Chloe's POV As I sat on the timeworn couch, a flood of emotions washed over me. My heart was a tempest of sorrow and resolve, the echoes of my past reverberating within me. It was time to expose the raw wounds of my history, to reveal them to someone who might comprehend the depth of my pain. Across from me sat Derek, his eyes soft and understanding. His tranquil presence brought me a sense of solace, a glimmer of hope that my tale would be heard and recognized. I let out a gentle sigh, gathering my thoughts before breaking the silence that hung in the air. "It all began with my parents," I started, my voice laced with melancholy. "They were the embodiment of kindness. Their love for each other was a beacon of light, and their affection for me was the warmth that kept me safe. Our lives

