The Pain That Taught Me Love

She's one of the jolliest and most positive people you'll ever meet. Maldita, sensitive, pikunin, inipin, OA, maarte, and sometimes a little stubborn, but despite all of that, she's kind. She can be sharp with words when annoyed, dramatic when things don't go her way, and a little extra in everything she does. Yet deep down, she's soft-hearted and easily hurt. No one really knows how heavy the pain she carries every day is, because she chooses to smile even when it hurts.Aragen Solara Grey doesn't trust men. She's a man-hater, NBSB, and keeps everyone at a distance, afraid of getting hurt because of past experiences. She's not ready to love anyone except for her best friend, the one person who makes her feel safe. Andrei, her long-time friend, is always there to joke with her, support her, and brighten her day, but she knows there are limits to how much she can rely on him.Then she meets Theo Gabriel Santiago, a man who doesn't push, doesn't pry, but somehow sees everything she hides. He notices the sadness behind her bright eyes and the walls she puts up, slowly changing the way she sees the world. With him, there's a comfort she hasn't felt in years, a quiet understanding that makes her question the defenses she's always held onto.She's been through more than most people realize, battling the weight of her own mind and the shadows of her past. But fear is stubborn. As her old doubts resurface and the walls she built start to rise again, she wonders if letting someone in is worth the risk. Will she let Theo in, or will she stay alone like she's always done?