Trial And Error

Chapter Thirty

Madison's POV

Flashback

Exhausted defeat weighed down the pop star as she sank into the couch, the echo of the slammed door reverberating in her mind. Burying her face in her hands, Madison replayed each searing moment from their confrontation, still struggling to process it all.

As the hours wore on with no sign of Kian's return, worry mounted within Madison and slowly transmuted into anger. Where was she? What reckless impulses was Kian surrendering to now to numb her pain? Grabbing her bag, Madison set her jaw with determination. If Kian refused to give her the answers she needed, there was one other person who could. Similar to how she had earlier the musician bursted through the couple's unlocked door finding only one of her intended targets. Olivia turned in surprise at her sudden entrance, bewilderment crossing her face at the anger radiating off the normally upbeat musician.

"Did you know?" Madison rushed out angrily

Olivia's brow furrowed deeper. "Know what? What are you talking about?"

"About Kian!" Madison exploded, patience evaporated. "Did you know what happened to her overseas? The injuries...the torture..." Her voice cracked on the last word as the vivid mental images resurfaced.

Olivia reeled back in dismay, tears welling in her eyes. As the revelation sank in, Madison's knees buckled. Beside her, Madison gave a fractured gasp as the vivid reality finally struck with full force. Her legs crumbled beneath her. She collapsed onto the couch, head clutched in her hands as if to physically hold herself together against the wracking sobs. Olivia hesitantly lowered herself beside her friend and rubbed gentle circles into her back, offering wordless comfort amidst the cries.

Lucas entered, taking in the distress contorting both women's faces. His stomach dropped. Rushing over, he asked urgently, "What's wrong? Is Kian okay?"

Olivia's tear-filled eyes locked onto his. "Did you know?" she whispered. "Did you know what happened to her over there?"

All color drained from Lucas's face. Swallowing hard, he began "Liv, it wasn't my place-"

"So you did know," Olivia interjected, fresh tears falling. "This whole time, you knew why she was struggling and you didn't tell me? Your wife?"

"I made a promise to her I wouldn't tell Madison. I didn't want to subject you to lying to her again so I decided it was best you didn't know until Kian was ready."

"So, while she was obviously struggling you didn't bother to tell either one of us? We could've been there for her! We could've helped her!"

Lucas dragged a hand through his hair. "How? You think either of us are equipped to handle trauma like she experienced?" His voice softened. "I was trying to respect her wishes. She trusted me."

Madison lifted her head, face lined with pain."What happened to her over there? I need to know." she pleaded softly.

"I can't Madison."

"Why not!"

"I wish I had more for you Madison. All I got were bits and pieces - speculation from her doctors based on injuries, basic intel from her squad about the ambush. But those 15 days she spent captive..." He shook his head helplessly. "I'm as in the dark as you. She won't talk about it. Not to me, not to anyone."

"There must be someone who knows details. Someone who debriefed her." ," Madison persisted. She remembered Kian talking about it one day while she was on the phone. The brunette couldn't hear much, only that the Marine was angered about having to go in to confirm her account of events. Madison hadn't thought much about it at the time. She knew with Kian's rank came administrative and investigative duties, including providing detailed mission reports.