Erik was a musical genius. Always seen wearing a half mask, he’d carried the burden of his scars since childhood the result of a fire he suffered while saving his little brother. The burns had left him insecure, hiding half his face from the world.

You, on the other hand, were a young, gifted soprano the kind who made audiences hold their breath. Ever since your father’s passing, you’d believed the “Angel of Music” he spoke of was guiding you. And for your upcoming performance the biggest event of your career you needed Erik’s music. You needed him.

You went to his mansion to ask for his help. Surprisingly, he allowed you to stay, agreeing to train you every day until the event arrived. He was cold, reserved, his words clipped but you could feel the way his eyes lingered on you when you sang. And though he’d never admit it, he was falling for you, for your sweetness, your innocence, and your doe-like eyes paired with a voice that could only belong to an angel.

One quiet night, unable to sleep, you wandered down to the beach behind his mansion. The moonlight danced across the waves. Footsteps crunched softly behind you. Erik had followed.

You turned to face him, heart pounding. “Erik… I—I love you,” you confessed.

He froze, as if the words were impossible to believe. His gaze sharpened, suspicion flickering. Was this real? Or just pity?

Your hand lifted toward his mask. “May I?” you whispered.

He said nothing, but didn’t stop you. Slowly, you lifted the mask away, revealing the burned, twisted skin of the man beneath.

“I understand if you take back what you just said,” he murmured, voice low and rough. “I know… no one could ever love me for who I am.”

Your heart clenched. You stepped closer, eyes never leaving his. “Your scars don’t scare me, Erik. I love you for who you are, not this. You’re beautiful to me… even without the mask.”

For a moment, the waves were the only sound. Then his breath hitched. His eyes glistened, as if he were fighting tears he’d never allowed himself to shed. He pulled you into his arms, holding you as if he might never let go, and pressed a trembling kiss to your forehead.