*Title:* "Beyond Broken Lens"

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*Chapter 1: Fading Light*

Ashton Wynter gazed out the school bus window, his piercing blue eyes squinting against the morning sun's glare. His chiseled features and messy, dark hair made him the object of many admiring glances, but beneath the charming facade, Ashton felt lost.

In his final year of high school, Ashton's life was unraveling. At home, his parents' constant arguing had turned their once-warm house into a cold, loveless space. His mother's tears and father's angry outbursts haunted him, making it hard to focus on his studies.

School wasn't much better. Ashton struggled to keep up with his coursework, and college applications loomed, filling him with anxiety. His friends seemed to know where they were headed, but Ashton's future looked like a blank canvas.

And then there was Emily.

Ashton's heart skipped a beat whenever Emily Taylor was near. Her bright smile and sparkling green eyes had captivated him since freshman year. But despite their undeniable chemistry, Emily dated Ashton's best friend, Jake - a fact that gnawed at Ashton's soul.

The bus pulled up to the school, and Ashton gathered his belongings, mechanically going through the motions. Another day, another struggle to stay afloat.

As he stepped off the bus, Emily's laughter echoed through the air, and Ashton's heart sank. Why did life have to be so complicated?

"Hey, man!" Jake clapped Ashton on the back. "Ready for our math test?"

Ashton forced a smile. "Yeah, I'm ready."

But he wasn't.

Ready for the test.

Ready for life.

Or ready to face the demons that haunted him.

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