Chapter 150: New BeginningsThe next morning arrived quietly.Soft golden sunlight filtered through the bedroom curtains, casting warm patterns across the wooden floor. Everlyn woke before the alarm, as she usually did, and lay still for a few moments, listening to the gentle rhythm of the lake outside.Beside her, Jesse was still asleep.She smiled to herself. Years earlier, he had been the first one awake during every crisis, ready to tackle impossible problems before sunrise. Now, in retirement from public life, he had finally learned to enjoy slow mornings.Everlyn slipped out of bed carefully, trying not to wake him. She wrapped a light sweater around her shoulders and walked to the kitchen.The house felt peaceful.She filled the kettle with water and placed it on the stove. As the tea brewed, she stepped onto the back porch.Mist floated gently above the lake, and birds sang from the nearby trees. A pair of swans drifted across the still water with effortless grace."It's beautiful
Read more