Years later, as Lucas had promised, and with the support of other employees from the illegal factory, they successfully sued the criminals who had entangled them in their schemes, despite the risks involved. The lawyer ensured that those still in prison received extended sentences for their crimes, bringing long-overdue justice.

This victory ignited a newfound sense of purpose in Sergio. He decided to pursue his passion for art and enrolled at the same university where he had worked as a custodian. After years of hard work and dedication, he graduated with honors, ready to take the leap into life as a professional artist.  

To celebrate this achievement, Lucas organized a small gathering at the house they shared. Surrounded by close friends, Lucas’s colleagues, and Sergio’s coworkers —many of whom openly supported and celebrated their relationship— they raised their glasses to honor Sergio’s success. It was a night of pride and joy for both of them, a triumph they had built together as a couple. 

The now artist couldn’t contain his happiness, feeling that he could accomplish so much more with Lucas by his side. Meanwhile, his beloved looked at him with quiet admiration, proud of all he had achieved.  

“Do you remember when we were young, hiding in that music room, and I kissed you on the cheek?” Lucas asked, gently taking Sergio’s hand.  

The freckled man laughed, nodding at the memory.  

“How could I forget? I was so surprised. I think, deep down, I always knew I wanted to be with you. I just never imagined it would lead to all of this,” he said with a smile, his cheeks flushing as they often did when he was nervous.  

He then paused, his mischievous smile hinting at something more. Lucas looked at him, puzzled. Slowly, Sergio stepped closer, slipping a hand into his pocket. He wanted everyone in the room to witness what was about to happen. His heart raced, nervous about how his boyfriend would react, but he knew this was the right moment to take the next step in their journey together.  

“Lucas Amery, you’ve given me the chance to be myself again, to be happy, and to build a future by your side. I want to promise you that I’ll always be here with you, no matter what happens. And now, I’d like to ask you…” Sergio knelt down, pulling a silver ring from his pocket. “Will you marry me?”  

His partner ran a hand through his hair, visibly overwhelmed. His heart pounded as he stood there, stunned and speechless. A man who rarely displayed romantic feelings in public, Lucas found himself nodding, unable to form the words.  

Sergio stood, pulling him into a tight embrace as the room erupted into cheers and applause.  

“Yes,” Lucas whispered into his ear. “Of course, yes.”  

The two men held each other tightly, their silent embrace filled with the unspoken promise of a love that had endured every challenge. After years of hardship, injustice, and relentless struggle, they had found strength in each other and built a life they could be proud of.  

**

A year after their wedding, Lucas and Sergio had made a few changes to their home. Alongside Lucas’s cherished piano —where he often played in moments of quiet reflection— there was now a bright studio where Sergio spent his days immersed in his art.  

Lucas had also taken a significant step forward, accepting a position at a law firm with a better salary. With Sergio’s encouragement, he decided to publish his first novel, a story inspired by his own life and his bond with his husband. The novel told the tale of a forbidden romance between a man and a demon, whose love defied all odds and proved unbreakable.  

Though Lucas wasn’t one to express his feelings openly, he knew Sergio had always been his greatest muse, inspiring him to pursue dreams he had long set aside.  

Meanwhile, Sergio’s career had blossomed. He worked as a painter in a small but respected gallery and became an art teacher, helping young students discover their own passion and purpose. He often thought of how far he’d come and how Lucas had been by his side every step of the way.  

At night, the couple would share their anecdotes, their good and bad days, fully aware of what it meant to live as husbands, loving each other as if it were the first time. Despite everything, they always found the opportunity to meet, accept each other as they were, and never drift apart again.

The End.