una said, her voice tinged with sadness.
"Dad isn't just busy; he's special. He can't appear casually, and for our privacy, he can't take us out," Salem explained.
"What's privacy?" Una asked.
Salem patiently clarified, "It's something other people can't see."
"Are we not good enough? Why can't other people see us?" Una felt wronged.
Susan listened, moved by their conversation. Everyone considered Oscar's children exceptional, but who knew the limitations of their childhood under such high-profile leadership?
Finishing their order, Susan approached them.
"It's not because you're bad," she said gently, "it's because you're too good! Your dad worries someone might try to take you away if others saw how amazing you are."
Una blinked.
"Your dad loves you very much!"