Chapter 68

• The quiet rhythm of their days continued, a comforting melody woven from the simple pleasures of their newfound life. But the contentment wasn't static; it was a springboard, launching them into a new phase of their journey together – a phase focused not just on their personal happiness, but on leaving a positive mark on the world around them. The seeds of this new aspiration were sown subtly at first, a quiet conversation over a steaming mug of herbal tea one cool evening.
• "We've been so fortunate," Cleo murmured, her gaze drifting towards the gently swaying branches of an ancient oak tree outside their window. "To find each other again, to escape… to build this life."
• Rowan nodded, his hand reaching across the table to cover hers. "We've been given a second chance, Cleo. A chance to not just heal, but to help others heal too." His words struck a chord within her, resonating with a longing she hadn't yet consciously recognized. The escape from her abusive marriage wasn't just about saving herself; it was about finding a purpose beyond her own survival.