Beauty? And the Beasts?

The Life I Left Behind

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to be rejected… ignored… despised?

I have.

I’ve courted so many girls before, hoping—just once—that someone would choose me. I memorized the things they liked, saved up for small gifts, and practiced what to say in front of the mirror like a fool who still believed effort could win a heart.

But every single time… I was rejected.

All except one.

She said yes.

And out of all people, she was the one who used me for my money… and eventually cheated on me.

Funny, right?

I let out a bitter laugh, the sound hollow even to my own ears.

I was about to turn thirty… and I was still a virgin.

Pathetic.

At least, that’s what I used to think.

Because that was before the day everything changed.

---

It was my birthday.

No cake. No messages. Just another long shift that drained whatever energy I had left. By the time I stepped out into the dim street, the sky had already darkened, the air heavy and quiet.

I walked home slowly, shoulders slumped, replaying the same thoughts I always tried to ignore.

Maybe I was just… not meant to be loved.

That’s when I saw her.

A girl—standing frozen in the middle of the road, eyes wide with fear, as if her body had forgotten how to move.

Headlights cut through the darkness.

A car was speeding straight toward her.

“Hey!”

My heart slammed against my chest.

My body moved before my mind could catch up.

I ran.

I didn’t think.

I didn’t hesitate.

I just… moved.

Time seemed to slow as I reached her, grabbing her arm and shoving her out of the way with all the strength I had.

For a split second, our eyes met.

Then—

A blinding light.

A deafening impact.

---

Before I lost consciousness, one thought crossed my mind.

If I were ever given another chance…

If I were to be reborn as a girl—

I would love my man wholeheartedly.

I would never hurt him.

Never use him.

Never betray him.

Because that was all I had ever wanted…

…and never received.