Chapter 413: Manuel, Let's Just Get a Divorce!

"I guess his right leg has fully recovered. He told me the other day," Susan said, "but he can't feel his left leg yet. After the accident, the doctor said his left leg had a low probability of recovery. It's possible his left leg will be limp for life."

A sadness settled over Susan. She never wanted Manuel to be disabled, confined to a wheelchair for life. Seeing him in the wheelchair broke her heart, which is why she repeatedly forgave him, despite her desire to end their marriage. She felt profoundly guilty.

"So, he didn't tell you his left leg has also been recovering?" Henry asked cautiously.

Susan frowned.

"I overheard Manuel talking with his doctor today. The doctor said Manuel's left leg has feeling now, and he could walk in two to three months, fully recovering within six months."

Susan was speechless. Manuel's complete recovery was completely unexpected, leaving her with a confusing mix of anger and relief. She felt utterly torn.

Henry, noticing her silence, quickly explained, "Susan, don't misunderstand. I told you this not to cause trouble, but because I don't want Manuel to continue lying to you. He essentially tricked you into marrying him by feigning disability, and I don't want you feeling guilty for him."

"I understand," Susan nodded. "I never imagined Manuel would heal so quickly. Seeing him in the wheelchair every day, this is quite a surprise."

"Susan, you and Manuel…" Henry began.

"Henry, not now. I don't want to talk about us right now," Susan interrupted, a hint of annoyance in her voice.

"Okay," Henry said. "I was worried you'd be upset. Forget it if you don't want to talk. I'll leave you alone. Rest well and take care."

"Okay, bye."

Susan hung up.

Tossing and turning, unable to sleep, she replayed Henry's words in her mind. Why hadn't Manuel told her about his improving condition? She was overwhelmed with conflicting emotions, eventually forcing herself to sleep, though fitfully.

In her dream, a baby cried, "Mommy! Mommy!..." The sound pierced her heart. She searched but found no source. Then, a bloody baby appeared, repeatedly asking, "Mommy, why did you abandon me?"

"No, that's not true," Susan cried. "No. Mommy loves you. I'm so sorry, my poor baby..."

Susan awoke abruptly, the baby's bloody face and anguished voice still vivid.

"Have some water," a familiar, comforting voice said.

Susan turned to see Manuel beside her. Their eyes met. Tears streamed down her face as she stared at him.

"I put the water here," Manuel said, placing the glass on the nightstand. He then wheeled himself away.

Susan remained in shock, the dream feeling intensely real. Sitting up, she wiped away her tears, trying to convince herself it was just a dream. But the memory returned, reddening her eyes. Her composure shattered when she saw Manuel packing.

Approaching him, she asked, "Are you moving out?"

"It's better if we live separately," Manuel replied.

"What do you mean?" Susan asked, incredulous.

"Literally."

"You're blaming me, aren't you? For losing the baby? Just say it! Don't give me that attitude!" Susan exploded.

She'd endured enough of Manuel's emotional manipulation. It was her fault they lost the baby, and she could handle his direct blame, but not his passive-aggressive behavior.

"I don't blame you," Manuel said flatly. "I think we should calm down and figure things out."

"Then why are you moving out? Stop being hypocritical, Manuel! Admit it!" Susan spat, her voice laced with sarcasm. "Both your legs are recovered, right? You knew I felt guilty, yet you never told me. Manuel, you're not just a hypocrite; you're a despicable bastard!"

Manuel remained silent, absorbing her words.

"Think whatever you like," he said.

"Manuel Johnson!" Susan was furious. Why was she always the one talking? Why was he so calm? Why was she always blamed and made to feel angry during their arguments? How could he do this to her?

"Tia will stay to look after you," Manuel said, finishing packing. "Take care."

"Manuel, let's just get a divorce!" Susan declared.

Manuel paused.

"After all, you tricked me into marrying you with your fake disability. Now your legs are healed, I don't see why I should stay," Susan stated bluntly.

Manuel saw the steely determination in her eyes. To her, he remained the man who had deceived her.

"Okay. Call me anytime," he said.

Susan's heart ached. He'd agreed to a divorce. He claimed not to blame her for the baby, yet his willingness to divorce so easily was unsettling. Had he married her for ulterior motives? He agreed to the divorce without hesitation.

"I'll keep the same number. Call me anytime," Manuel said coldly.

He had insisted on marrying her, yet he seemed unburdened by the divorce.

Susan watched him leave, luggage in one hand, wheelchair in the other. She stormed to the door, shouting, "This is your place! If anyone should leave, it's me! You don't have to go!"