AN: There is something about Olivia and Burton's past/history that is very compelling to me and this is a story attempting to explore what could have happened had Olivia managed to run away with Burton Lowe successfully. This is only one possible iteration of what her life could have turned out to be, so please keep that in mind. Also, the story is tagged with Olivia/Burton because they are married throughout this story, not because I approve of their relationship.
The Olivia in this story may seem out of character and that's because she is - the Olivia in this story is not the same woman that grew up to be a cop or commanding officer of SVU. While I've tried to keep her as connected to her canon characterisation as possible, the nature of this story means that there will be some stark differences. I hope however that, that doesn't deter you from reading and giving this story a chance.
As odd as it sounds to say, I hope you enjoy and please leave a comment! :) LittleTayy.
Warning:
This story contains depictions and references to sexual assault, domestic abuse, grooming and underage sex from the outset and throughout. Other warnings may appear in specific, relevant chapters in future. Please be aware. If this may trigger or offend you, please don't read any further.
Trophy
Part One
Chapter One
..
It had been years since Olivia had been back to New York City. Not since her mother's funeral over ten years ago. Burton had been reluctant to go even then but it had been one of the only times she'd put her foot down about something. Her relationship with her mother had been complicated but Serena had still been her mother and things had gotten better since Holden and Scarlett were born.
Serena hadn't had the chance to meet any of her grandchildren in person but she'd always sent gifts and cards for their birthdays and Christmas. It had been such a surprise when the first card had come on Holden's third birthday and then again on Scarlett's first. Olivia hadn't even realized that Serena knew the children's birthdays.
It conflicted something in Olivia that her mother could be so careless with her but so good about her grandchildren. She'd tried not to let bitterness fester, she'd even thought to introduce the children to her mother in person at one point. Burton had been on his first proper book tour and Olivia had been home, alone with two young children for months on end. She'd really started to depend on those phone calls and letters from her mother.
But Burton had come home eventually and put a stop to that. He'd reminded her that they had no idea if Serena was sober, that the whole reason they'd left was because she hurt Olivia. They couldn't risk their two young children around her. Olivia had quietly hated at the time that he had a point.
The years passed with only minimal contact between them and then Serena had died. Olivia had never regretted something more than not seeing her mother again, or introducing her children to her.
That had been a rough time between her and Burton though - they'd fought constantly, even about taking the children to the funeral. Burton had thought the twins too young and hadn't wanted to go at all, and Olivia had accused him of being a selfish, uncaring bastard.
It had been the first time that he'd hit her so hard he'd bloodied her mouth.
In the end Olivia had simply taken Holden and Scarlett alone. Despite the sad circumstances for her, she knew her two eldest children had loved the city. She may have been miserable but they had not and that had warmed her heart in her complicated grief.
So it came as no surprise when years later both Holden and then Scarlett decided to go to college in New York and settle down there.
Olivia may have only lived there for a short time in her life but she was excited for her twins to see the city she'd, mostly, grown up in. Even Burton seemed happy to be visiting; though she suspected that was more to do with Holden's wedding and his subsequent book launch. Still, he'd agreed to let them stay in the City for the summer and that was exciting for her. Two months to spend with all her babies.
Even more exciting for Olivia though was getting to see her firstborn after almost a year. She beamed at the sight of Holden waiting on the footpath outside their summer rental apartment. He looked so handsome and happy and so much like his father that it made her heart swell. Beside him was his beautiful, tanned and sweet fiancée Bianca; both looking so happy to see them.
"Dad! Mom! Finally got you two out here!" Holden exclaimed playfully, stepping forward to shake Burton's hand in greeting. He turned then to Olivia and she pulled him into a big encompassing bear hug. She had missed her eldest son so much.
"Oh, Holden. Look at you! I've missed you," Olivia said against his ear, hugging him extra tight for a moment before letting go. She reached up to smooth some of his ruffled hair off of his forehead. "You need your hair cut before the wedding," she mused before turning to look at her soon to be daughter in law.
"Mr. and Mrs. Lowe, it's so good to see you both again," Bianca greeted.
Burton laughed, shaking his head. "That's so formal," he said teasingly as he stepped forward to give her a quick one armed hug.
"You can just call us Burton and Olivia. I promise," Olivia said, giving the young woman a wide and friendly smile, reaching out to give her, her own quick hug. "You're going to be part of the family soon. There's no need for all that," she continued, waving a hand flippantly in the air.
From beside them, Holden turned his attention to Benson and Brontë who were both standing a little awkwardly just behind their parents. They may have been siblings but Holden was almost 10 years older than them - he'd been a busy teenager and then off to college while they were still kids. They didn't really get to spend a whole lot of time together, especially since they lived across the country from each other.
Olivia reached an arm out behind her, to usher the twins forward. "Come on you two. Come say hello to your brother," Olivia encouraged. The twins had been so quiet lately, moody in a way she didn't understand and didn't quite like. It troubled Olivia that she didn't know how to bring them out of their shells more, to bring out the happy bright children they'd been before.
"What? No hugs from B1 and B2?" Holden teased Benson and Brontë, laughing out loud as they rolled their eyes. He stepped forward though to wrap them both in a quick hug and Olivia smiled as she watched them, the only one missing from the tableau was Scarlett. She reminded herself that she needed a picture of all of her children together some time before Holden and Bianca went on their honeymoon.
She wanted something to commemorate what a happy time this was for their family.
..
They only had a few days free before the rehearsal dinner and then the wedding the next day. So the Lowe's spent the next couple of days settling in, Olivia helping Holden, Bianca and Bianca's mother Marie with last minute wedding preparations wherever and however she could. She was a little sad that she couldn't do much for them before now but she had hope that she could be more involved if Scarlett ever got married.
The rehearsal dinner was that night and everyone seemed to be dragging their feet. She wasn't trying to piss anyone off but they needed to get going, she'd offered to set up for the dinner. Olivia had thought the twins and Burton could help but the twins were in a mood and had firmly refused to move from their rooms and their game systems.
"I was meant to meet with Lindsay and Kane," Burton huffed, looking annoyed as Olivia tried to get him out the door. Lindsay and Kane were his literary agent and manager - Olivia knew it was important to keep in contact with them, especially with the book launch next week. That still didn't mean it didn't frustrate her.
Olivia sighed and tried not to roll her eyes. But she was frustrated in return. "Did you have to make that meeting today? Couldn't you push it back? Or meet with them after the wedding at least? The next two days are supposed to be about Holden and Bianca," Olivia snapped, the bitterness seeping into her tone without meaning to.
She turned away, ready to leave, only to be yanked roughly back around by Burton's hand on her wrist. The wrist he'd broken 16 months before and knew still bothered her occasionally. His grip was tight as he whirled her back around to face him, pushing her hard back against the door of their rented bedroom. The handle dug into her lower back, she tried to squirm away even as he twisted her arm. His other hand slammed against the door beside her head, keeping it closed.
"Don't talk to me like that. Like I don't know what we're here for. You're not the only one happy for this wedding, Olivia," Burton hissed, lips pursed and eyes angry as he spoke. She thought she could smell the scotch on his breath already. "I'll do my business whenever and however I like. Understood? It's what pays for this damn lifestyle you enjoy so much."
Olivia nodded, lips pressed together - she didn't want the twins to hear. "I know. I'm sorry," Olivia said quietly. She tried to pull her wrist from his grip, even as he twisted it harder. "You're hurting me, Burt," Olivia whispered pleadingly. For a moment she thought he wouldn't let her go, he gave her wrist one last painful squeeze before letting go. He used the momentum to push her roughly back against the door again, the back of her head hitting the wood with a light, dull thud.
Olivia took a moment to get her breathing and heart rate under control as she cradled her left wrist against her chest. She watched Burton warily as he started to get ready, she stayed by the door until she notices the time, they need to go and she grabbed a nice jacket as she headed out the door, Burton right behind her.
They say goodbye to the twins, reminding them they'll be back for them soon and she double checks that she has a small make-up case in her bag as they head downstairs. Burton's on his phone the whole time and Olivia stayed quiet, she didn't want to argue all night. Tomorrow their son was getting married and they were meant to be celebrating.
She jumped a little when Burton reached for her arm, the same one he'd twisted fifteen minutes earlier and pressed a kiss to the back of her hand. She glanced at his action, frowning as she saw the red marks standing out against her tan skin. It would bruise by the end of the night.
"I'm sorry, Liv, honey," Burton said lowly as he tipped her arm around to press kisses to the marks on the underside of her wrist. "I changed my meeting to after dinner. You're right, we're here for Holden and Bianca. It's about celebrating them," he continued gently, holding her hand lightly, thumb caressing her palm.
Olivia softened, turning her head to look at him fully. She gave him a soft, tentative smile. "Thank you. I'm sorry I got so-"
Burton shook his head and leaned forward to press a reassuring kiss to her lips. "It's okay. I love you Olivia. I really do," he murmured to her, using his free hand to tip her chin up so he could kiss her again.
"I love you too," Olivia replied against his lips. She pulled back with a smile, leaving her hand in his for the rest of the journey.
By the time they get to venue for the rehearsal dinner Olivia could tell that the bruises on her wrist would be dark and obvious. She excused herself to the restroom to freshen up; glad when it was empty and she could quickly cover the darkening bruises with concealer and foundation. It wasn't too noticeable when she wore the jacket to help cover.
Thankfully no one would be paying attention to her tonight anyway.
..
Her wrist ached a little as she fiddled with the name cards on the tables. Her little boy was getting married, her first born and she wanted everything to be perfect for him. Even if this was just the rehearsal dinner. They'd let the twins stay at the rental apartment until it was time for the dinner to start, she'd have to go get them soon. Burton was off somewhere, she couldn't be sure where exactly, he'd disappeared through the venue not long after they got there.
Hopefully not at the bar; she wanted him sober enough to make a toast for their son. And to not be hungover at the wedding tomorrow too. It felt a little like a futile task, his drinking had been getting progressively worse. She just didn't want him to embarrass himself or their family.
"Mom!" A familiar and welcome voice called from behind her.
Olivia turned and smiled widely at the sight of her eldest daughter. At twenty-two Scarlett Lowe looked so much like her mother with her usually long dark hair, currently riddled with blonde highlights making it look lighter and athletic figure. She had her fathers ice blue eyes but her mothers wide, charming smile - she was stunning in a way that was classic. She was quite the force of nature and Olivia loved that about her.
"Scarlett, sweetheart! I didn't know you were getting here early," Olivia exclaimed as she opened her arms to give her daughter a quick hug. She pulled back a little to tuck a strand of Scarlett's hair behind her ear, eyes looking at her daughter critically. Something was up, she just wasn't sure what.
Scarlett squirmed out of Olivia's embrace. "Stop it," she huffed.
"I didn't say anything," Olivia replied with a slight smirk. She eyed her daughter as she went back to fussing with the table arrangements. "But if you're here, you can help."
"Fine. I'll do my bridesmaid duty or whatever," Scarlett said playfully, though her tone wasn't particularly light. It was quiet for several minutes before Scarlett started speaking again; Olivia knew to wait her daughter out. She'd open up eventually. "Chase and I had a fight. That's all. He just always has to be right. He's an idiot," Scarlett complained.
Olivia commiserated with her daughter. She and Burton fought too; she just hoped Scarlett and Chase weren't as volatile as they were. It was a quiet relief to see that her daughter looked unharmed, though she knew well appearances could be deceiving. Which reminded her, she needed to make sure Burton hadn't drunk himself silly yet.
"Scarlett, babe. Can you go find your father please? I don't know where he's gotten off to. But the dinner is going to start soon and I need to go get the twins," Olivia suggested, knowing it would be better if Scarlett went looking for her father and not her.
Burton had always had a soft spot for his eldest daughter. She could do no wrong in his eyes. He'd be less likely to be aggressive and belligerent in Scarlett's presence.
Scarlett sighed but nodded. "Alright. I'll see you in a bit." And with that she was making her way across the function room and out the doors. Olivia sighed in relief.
..
"Daddy!" Scarlett called to catch her father's attention from across the bar. She'd watched for a moment at the entrance as her father chatted with a woman and it was clear as day that he was flirting. Her eyes had narrowed and her lips had pursed at the sight before she announced herself. "There you are!" Her voice carried, as she meant it to as she strolled over to him.
Scarlett watched as he turned, shifting uncomfortably in his seat as he caught sight of her. She smiled tightly - she'd suspected for a while that her father might be cheating. Or if not actually cheating, then flirting with the idea and Scarlett was not going to let that happen, not if she could help it. It would devastate her mother if her father strayed - all she'd ever seen her mother do was support and love her father. Her mother was like an original Stepford Wife.
"Scarlett, sweetheart!" Burton exclaimed, having the decency to at least look a little shocked. The woman next to him was dark haired, dark eyed and tanned - maybe early 30s - and Scarlett internally scowled at the fact that her father seemed to have a type.
"Mom asked me to find you," Scarlett told him as she came to stand by his side. She cast a quick, pointed look at the woman beside him; satisfaction threading through her when she turned away. "She's gone back to the apartment to pick up the twins. She'll be back soon. We need to start greeting the guests. Come on," Scarlett said, basically ordering him from his seat.
Her father huffed a little but got up good-naturedly and followed her into the function room they'd booked.
He still had a scotch in his hand when people started to arrive and once he'd finished it, Scarlett plucked it away and made sure he stayed away from the bar. Her mother hadn't asked her to watch his drinks but she'd noticed his drinking over the last few years. And she knew she was the only one he wouldn't bitch at; Holden was oblivious and Benny and Brontë were always so quiet around him.
..
Olivia corralled her twins, Benson and Brontë, into the rehearsal dinner. Everyone was already there as she ushered them towards their seats beside Scarlett; any empty seat to her other side where Chase should have been. She could only imagine how embarrassed Scarlett must be.
"Sit and be good, okay? We're meant to celebrate your brother and Bianca. This is meant to be a fun trip," Olivia whispered as she leant down between their chairs. She smiled widely, hoping they'd smile back, kissing them both on each temple. They both groaned and rolled their eyes at the contact and Olivia honestly doesn't understand what's gotten into them lately.
The rest of the rehearsal dinner goes well though and Olivia is pleased by how happy Holden and Bianca look. She enjoys too the way Scarlett seems to draw Brontë and Benny out of their shells. She really does hope this summer will help them to bond with their older siblings more. She'd never begrudged Holden or Scarlett for their choices to study and then work in New York, she just wished they didn't live clear across the country. She missed them dearly and she knew the twins did as well.
Olivia was just glad that everyone was having fun and enjoying themselves. It seemed like a good sign for the wedding to come. Especially as she watched Holden and Bianca chatting so happily and relaxed together with the bridal party. They all looked so young and bright and happy and Olivia couldn't remember ever feeling that young - by Holden and Bianca's age she'd already had two children and been married for years. It felt odd, almost, to see them just starting out.
"You're thinking hard," Burton said as he sat down beside her, surprising her out of her reverie. He placed a glass of wine in front of her, she hadn't even realised she needed a refresh.
She smiled as she turned to look at him, thanking him for the wine. She shook her head though. "Not that hard, really. I was just thinking how happy I am for them," Olivia told him, gesturing towards their son, his fiancée and their friends. She leant in to him and laughed a little. "And thinking about how young they seem and how old I feel. I hope they wait a few years to give us grandchildren though," she teased, reaching for her new glass of wine and taking a sip.
Burton smiled warmly at her, chuckling along as he slipped an arm around her shoulders. "You're hardly old Liv," Burton told her. "You're beautiful, you always have been. You're just as stunning as when we first got together," he continued and Olivia couldn't help but smile at the compliment, shaking her head a little, heat rushing to her cheeks.
"Ugh, you always were a sweet talker," Olivia huffed playfully, rolling her eyes. But she snuggled into his embrace, she always did enjoy him when he was being sweet. She pressed a quick peck to his lips, glad their argument from earlier was seemingly forgotten. "I love you anyway," she laughed.
Burton smiled and kissed her back easily. "I love you too," he said, leaning back in to steal a second kiss, deeper this time. Olivia kissed him back, still smiling, determined to enjoy this night together. It was rare now to have all their children together in one place and she wasn't going to do anything to ruin it.
..
Burton made his way into the hotel lounge, spotting Lindsay and Kane with ease. He made his way over to them, grinning a little as he spied Lindsay's pretty little assistant Nadia. He'd been flirting and sexting with the girl for months and he was glad they'd finally get to meet in person.
She was just his type. Tall, tan and stunning. Dark red hair and ice blue eyes, different to Olivia but still beautiful. Nadia hung off his every word and he wanted to take advantage of that while he could.
He turned his attention back to Lindsay and Kane as he sat down across from them and they began to discuss his coming book launch. It was only a week away but it seemed like there was still so much to be done. He knew his two long time agent and publicist could handle it though.
The meeting didn't take very long after that and he watched with careful eyes as they both left.
Nadia was still seated nearby, a drink half drunk in her hands and a tentative smile on her lips. He made his way over to her, talking casually before following her up to her hotel room. He thought she might be a little tipsy but so was he; that didn't stop him from heading to her minibar and pouring them both another drink.
He took off his sports coat as he spoke, Nadia on her bed watching him as she sipped her drink. "Have you heard that old…Frank Sinatra song?" Burton mused out loud, brows furrowed a little as if he didn't recall it.
Nadia shook her head a little hesitantly. "I don't really know Sinatra's music," she said lightly, shrugging as she looked up at him. Burton smiled, head tipping to the side a little as he looked at her, she really was very beautiful. Nowhere near as stunning as Olivia though.
"Oh, it reminds me of you," he said smoothly, fishing his phone out from his pocket. He scrolled through until he found the music player and set it to play on the nightstand. "Tall and tan and young and lovely," he said lightly along with the first words, he smiles charmingly at Nadia and she smiles back.
He downed his drink and held his hand out for hers. She looked like she was having second thoughts and so Burton took her hand in his and pulled her up so they were pressed together. Her hands found his shoulders as he swayed them to the music and though she didn't quite relax, she wasn't as hesitant as she had seemed before.
"Maybe we shouldn't," Nadia murmured, chewing on her bottom lip. "You're married…"
Burton scoffed, his grip on her hip tightened briefly. "That didn't stop you from sending all those dirty messages. Or the photos," he whispered to her. Nadia frowned deeply at that as she froze on the spot.
"This isn't a good idea," Nadia warned, wanting to take a step back.
Burton held her tight though as he leaned in to whisper in her ear. "You wanted my help getting eyes on your manuscript didn't you?" he placed a hand on her shoulder and gently guided her down until she was on her knees in front of him. "So, be a good girl and I'll make sure Lindsay can't say no," he cooed to her, giving her a charming smile.
"I don't…" she started to shake her head, big blue eyes wide and unsure.
"You don't want Lindsay to see those photos and messages do you? How unprofessional and indiscreet you've been with a client. You'd be hard pressed to find a job with another publisher any time soon…" Burton mused out loud, though there was a condescending edge to his tone.
His smile widened when after a moment her hands reached up to undo his belt and zipper.
..
"You didn't have to wait up for me," Burton said quietly as he made his way into the bedroom. He'd already stripped off his sports coat and was undoing the buttons on his shirt.
Olivia was sat up in bed, glasses she'd just recently started needing, perched on her nose with a novel in her hands. The lamps on both bedside tables were on as well as the ensuite bathroom light, bathing the room in a low, golden glow.
"I couldn't sleep," Olivia shrugged, giving him a tired smile. "You know I don't do well in new places. Especially if you're not with me."
"I know, hon," Burton said as he came over to give her a quick peck on the lips. "Let me have a quick shower and then I'll come to bed. Okay?" he continued, rounding the bed to head to the bathroom.
He closed the door behind him and Olivia could hear the shower running as she turned back to her book.
Burton slipped into bed beside her, hair still damp and ruffled from the shower, looking up at her with the same smile she'd first fallen in love with. Olivia closed her book and set it and her glasses aside on the bedside table. Burton reached a hand out over her side, tugging her down and closer to him; Olivia moved to him willingly, smiling affectionately as she settled a hand on his solid chest.
"You're so beautiful," Burton murmured as he leaned up to capture her lips in a kiss. "I do love you, you know," he said as they parted, eyes meeting hungrily.
"I love you too," Olivia replied breathily, a hand cupping his cheek as she spoke before she leaned over to kiss him once again.
Burton's hands pulled her close, wrapping around her tightly as he deepened their kiss. He let out a low groan, eyes closing briefly as she rocked herself against his hips. Olivia let out a surprised giggle as he tumbled her back against the bed and settled between her legs. She slid her arms around his neck, a hand tangling in his hair as she eagerly pulled him back into another deep, loving kiss.
They both ignored the bruises on her wrist.