The house had settled into a calm rhythm. After dinner, the dishes were done, Maddie and Mason were tucked into their rooms, and the soft glow of the living room lamp filled the space between Layla and Olivia.
They sat close on the couch, neither rushing to fill the quiet.
"You've come so far, Layla," Olivia said gently, her hand brushing Layla's. "I know it's been hard, but I'm proud of you. You're stronger than you realize."
Layla smiled faintly. "Some days I don't feel strong at all."
"That's okay. Strength isn't about never breaking. It's about standing back up, even when you don't want to."
Olivia's voice grew softer. "I wanted to offer you a liaison position here at SVU-the one where you help victims navigate the process. It's a big step, but I believe you're ready."
Layla's breath caught. "I've thought about it. A lot. But... am I really ready? What if it all comes crashing down? What if I can't handle it?"
Olivia squeezed her hand. "You don't have to handle it alone. You have me, Alex, Maddie... and the real you-the one who's survived everything."
Later that night, Alex found Layla on the porch, staring up at the stars. He sat beside her, his presence quiet but steady.
"So?" he asked softly. "What do you think about the job?"
Layla hesitated, then met his eyes. "I want to do it. For me, and for all the women who don't have a voice yet."
Alex nodded, a proud smile tugging at his lips. "I'm behind you, every step."
Layla leaned her head on his shoulder, feeling a warmth she hadn't known she missed.
"This time, I'm ready to turn the page."
ВЫ ЧИТАЕТЕ
Escaping the devil
ФанфикшнTrigger Warning: Rape, Assault, kidnapping. I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THE SVU CHARACTERS Hi My name is Layla Garcia, I am married to my husband Alex we have a daughter name Maddie and this is my story of how I was raped, kidnapped, and beat half way to...
