t curled up on the edge of the couch, hugging her knees to her chest, her heart aching with every breath she

th all her heart do something so cruel? How

n refused to lessen. Her chest felt tight, her eyes bur

t swung open. Sonia stepped inside, humming softly to herself, her arms filled with colorful shoppi

broken, tear-stained, and trembling. She set the bags down on the bed and rushed ove

did, her red, swollen eyes met Sonia's. Her voi

" The word left her

. I felt something was wrong. When I got there... I found him in bed. With Elizabeth. They didn't

at bastard," she hissed. "I can't believe him. After everyt

Bella whispered, wiping at her te

erve that. I've been telling you all along that Jason wasn't the man you thought he wa

so much. I really thought he was the one, Sonia. How do

won't lie. But you will move on. And one day, you'll wonder why you ever cried over a man like him

rough tear-filled eyes

e gifts, the dinners, the fun - and I don't let them get close

er head. "But how do yo

g. There are apps where you can meet men from all over. Rich, successful, gen

louding her face. "Are you sur

the grace of God. But you

ne new both terrifying and oddly hopeful. "Okay... ma

g up and grabbing one of her bags. "But let me

d up the sleek black bag. "L

lla asked,

t him on that dating app I told you about. Eric is a

her head. "

of my business. I'm not after his heart - just his

se. "Wow... okay, let m

merald green that shimmered under the light, another a soft champagne gold that looked like it belonged at a gala, and th

th anything. Finally, Sonia opened a small velvet box to reveal delicate gold jewelry: a slim

ly. "Sonia, these

up the red gown against herself and

herself, a tiny smile formi

ara's shopping mall on Tuesday

in amazement. "Soni

rl. Stop wasting your time crying over Jason. There's a whole world out th

nt in Sonia's eyes. Maybe Sonia was right. Maybe, somewhere

ly. "I'll try. Just...

We're in this together. No more tears for Jaso

night, Bella felt a flicker