Chapter 11: A Haven on the Island**
They disembarked at Monhegan Island under a blanket of stars piercing the clearing winter sky. Elena did not send him away.
Dominic carried her worn canvas bags up the steep, snow-dusted trail to a small rented cottage overlooking the sea. The cottage was cold and dark, but together they built a fire in the stone hearth.
For the first time in months, Elena slept soundly, exhausted by grief and relief. Dominic sat in an armchair beside her bed throughout the night, watching the steady rise and fall of her chest, guarding her peace as the winter storm finally blew out to sea.
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In the warmth of the modest room, Dominic felt a peace no boardroom victory had ever brought him.
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