Chapter 414: A Fight Between Susan and Manuel

Hearing her words, Manuel paused.

"You don't have to leave. I will!" Susan declared, immediately retrieving her suitcase from the wardrobe and beginning to pack.

Tia, having overheard their argument, rushed in. She saw Manuel with his luggage, then turned to find Susan packing haphazardly. Quickly, she interjected, "Please, calm down. Losing the baby was sad, but you can have more children. You're both so young. Don't fight; it will hurt your love and marriage."

"There's no love between us!" Susan retorted fiercely.

Tia recoiled, frightened by Susan's anger, and fell silent, watching Susan pack without offering help.

Manuel remained silent for a moment, then slowly took out his phone and called Edward. "Dad, please come pick Susan up."

"What's wrong? Is Susan acting up again? I just drove her home, and now she's leaving?" Edward replied, sounding helpless. He contrasted Susan unfavorably with Hannah, who excelled in the business world. "Susan is...difficult," he added, implying Susan’s lack of consideration.

"I'm separating from Susan for a while. I initiated it," Manuel stated.

"Why?" Edward was incredulous, having witnessed Manuel's deep love for Susan over the years, a love that had prompted him to arrange their marriage.

"Manuel, I know losing the baby broke your hearts, but you're both young. Don't ruin your marriage over this. You'll have more children," Edward pleaded.

"You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink," Manuel interrupted. "Susan just had a miscarriage. She'll be better cared for at your place. Please come get her now." He hung up abruptly.

Susan, having overheard the conversation, felt tears welling in her eyes. She couldn't bear Manuel any longer. It had been his decision to marry, and now, it seemed, his decision to separate. Who was he to control her life? Enraged, she carelessly tossed her belongings into the suitcase, grabbed it, and tried to leave. She couldn't remain in the same room with him, not even for a second.

"Mrs. Johnson, please let me help. You shouldn't carry something heavy," Tia offered, stepping forward.

"Don't touch me!" Susan snapped.

"Mrs. Johnson..." Tia began.

"Stop calling me 'Mrs. Johnson.' Call me 'Ms. Phillips'!" Susan thundered.

Terrified, Tia remained speechless.

"Don't call me 'Ms. Phillips' either; I don't want to hear your voice!" Susan lashed out.

Feeling deeply hurt by Susan’s unfair treatment, Tia asked, "Do you hate me that much?"

"I hate everyone related to Manuel Johnson!" Susan declared furiously.

Shocked, Tia glanced at Manuel, who sat impassively in his wheelchair, seemingly unmoved by Susan's outburst. Susan, equally unwilling to engage further, headed for the door.

"Susan," Manuel called.

Ignoring him, she continued toward the exit.

"Susan!" he called again.

But she persisted. Manuel swiftly wheeled his chair to the door and slammed it shut as Susan reached for the handle.

"What the hell are you doing, Manuel?" Susan demanded angrily.

"Wait for your father to pick you up."

"No!"

"It's better for you to stay at the Phillips Manor."

"It's none of your business!"

"Wait for your father to pick you up," Manuel insisted.

"Let go of me!" Susan fought to control her anger.

"I said, wait for your father to pick you up..."

Bang!

Susan flung the suitcase, striking Manuel in the face. He endured the blow silently, gritting his teeth. Tia cried out, "It's bleeding!"

Susan saw the blood—a scratch near Manuel’s eye inflicted by the suitcase’s corner. The sight of blood horrified her. She realized her rage had gotten out of control. Seeing Manuel's cold stare, she saw the blood soaking into his eye.

"I hate it when you force me! You force me on everything! Who the hell do you think you are to meddle in my life?" she cried, her voice rising in desperation.

Manuel swallowed, suppressing his own anger.

"Fine," he said quietly.

Tears blurred Susan's vision.

"Do as you wish," Manuel murmured, leaving the room.

Susan watched him go, overcome with inexplicable sadness. She didn't understand why he affected her so deeply. She shouted after him, "Manuel Johnson, you're the most terrible man in the world!"

He paused, but didn't respond, entering his room and slamming the door. Susan clutched her chest, feeling as though her heart had been ripped apart. How could he do this to her?

Tia, witnessing Susan’s distress, offered comfort, "Mrs. Johnson...Ms. Phillips, please don't cry. You're weak now."

Susan wiped her tears, telling herself he wasn't worth them.

"Ms. Phillips, don't be so sad. Mr. Johnson didn't mean to hurt you. He was looking forward to the baby. He must be upset. It will be fine when he calms down," Tia continued to comfort her.

But Susan knew, it wouldn’t be fine. She had been forced into this marriage and she wouldn't miss it. She picked up her luggage and left without looking back.