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Chapter Twenty-Two: Pieces in Place

Author: Frankie.O
last update Huling Na-update: 2025-08-01 06:15:41

The morning light filtered through gauzy curtains as Emma stirred beneath the warmth of the covers. The soft hum of the city waking below lulled her into a rare moment of calm. Jake was already up, likely out on the balcony with his coffee, his usual ritual before diving into work.

She sat up slowly, stretching her arms over her head. For the first time in years, she didn’t feel the weight of dread settling on her chest the moment she opened her eyes. The heaviness that had once followed her everywhere the betrayal, the shame, the exhaustion had finally lifted.

She pulled on a robe and stepped out onto the balcony, where Jake was leaning on the railing, watching the sun peek over the skyline.

"Morning," he said, without turning.

"You always make sunrise look easy."

He smiled. "That's because I get to share it with you now."

Emma leaned into his side, resting her head on his shoulder. They stood in silence, letting the moment fill itself. It felt like their lives had finally settled in
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