Chapter 1453
Chapter 1452:
Later, when he pursued her with such determination, it wasn’t merely because the plain village girl had transformed into a breathtaking woman. It was because her true self — stripped of disguises and misunderstandings — fit perfectly with the partner he had always envisioned.
Realizing this sent a quiet warmth spreading through Adah’s chest. She had never been a timid person. Now that his feelings were undeniable, it was impossible to keep hiding her own. “In Cadena, when you took my hand and promised to help me find my mother… that’s when I started falling for you,” she said softly.
She had no doubt left. That moment had been the beginning. She had felt it then and had simply refused to acknowledge it.
She often claimed she preferred kind, uncomplicated men, but even she knew that was largely bravado. When it came to something as serious as marriage, she had always been drawn to men like Allan — steady, composed, and quietly strong.
In that sense, she and Elliana weren’t so different. They could fend for themselves without fear, fully capable of carving their own path in the world. They didn’t need anyone to survive. Yet when the right man appeared, they were willing — even eager — to let themselves fall into his arms.
And now, she had found someone she could finally trust.
Allan, for his part, felt her words strike him squarely in the chest. Each one landed deep — warm and disarming — leaving him momentarily speechless.
He had assumed she accepted his proposal purely out of gratitude. That assumption was precisely why he had drafted the agreement in the first place — he hoped to eliminate any doubt and prevent her from staying with him out of obligation. He had never imagined her feelings had taken root long before. It turned out it had happened in Cadena, and inevitably, this realization left him stunned. He understood then that the affection between them was genuine and mutual.
Instantly, a bright, unrestrained laugh broke from his lips. In one swift movement, he pulled Adah toward him, wrapping her tightly in his arms before pressing a soft but resolute kiss to her forehead.
Across the room, Sally and Leonel exchanged a glance, emotion softening their smiles. After everything their daughter had endured, she had finally found happiness.
The rest of the onlookers wore similar expressions — a tacit but unmistakable approval.
Only Elliana deliberately ruined the moment. Rubbing her arms with exaggerated flair, she made a face. “I can’t watch this anymore. Do you two really have to be this sickening? You’re giving me chills p>
P𝗼𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘢r ѕ𝘵𝘰r𝗂𝖾s о𝘯
Adah immediately shot her a withering look, equal parts amused and offended. “Please. As if you and Cole don’t flaunt your affection every chance you get. Who are you to talk p>
Elliana didn’t bother arguing. Instead, she grabbed her friend by the hand and began dragging her toward the exit, cutting off any retort that might have followed.
Adah barely had time to process what was happening before Elliana grabbed her wrist and started pulling her along. “Elliana, wait! Where are we going?” she asked, caught between confusion and amusement. Just minutes ago they had been chatting normally, and now she was being dragged halfway across the banquet hall.