30
The morning air in the villa was crisp but warm, carrying the scent of blooming flowers and freshly baked bread. Light streamed through the tall windows, illuminating the living room where Emma sat cross-legged on the rug, flipping through a picture book. Her laughter rang like music, clear and free, a sound that reminded Adrian and Elena of everything they had fought to protect.
For a brief moment, neither of them spoke. They simply stood there, absorbing the ordinary miracle of the scene. Not long ago, mornings had begun with fear and questions. Now, they began with laughter—and that alone felt like a victory they would never take for granted.
