Chapter 31 - THE VERMONT SANCTUARY
The drive up through rural Vermont was breathtaking. Vibrant green mountains stretched toward a brilliant azure sky, the crisp air carrying the clean scent of pine and damp earth.
Lily sat in the passenger seat, looking out the window in sheer amazement as Daniel turned the car down a narrow, unpaved tree-lined drive that opened up into a sunlit clearing. Standing at the edge of the woods was a gorgeous, rustic two-story timber cabin with a wide wraparound porch and a stone fireplace.
"Dad... whose place is this?" Lily asked, turning off her seatbelt and stepping out of the car.
Daniel stepped out beside her, walking up the wooden porch steps and unlocking the heavy oak front door. He motioned for her to step inside.
The interior was warm, smelling of fresh cedarwood and beeswax. Large picture windows framed the panoramic mountain views. A massive stone hearth dominated the living room, and a row of vintage jazz vinyl records sat neatly organized beside a high-end turntable.
"It's ours," Daniel said quietly, walking up behind her and resting his hands gently on her shoulders.
Lily turned around, her dark eyes shining with emotion. "Ours? Dad, when did you build this?"
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"Over the last few months," he explained with a gentle smile. "It’s a place far away from cities, news feeds, and corporate boardrooms. A place where we can come whenever the world gets too loud. No shadows, no threats. Just the woods, the quiet, and us."
Lily threw her arms around his neck, burying her face against his chest. "It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen."
