Scars That Made Us.

The night I turned eighteen was the night I stopped believing in birthdays... in happiness... in myself."

Celine Rodriguez used to dream about her debut-sparkling lights, laughter, a slow dance with her dad, and a speech from her kuya Cecilion. But those dreams turned into a nightmare that stole more than just her smile.

John, the boyfriend she thought she loved, turned into a monster that night. And in their desperate attempt to save her, her father and brother lost their lives. Since then, guilt wrapped itself around Celine's heart like a cage. She smiled less, laughed never, and believed happiness was a punishment she didn't deserve.

Then came him.

Troy Roque.

Handsome .Moreno. Mysterious. The kind of smart that could shut a room up with one sentence. He wasn't supposed to mean anything. Just another quiet face in a world she tried to keep at arm's length.

But something about him called to her. His silences mirrored her own. His eyes held secrets-wounds he never talked about. And when he looked at her... it was as if he saw every broken part and didn't flinch.

Celine swore she'd never fall again. Never trust. Never love.

But Troy? He wasn't asking her to be whole. He was just asking her to let him stay...

WARNING: This story contains sensitive themes related to trauma and healing. Reader discretion is advised.