title: Damaged
author: Cierlak, Crystal
description: Nick (a famous pop star) and Layla met and fell in love when they were both young and stupid, and fell into the superficial trappings of fame and wealth. They soon discovered that they brought out the best and the worst in each other, and their marriage - a secret to even their own families - suffered as a result."The Romance of Nick and Layla" is a series of six novellas that tells the story of a couple's dysfunctional relationship over the course of ten years. DAMAGED (Part 4):The romance of Nick and Layla has been an exercise in mistakes and missteps. Married in secret then separated ("Walk Away"), divorced and pregnant ("Sorry"), then reconciled and remarried ("White Flag"), they are the example of what NOT to do in a healthy relationship. Yet, whatever life throws at them they always seem to find a way back together. Until now. They've barely survived the worst tragedy imaginable, but it's taken a toll and this time they have broken beyond repair. Years and thousands of miles have kept them apart, and just when Layla thinks she can live again Nick is suddenly there, reminding her of their painful loss and forcing her to come face to face with that which has broken her the most. Can they find a way back together, or is it the end of the romance of Nick and Layla?Previously, in WHITE FLAG (Part 3):Nick Hudson and Layla Garrett are in unfamiliar territory. Divorced. Expecting. Living under one roof. While Nick's career has taken a backseat to his impending responsibilities as a father, Layla's professional life is just starting, and she's found a life for herself she can finally enjoy. The connection between them is as potent as ever, but sometimes people just aren't meant to be, no matter how much they used to love each other. Cut to 14 months later. Nick is back on the road devoted as ever to music. Layla is a single mom trying to build her own career. Neither one is speaking to the other. Just when their lives seem to be settling into something familiar, Nick does s