CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY FIVE - A Heartfelt Confrontation

"Rationally?" Lydia spat. "There you go again, always have to be the rational one. Well, I'm done being rational. I'm done trying to fit into your perfect little world. I'm leaving!" With that, Lydia stormed out of the room, leaving Ella standing alone, surrounded by the chaos of discarded clothes and makeup. Ella slumped onto the bed, her head in her hands. She had hoped to address the issues calmly, but instead, everything had spiraled out of control. As she heard the front door slam, she wondered if she had just made things infinitely worse. The next morning, Ella woke early, a knot of anxiety in her stomach. She made her way downstairs, half expecting to find Lydia in the kitchen, acting as if nothing had happened. But the kitchen was empty and quiet. "Lydia?" Ella called out, her voice echoing in the silent house. There was no response. She climbed the stairs back to the guest room, knocking softly on the door. "Lydia? Are you awake?" When there was no answer, she pushed the