Chapter 11 - THE LIFE SHE BUILT WITHOUT HIM
Paige moved out of Gabriel's estate six months later.
He didn't argue.
He helped her arrange transportation.
Then watched her leave.
She rented a small apartment in the city.
Nothing extravagant.
A bedroom.
A kitchen.
A balcony overlooking a narrow street.
She bought her own furniture.
Chose her own curtains.
And adopted a rescue cat named Pepper.
For the first time in years, every object in her home existed because she wanted it there.
Paige began working with a nonprofit organization supporting survivors of domestic violence.
She helped with administrative work.
Then trained as a peer advocate.
The work was difficult.
Sometimes heartbreaking.
But it gave her a sense of purpose.
Gabriel visited occasionally.
Only when invited.
They had dinner.
Walked through parks.
Talked about books.
Sometimes they kissed.
Sometimes they simply sat together.
Their relationship grew slowly.
Without pressure.
One evening, Gabriel stood in Paige's kitchen watching her struggle with a stubborn jar.
“Need help?”
She shook her head.
“No.”
He waited.
She tried again.
The lid wouldn't move.
Finally, she looked at him.
“Fine.”
He smiled.
She handed him the jar.
He opened it.
Paige laughed.
Then she looked at him.
“Do you know what I love about this?”
Gabriel frowned.
“The pickles?”
She laughed harder.
“No.”
She stepped closer.
“I asked for help.”
Gabriel's expression softened.
“And I knew you'd let me decide.”
He put the jar down.
May you like
Then kissed her.
And Paige realized she was no longer confusing love with captivity.
