Kayla Holmes’ story is one of resilience, strength, and hope. At 17, she found herself in a toxic and abusive relationship that would change her life forever. Like many teenagers in their first love, Kayla believed in the promise of change when her boyfriend, Seth Aaron Fleury, promised to treat her better. But as the relationship turned increasingly abusive, it became clear that love was not supposed to hurt.
The Day That Changed Everything
On October 17, 2017, Kayla’s world was shattered. After breaking up with Seth a few weeks earlier, she reluctantly agreed to meet him when he claimed he wanted to apologize. But things took a dark turn when Seth, unable to accept their breakup, became violent.
Facebook / She Rises with Kayla Hayes
“I remember every detail of this very moment,” Kayla shared. When she refused to get back together, Seth snapped. He tried to force a kiss, and when she pulled away, he bit down on her lower lip, ripping it off entirely. In her own words, she was “sitting in a puddle of my own blood, my whole mouth on fire, confused and terrified, I didn’t know how I could ever show my face again.”
As if that wasn’t horrifying enough, Seth discarded her like an object, slamming her out of her car before fleeing the scene. In the ambulance, Kayla’s phone rang repeatedly with Seth’s calls — a reminder of the trauma she was enduring.
The Physical and Emotional Scars
Doctors tried to reattach her lip, but the damage was too severe. The tissue was beyond saving, and surgeons were forced to stitch the wound closed, cutting into her cheeks in the process. Kayla would wake up to a new reality, one where a permanent scar would remind her daily of the attack.
Facebook / She Rises with Kayla Hayes
She felt lost, ashamed, and blamed herself for staying in the relationship. But over time, with the support of loved ones and therapy, she came to realize that the violence was never her fault. The day she refused to take Seth back was the day she reclaimed her strength and power.
Finding Justice and Strength
A year after the attack, Kayla got justice. Seth was sentenced to 12 years in prison for aggravated assault. This was a turning point, not only in her fight for justice but also in her journey to healing. Despite the trauma, Kayla refused to see herself as a victim. She now wears her scars with pride.
“I will continue to wear my scars as wings and stay kind and strong. I will rise above this,” she says, embracing her new identity as a survivor.
Facebook / She Rises with Kayla Hayes
Kayla’s message to others is clear: love should never hurt, and no one should feel trapped in an abusive relationship. Her courage and strength are a beacon for anyone struggling with similar issues.
A Call for Awareness
Kayla’s story highlights the importance of recognizing toxic relationships and finding the strength to leave before it’s too late. No one deserves to live in fear. If you or someone you know is facing abuse, please take the step to choose freedom. Reach out for help.
Share this story to raise awareness. It could make all the difference for someone who needs to hear it.
