Lana Series #4: Born To Die

Born to Die

Lila Hiraya Iadesma grew up in a household where independence was not just encouraged; it was demanded. She learned early on that relying on others was a luxury she couldn't afford. To her, being a burden was the worst sin of all. Driven by the relentless need to meet everyone's expectations, Lila became an achiever who feared that one slip could unravel everything she had worked for. Outwardly, she was brave and strong, but beneath her armor, her heart ached with vulnerability. She couldn't bear to witness others in pain, yet saw herself mirrored in their suffering-manipulated, fooled, and hurt. Her strength was a facade, a mask she wore every day.

In the midst of her struggles, Lila met Aiden Kael Castillo, a brooding and talented writer who had moved to the province to escape the ghosts of his past. His past haunted him, leaving him initially guarded and reserved. But in Lila, he found a kindred spirit, someone who understood the weight of silent battles. Their encounters were unexpected, yet they quickly developed a deep bond that felt unbreakable. Both were dissatisfied with their lives, burdened by different experiences of challenges and failures, yet they chose to fight on.

As their connection deepened, they clung to each other like lifelines, determined to hold on no matter what. Lila faced her greatest fear: embracing love and vulnerability, the very things she had always avoided. She realized that this was life, with all its unpredictability and pain, and it had to be lived fully. Aiden, too, found inspiration in Lila's presence, slowly shedding the shadows of his past.

Together, they discovered a powerful truth: happiness isn't a requirement in life, but living authentically is. In a world where nothing is guaranteed, they choose to define their own paths. They realized that life isn't about avoiding pain but about finding the strength to endure it. After all, we are born to live, to face every storm, and to leave our mark before we die.