Chapter 447 What if Daddy Doesn't Fight for It?
Susanna felt something was off right away. She ran her fingers through her hair and said, "Michael, whatever Edward told you in the study, just ignore it. They're just sticking their noses where they don't belong."
She'd totally forgotten that Aviana had mentioned trying to set her up with Michael earlier. Now, Edward calling Michael to the study alone had to be about that. Suddenly, Susanna felt super awkward.
She figured Michael never saw her as anything more than a friend. So, Edward's meddling just made things even weirder.
But then Michael looked down and said, "Actually, you might wanna take this to heart."
Susanna was confused.
"Honestly, what Edward said kinda surprised me and... made me happy."
Susanna was floored. Surprised and happy?
She felt totally lost and didn't know what to say.
She took a closer look at Michael. From his usually chill demeanor, she saw something different. Could he actually have feelings for her?
But all these years, she hadn't noticed anything unusual about Michael's behavior towards her.
Their relationship had always been like siblings. She never thought of it any other way. But now, Michael's words were making her rethink everything.
Things were taking a wild turn.
Michael looked down at her and said, "Susanna, I know Charles's illness has been your main focus, but once he's better, can we talk?"
"Talk?"
Talk about what? Could it be what she was thinking?
Susanna sensed a different vibe in Michael's words.
Now she was totally confused. At first, she felt a bit guilty towards Michael because, with her brothers spoiling her, the standards for a husband were sky-high, and anyone would be scrutinized by Edward. But she never expected that Michael actually had feelings for her, and she had never noticed it before.
Susanna paused and said, "Michael, we've always been friends. Don't feel like you have to take care of me, Charles, and Lillian just because of what Edward said."
She still found it hard to believe that Michael liked her. She thought it was more likely that Michael, out of respect for Edward and because he didn't have a girlfriend, agreed to be with her to take care of her.
"Susanna, do I look like someone who'd sacrifice my life out of mere kindness?"
"Well, no, you don't."
Susanna awkwardly replied, "But I've always seen you as a brother."
Michael sighed and said, "I admit I haven't made my feelings for you clear over these past 4 years, but starting today, I'm standing by your side as a suitor."
He took a step closer and looked at her seriously, saying, "Susanna, I don't want to be your brother."
Susanna was stunned. She thought her earlier words were clear enough, but Michael was so direct. How should she handle this?
Susanna felt a headache coming on and said, "Michael, I really haven't considered personal feelings, let alone dating you."
"Well, you can start thinking about it now. I'm not in a rush."
With things out in the open, Susanna didn't know how to respond. She could only nod awkwardly.
Seeing her nod, Michael's usually stone-cold face finally cracked a smile. "Get some rest. I'm outta here," he said.
Susanna watched him leave, then plopped down on the couch, her mind spinning. She'd always seen Michael as a brother, nothing more.
Aviana strolled over with a fruit platter. "So, how'd the talk go?"
Susanna shot up. "Aviana, did you know about his feelings for me?"
"Yeah, we've all seen how Michael's been with you these past four years. Even if he wasn't super obvious, feelings like that are hard to hide."
"Are you serious, Aviana? I never thought Michael would like me. This is too much to handle right now."
"Do you think Michael's not good enough? You did say he's always busy."
"No, Aviana, that's not it. Michael's great, but I never thought of him like that."
"Well, maybe it's time you start. Michael's pretty awesome, you know."
Feeling all kinds of confused, Susanna headed upstairs to her room and took forever to calm down.
Soon, Marcus called. "Ms. Jones, the case of the girl suing the Ashton family has gone to trial. Looks like the other side's gonna lose and end up in jail. The Thornberry family is about to sign a deal with the Abbott family."
"Is Aaron still in the hospital?"
"Not sure. Want me to send someone to check?"
"No need. Whatever he does is his business. No need to keep tabs on him."
Besides, she had just gotten a call from Sam and told him where Aaron was. So Sam should have found Aaron by now. If so, Aaron should be fine.
The next morning, Susanna got a call from Sam.
Susanna answered, "You found Aaron. Why are you calling me?"
Soon, Aaron's deep voice came through. "It's me."
Hearing Aaron's voice, Susanna instantly perked up. "It's you. Shouldn't you be heading back? Why are you calling me?"
"Did you forget you promised me yesterday to arrange a visit to see Lillian at the hospital today?"
Susanna didn't expect Aaron to insist on staying. She finally said, "Fine, I'll set it up for you to visit Lillian this afternoon. I'll send you the hospital address."
Since Aaron was dead set on not leaving, she had no choice but to arrange for him to meet Lillian.
After hanging up, Susanna immediately called Marcus to make sure everything at the hospital was ready for Aaron's visit.
After getting up, Susanna went straight to Lillian's room, where Lillian was still snoozing.
Susanna gently touched Lillian's face, and Lillian woke up, sleepily saying, "Mommy."
Susanna hugged her and said, "Are you awake? Have you been scared sleeping alone?"
"No, I'm not scared. I can sleep alone."
Susanna smiled and said, "Lillian, I need your help with something."
Susanna briefly explained the situation.
Lillian nodded and replied, "Okay. But why are you worried about Daddy finding Charles?"
Susanna paused for a moment and said, "Because if he finds you, he'll try to take you away from me."
"What if Daddy doesn't try to take us?"
This question stumped Susanna.
She looked down at Lillian and asked, "How do you know he won't?"
