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That evening, I conveyed the message from Papa to Marco. He reassured me, promising that he would ensure nothing unfortunate happened and that Papa wouldn't escape justice. He vowed to prevent Papa from getting away.

"You know, I used to pray for liberation from Papa's abuse. And now that he's imprisoned, I still struggle to find inner peace. It's as if, even though I know he can no longer harm me, his presence continues to haunt me." It's a part of my traumatic experience. If you have endured a lifetime of pain, I can't fathom the depth of it. Despite undergoing therapy, there are certain memories that are challenging to erase.

Marco enveloped me in a tender embrace, our hands intertwining as he gently caressed my thumb. A smile formed on my face. It's still surreal to comprehend that he loves me. It all feels like an enchanting reverie.

"We each carry our own inner scars, Maddie. If you haven't experienced trauma, consider yourself fortunate. It's common for people to dismiss the st