Chapter 8: Meeting Sarah's Family.

Tom’s Pov

The next day, I arrived at the coffee shop where Sarah and I often met. My heart pounded as I waited, unsure of what to expect. I felt a mix of desperation and hope, knowing that Sarah was my last chance at vindication. When she walked in, her eyes met mine, and she quickly made her way to our table.

"Tom," she said softly, her face a mix of concern and determination. "I heard what happened."

"Sarah, I swear I didn't do any of it," I blurted out, my voice trembling. "Vincent set me up. He fabricated all the evidence to get me fired." She reached across the table and took my hand.

"I believe you, Tom." Her words were a balm to my wounded spirit.

"Thank you," I said, my voice cracking with emotion. "You have no idea how much that means to me." She gave my hand a reassuring squeeze.

"You don’t have to explain everything right now. I know you, and I trust you."

"I appreciate that, Sarah, but you deserve to know the whole story," I insisted. "Vincent has been targeting me ever since I joined the company. He's jealous and vindictive. He created those fake documents and emails to frame me." Sarah nodded, her eyes never leaving mine.

"I know how manipulative Vincent can be. I never trusted him."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I continued, "I lost my job, and the person I was staying with kicked me out. I have nowhere to go." Without hesitation, Sarah leaned in and kissed me, her lips soft and reassuring against mine.

"It's okay, Tom," she whispered. "You have me, and we’ll get through this together." We sat in silence for a few moments, holding each other’s gaze.

Then, Sarah spoke again, her tone resolute. "Tom, I want to take you to my parents. They need to meet the man I love, and I want us to prepare for our future together, regardless of what’s happening right now."

"Are you sure?" I asked, my heart swelling with a mix of love and fear. "I don't have a job, and your family might not accept me."

"Let me worry about my family," she said firmly. "What matters is that we’re together and we’re honest with each other."

That afternoon, we drove to Sarah's family estate. As we pulled up the long driveway, my nerves were frayed, but Sarah's presence gave me strength. She held my hand tightly, her calmness grounding me. When we entered the grand foyer, Sarah’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henderson, greeted us. They looked surprised but not unkind.

"Mom, Dad, this is Tom," Sarah introduced, her voice steady. "I love him, and we’re planning to get married." Mr. Henderson's brow furrowed slightly.

"Isn't he the one who was recently involved in a scandal at his workplace?" Sarah stepped closer to her parents, her posture protective.

"Yes, and it's all lies. Tom was framed by a jealous colleague. I believe in his innocence completely."

Mrs. Henderson looked at me thoughtfully. "Well, if our daughter believes in you, then we are willing to give you a chance." Relief washed over me.

"Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Henderson. I promise you, I will prove my innocence and show you that I’m worthy of Sarah."

We spent the next few hours discussing our plans and future. Sarah's parents, though initially cautious, seemed to warm up to me as they saw the sincerity in my eyes and the strength of my bond with their daughter.That evening, Sarah and I took a walk through the garden. The air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers, and the setting sun cast a golden glow over everything.

"Tom," Sarah began, stopping to look at me. "I know things are tough right now, but I have faith in us. We’ll get through this, and we’ll build a life together." I pulled her into a tight embrace.

"I love you, Sarah. You've given me hope when I thought all was lost. I promise I’ll work hard to rebuild my life and make you proud."

"You already do," she whispered against my chest. "We'll face whatever comes our way together." As we stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, I felt a renewed sense of purpose and determination. Despite the challenges ahead, I knew that with Sarah by my side, we could overcome anything. Our love would be the foundation upon which we would build our future, and no amount of adversity could tear us apart.

The wedding day arrived with a mixture of joy and tension. Sarah and I stood together, ready to face whatever the world threw at us. Despite their initial reluctance, her parents eventually agreed to support us, albeit with some reservations.

As the ceremony began, I glanced nervously around the room. My heart raced when I saw my parents enter, their expressions a mix of curiosity and disdain. They walked over, my mother’s lips pressed into a thin line.

"Well, Tom," my father said, his tone gruff, "didn't think you'd manage this, to be honest."

"Thanks, Dad," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "I know things have been tough, but Sarah and I are committed to making this work." My mother looked at Sarah, then back at me.

"I hope you realize how lucky you are," she said sharply. "Don't mess this up."Sarah squeezed my hand, her warmth giving me strength.

"Tom and I love each other very much," she said firmly. "We’re going to build a wonderful life together."The ceremony proceeded, and as we exchanged vows, I felt a wave of emotion. Sarah's love and support had brought me to this moment, and I was determined to prove myself worthy of her faith in me.After we were pronounced husband and wife, we moved through the reception, greeting guests. My parents, though still skeptical, seemed slightly softened by the occasion's joy. My siblings still looked at me with disgust and disdain at my wedding day.