Chapter 7 - A Safe Haven
The crisp morning air felt absolutely incredible against Lucy’s skin.
She stepped out of the hospital automatic doors, taking her first deep breath of freedom.
There was no smoke.
There was no darkness.
There was only the bright, warm sunshine promising a brand new start.
A dark blue, heavy-duty pickup truck pulled smoothly up to the curb.
The driver’s side door opened, and Mark stepped out, flashing that reliable, easygoing smile of his.
He was wearing a simple gray t-shirt that stretched tightly across his broad chest, paired with faded blue jeans.
"Ready to break out of prison?" Mark joked, walking around to take her small overnight bag.
"You have no idea," Lucy laughed softly, feeling a genuine spark of happiness for the first time in days.
"Did you really manage to get the keys to the new place?"
Mark patted his front pocket confidently.
"Safe and sound."
"It’s a beautiful corner unit in a high-security building, just like you asked."
"And the best part is, your soon-to-be ex-husband has absolutely no idea where it is."
Lucy felt a massive weight lift off her weary shoulders.
Diane, her ruthless attorney, had handled the emergency lease transfer perfectly.
Mark opened the passenger door for her, offering a strong hand to help her step up into the high cabin.
His grip was warm and remarkably gentle for someone who spent his days breaking down burning doors.
"Thank you, Mark," she said, settling into the comfortable leather seat.
"For everything."
"You don't need to thank me, Lucy," he replied, starting the engine.
"I just hate seeing good people get a bad deal."
The drive through the bustling city was peaceful, completely free of the awkward tension she used to feel with Alex.
When they arrived at the new apartment complex, Lucy was genuinely amazed.
It was a modern, elegant building with a highly vigilant doorman stationed at the front desk.
They rode the private elevator up to the fourteenth floor.
Mark unlocked the heavy oak door and pushed it open, gesturing for her to step inside.
The apartment was flooded with natural light, featuring beautiful hardwood floors and a stunning view of the river.
It was a completely blank canvas.
It was a place completely untainted by Alex's lies and Valerie's cheap perfume.
"It's perfect," Lucy whispered, gently resting a hand on her pregnant stomach.
"I can actually breathe here."
Mark set her bag down on the kitchen island and pulled a small white box from his pocket.
"I brought you a little housewarming gift," he said, looking suddenly shy.
Lucy opened the box to find a beautiful, heavy brass deadbolt lock and a sleek security camera doorbell.
"I know the building is secure," Mark explained rubbing the back of his neck.
"But I want you to feel absolutely safe when you close your eyes at night."
"I'll install them right now before I leave."
Tears of profound gratitude pricked Lucy’s eyes as she looked at this near-stranger who treated her with more care than her own husband ever did.
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"You are a good man, Mark," she said softly.
And for the first time in a very long time, Lucy felt like she might actually be okay.
