Chapter 11 - The First Anniversary
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Clara and Daniel celebrated their first wedding anniversary with a quiet weekend at a cabin in upstate New York.
No cell service.
No corporate emails.
Just the two of them, a roaring fire, and a spectacular view of the mountains.
They were sitting on the porch, wrapped in thick blankets, drinking hot cider.
“Do you ever miss the adrenaline?” Daniel asked, watching the snow fall.
Clara leaned against his shoulder.
“Of the corporate takeovers?”
“Yeah.”
Clara considered the question.
“Sometimes,” she admitted. “There is a certain thrill in outmaneuvering someone who underestimates you.”
Daniel laughed.
“You are terrifying.”
“You knew that when you married me.”
“I did. It’s part of the charm.”
Clara took a sip of her cider.
“But I don't miss the constant vigilance. I don't miss feeling like I had to wear armor in my own home.”
Daniel wrapped his arm around her.
“You don't need armor here.”
“I know.”
She looked at him.
“I actually feel safe.”
It was a simple statement, but it held profound weight.
For years, safety had been a foreign concept.
“Good,” Daniel said, kissing the top of her head.
They sat in comfortable silence for a long time.
“Sarah called before we left,” Clara mentioned casually.
Daniel groaned.
“We agreed. No Foundation talk.”
“She wants us to attend the opening of the new safe house next month.”
“I suppose we can manage that.”
“She also wants to name it after you.”
Daniel stopped.
“Me? Why?”
“Because you designed it pro-bono. And because she says you’re the only architect who actually listened to what the survivors needed instead of just building a generic shelter.”
Daniel looked away, clearly touched.
“Tell her I said thank you. But no.”
“Why not?”
“Name it after Eleanor. Or keep it anonymous. It’s not about me.”
Clara smiled, her heart swelling.
Julian would have demanded his name be in gold letters above the door.
May you like
Daniel only wanted the door to open.
“Okay,” Clara said softly. “Anonymous it is.”
