Epilogue
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Five Years Later
Beth stood near the kitchen stove in a soft linen sundress, her long hair pulled back into a loose, effortless knot. She looked radiant, her face glowing with the happiness of a woman who was loved dearly.
“Mommy! Leo took my red crayon again!” a small voice squeaked from the dining nook.
Four-year-old Sophia sat at the wooden table, her dark, expressive eyes wide with dramatic tragedy as she pointed a small finger at her twin brother.
Leo, who possessed his father’s thick dark hair and an identical, mischievous glint in his eye, merely grinned and held the crayon tightly in his fist, unbothered by his sister’s protest.
“Leo, share with your sister, please,” Beth said with an affectionate, practiced tone, stepping over to the table and placing a plate of sliced strawberries between them. “There are plenty of crayons for both of you.”
“I was drawing a sailboat for Daddy!” Leo declared proudly, though he dutifully handed the red crayon back to Sophia, who immediately snatched it with a satisfied huff.
Before Beth could return to the stove, a pair of broad arms wrapped securely around her waist from behind, pulling her back against a solid, familiar chest. A heavy, handsome jaw rested softly against her shoulder, and his rich, comforting fragrance washed over her senses.
“Hello my love,” Sebastian murmured, his deep voice vibrating against her spine as he pressed a slow, sweet kiss on her neck.
Beth leaned back against him with a soft, contented sigh, turning her head slightly so her lips could brush against his jawline. “Hello, you are done early for a Saturday.”
“I couldn’t miss brunch with my favourite people,” Sebastian replied warmly, his hands resting gently over her hips.
At thirty-seven, Sebastian looked even more distinguished and wildly attractive than he had five years ago.
A subtle touch of silver dusted his temples, and the sharp, aggressive tension that used to permanently lock his jaw had completely melted away, replaced by an easy, confident calm that came from complete fulfilment.
While he was still the formidable, brilliant CEO, his priorities had shifted permanently. His family was his world, and his schedule was strictly built around them.
A sudden, soft cooing sound echoed from the high-tech baby monitor sitting on the kitchen counter, followed by a gentle rustle of blankets.
“I will get him,” Sebastian said instantly, smoothing his hand over Beth’s back as he stepped away toward the hallway.
A few minutes later, Sebastian walked back into the kitchen, cradling their ten-month-old baby boy, Alexander, in his broad arms. The baby, boasting a chubby face, bright eyes and a tuft of soft brown hair, babbled happily as his father gently bounced him on his hip.
“Look who is awake and hungry,” Sebastian said, sitting down at the head of the table and placing Alexander into his high chair next to the twins.
Sophia immediately abandoned her colouring book to reach over and pat her baby brother’s tiny arm. “Hi, Alex! Mommy made us pancakes!”
Beth brought a large platter of fresh pancakes to the table, taking her seat right beside Sebastian.
He reached beneath the wooden table, his long fingers finding hers and locking securely with her hand, giving her a gentle, reassuring squeeze that communicated a world of shared history and devotion.
Five years after their reconciliation, their marriage was thriving beyond anything either of them had ever dared to dream. The painful wounds of their past had healed into faint memories, serving only as a reminder of how fiercely they had fought to build this life together.
They were still deeply and madly in love, their romantic spark burning even brighter now than it had during those intense months of courtship.
They made time for each other without fail, going on weekend getaways, sharing late-night conversations over wine in the courtyard after the children were asleep, and maintaining a playful, passionate intimacy that kept their bond unbreakable.
Arthur was a constant, joyous presence in their lives, visiting the estate almost every afternoon to spoil his three grandchildren rotten, fiercely proud of the family his daughter and son-in-law had built.
As the day unfolded, filled with the sweet sounds of children’s laughter, Beth looked across the table at her husband.
Sebastian was feeding tiny pieces of pancake to baby Alexander, laughing heartily as Leo explained his complex drawing of a dragon-guided sailboat, his free hand still firmly holding Beth’s under the table.
He caught her looking at him and paused, his eyes softening as he met her gaze with unreserved adoration.
“What?” Sebastian asked softly, smiling at her.
Beth smiled back, her chest swelling with a love so deep it took her breath away.
“Nothing,” she whispered, leaning over to press a tender kiss on his cheek. “Just loving our life.”
Sebastian turned his head, catching her lips with his in a sweet, lingering kiss. “I love you, Beth. Always.”
“Always,” Beth replied softly, surrounded by the warmth of her family.
This was the life she had fought so hard for, and she wouldn’t give it up for anything.
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Check out a snippet of The Wife he Cheated on with his Assistant below;