Prologue
Halle’s POV
Struggling to rise from the hospital bed, weakened and unsteady, Jessie's voice echoed, "Where are you going?" Tears streamed down her face as she pleaded, "Please wait, we need to talk." She held me back, urging me to calm down.
Restlessly, I wandered the hospital, searching for what was never lost—my reflection. Finally facing a mirror, panic seized me.
"I thought it was all going to be over. I'm still the ugly beast, the one in my own story. I thought it was all going to be over."
A gentle squeeze on my hands, tears flowing uncontrollably, and Jessie pulled me into a tight embrace. "I'm never letting you go, Halle. I couldn't protect you, but I won't let anyone hurt you again."
"You're the only one who truly loves me for me, the ugly beast I am," I confessed to Jessie.
“Why are you doing this to yourself? Losing your mind over a tiny error. I wish you could see how perfect you are; you're beautiful just the way you are," Jessie said, and we turned to face the mirror. She smiled at me as I touched the huge scar covering half of my face and managed a fake smile.
"Scars might leave marks, but they keep reminding you of yourself. One day, you’ll heal," She whispered.