Chapter 984: A Sweet Couple
Manuel's suspicions stemmed from several unexplained circumstances. First, Besse and Doyle slept separately, despite a close relationship since age eighteen in the progressive country of Jolencami, where a long-term boyfriend-girlfriend relationship was unusual. Their current arrangement seemed problematic. This fueled his suspicion of Besse's true identity.
Second, his conversation with Besse revealed she genuinely believed she wasn't Hannah. Third, if Besse were Hannah, she wouldn't feign ignorance of Oscar. More significantly, Hannah wouldn't abandon her son and parents.
The only plausible explanation was amnesia: Besse was Hannah, but had forgotten them all. While improbable, it best explained Hannah's transformation into Besse and her apparent indifference.
He scrutinized Besse across the table; she remained silent. After a time, Manuel conceded that if she were Hannah, her intelligence would likely allow her to uncover the truth, even with memory loss. Her silence indicated a deliberate choice not to know.
He produced his phone, catching Besse's attention. "Let me show you a video," he said. The screen displayed Salem's birthday party from the previous day—a video he'd sent himself using Susan's phone. Besse's reaction to Salem was immediate and poignant.
"I didn't intend to disrupt your life," he said, "but I think you should know your past."
"You're so sure I'm the person you're talking about?" Besse asked.
"Actually, I think you should be clearer than we are; otherwise, you wouldn't be so eager to leave," Manuel replied.
"I left because of Doyle," Besse retorted.
"No, you know the real reason," Manuel countered.
Before Besse could respond, Manuel put away his phone. "I'll get breakfast with Susan; she'll be lonely eating alone." Besse watched him go, a silence settling upon her. She reflected on Manuel's subtle yet incisive words; he was right—she knew why she'd fled Northfield for Doyle.
Manuel returned with breakfast, finding Susan still asleep. The woman who'd cried herself hoarse the previous night slept soundly, unlike him. He'd spent the night researching, even hacking into Jolencami's secure network for information on Besse, finding her profile strangely sparse, some information seemingly deliberately erased. This only deepened his suspicions. He'd arranged this morning's encounter deliberately; the truth, he believed, resided with those involved.
He placed down the breakfast and approached Susan's bed. "Susan," he whispered.
Susan stirred, then turned back to sleep. "Eat before you sleep again, or you'll be hungry," Manuel said gently. His soothing voice prevented a tantrum. Annoyed, she lifted her blanket. "I haven't woken up yet," she mumbled.
"I know."
"Then why did you call me?"
"I'm afraid you'll be hungry."
"But I'm not hungry!"
"But I am."
"If you're hungry, then go eat…" Her words were cut short by Manuel's kiss. They'd nearly made love the previous night, but he'd restrained himself. This morning, she feared he wouldn't be so controlled. She was right. Her hand slipped beneath his shirt as their kiss deepened. The room's temperature rose, their breathing quickening.
He broke the kiss, sensing her lingering desire. "Are you awake?" he asked.
"So you only kiss me to wake me up?!" Susan exclaimed, indignant. He was too clever.
"Not just that," he said.
"After all," Susan admitted, "it's hard for me not to be tempted by you."
Manuel chuckled. Susan realized her pregnancy wasn't just a test for Manuel; it was a test for her, too. "I'll help you wash up."
She didn't resist; his drowsy approach was too effective. Later, at breakfast, Susan watched him peel her eggs, captivated by his slender fingers.
"What are you looking at?" he asked.
"Your hands," she replied.
"Something catch your eye?" he chuckled.
"They're good-looking," she affirmed.
He glanced at his hands, then Susan added, "And they're very flexible."
He paused.
"They're good at peeling eggs," she said.
Manuel looked startled. Susan grinned. "Manuel, did you just have a dirty thought?"
"No," he denied, his ears reddening.
"You must have misunderstood," Susan teased. "Why are you so dirty-minded?"
"Susan," he said, his expression serious.
Susan adored Manuel's shy demeanor. No matter their intimacy, the moment he dressed, he transformed into a reserved gentleman—a contrast that fueled her desire to tease him.