CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY SEVEN: I’M SORRY

As the night stretched on and the drinks continued to flow, Jessica found herself drawn to the stranger sitting beside her at the bar. His presence was comforting, his words soothing, and she couldn’t help but feel a sense of warmth and connection in his company. As they talked, Jessica found herself opening up to him in a way she hadn’t with anyone else. She shared the pain and heartache of her broken engagement, the doubts and fears that had been gnawing at her insides. And to her surprise, the stranger listened with genuine empathy, offering words of comfort and understanding that eased the ache in her heart. With each passing moment, Jessica felt herself drawn deeper into conversation with the stranger, his easy charm and quick wit putting her at ease. She found herself laughing and smiling in a way she hadn’t in what felt like ages, the weight of her troubles momentarily lifted by the simple pleasure of his company. And as the night wore on and the bar began to empty out