Chapter 426 The Unexpected Revelation
Brady was stunned, his voice echoing with disbelief. "What are you suggesting? Have I kept something from you? Is there something I've failed to disclose?"
Tears cascaded down Sarah's cheeks, her voice barely above a whisper. "Brother, I've discovered the truth about our lineage."
Brady reached out to comfort Sarah, his hand halting mid-air as he struggled to regain his composure. He had hoped to keep this secret buried forever, but he had underestimated his astute sister.
The truth was, he was not their mother's biological child. He had been a forsaken infant when Sarah's mother was pregnant with her. The kind-hearted woman had taken him in, alone and abandoned, and raised him as a part of the Miller family.
Brady had known from an early age that he was not a biological Miller, but he had always regarded Sarah and her family as his own. He cherished Sarah, unwilling to let her endure any hardship. His devotion was a testament to their mother's nurturing kindness and a tribute to the unique bond he shared with Sarah.
"Why are you crying, my foolish girl?" Brady asked, pulling out a tissue to dab at Sarah's tears. "What does it matter?"
Sarah's sobs intensified. In truth, it didn't matter. Brady had been her guardian since she was a child, and their bond had long transcended blood ties. Regardless of the circumstances, Brady would always be her true brother, and nothing could alter that fact.
"Sarah," Brady began, his voice filled with conviction, "we've grown up together, and you will always be my sister. Our mother gave me life and a family by taking me in, and I will protect her daughter forever. No one can change our bond. You are my sister."
Sarah nodded, her eyes heavy with understanding. She knew that nothing could ever change her relationship with Brady. They would always remain the closest of siblings.
"Stop crying, little crybaby," Brady said, wiping away her tears. "Now, tell me, what's going on between you and Antonio Valencia? Didn't we agree to keep the child a secret and leave with the divorce agreement? Why are you living with him and the child now? Has he threatened you?"
Sarah had regained some composure by now, and she understood that her brother had summoned her to the kitchen to discuss this matter.
"Brother, we've almost resolved all our misunderstandings," she explained.
"Misunderstandings?" Brady's brow furrowed. "How can you be so certain that everything before was just a misunderstanding?"
"Because we've talked it out," Sarah replied, a smile playing on her lips. "A lot happened back then, and it can't be explained in just a few sentences. But I know that many things were not Antonio's intention."
She continued, her cheeks flushing but her gaze resolute. "And, brother... The only man I've ever loved is Antonio Valencia. I don't think there will be anyone else in the future."
Brady opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. He understood all too well his sister's feelings for Antonio Valencia.
Sarah chuckled, "You can relax now. Misunderstandings have been resolved, and since there are no longer any barriers, we naturally made up."
There were still some unresolved issues between her and Antonio, but her feelings for him were genuine. She didn't want her brother to worry any further, so she only shared part of the truth. During this time, she had seen Antonio's sincerity and believed that their relationship would improve.
Brady snorted, "But Antonio Valencia shouldn't get off so easily either! He took advantage of your kindness and deep love to hurt you recklessly."
Brady knew Sarah better than anyone. He knew that beneath her strong exterior, she was a gentle and serene woman. She had a soft spot for the people and things she loved. Antonio had deeply wounded her in the past, and now he was exploiting her vulnerability to win her back. Brady would not stand for it.
"He didn't, brother," Sarah defended, explaining the entire situation and recounting the sequence of events. "I can feel it, Antonio truly regrets his actions. Take the kidnapping incident, for example. I was terrified."
"I can't even begin to comprehend the emotions he must have felt when he stood in front of me and the children, trying to defuse the bomb. But I'm certain that his reckless behavior was driven by love."
A smile spread across Sarah's face, her eyes sparkling with unshed tears.
"Bound by the heartstrings of familial love, he was prepared to lay down his life for me and our children," she mused.
Brady's demeanor shifted, his voice taking on a grave note. "Live your life to the fullest, but should anyone dare to harm you, you must inform me. Rest assured, your brother will not hesitate to seek justice on your behalf."
Sarah's smile was radiant, her faith in her brother unwavering. "I am well aware. There is no one more capable in this world than my brother."
Meanwhile, Antonio was lost in his thoughts, ensconced in the living room. His gaze would occasionally drift towards the kitchen, a silent yearning in his eyes.
In the past...
His heart would swell with joy as he spent time playing with his child. But today, his mind was elsewhere, his focus scattered.
Antonio Valencia was still navigating the treacherous waters of probation, the issue with Asa Donat's photograph yet to be fully resolved.
It remained an obstacle, a wedge driven between him and Sarah. Would Brady Miller's words serve to fan the flames, causing Sarah's heart to harden, refusing reconciliation?
The more Antonio dwelled on it, the more agitated he became, the urge to rush into the kitchen growing stronger by the minute.
Just then, Harper was gasping for breath after an intense play session, slumping onto the carpet like a weary pup.
"I'm beat! I need a breather!" she exclaimed.
Seizing the opportunity, Antonio rose swiftly, making a beeline for the kitchen. "Good girl, let daddy fetch you a glass of juice."
Harper looked puzzled, pointing to the half-drunk beverage on the table. "Um, Dad, don't we have a fridge right here in the living room?"
"Pay him no mind," Brian interjected, having long seen through Antonio's ruses and understanding his intentions all too well.
With stealthy steps, Antonio neared the kitchen door.
His intention was not to eavesdrop, but to gauge Sarah's mood and brace himself for what was to come. However, he was taken aback when he heard Brady utter a sentence that he had not anticipated...