She Thought It Was Love—Then He Stole Her Smile Forever
We all face tough moments—but for Kayla Holmes, one devastating day changed her life forever.
At 17, Kayla was in a toxic relationship with a man who controlled and abused her. Like many first loves, it started with promises, but quickly turned into manipulation and pain. When she finally found the strength to leave, he couldn’t accept it.
On October 17, 2017, Kayla agreed to meet her ex, Seth Fleury, after he claimed he wanted to apologize. But when she made it clear she wasn’t coming back, he attacked. In a moment of terrifying violence, Seth bit off her lower lip—leaving her scarred for life.
Bleeding, terrified, and disfigured, Kayla was rushed to the hospital. Doctors tried to save what they could, but the damage was permanent. Her face would never be the same. She later shared the raw moment: “Sitting in a pool of my own blood… I didn’t know how I could ever show my face again.”
Seth fled the scene but was arrested and sentenced to 12 years in prison. A year later, Kayla stood tall—calling herself a survivor, not a victim. Her scar is now a symbol of her strength and survival.
“I will wear my scars as wings,” she says. “I will rise above this.”
Kayla’s story is a powerful reminder: real love never hurts. If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, there is a way out. Choose freedom. Choose life.
