The Sound of Silence by Dakota Willink

Gianna
There’s a common expression I remind myself of every day: that which does not kill us, makes us stronger.
People think I live an idyllic life with my perfect husband, but they don’t know what lies beneath the façade.
Like the delicate petals of the daisies he loved to give, I was easily crushed—broken, just as he wanted me to be.
I’ve learned to accept what is, but I won’t let it destroy me.
Instead, I do the only thing I can to survive—I run.

Derek
I knew she had a story. I knew it most likely contained violence. But never did I imagine the horrors she’d been though.
I’d waited so long and she’d experienced so much. She was perfectly imperfect, her scars more than skin deep.
It was near impossible to separate truths from lies but I knew her secret.
And yet, I couldn’t help wanting to get closer. She was strong and there was beauty in strength.
I was drawn to it—drawn to her.
I wanted to erase her horrors and give her something new to dream about.

*** TRIGGER WARNING: This story contains situations of domestic violence and abuse. Some aspects may be sensitive for some readers. ***