I don't want to give too much away for this chapter but I will say this is something new for us, but we loved writing it. Trigger warning for domestic violence.
Olivia has a song in this chapter, it is perfect for this in all senses of the word. It's "There You'll Be" by Faith Hill https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LH5YRqZUaY
"I had a dream my life would be so different from this hell I'm living. So different now from what it seemed. Now life has killed the dream I dreamed"
From "I Dreamed A Dream" from Les Mis
Olivia's dream changed once more and three years had passed since that tragic day. Olivia had taken Rafael's last wish to heart and married Elliot. Olivia knew she was never going to replace Kathy but it was nice to see the smile return to Elliot and his kids' faces. Elliot at first seemed to understand that Olivia was grieving for the man she cared for, but that was then and this is now. Now it was the two of them and Olivia was starting to find the happiness she longed for. It was their anniversary tonight and Olivia wanted to surprise Elliot. She got all dressed up in a red dress that went right above her knee. It accentuated her curves and showed off her cleavage just the right amount. She felt amazing. She puts on a bold red lipstick and opens up her jewelry box to see the necklace Rafael gave her years ago. She feels a tinge of pain in her chest seeing it but she knows it would look great with her outfit so she puts it on and takes one more look in the mirror. She feels fearless. Olivia walks out into the living room. She smiles at Elliot before doing a little spin.
"Well, honey, what do you think?"
Elliot looks at her, his eyes look up and down and he cocks his head to the side.
"Liv, are you sure you want to wear that?"
"Yes, why?"
"Isn't it a bit much?"
"What do you mean?"
"Your chest."
Olivia knows what he means. He means her scars.
"But Elliot, you never had a problem with them before." She says softly.
She looks down at them and she feels insecure.
"I don't Liv, but there's no reason you need to be showing them off to anyone else."
"You think I want to be showing them off?! I'd rather not have them, but you said I was strong because of them."
"You are Liv, you are. But I didn't think you'd want to be uncomfortable showing them to anyone but me."
Olivia gives a small nod and then Elliot looks and sees Olivia's necklace.
"Liv, why are you wearing the necklace he gave you? I don't want you wearing something that that son of a bitch gave you. It's our anniversary. It's enough that you're always visiting his grave."
Olivia looks down at her hand and starts playing with her wedding ring. It feels heavy on her hand. She feels ashamed to even make Elliot think something like that.
"You're right Elliot. I'm sorry."
She takes the necklace off and sees Elliot reaching out his hand.
"Give it to me."
"What? No!"
"Give it to me, Olivia." He says louder, his eyes turning dark.
Elliot reaches for the necklace and Olivia tries to move it away but she's too late and there is a metal clatter heard on the hardwood floor as she sees the pendant fall on the floor. She feels the tears come to her eyes as the last reminder she had of Rafael was gone. Olivia leans down to pick up the pendant but when she stands up she sees Elliot with his arms crossed.
