Criminal Love (SUNGHOON)

26: Redemption and New Beginnings

With the dawn came a sense of liberation that Sunghoon had never felt before. The police station bustled around them, a hive of activity as officers cataloged evidence and prepared statements. Sunghoon and Celine stood together in the hallway, their fingers intertwined, reflecting on the journey that had brought them to this moment.

"We did it," Sunghoon murmured, his voice tinged with disbelief and relief. "We really did it."

Celine smiled warmly, her eyes shining with pride. "You did it," she corrected gently. "You faced your past head-on, and you made it right."

Sunghoon squeezed her hand, overcome with emotion. "I couldn't have done it without you," he confessed, his voice catching slightly. "Thank you, Celine, for believing in me, for staying with me through everything."

Celine leaned in closer, wrapping her arms around him in a tender embrace. "I knew from the moment we met," she whispered, her voice filled with conviction. "I knew there was goodness in you, despite everything."

They stood there for a moment, taking comfort in each other's presence amidst the chaos of victory. The weight of their shared ordeal seemed to lift, replaced by a newfound sense of freedom and possibility.

Later that day, after the paperwork had been signed and the last interviews completed, Sunghoon and Celine found themselves in a plush office overlooking the city skyline. The Chief of Police sat across from them, a look of admiration and gratitude in his eyes.

"You've done something extraordinary," the Chief remarked, his tone filled with respect. "The information you provided and your bravery in taking down this organization—it will go down in history."

Sunghoon nodded humbly, his gaze drifting to Celine beside him. "We just wanted to make things right," he replied softly.

"And you did," the Chief affirmed. "As a token of our appreciation, the government has authorized a substantial reward for your efforts. You've earned it."

Celine's eyes widened in surprise, her hand flying to her mouth in disbelief. Sunghoon could hardly believe it himself—the weight of their actions, the significance of what they had accomplished, settling in.

As they left the police station, a chauffeured car awaited them, whisking them away to their new home—a quiet, luxurious apartment overlooking the bustling city below. Sunghoon watched the streets pass by, his mind still reeling from the day's events.

Once inside their new sanctuary, Sunghoon turned to Celine, his heart overflowing with gratitude and love. He took her hands in his, drawing her close.

"I can't thank you enough," he began, his voice thick with emotion. "For believing in me, for standing by me when I didn't deserve it."

Celine shook her head gently, a soft smile playing on her lips. "You've shown me who you are now," she replied tenderly. "That's all that matters."

Sunghoon drew a shaky breath, his vulnerability laid bare before her. "I was lost," he confessed, tears welling in his eyes. "I did things I'm not proud of, things that haunt me."

Celine reached up, brushing away his tears with a gentle touch. "You found your way back," she whispered, her voice unwavering. "And I'll always be here, no matter what."

They stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, the weight of their journey finally sinking in. Sunghoon shared the details of his past, the darkness he had faced and the choices that had led him astray. With each word, he felt a burden lift, replaced by a sense of healing and hope.

"I'm so grateful for you," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "For loving me despite everything."

Celine leaned into his embrace, her heart swelling with love and pride. "I love you," she whispered, her voice a promise. "And I always will."

As the sun set beyond their window, casting a warm glow over their new beginning, Sunghoon and Celine embraced the future together—a future built on trust, forgiveness, and a love that had conquered even the darkest of days.

And as they stood there, bathed in the light of their shared journey, the lyrics of a familiar song echoed softly in Sunghoon's mind, a testament to the love that had brought them here: "Criminal love," he whispered, a smile tugging at his lips.

Celine met his gaze, her eyes sparkling with joy. "A love that defied all odds," she replied, her voice filled with certainty.

Sunghoon nodded, his heart full. "Our love," he said, pulling her closer into his arms.

Sunghoon and Celine stood in the soft glow of the evening sun filtering through the windows of their new home, the weight of their recent triumphs and the depth of their shared experiences hanging between them like a tangible presence. They had been through so much together—danger, uncertainty, and the haunting shadows of Sunghoon's past. Now, as they gazed into each other's eyes, Sunghoon's heart swelled with gratitude and admiration for the woman who had stood by him through it all.

"Celine," he began, his voice trembling slightly with emotion, "you've been my light in the darkest of times, my strength when I was weak, and my unwavering support when I needed it most. I can't imagine my life without you."

Tears shimmered in Celine's eyes as she listened, her heart overflowing with love and happiness. She reached out, gently cupping Sunghoon's face in her hands, her touch grounding him in the present moment. "Sunghoon," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath, "you've shown me what true courage and redemption look like. You've faced your past with bravery and honesty, and you've grown into the most incredible person I know."

Sunghoon took a deep breath, his fingers trembling as he reached into his pocket, pulling out a small velvet box. Opening it slowly, he revealed a delicate ring that sparkled in the soft light. "Celine," he continued, his voice steady but filled with vulnerability, "will you marry me?"

Celine gasped, tears flowing freely now as she nodded, unable to speak through the overwhelming rush of emotions. Sunghoon slipped the ring onto her finger, their hands trembling slightly as they embraced, sealing their love with a promise that echoed through the quiet of their new home. In that moment, surrounded by the warmth of their love and the peace of their shared future, Sunghoon knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, hand in hand, forevermore.

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