Months had passed since the truth was finally revealed. Slowly, everyone had come to accept the events that once shook their world. The secrets had been uncovered, and the wounds had begun to heal. At last, there was peace—not because the pain was forgotten, but because forgiveness was chosen, and life was allowed to move forward.
Darius, who was once at the center of the chaos, had found happiness for Clark and Angela. He now spent more time with their child—especially when the couple was busy preparing for the wedding. It was a scene they never imagined possible: Darius and Clark, who once could barely stay in the same room, now slowly building mutual respect.
It hadn't been easy. There were awkward silences at first, questions in their eyes, and hesitation that wasn't easily shaken off. But in time, with honest conversations and simple gestures of goodwill, they learned to see each other not as rivals, but as two men who both loved the same child—wanting to raise him in peace.
Andres served as the bridge between them. With his light presence and unwavering sense of humor, the tension gradually faded. If there was balance in those moments of unease, Andres was the reason.
Then came the day everyone had been waiting for—Clark and Angela's wedding. A simple ceremony, yet full of emotion. Only close friends and family were present to witness a new beginning.
The Alcaraz family didn't miss this important day in Gel's life, and Kitty was there with her family as well. Angela chose Kitty as her matron of honor, and Clark chose Andres as his best man—a clear symbol of relationships forged through time, trust, and love.
Angela, after being prepared by the glam team, stood before the mirror with her matron of honor, Kitty.
"I never thought I'd make it to this day. I never thought my heart would feel whole again… whole, and chosen. I'm standing at the edge of a new beginning, and I've learned that it's not enough to forgive—you also have to accept everything. All the mistakes, all the shortcomings. And Clark… he helped me see that." She smiled at their reflection in the mirror.
"You're whole now, Gel. And you've chosen him. It wasn't easy, but everything you two went through brought you to the right place. At the right time."
Meanwhile, on the other side—
"You know, bro, you don't have to prove yourself anymore. Not because of everything that happened between you and Angela, but because of who you are—you're genuine. You're one of a kind, Clark. Not many men are like you."
"I hope so, bro. But there are still days when I'm not sure. What if I'm not enough for Angela? What if there are things I just can't give her?" There was still a trace of fear in his voice.
"Don't worry about that. I think your battle's over. You chose the right person, and I'm sure you'll succeed in this new life you and Gel are building. I can see and feel her love for you." His friend replied firmly.
***
The room fell quiet as Angela slowly walked down the aisle, wearing a simple white dress that suited her personality—plain, but elegant. In her arms, she held her child with Darius, a symbol of the life she had fully embraced.
Clark smiled as he looked at her, tears held back. He couldn't help but recall every chapter they had been through—the pain, the doubt, the fear of losing her, and the day she chose to love him and spend the rest of her life with him.
When Angela reached the altar, she handed the child to Darius, who was seated in the front row. The man gently took the child and nodded at Angela, full of respect and silent support.
The priest began the ceremony. And when the time came for their vows, they chose to speak from the heart.
Clark:
"Angela, I loved you at your most chaotic. I accepted you even when the world wasn't fair to you. Today, in front of everyone we love, I promise to be your rock—not just on good and joyful days, but especially on nights filled with fear and exhaustion. I'm not perfect, but every single day, I will choose to love you—and the child I've come to love as if he were my own blood."
Angela:
"Clark, I doubted myself—wondered if I was still worthy of being loved. But then you came, and in your quiet understanding, I found home. We've been through so much, but you never let me go. In front of everyone here, I promise that you are the only man I will love—today and in all the days to come."
Tears welled up in the eyes of their friends. Andres scratched his head to hide his emotions. Kitty quietly sniffled while holding a bouquet. Darius held the child tightly in his arms, smiling—tinged with a hint of sadness, but resolute.
"Maybe I'm not Angela's ending, but I've accepted that. I can give her everything she needs as the father of her child, even if we're not together. What matters most is that I feel at peace knowing they're happy—even if I'm just on the sidelines, watching."
"Not all love stories end up together, Darius. But all love that's real—no matter how different—never goes to waste. So there's nothing to be sad about. You're still young. Who knows, maybe the woman meant for you will come at the right time." —Darlene
One year later.
One afternoon, they were all gathered in a small garden at Darius' house—for a family picnic. Angela lay on a mat, reading a story to her child. Clark stood nearby with a camera, taking pictures of them. They were vacationing in the Philippines.
On one side, Andres, Lance, and Kitty were joking around with Darlene and her husband, Oliver. Darius sat quietly, watching Kitty and Lance's child run around with a toy. Beside him, Clark sat down in silence.
"Thank you, Darius." It's Clark.
"I should be the one thanking you. I know she's happy. And if she's happy, then I'm happy too." Darius responded.
Clark nodded. Together, they looked in Angela's direction—who was now looking back at them, smiling and waving. Their child ran toward the three of them—a portrait of a new kind of family. Not perfect, but whole.
Through all the storms, we've learned that not all wounds need to be forgotten. Sometimes, they just need to be embraced, healed, and made part of who you are today. And with every morning spent beside the person you've chosen to love, you'll come to understand that true family… isn't just about blood—it's about the love you choose to uphold—despite everything.