Chapter 488 An Impossible Response
Before Sarah could even respond, Antonio swiftly produced a medical report.
"Sarah, I've looked into everything regarding that day. I've had the drinks and the medication analyzed; it turns out the hangover cure was expired," Antonio revealed, his brows knitting in concern.
"As the doctor explained, it's likely that the expired hangover remedy reacted chemically with the alcohol. That reaction caused me to fall into a deep unconsciousness. In such a state, he said, it doesn't make sense to have... well, any kind of physical response."
Antonio laid out his evidence like an attorney presenting a case, "Here's the medical advice, the test results, and the doctor's medical certification. All legit and verifiable, just have a look."
Feeling besieged by the influx of information, Sarah couldn't help but grow irritated, "So what?"
His demeanor turned grave; a seriousness creased between his striking brows that demanded attention.
"That means, Sarah, given the physical limitations of that situation, it was just impossible for me to engage in anything intimate with her! I share your suspicions, Sarah. I believe Serene is hiding something far more sinister. Whatever it is, I'm actively investigating, and I will dig deeper to unearth the truth and prove my innocence."
In Antonio's intent gaze, reflected within his deep-set eyes, was the unmistakable image of Sarah’s clear features, and the depth of emotion therein was too intense to be ignored.
With deliberate emphasis, he pleaded, "Sarah, can you give me another chance?"
Taken aback by his determination, Sarah could not deny his genuine effort. She quietly studied the pile of reports he held. There was a line that stood out starkly.
"Upon examination, an individual in a deep coma is unable to perform normal sexual functions."
Sarah pressed her lips together, momentarily at a loss for words.
Flashbacks to that day tormented her, and with memories so raw, forgiveness seemed out of reach.
Yet, undeniably, a hopeful desire was beginning to stir within her. She too wished for her beloved to have never betrayed her.
She hoped that everything was just as Antonio claimed—a falsehood.
But was it even possible?
"Sarah, I'm not asking for your immediate forgiveness. I know I've been foolish; I've acted terribly and hurt you deeply. I'm doing all this simply to ask for a reprieve. Please, don't sentence me to death just yet," he begged, his voice laden with regret.
Struggling to hold back tears, Sarah lifted her head, her expression composed as usual, except her eyes betrayed an unusual turbulence unlike the previous days.
Her voice dripped with sarcasm, "You really want to investigate more? Last time, your ‘investigation’ landed you in Serene's bed. God knows what you'll uncover this time."
Antonio's face fell with a wry smirk, devoid of a good retort.
Sarah didn't want to prolong the conversation and decided to head back to the hospital room.
"Come back to me with solid evidence, then we can talk," Sarah said with finality, trying to keep her composure. "For now, I don't even want to see you. Let's not speak of what happened today." With that, she walked away.
Antonio watched her retreating silhouette, a sudden urge to call out to her making him step forward hastily. But the act triggered the blister at the corner of his mouth, and he couldn't help but cry out in pain.
Sarah paused, turning her head slightly to glance back. Antonio stood there, with his hand pressed to the corner of his mouth, wincing visibly.
She knew what was going on under the surface; how could she not? To the casual observer, Antonio might have appeared the picture of vigor, especially in front of Kevin, but it was undeniable that he had lost weight. His overall health had declined visibly. The blister on the corner of his mouth, now painfully evident, had not escaped Sarah's attention earlier in the day. She'd said nothing, even though she noticed he had barely touched his meal.
"Sarah, get some rest," Antonio said with a faint smile, his voice strained from the pain. "I'll be right outside if you need anything."
Despite his attempt to appear strong, Sarah saw his condition and let out a heavy sigh before returning to the hospital room. With her gone, the intensity in Antonio's eyes faded to a listless gaze as he slumped into a chair in the hallway. The physical discomfort was nothing compared to the ache in his heart.
All Antonio knew was that he needed to uncover the whole truth to prove his innocence. He sat there silently, his eyes reflecting the stillness of stagnant water.
At that moment, a nurse approached him, carrying some medicine. "Mr. Valencia? These are remedies for your blister, from Ms. Miller. Take care of yourself."
Brightening instantly, Antonio sprang up, inadvertently pulling at the sore spot yet again. Ignoring the pain, he beamed, "Did Sarah ask you to give these to me?"
The nurse, taken aback by his sudden enthusiasm, nodded and smiled, "Yes, she did. Rest up, and call if you need anything."
Clutching the medicine, a wave of euphoria washed over Antonio; he knew that Sarah still cared. He tucked the ointment away in his pocket as if it were a treasure, fingers brushing against the ring he had carefully recovered and kept close to his heart, in the pocket nearest his chest.
With unwavering belief, Antonio was certain that one day, he would drop to one knee again and slide that ring onto Sarah's finger. One day they would reconcile, never to part ways again.
He stayed in the hospital until nightfall, making sure Sarah and her brother were sleeping before he quietly left. Little did he know, sleep evaded Sarah completely as her mind replayed Antonio's words from earlier that day.
Sarah was painfully aware of how much she adored Antonio; otherwise, she wouldn’t have had the nurse bring him his medication today. The more you cared for someone, the harder it was to come to terms with their betrayal. Well, let Antonio flounder. If what he said was true and it was all a misunderstanding, that would be a relief...
Before long, Sarah's phone rang. It was Brian.
"Mom, are you resting yet?"
Sarah shook her head, "Not yet. What's up? Is everything okay at home?"
Brian chuckled, "With me around, what could possibly go wrong? Don't worry about home, Mom. I called to tell you that I've made arrangements abroad. We can leave at any time."
"That's fantastic, Brian. You've done a great job. Let's rest for a couple of days and wait for Mr. Jerrett to get a bit better, then we'll head out."
Sarah was thrilled. She had thought it would take ages to find a doctor willing to take a chance on such a cutting-edge technique, but Brian was quicker than she expected.
Hearing her words, Brian hesitated, "Mom, that's actually what I needed to discuss. If we decide to go abroad, we need to leave immediately."
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