Chapter 10 - A New FoundationOne year after my divorce was finalized.
It was a crisp, clear spring morning at Riverside Commons. The sun rose over the horizon, painting the sky in brilliant shades of pink and gold—just like the morning a year ago when I had overfilled my water cup on the balcony.
I stood on the patio outside Lillian’s townhouse, finishing the construction of a custom wooden garden gazebo—the very design from the sketch I had given her months ago.
The patio was filled with blooming flowers, warm wooden furniture, and the scent of fresh coffee.
Lillian walked out through the french doors, wearing a simple white sundress. Her silver-blonde hair caught the morning light, and her smile was radiant, relaxed, and completely happy. She carried two porcelain mugs.
“It looks perfect, Derek,” she said, looking at the completed wooden structure.
“It’s built to last,” I smiled, stepping down from the ladder and taking a coffee mug from her hands. “Strong foundation.”
Lillian rested her head against my chest as I wrapped my arm around her waist. We stood together on the patio, listening to the birds chirping in the quiet morning air.
She looked up at me, her warm brown eyes shining with deep, unconditional love.
“Remember that morning a year ago?” she murmured playfully, a soft blush touching her cheeks. “When you spilled water all over your shoes staring through my window?”
I laughed, kissing the top of her head. “Best mistake of my life.”
Lillian smiled, leaning up on her tiptoes to kiss my cheek before turning toward the window. She looked back at me over her shoulder, her eyes sparkling with the same playful, beautiful spirit that had captured my heart.
“Well, Mr. Architect,” she whispered with a sweet smile. “Want a look?”
May you like
I smiled, pulling her close into my arms as the sun rose bright and clear over our new life together.
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