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Chapter 70
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MY FIRST LOVE Chapter 71
**Shadows in the Light**The soft hum of the engine was the only sound in the car as they drove through the night. The road ahead was empty, winding through dense woods that seemed to close in around them. Lillian and Samuel had fallen asleep in the backseat, their small faces pressed against the windows, lost in dreams that Claire hoped were far away from the nightmare they were living. For the first time in what felt like ages, they had a moment of quiet—no gunfire, no shadows lurking in the corners of their lives. But even in the stillness, Claire couldn’t shake the gnawing feeling that something was still wrong.Ethan glanced over at her, his hands tight on the steering wheel. “You okay?”Claire nodded, but her heart wasn’t in it. “I just keep thinking about Michael,” she admitted softly. “He risked everything to help us. We shouldn’t have left him behind.”Ethan exhaled, his gaze focused on the dark road ahead. “I know. But he made his choice. He wanted us to get out of there, Cl
MY FIRST LOVE Chapter 72
**No Place Left to Hide**The message in Ethan’s hand felt like it was burning through his skin. **“You can run, but you’ll never be free.”** The words echoed in his mind, a cruel reminder that no matter how far they went, no matter how many miles they put between themselves and Derrick’s syndicate, they weren’t safe.Claire’s heart pounded in her chest as she stepped toward Ethan, her eyes locked on the note. “What does it say?” she whispered, though the sinking feeling in herThe road stretched out before them, dark and winding, with nothing but the thin beam of the headlights cutting through the blackness. Claire’s heart pounded in her chest, her fingers digging into the fabric of her seat as Ethan sped down the narrow road. The weight of Michael’s warning hung heavy in the air, the knowledge that Adam—someone they had trusted—had been betraying them from the start.Betrayal. It had become an all too familiar companion on this journey.“Where are we headed?” Ethan asked, his voice
MY FIRST LOVE Chapter 73
** Faces in the Dark**The air inside the cabin was thick with tension, the sudden weight of Ethan’s words hanging between them like a fog. Claire stared at him, her mind spinning. **Adam?** The man they had just learned was betraying them, the one they thought they had escaped. How could he be here?“Adam?” Claire’s voice wavered, her throat tightening. “Are you sure?”Ethan nodded grimly, his face pale in the dim light. “I saw him. He’s outside, just standing there. He’s alone… for now.”A wave of confusion and fear washed over Claire. “Why would he come here? What does he want?”“I don’t know,” Ethan said, running a hand through his hair, his brow furrowed in thought. “But if he found us, then it’s only a matter of time before Derrick’s men do too.”They both fell silent, the sounds of the forest outside seeming to grow louder—the distant call of an owl, the rustling of leaves in the wind. Claire could feel the seconds ticking by, each one making the situation more dire. They had b
MY FIRST LOVE Chapter 74
**A Tenuous Trust**The night air was crisp and biting, the kind that cuts through your clothes and settles into your bones. Claire’s heart raced as she followed Adam through the dense trees surrounding the cabin, Lillian and Samuel close behind her. Ethan kept a firm grip on the flashlight, guiding their path, though his eyes rarely left Adam’s back. Trust was a luxury they no longer had, and each step forward felt like walking into a deeper web of uncertainty.The darkness seemed to press in from all sides, swallowing the sounds of their hurried footsteps as they moved through the undergrowth. Claire kept glancing over her shoulder, half expecting to see Derrick’s men storming through the trees behind them, their cold, calculating eyes catching every movement. But for now, there was only silence—thick, suffocating silence.“What exactly is this place you’re taking us to?” Ethan asked after several minutes of tense walking, his voice low and laced with suspicion.Adam glanced back br
MY FIRST LOVE Chapter 75
** Into the Depths**The heavy wooden trapdoor groaned as Adam lifted it, revealing a set of worn, narrow steps that descended into the darkness below. A damp, earthy smell wafted up from the tunnel, and Claire’s heart raced at the thought of what lay beneath them. The air down there felt thick and stale, like the breath of something long forgotten.Ethan peered over Adam’s shoulder, his brow furrowed. “This tunnel… you said it hasn’t been used in years. How can we be sure it’s safe?”Adam met Ethan’s gaze, his face solemn. “We can’t,” he admitted. “But Derrick’s men are closing in. If we stay here, we’ll be caught.”The truth of his words settled heavily over them. There was no easy way out. Staying meant certain danger, while the tunnel offered a slim, uncertain chance of escape. Claire felt the weight of the decision pressing down on her, but she knew they had no choice. They had to keep moving, no matter how terrifying the unknown seemed.“Mom?” Lillian’s small voice broke through
MY FIRST LOVE Chapter 76
**The Light at the End**The figure in the tunnel slowly turned, the faint lantern light flickering over their worn and weathered face. Claire’s heart raced, the tension in her chest tightening with every second that passed. But as the figure stepped closer into the light, her fear began to ebb, replaced by a strange sense of familiarity.It wasn’t Derrick’s men. It wasn’t another trap. It was someone much older, a man with deeply lined skin and tired eyes. His clothes were ragged, as if he had been living in the tunnels for years, forgotten by the world above.“You shouldn’t be here,” the man repeated, his voice rough but not threatening.Adam stepped forward cautiously, his hand still gripping the flashlight. “Who are you?”The man eyed them warily, as if unsure whether to trust them. “I’ve lived down here for a long time,” he said slowly. “Keeping to myself, away from the world. But you… you’ve brought something with you. Trouble, I’d guess.”Claire exchanged a glance with Ethan, t
MY FIRST LOVE Chapter 77
**Building from the Ground Up**It had been three weeks since they arrived in the small town. Each morning brought with it a sense of normalcy that Claire had never thought possible after months of running. She and Ethan had found a small rental on the outskirts of town—just two bedrooms and a tiny kitchen, but it felt like a palace compared to the uncertainty they had left behind.Ethan stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the collar of his shirt. He was getting ready for yet another job interview. This time, it was with a local contractor who needed help with carpentry work. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a start.Claire watched him from the kitchen, where she was packing Lillian and Samuel’s lunches for school. They had settled in more quickly than she expected, already making friends in the neighborhood and adjusting to life without the constant threat hanging over them.But there was something in Ethan’s eyes—a restlessness, a frustration that he was trying hard to hide.“You l
MY FIRST LOVE Chapter 78
**Rebuilding from the Ground Up**Ethan stood in front of the half-built house, the frame of it rising high against the backdrop of the morning sky. His breath was steady, though his hands trembled slightly as they held the worn hammer. It had been a long time since he’d been on a job site like this, with the smell of freshly cut wood and the sound of construction all around him. But now that he was here, it felt oddly familiar. Comforting, even.Mark, the contractor who had hired him, walked over, his gruff demeanor softened by the day’s progress. “Not bad for your first week back on the job,” Mark said, nodding toward the framework that Ethan had been working on.Ethan gave a small smile, wiping the sweat from his brow. “Feels good to be back,” he said, though the words held a weight he didn’t fully understand until now.It wasn’t just about the work, though that was important. It was about proving to himself that he could build something again, after everything had been torn down.
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MY FIRST LOVE Chapter 170
**Full Bloom**The tension in the air was palpable. Richard stood at the edge of the garden, his dark eyes narrowing as he trained his gaze on the wooden box in Nicholas’s hands. The glint of the gun in his grip was impossible to ignore, its presence casting a menacing shadow over what should have been a moment of triumph.“Put it down,” Richard demanded, his voice cold and sharp. “Now.”Clara stepped forward, her chin lifting despite the fear coursing through her. “This land doesn’t belong to you, Richard,” she said firmly. “And neither does what’s inside that box. It’s part of this garden, part of my family’s story. You have no right.”Richard sneered. “Your family’s story?” he said, his voice dripping with mockery. “Your ancestor, Henry Harper, made a deal with my grandfather. He didn’t honor it. This garden is mine, along with everything in it.”Nicholas tightened his grip on the box, his jaw clenched. “Whatever deal your grandfather and Henry had, it doesn’t erase the fact that t
MY FIRST LOVE Chapter 169
**A Battle for Legacy**The morning was crisp, with the promise of another bright day, but tension hung heavy in the air. The community had gathered in the café, their murmurs creating a low hum as they discussed the unfolding drama. Clara stood at the center, flanked by Lillian and Nicholas, as they prepared to present the new evidence uncovered by Margaret Fielding.This was their last chance to protect the garden, the legacy Henry and Eleanor had poured their hearts into.Richard Bennett arrived sharply at ten, his air of confidence unshaken. He strode into the café as though he already owned the place, a sleek leather briefcase in hand and a smirk on his face.“Well, have you reconsidered my offer?” he asked, his voice smooth but cutting.Clara stepped forward, her resolve unwavering. “No, Mr. Bennett. We’re here to show you why this land doesn’t belong to you—or your family.”Richard raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. “This should be interesting.”Lillian opened her laptop a
MY FIRST LOVE Chapter 168
**A Letter from the Past**The summer air was thick with the scent of roses and lavender, the garden alive with color and buzzing with life. Lillian and Nicholas had just finished a busy morning tending to customers in the café, their shared dream now a thriving reality. The café’s outdoor seating was filled with locals and visitors alike, sipping tea and enjoying pastries under the dappled sunlight that filtered through the trees.Everything seemed perfect. Peaceful. Settled.But that sense of calm was shattered when Clara appeared at the café’s counter, her face pale and her hands clutching a yellowed envelope.“Lillian, Nicholas,” she said, her voice trembling. “You need to see this.”Nicholas set down the tray he was holding, concern flashing across his face. “Clara, what’s wrong?”Clara slid the envelope across the counter, her eyes wide. “I was going through some of my mother’s old things this morning. I thought I’d found everything there was to find about her and Henry, but the
MY FIRST LOVE Chapter 167
** The Next Bloom**The morning light broke over Port Haven with a gentle glow, casting long shadows across the garden. The air was fresh, the scent of dew and lavender filling the breeze as the town began to stir awake. Lillian stood by the café’s outdoor counter, wrapping her hands around a warm mug of tea as she watched the first customers of the day wander in, their faces lit with anticipation.Today was no ordinary day. It marked the beginning of something new—a special partnership with Margaret Fielding to host the first public event centered around the story of Henry and Eleanor. The exhibit Margaret had crafted was simple yet powerful: letters and photos paired with small artifacts like the locket and gardening tools from the past. It was an intimate tribute to the love that had inspired so much beauty and resilience.Nicholas joined her, wiping his hands on a towel after setting up fresh trays of pastries in the café. He leaned against the counter and took a moment to survey
MY FIRST LOVE Chapter 166
**Growth Beyond the Garden**The weeks following the council’s decision were filled with celebration and relief. The garden, officially declared a protected space, seemed to bask in the joy of the people who had fought for it. The townsfolk of Port Haven came together like never before, offering their time, skills, and resources to help bring Clara’s vision to life.Lillian and Nicholas, energized by the victory, threw themselves into the next phase of their journey. The plans for the expanded garden and café were finally put into motion. By early summer, the garden buzzed with activity as volunteers, friends, and neighbors worked side by side to build the foundations of what was to come.---A Place for EveryoneOne warm afternoon, the sound of hammering filled the air as Nicholas and Henry worked to assemble the café’s framework. Lillian stood nearby, her hands dirty from planting a row of sunflowers along the garden path. Clara, wearing her wide-brimmed gardening hat, carefully arr
MY FIRST LOVE Chapter 165
**The Seeds of Change** The day of the council meeting arrived, bringing with it a mix of nerves and determination. Lillian, Nicholas, and Clara were up early, packing their carefully compiled evidence—letters from neighbors, Mrs. Aldridge’s historic documents, and even photographs of the garden’s history. They were dressed sharply but comfortably, ready to face what felt like the biggest challenge since they’d first arrived in Port Haven. “Do you think they’ll listen to us?” Clara asked as they loaded everything into the truck. Her voice trembled slightly, though she tried to mask it with a confident smile. “They have to,” Nicholas said firmly, his hands tightening on the steering wheel. “We’re not just fighting for a garden. We’re fighting for everything this place represents.” Lillian reached over and gave Clara’s hand a reassuring squeeze. “We have the truth and the community behind us. That’s more powerful than any proposal for commercial development.” The council meeting wa
MY FIRST LOVE chapter 164
**A New Beginning**The morning sun filtered through the soft lace curtains of Lillian and Nicholas’s home, casting golden rays over the cozy living room. The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the faint aroma of lavender from the garden. Today felt different—lighter, as if the weight of the past months had lifted, leaving room for something new.Lillian stood by the kitchen counter, slicing fresh bread she had baked earlier. The quiet hum of the radio filled the air with a cheerful tune. Nicholas entered, carrying a basket of ripe apples from the orchard. He set them on the counter with a grin.“The apples are perfect this year,” he said, taking one and biting into it. “Crisp, sweet, and exactly what the bakery needs for Clara’s famous pies.”Lillian laughed, shaking her head. “You sound like a walking advertisement for the farmer’s market.”Nicholas winked. “Well, if the shoe fits.”The playful moment was interrupted by the ringing of the doorbell. Wiping her hands on her a
MY FIRST LOVE Chapter 163
**An Unexpected Discovery**It was an unseasonably warm day in early spring, and the gentle hum of life returning to Port Haven filled the air. Lillian and Nicholas were in their garden, as they often were, preparing for the first bloom of the season. The lavender they’d planted weeks ago had started to sprout, and the small orchard on Clara’s former property was beginning to show tiny buds of promise.“I think the apple trees are going to be incredible this year,” Nicholas said, stepping back to admire the row of young saplings they had planted the year before. “Imagine all the pies and cider we’ll make.”Lillian smiled as she knelt in the dirt, carefully transplanting a cluster of wildflowers she had started in the greenhouse. “And imagine the market. I can already see the stands filled with flowers, baskets of apples, and jars of Clara’s jams. It’s going to be beautiful.”As they worked, they chatted about their plans for the garden, the bakery, and the upcoming farmer’s market. Bu
MY FIRST LOVE Chapter 162
** Dreams in Bloom**The frost of winter began to ease as early spring tiptoed into Port Haven. The sun lingered a little longer in the sky each day, teasing the frozen ground awake. The garden, once a still canvas of snow, now showed signs of life. Tiny green shoots began to push through the earth, and the greenhouse buzzed with quiet activity as Lillian and Nicholas spent their days preparing for the season ahead.It was early morning, and the soft light of dawn filtered through the curtains of the cottage. Lillian stood by the kitchen window, cradling a steaming cup of coffee as she watched the first light of spring stretch across their garden. Nicholas was still asleep upstairs, and she relished these quiet moments of solitude before the day began.As she looked out over the land, she felt a familiar sense of gratitude wash over her. Their lives had grown so much fuller over the years—like the roots of their plants, spreading deeper, intertwining with the soil and people of Port H
