“My Ex Tried to ‘Leave His Mark’ — But I’ll Never Let Him Break Me”
We all go through challenges that test our strength, but some struggles leave scars — not just on the body, but on the soul.
For Kayla Holmes, one violent moment at 17 changed her life forever. A moment she’ll never forget, because every time she looks in the mirror, she sees it staring back at her.
⚠️ Note: This story contains details of assault that some may find distressing.
A Toxic Relationship
Kayla grew up without ever really seeing what a healthy relationship looked like. So when, at 17, she fell for an older boyfriend, she didn’t notice the red flags right away.
“He manipulated me to the point where I almost lost everything and everyone in my life,” Kayla recalled.
Like many first loves, she clung to the good moments, hoping the abuse would stop. But instead, things escalated.
The Day Everything Changed
On October 17, 2017, Kayla agreed to meet her ex-boyfriend, Seth Aaron Fleury, who claimed he wanted to apologize. Instead, he launched a horrific attack.
When she made it clear their relationship was over, Seth snapped. He grabbed her, tried to force a kiss, and when she pulled away — he bit down on her lip and ripped it off.
“I remember sitting in a pool of my own blood, my whole mouth on fire, terrified and confused,” Kayla shared. “In that moment, I honestly wished my life would just end.”
After the attack, Seth fled, later claiming he wanted to “leave his mark” so no one else would want her.
A Battle to Heal
Doctors rushed Kayla into surgery. The damage was too severe to reattach her lip. Surgeons had to cut into her cheeks just to close the wound.
“When I woke up, my nurse tried to lighten the mood by joking I didn’t need a Halloween costume anymore. That’s when it hit me. This was my new reality. I would never live my ‘normal’ life again.”
For months, Kayla struggled with her reflection. She felt broken, ashamed, and at times even blamed herself for what happened. But slowly, with time and support, she found her strength again.
Finding Justice, Finding Strength
Exactly one year later, on October 18, 2018, Seth was sentenced to 12 years in prison for aggravated assault.
That moment gave Kayla closure — but it was her own resilience that gave her freedom.
Today, a scar runs across her face, but she doesn’t see it as a weakness. She calls it her proof of survival.
“I will continue to wear my scars as wings,” she says. “I will rise above this. I am not a victim. I am a survivor.”
A Message to Others
Kayla shares her story not for sympathy, but as a reminder. Too many people stay in toxic relationships, holding on to the good moments while ignoring the abuse.
Her message is clear: love should never hurt.
If you or someone you love is trapped in a dangerous relationship, know that leaving is not weakness — it is the bravest step you can take.
Kayla’s story proves that no matter how broken you feel, it’s always possible to reclaim your life — and to rise stronger than before.