CHAPTER TWENTY NINE – MOVING ON FROM HEARTACHE

Despite her initial skepticism, Cassie found herself agreeing. The next day, they hit the stores, trying on outfits that Cassie would never have considered before. As she looked at herself in the dressing room mirror, wearing a sleek black dress that hugged her curves, Cassie barely recognized herself. "Wow," she breathed. Jenna peeked around the curtain, her eyes widening. "Cassie, you look amazing! This is definitely coming home with us." As they left the store, bags in hand, Cassie felt a newfound confidence radiating through her. It wasn't just about the new clothes or the haircut she'd impulsively gotten. It was about reclaiming her identity, about remembering who she was outside of her relationship with Alex. However, as the initial excitement of her makeover faded, Cassie found herself grappling with more complex emotions. One night, as she was getting ready for bed, she caught sight of an old photo of her and Alex tucked away in a drawer. The image hit her like a punch to