KJZZ is partnering with the Arizona Republic to bring you the Arizona Storytellers series. We record the live events and share them with you on the radio. In Phoenix, the storytellers share stories about our community or the life events that have shaped them. Megan Finnerty is the creator of the series.

Carlos Salcedo/Arizona Republic

Monica Castillo at shares her story at Changing Hands Bookstore in Phoenix on Feb. 8, 2018.

In May 1996, Monica Castillo says she met the love of her life. He was a chef in the same kitchen as she was and their chemistry was strong.

Their first date was on New Year's Eve, and even though it didn't turn out exactly as planned, they kept dating. And Monica says it was good.

Their relationship was full of love, laughter, and romance. After three years of dating, they started talking about marriage and growing their family. Then, everything started to unravel.

Monica went to their boss, Matt, to tell him she was breaking up with boyfriend who was also Matt's best friend. Matt said she couldn't break up with him that week.

Monica Castillo is a pastry chef in Phoenix.

The next Arizona Storytellers event is July 17 at The Van Buren in downtown Phoenix. To learn more about the Arizona Storytellers project or how to tell your own story, visit storytellersproject.com.