Lucy Chen returned to the station a few days after Grace's fall. Though she tried to maintain her composure, the exhaustion and stress were evident to those who knew her well. As she walked through the bullpen, a mix of concerned and supportive glances met her. Angela Lopez and Nyla Harper were the first to approach her, each with coffee in hand.
Angela Lopez: "Hey, how's Grace doing?"
Lucy Chen: (smiling softly) "She's doing better. The sprain wasn't too bad, but she's milking it for all the ice cream she can get."
Nyla Harper: (grinning) "Smart kid. She takes after you."
Lucy chuckled, but the humor quickly faded as her eyes dropped to the floor.
Angela Lopez: (placing a hand on Lucy's arm) "And how are you holding up? Really?"
Lucy Chen: (hesitating) "I'm okay. Just trying to balance everything. Grace, work... Royce's case... It's a lot."
Nyla Harper: "We've got your back, Lucy. Whatever you need."
Their support brought a lump to Lucy's throat, but she nodded and smiled, grateful for her team. Across the room, Sergeant Grey watched the interaction, making a mental note to check in with her later.
Chapter 17: Shadows In The Dark
A few days later, the unthinkable happened. Royce—Lucy's abusive ex-husband and Grace's father—escaped from prison. The news broke in the middle of Lucy's shift. Grey called her into his office immediately, his expression grim.
Sergeant Grey: "Lucy, I just got word. Royce is out. He broke out during a transfer."
Lucy felt the blood drain from her face. Her mind immediately went to Grace.
Lucy Chen: "Does he know where I live? Where Grace is?"
Sergeant Grey: (nodding solemnly) "We don't know for sure, but we're not taking any chances. I'm assigning officers to your house, and we'll keep a close watch."
Lucy nodded, her hands trembling slightly. The memories of Royce's violence flashed in her mind, but she pushed them aside. Grace needed her to be strong.
That night, Lucy kept Grace close. Despite the extra patrols, sleep was elusive. Every creak and shadow made her heart race. Grace, blissfully unaware of the danger, snuggled next to her, clutching her stuffed animal tightly.
Chapter 18: Royce's Move
Two nights later, Royce made his move. Under the cover of darkness, he broke into Lucy's home. Silent and methodical, he injected both Lucy and Grace with a sedative. By morning, Lucy awoke groggily, her vision blurry. Panic surged through her as she realized she was tied to a chair in her own living room. Across from her, Grace sat in a similar state, her small frame trembling.
Lucy Chen: (hoarsely) "Grace! Are you okay?"
Grace: (crying) "Mommy, I'm scared."
Before Lucy could reassure her daughter, Royce stepped into view. He looked calm, almost smug.
Royce: "Morning, Lucy. Did you sleep well?"
Lucy's heart raced, anger and fear warring within her.
Lucy Chen: (through clenched teeth) "Let her go, Royce. She has nothing to do with this."
Royce: "Oh, but she has everything to do with this. She's the reason you'll behave."
Lucy struggled against the ropes, but they held tight. Royce crouched in front of her, his tone turning icy.
Royce: "I want you all for me and you not going to work will make it odd right? :) Here's how this works. You go to work, act like everything's fine, and Grace stays safe. But if you breathe a word to anyone—well, let's just say you don't want to know what happens."
Lucy's blood ran cold. She glanced at Grace, whose tear-streaked face broke her heart.
Chapter 19: Living The Lie
The next morning, Royce untied Lucy, allowing her to get ready for work. Grace remained tied, a silent threat that Royce didn't need to vocalize. Lucy's hands shook as she dressed, her mind racing with ways to protect her daughter.
At the station, her friends immediately noticed her pale complexion and jittery demeanor.
Angela Lopez: "Lucy, you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost."
Lucy Chen: (forcing a smile) "I'm fine. Just didn't sleep well. Grace had a rough night."
Nyla studied her closely, her detective instincts kicking in.
Nyla Harper: "You sure? If something's wrong, you know we're here."
Lucy nodded quickly, brushing them off. She couldn't risk Royce's wrath.
The hours crawled by. Every time her phone buzzed, her stomach flipped, terrified it was Royce. When she returned home that evening, she found Grace unharmed but visibly shaken. Royce smirked from the couch.
Royce: "See? That wasn't so hard, was it?"
Lucy bit back her anger, knowing she had to play along to keep Grace safe. But inside, she was already forming a plan.
Chapter 20: The Breaking Point
Over the next few days, Lucy maintained the facade. She went to work, interacted with her team, and returned home to Royce's oppressive presence. Each day, her resolve strengthened. She couldn't let this continue.
One night, after Royce fell asleep, Lucy carefully untied Grace and whispered to her.
Lucy Chen: "Listen to me, baby. Tomorrow, I'm going to get us out of this. Be brave, okay?"
Grace nodded, her trust in her mother unwavering.
The next day at the station, Lucy discreetly pulled Nyla aside.
Lucy Chen: (whispering) "I need help. Royce has Grace. He's been threatening her."
Nyla's eyes hardened, her protective instincts flaring.
Nyla Harper: "We've got you. Let's end this."
The team mobilized quickly and quietly. That evening, they surrounded Lucy's house, moving in with precision. Royce never saw it coming. When he tried to use Grace as leverage, Lucy stepped forward, her voice steady despite the fear.
Lucy Chen: "It's over, Royce. Let her go."
Angela and Nyla flanked him, weapons drawn.
Angela Lopez: "Drop it. Now."
Royce hesitated but eventually complied. Grace ran into Lucy's arms, sobbing.
Grace: "Mommy!"
Lucy held her tightly, tears streaming down her face.
Chapter 21: Moving Foward
With Royce back in custody, Lucy and Grace began the long process of healing. The team rallied around them, offering unwavering support. At home, Lucy focused on rebuilding a sense of safety for Grace.
One evening, as they sat on the couch together, Grace looked up at her mother.
Grace: "Are we safe now, Mommy?"
Lucy Chen: (kissing her forehead) "Yes, baby. We're safe."
Though the scars remained, Lucy knew they would face the future together, stronger than ever.
Author Note:
sorry yall this was kinda blandd
Ima end this story hopefully soon Ill get some ideas to make of stories, maybe start oneshots
I am so open and free for ideas I would love to make for you guys to make

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Lucy Chen-Secret Life part 2
Fanfictionthis just goes on from first story makes sense if u did read the first one