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... moreA 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. less