A monster rose from the ashes of that night.

I had it all—until it was all stolen.

Power. Purpose. A future. And her—the woman I was going to marry. The one who looked at me like I was a king. Her aqua eyes were so full of fire and love, she made me believe in always.

I was ready to build forever.

Until one gunshot ripped it all away.

Now, I’m a ghost in my own skin. Broken body. Shattered mind. A heart that barely remembers how to beat. The only thing more unbearable than the pain is the look in her eyes— the pity,...

A monster rose from the ashes of that night.

I had it all—until it was all stolen.

Power. Purpose. A future. And her—the woman I was going to marry. The one who looked at me like I was a king. Her aqua eyes were so full of fire and love, she made me believe in always.

I was ready to build forever.

Until one gunshot ripped it all away.

Now, I’m a ghost in my own skin. Broken body. Shattered mind. A heart that barely remembers how to beat. The only thing more unbearable than the pain is the look in her eyes— the pity, the grief… the hope.

I told her to leave.

I told her to never come back.

But she didn’t listen.

She’s still fighting for the man I used to be. Still determined to love me. But that man is gone. I’m a monster now. And if she stays, I’ll ruin her.