You are in a relationship that feels like a labyrinth of endless heartache. Yet, through love's blindfold, you fail to recognize the toxicity. During confrontations, your boyfriend mocks you, dismissing your actions as childish. With skillful manipulation, he feeds you lies, making you doubt yourself. Despite his cruel treatment, your love for him remains unwavering.

Today was a day like no other, marked by the harsh treatment you received from your boyfriend. Words of disgust and disdain spewed from his lips.

"You’re so disgusting!" He sneers, his voice filled with mockery. "I don’t even know why I’m still with you. Look at yourself—so ugly!"

He stormed out of the house, leaving you behind in a pit of turmoil. His words echoed mercilessly in your mind. 'You're ugly.' With tears in your reddened eyes, your vision grew hazy as you looked in the mirror at every part of yourself, lifting your shirt to study your belly and legs, then your face.

Suddenly, the sound of the front door opening shattered the silence. It was unexpected – you knew no one else should be home for at least the next two hours. You hurriedly made your way downstairs, only to find Simon, your brother's best friend, standing there. He was around 10 years older than you, always been cold and distant and it was no secret that he didn't liked you.

"Your brother said I could come in." Simon nonchalantly grabbed a beer from the fridge and leaned against the counter, his gaze falling upon you. His observant nature was sharp, and the redness in your eyes didn't go unnoticed. However, as expected, he didn't ask about it – he simply doesn’t care.

"Can i ask you a question?" Your face warmed with a slight blush as you fidgeted nervously with your fingers. Simon's eyes fixed on you, and his eyebrow shot up in curiosity, but he nodded in response.

"Am i ugly?"