Chapter 444 We Are a Legitimate Couple
Tremors ran through his hands as he held Sarah close, a profound urge to surrender to his tears threatening to consume him. This day, a day he had been yearning for since what felt like an eternity, had finally arrived. He had always known that Sarah was worthy of his love, and in return, she would bestow upon him a love even more profound.
From the very moment his gaze had first met hers, he knew they were destined to share a lifetime together.
With a tone laden with sorrow, Antonio wept, "Sarah, when you fell ill so suddenly, fear gripped me. I couldn't help but think, what would become of me if something were to happen to you? I couldn't bear the thought of living without you."
"But if neither of us were here, what would become of our children? Without you, they wouldn't forgive me, and I couldn't forgive myself. And you, you wouldn't forgive me either..."
Sarah, her tears wiped away, offered him a smile, "Do you hear the words you're saying?"
"I'm saying that if, in the end, you still can't find it in your heart to forgive me in this lifetime, I won't be able to find peace even in death. I wouldn't dare face you, even in the afterlife."
Sarah laughed, "Antonio, the truth is, I forgave you a long time ago. Perhaps, I shouldn't have held any resentment against you to begin with."
"Really?" Antonio's eyes widened in surprise, tears shimmering within them.
"Really," Sarah confirmed with a nod.
"Before, my heart was in turmoil, and I couldn't make sense of things."
Sarah sighed softly, "But now, I finally understand. All I want is to be with you and our children, to stay together forever."
"I was selfish too. I understood your feelings, the anxiety that consumed you, yet I resented you. Why didn't I trust you more from the start?"
"I know deep down it was because of your love for me, because of jealousy, because of insecurity, right?"
A wave of joy washed over Antonio. He could feel their hearts reconnecting.
Just like when they exchanged their vows, their eyes held only each other, their hearts beat only for each other.
Antonio nodded fervently, holding his wife even closer.
"Yes, I was wrong too. I should have trusted you. I shouldn't have doubted your words. You were the one who got hurt, yet I blamed you..."
They lay there, facing each other, their hospital room transforming into a sanctuary of apologies and forgiveness.
"Let's stop blaming each other for our past mistakes," Sarah said, her hands cupping Antonio's face.
"Antonio Valencia, I promise you that in this lifetime, you are the only man for me. I have chosen you, and I will forever be loyal, cherish, and protect our home together."
Antonio covered Sarah's hands with his own, his eyes brimming with deep affection.
Looking at her, he vowed, "I also promise you that from now on, I will never doubt you, nor will I selfishly keep you by my side. I will be loyal to you, cherish you, and give you all my love."
They held each other tightly, the tangled knots that had been in their hearts for years finally unraveled, transforming into a red thread that bound them together.
Sarah initiated a kiss, her lips meeting Antonio's. It was a heartbeat that had been missing for far too long, or perhaps, it was the moment she finally allowed herself to love the man before her.
Just as they were lost in each other, Brady, having heard that Sarah had awakened, rushed in without a word.
"Sarah, oh!"
Upon entering, he was met with an intimate scene, causing his face to darken with anger. He slammed the door shut.
Hearing the heavy thud of the closing door, Antonio released Sarah and sighed deeply. "The headmaster is going to scold us again."
Sarah chuckled and called out to the door, "Brother, come in quickly."
Brady entered the room with a displeased expression, followed by their four children. They looked at their parents in bed with mischievous, joyful eyes.
"Hey, you two..."
"Brother, we are husband and wife, legally married. Why can't we lie on the same bed?" Sarah interrupted Brady's rambling.
He stood there, wide-eyed and surprised. She hadn't spoken like this just a few days ago!
Sarah understood her brother's thoughts all too well.
She looked at him calmly and said, "Brother, he is your brother-in-law, the father of my children, and my beloved husband. So, I hope you can put aside your prejudice and treat my husband better. You are my only brother. You have always spoiled me since we were young. Now that I am a mother, you must want me to be happier than anyone else, right?"
For a moment, Brady was rendered speechless, his voice caught in his throat.
Antonio, too, found himself momentarily frozen upon hearing her words. As his gaze fell on Brady, a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, appearing unconsciously.
"Big brother," he suggested gently, "why don't you take a seat instead of lingering in the doorway?"
Brady, irked by Antonio's casual smile, responded with a huff of annoyance. He dropped into a nearby chair, his gaze fixed on Sarah with a hint of indignation.
"Dare to repeat that," he challenged.
And repeat it, she would.
Sarah understood that persuading her brother required a slow and steady approach. Adopting a coquettish tone, she responded, "Well, I simply like him and want to be with him. I'm still recovering from my illness. Would you scold your poor, pitiful sister?"
Having been raised by Brady, Sarah knew he could see through her.
She looked just as she had when she had made the decision to marry Antonio.
Not exactly on the brink of death, but with absolutely no regrets.
Brady studied his sister for a long moment before shaking his head in helpless resignation.
She was the one who had to live her own life. As her older brother, all he could do was worry about her repeating past mistakes.
But ultimately, the decision was Sarah's to make.
Brady let out a deep sigh. "Are you certain?"
At his words, her face lit up with delight. "Brother, you agree?! Of course, I'm certain. I love Antonio Valencia!"
. Why don't we head home for lunch?" she suggested.
Antonio was of the same mind.