Chapter Twenty-Two: Building a Life Together
The weekend began quietly, almost lazily. Evan woke early, the soft sunlight spilling across the Turner household. He stretched and glanced at Lila, still curled up in the crook of his arm. Her brown hair caught the morning light, and for a moment, he allowed himself to simply drink her in. Days like this were rare—unrushed, peaceful, without looming deadlines, without fear pressing down on him. He kissed her forehead gently, careful not to wake her fully, and slid out of bed. The house was calm; the quiet hum of the heater mingled with birdsong from the trees outside. Evan lingered at the window, thinking about the next step in his life: moving into his own apartment. He had spent months leaning on Lila’s family, letting their stability and warmth be a shield as he healed. But now… he wa
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