Chapter 13: The Valley of Peace**
Julian and Lily moved inland to a modest, sunlit farmhouse surrounded by rolling green pastures and apple orchards—far away from the suffocating high-society circles of his youth.
Lily started first grade at the local elementary school. She made friends, learned to ride a bicycle without training wheels, and began painting bright, joyful landscapes filled with sunshine and flowers.
One afternoon, Julian watched her running through the grass with a golden retriever puppy they had adopted. For the first time in years, the crushing weight in his chest felt lighter.
"Daddy, look!" Lily shouted, holding up a yellow dandelion. "Make a wish!"
May you like
Julian closed his eyes, took a deep breath of the fresh mountain air, and smiled. "I don't need to make a wish, Lily. Everything I need is right here."
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