Chapter 13 - The Strength to Stand
Later that evening, Marcus and I walked together through Central Park as the autumn leaves turned brilliant shades of amber and gold under the evening streetlights. The crisp air felt refreshing against my face.
"Agnes called," I said quietly, breaking the peaceful silence as we strolled past a row of park benches.
Marcus stopped walking, turning to look at me with intense concern in his eyes. "Do you need me to step in? Do her lawyers or family members try to harass you again?"
"No," I smiled softly, slipping my hand into his warm, steady grip. "I handled it. I told her it was over, and I blocked the number. I realized something important today, Marcus. When I hung up the phone, my heart rate didn't even spike. I didn't feel any lingering trauma. I was just... indifferent. And that’s when I knew the healing was complete."
Marcus pulled me gently against his side, pressing a warm kiss into my hair. "You survived the darkest winter imaginable, Sarah. What you built out of those ruins is nothing short of miraculous."
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"We built it together," I corrected, looking up into his kind gray eyes. "You gave me the sanctuary to breathe, Marcus. You showed me what genuine, unconditional support looks like."
"I just cleared the obstacles," Marcus murmured with a loving smile. "You did all the heavy lifting."
