(This is a dream/flashback from the past for those who might get confused 😂)

Lucy's POV:

Luce.... you need to end it with him". I slowly looked up and met my brother's anxious eyes. Previously emerald green, they had now turned cloudy with worry. He had every right to be. I had been going out with Carl for 6 months and he was starting to become controlling over me, and aggressive in his drunken state.

I brushed my fingers against my bruised, swollen eye and blinked away the tears and diverted my gaze away from Cain's. I suddenly made myself take particular interest in Autumn leaves as they blew down the path in front of us. We walked together, side by side. After a long period of silence, I sighed; knowing that he was right. I needed to end it with Carl. I needed help.

"I know.... but I - I can't " I told him , feeling the first tear flow freely down my cheek. "He'll kill me if I try anything... I'm scared Cain.." I added, more tears escaping my eyes. I felt his hand slip into mine and his grip tightened on it slightly, squeezing it reassuringly.

"Hey, I know... don't cry Luce... it'll all be okay, I'll help you get through this . You can move in with me an-"

"You go away in 3 weeks! And Carl's not stupid. He knows where you live. He'll know where I'm hiding..." I interrupted, disbelief clear in my voice. How the hell was he planning on helping me if he was jetting off to Afghanistan with the army?

"You didn't let me finish..." he stated, remaining calm and un phased by my sudden outburst. "We have to plan this carefully so that he doesn't expect anything fishy. Once I go away to Afghanistan, you move into my other flat in Leeds. You could share it with one of my mates, she'll look after you and he won't have a clue where to look for you. If all goes well, I'll be out there for 6 months, and I'll sort you out a new apartment of your own when I come back. How does that sound? Deal?" He asked, those brilliant green eyes gazing into mine thoughtfully. I nodded and pulled him into a hug, which he returned, nearly squeezing the life out of me.

"I love you so much , bro" I told him, hugging him tighter to me; the bitterly cold wind was starting to chill me to the bone.

"And I love you too" he replied with a laugh, kissing my forehead tenderly. He had always been there for me during childhood and now adulthood... We've never been apart for a long period of time and I was going to miss him.

We broke away from each other and continued our walk through the park, our bodies close and our hands still clasped together . " You and me... Us against the world, hey sis?" He asked, chuckling slightly. I laughed, tightening my grip on his hand.

"Always...." I whispered, smiling to myself.

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I woke with a start, sitting bolt upright in bed and tears streamed down my face. I swiped away at them, glancing at the alarm clock to see  that it was 4am. That dream had felt so real... It was real- a flashback? I remember Cain had warned me about Carl right in the beginning . He had helped me escape but Carl found me a few weeks after he left for Afghanistan. Then, Cain never did come home... he died thinking I was safe, that our plan had worked. But he never found out the truth...

I suddenly felt a hand on my side, making me jump in shock. In the semi dark lighting, I turned my head to see Chris had rolled over to face me and was gazing at me groggily- his eyes full of concern even though he was half asleep.

"Hey.... are you alright?" He asked, his voice sounded croaky from sleep and he drew out a yawn. I nodded and layed back down again, laying on my left side- facing away from him. I swiped away at my tears angrily, trying to slow down my breathing. I didn't want him to worry.

"I-I'm f-fine.... go back to sleep..." I told him, trying to steady my voice. I couldn't get the all the conflict from the last few years out of my mind. I must've looked and sounded so pathetic. He shuffled towards me and slowly wrapped his arms around my body. I could feel his body pressing against me as held me to him. He leaned over and kissed my cheek softly before settling down, nestling his face in the crook of my neck. His breathe sent tingles down my spine and I could smell his familiar fragrance of aftershave and tiger balm. He was warm and comforting. He made me feel safe.

"Then why are you crying?" He murmured softly, wiping the tears away with the palm of his hand tenderly. I sighed upon realising that he was on to me.

"I just had a bad dream... well it was more of a memory really" I told him, smiling as he tightened his grip around me slightly. "It was about back when Cain helped me to get away from Carl. His plan worked for a while but once he went away to the army, Carl found me again. I was with him up to when I escaped and you found me". Chris stayed silent, deep in thought.

"I'm sorry.... you've been through so much shit and you don't deserve it. You're amazing Lucy... Finding you on that night has been one of the best things that's ever happened to me" he whispered, snuggling closer to me. "I love you so much, and I'll do anything to keep you safe. Carl can't hurt you again, not on my watch." he murmured and I felt my eyes brimming with tears again . He always knew what to do and say in these situations. He was so calm and caring .

"I love you too Chris... you've already done so much for me... you have no idea how grateful I am" I told him, reaching up and intertwining my fingers in his hand, giving it a squeeze. "I don't know what would've happened to me if you hadn't saved me" I said, starting to feel drowsy.

"Don't think about what could've happened love... he's in the past now.. we can only go onwards and upwards from here" he told me, exhaling a long sigh.

"Yeah" I smiled, tilting my head back slightly and kissed him. "To us" I told him, earning a laugh in return.

"To us" he giggled, kissing the top of my head gently. We stayed silent for a while, enjoying each other's company. I lay listening to his heart beating and his breathing , which evened out in less than 20 minutes as he returned to a deep sleep.

I lay awake for a while, re thinking everything Shauna. I couldn't help but wonder, what if Carl does find me? What will he do? And what if Chris gets hurt? Or his kids? If he wants anyone to suffer, it should be me...

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*a few days later *

"Apple? Moses? ..... c'mon please, we're gonna be late...." I chuckled quietly to myself as Chris shouted up the stairs for the umpteenth time. I was sat in the kitchen, finishing breakfast and glanced at the wall , seeing that it was now 8:10am. Gwyneth was working away in the states again, therefore The kids were staying with us for 2 weeks. Chris was doing the school run this morning and the school started at 9. They had eaten their breakfast and had to be out the door in less than 10 minutes as it took them about 30 mins to get there from the house.

" Coming!!! " Apple answered, her feet thumping the stairs as she made her way down them, walking past her father and stood before me, dressed in her school uniform and had a satchel slung around her shoulders. "See you later Lucy!" She grinned, wrapping her arms around me and I returned the hug.

"See ya later kid" I smiled fondly at her, looking up to see Moses had also made an appearance. I laughed at how crooked his tie looked and gently redid it for him. I got a grateful smile and massive hug in return before both kids ran into the garden, laughing. I met Chris ' gaze with a laugh, my smile growing bigger when he leaned down and pecked me on the lips tenderly.

"See ya later, I'll be home about 6 ish tonight. Are you sure you're ok to pick up the kids from school later?" He asked me, those blue orbs gazing into mine. He was going to The Bakery to discuss the tour dates. There wouldn't be many on this tour as they were planning ahead for a stadium tour in a few years time. We agreed it would make sense for me to pick the kids up using one of his cars after work.

"Of course it is! I finish work at 2, it's no problem " I told him, finishing my toast and walking over to the sink, placing the plate in the dishwasher. I turned around to see Chris still standing there, a dumb smile spreading his lips. "What?" I asked him, feeling my cheeks burn crimson. He walked over and pulled me into a hug, which I returned.

" Thank you... I love you" he said, pulling away and kissed me. I moved my hand to the back of his head, pulling him closer to me and the kiss got deeper. After a while, I reluctantly pulled away, gazing up into his beautiful eyes.

"I love you too but you have to go, those kids will kill you if you make them late" I told him with a laugh, he giggled as I gently shoved him towards the door. He resisted against me, turning around and took both of my hands in his, intertwining our fingers together. "I know.." he giggled , seeing that his kids were now sitting in the jeep patiently. "What would you say if I took you out once the kids go back to Gwyneth? You know- like a date night?" He asked, hope dancing in his mischievous eyes.

"Oh my God! Yes! That would be lovely! Not anything too fancy though, you know me" I told him, standing on my tip toes and kissing him again. He wrapped his arms around me and lifted me off my feet, spinning around wildly, a wide grin on his face.

"Great!! Something else for us to look forward to!" He grinned, placing me back on my feet. "As much as I would love to stay here with you , I'd better get going- the royal majesties await" he said, rolling his eyes jokingly towards the car. Apple and Moses were now banging on the windows, making kissy faces at us. We both burst out laughing. They are so silly, but in a good way though. I guess it's another trait they've inherited from their father!

"Okay, I'll see you later- have fun!" I told him as he made his way down the garden and jumped into the car. I stood in the doorway, grinning when all three of them waved at me as they drove by. Right then, time to get myself ready for work!

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Carl's POV:

I've been sitting in the car outside the house for a few hours now, I'm parked behind the garden hedge, still being  able to see the front door through the gaps. It wasn't a hard task finding the house really, with lover boy being in the papers a lot over the last few months.

I'll admit, he's done well for himself. Although modest looking, the house is quite big and has a large garden, a swimming pool and 3 cars parked on the forecourt. A jeep, Audi and a Porsche. Not bad. But unfortunately for him, I'm going to turn his world upside down. He had it coming though, steal my girl and you deal with me. Mr Rockstar or not. He's going to pay. And don't get me started on Lucy. She'll get EXACTLY what she deserves when I get my hands on her...

I notice some movement. The door opens and two blonde haired kids come running down the path, dressed in school uniform. His kids. They're running around the garden like whirlwinds, screaming loudly at each other. Then, suddenly I find myself trying not to throw up at the scene in front of me. I watch as he lingers at the front door, holding her body close to his as they share one final kiss before walking to the car and waving her goodbye. She's stood in the doorway, watching him drive them off to school. I've also found out which school they go to. St Mary's Primary. I'll be sure to hang around there later.....

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Lucy's POV:

It's 3:30 and I'm stood at the gates of St Mary's school. The kids should be let out any minute now. I haven't heard from Chris all day, but he did say they'd be busy so I decided to leave him alone. I smiled as I approached a group of mothers who stood chatting amicably by the gate, waiting for their children. They were now used to seeing me pick up Chris' kids and some of them made small talk with me. About 5 minutes later, the first crowd of kids emerged from the building and I spotted Apple skipping down the hill towards me, Moses following closely behind her.

"Lucy!!!!!" They both shout as they see me waiting for them, Laughing as I wrapped my arms around them in a massive group hug .

"Hey guys! Did you have a good day?" I asked them, starting to lead them towards Chris' jeep. They filled me in on their day, chatting happily but as we approached the car, I looked up and froze. Walking up the street towards us was a face I wish I never met. Carl. He was walking towards us, a sky grin on his face. Panicking, I grabbed hold of Apple and Moses' hands and dragged them towards the car, speeding up my walk.

"Lucy? What's wrong?" Apple asked, gazing up at me, confusion painting her features.

"I'll tell you later, just get in the car- both of you, we need to go now" I responded, opening the door and helping them in before sprinting to the driver side and jumped in, started the jeep and drove away towards home. I glanced in the rear view mirror, he was stood where the car was previously parked, watching us go. How the hell did he find me? I need to tell Chris.

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Hey guys!!!!

I'M SO SORRY I HAVEN'T POSTED IN AGEEESSSSSSS 😂❤️

Buuutttttt I hope you guys like this longer chapter!!!

Chris and Lucy are so cute! Carl's getting creepier 😂 And what did you think about the flashback/ dream?

Please tell me your opinions! I'm sorry if you find it boring 😅

Also, Chris has grown a beard in real life! Still don't know how I feel about that 😂 I personally prefer him clean shaven/ with a little stubble ❤️

I'd like to thank everyone who reads, votes, comments on this story! It means the world to me! I never thought this story would do so well! So thank you, thank you , THANK YOUUUUU!!!! ❤️

Love Ffion xx