556: WHEN THE WORDS HIT

ARIEL'S POV "Yeah," Tessa muttered. "And to think he just called it quits out of the blue. I mean, we had our issues, but I never thought he'd just walk away like that." I nodded, recalling my own feelings of betrayal when I found that panty in Luke's car. "Breakups are hard, especially when they come out of nowhere. But remember Tessa, you deserve someone who wants to be with you, who respects you and loves you for who you are." Tessa sniffled, wiping a tear from her eye. "I know, I know. "And you know what, Tessa?" I said, offering her a small smile. "I bet you're going to find that someone. In fact, I bet it'll happen when you least expect it when you're not even looking." She managed a weak chuckle. "You really think so?" "I do," I said, squeezing her hand. "But for now, you just need to focus on you. Taking care of yourself, finding joy in the little things, enjoying being single for a while." "I guess you're right," Tessa replied, leaning back against her pillows. "I shoul