Her head was throbbing painfully. The last thing she could recall was a sharp pain being inflicted and after that she had been engulfed into the world of darkness. But she knew who had done it- the memory had been etched upon her brain for all eternity Brian. She had to move every single instinct in her body had kicked into overdrive and was telling her to escape this place. But she couldn't move; only her head and every move that she made brought more pain to her head. How long could she pretend she was unconscious? Because she was awake now. For a moment, there was still blackness and then her eyes opened, squinting in the bright light.

'Olivia… glad to see you're back with us' Brian was leaning over her, a wicked grin on his face. She'd never seen him look so pleased with himself.

'Brian?' Olivia tried to move but she couldn't. Looking down, she saw why. Her wrists and ankles had been bound with what looked like cable ties.

'Just a precaution... When all this is over in a few minutes, I will untie you'

'Few minutes… why? Where's Ed? What have you done with him?'

'I haven't done anything with him yet. He won't be a problem any longer.'

'Don't call him it or that. That's not fair…'

'Olivia!!!'

Hearing that voice she turned her head swiftly, not caring about the pain in her head. Ed was there in front of her, he was beaten and worn down but he was still alive. But any initial relief at being reunited with Ed was quickly replaced by fear, for behind Ed was stood with a man who she didn't know. It wasn't him that scared Olivia, but what he was holding. The gun.

'Ed… I am so sorry about this'

'Hey, hey, hey. You have nothing to be sorry for.'

'This is my fault'

'Brian, please…'

'Olivia, shut up now or I will make you!

"Olivia was happy with Noah until she met you and you must have thought your Christmases have come at once. Here was a vulnerable woman with a young child. I bet you promised her you would look after her and for a while you did just that. You built her up, only to then tear her down. You systematically abused her for years. You think you are so clever but I've seen your type before- a systematic and calculating abuser who picks his victims very carefully.'

'Right, that's it. I've had enough of this rubbish. Olivia, this is your last chance. Tell this thing that you don't want it'

'I won't do that Brian'

'Why not?'

'Because he is all I could ever want. Me, him and our boys. He has shown me that I am capable and worthy of being loved. And also, because I always teach Noah to tell the truth no matter how bad it is… so I would be a bad mother if I don't follow that lead. So I won't do that, because the truth is that I want him and I don't want you'

'Olivia, your head…' Ed could see the blood running down Olivia's forehead before she did. Her pain was so unbearable… lord knows what damage Brian had done to her, but if he was to die it would stop the abuse.

'B…Brian, I need help. Hospital'

'John! End this now… shoot the prick.'

'No…'

'I'm sorry?'

'You heard me. I said no. I have been quiet for the last few minutes watching the way you have treated these two. Maybe they were wrong for falling in love, but I can see that they are devoted to each other and would clearly do anything for each other.

'You will do exactly what you're asked if you want to be paid'

'I don't want your money.'

'Olivia!!!' Ed screamed Olivia's name, watching Olivia lose consciousness again and slump lifeless to the floor…'If you are going to shoot me then shoot me, just get her out of here, she has a son that needs her. She needs help. Please Brian'

'Enough!'

'Ed, that offer you made me, does it still stand?'

'What offer?'

'Money, to let you go'

'You are going nowhere either of you! I am paying you to do a job, so do it!'

'Are you not listening? I said no, I said I don't want your money!'

Brian jumped at John, determined to finish the job himself and for a minute they tackled, before one of them retrieved the weapon from the floor.

And then fired.

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