Chapter 8: Facing the Past.

The workspace stayed calm as only ocean waves made a slight whooshing noise. From her chair position Olivia kept her hands busy running them over the wood of the easel. Liam watched her from close range while showing kindness through his unwavering gaze.

He placed the photo down on the table while saying quietly "You may speak about your feelings when you feel ready." In a caring manner he placed the photo on the table as though it needed protection. Know that I stand ready to help you the moment you want it Olivia. You’re not alone in this.”

When he spoke to her like that it released the hurt that had stayed inside her for years. She felt tears coming as she studied his honest face which broke through her protective barriers. Through many years she had shielded her past because she feared the harm it could do if people learned about it. After seeing Liam in front of her steady and dependable Olivia understands she has come to a turning point.

Olivia gathered herself to start talking.

She found it hard to share these details because her voice trembled as she spoke. I desperately wanted to erase important moments from my life. But seeing that photo…” The pressure in her throat made it hard for her to talk so she needed a brief pause. “It brought everything back.”

Liam took a seat in another chair to face her. Without demands he listened as her words revealed their pain while providing emotional support.

Olivia stared at the photo while focusing on the dark shape in its background. He was far more than just someone I knew when I saw him. He was someone

The person I trusted was the one who should have guarded me. But he…” She paused, swallowing hard. “He betrayed me. He abused our connection to betray me then made me carry all the damage by myself.

Her words wavered while she talked, and the hard-held tears leaked from her eyes. Liam понял ее боль, но предпочел дать ей свободу высказаться благодаря прошлому страданию.

As she spoke Olivia held on tight to her stool because she still blamed herself for the bad experiences. I knew the warning signs should've stood out to me and I needed better protective abilities. Following my past experiences, I made a promise to stay emotionally detached from others. It felt safer that way.”

He unfolded his arms to position his palm softly on hers. The gentle sound of his voice told her "You were not responsible for whatever happened to you." You didn’t deserve any of it. You no longer need to shoulder your pain by yourself.

The gentle kindness of his voice melted her resistance, so she released her long-held breath. The strength of her voice wavered as she replied, "I hope this is true." I want to trust in my ability to let people back in after enduring past pain.

According to Liam he saw her ability to overcome her challenges in life. I will stand with you through the whole process without exceptions. You’re not alone, Olivia. You won't need to handle this struggle alone from now on.

At that instant she knew she needed to change. She discovered hope inside herself for the very first time in many years.

Liam gave her strength at their meeting by showing that real love can survive through difficult times.

When Liam wrapped his arms around Olivia, she accepted his comforting hug while her tears fell through his shirt. Being in his embrace protected her from feeling alone in dealing with her past problems.

The sun fell below the studio window making the room glow with orange and yellow lights. As twilight approached Olivia saw that her progress on the first task was just the start of her recovery journey. When Liam stayed with her, she realized she could handle anything one step at a time. They would start recovering from their injuries as a team. Together, they could build something new.