Chapter 2 A Friend's Comfort

The apartment was quiet, too quiet, except for the soft hum of the ceiling fan and Bella's quiet sobs. She sat curled up on the edge of the couch, hugging her knees to her chest, her heart aching with every breath she took. The image of Jason in bed with Elizabeth played in her mind over and over, tormenting her, haunting her.

How could he? How could the man she loved with all her heart do something so cruel? How could he push her away like she was nothing?

Her tears soaked the sleeves of her blouse, but the pain refused to lessen. Her chest felt tight, her eyes burned, and every part of her felt shattered beyond repair.

The sound of the front door unlocking echoed through the apartment, followed by the soft creak as it swung open. Sonia stepped inside, humming softly to herself, her arms filled with colorful shopping bags. She looked radiant, her face lit up with a satisfied smile - until her gaze fell on Bella.

"Bella?" Sonia's voice softened with concern as she took in the sight of her friend - broken, tear-stained, and trembling. She set the bags down on the bed and rushed over, kneeling beside Bella. "What's wrong? What happened? Why are you crying like this?"

Bella could barely lift her head, but when she did, her red, swollen eyes met Sonia's. Her voice quivered. "Jason... Jason's cheating on me."

Sonia froze. "What?" The word left her lips in disbelief.

"I saw him," Bella choked out. "I went to his house to surprise him because he told me not to come. I felt something was wrong. When I got there... I found him in bed. With Elizabeth. They didn't even care. He told me to leave. He pushed me to the floor, Sonia. He pushed me like I was nothing."

Sonia's expression darkened, fury flashing in her eyes. "That bastard," she hissed. "I can't believe him. After everything you've done for him, after how much you've loved him..."

"I told him I'll never come back," Bella whispered, wiping at her tears. "I told him this is the end."

Sonia pulled her into a hug, holding her tightly. "Good for you, Bella. You didn't deserve that. I've been telling you all along that Jason wasn't the man you thought he was. But I know you had to see it for yourself. I'm so sorry you had to go through this."

Bella sobbed quietly into Sonia's shoulder. "I loved him so much. I really thought he was the one, Sonia. How do I stop loving him? How do I forget everything we shared?"

Sonia pulled back gently, brushing the hair from Bella's face. "It's going to hurt for a while. I won't lie. But you will move on. And one day, you'll wonder why you ever cried over a man like him. Men like Jason - they only care about themselves. That's why I don't give my heart away anymore."

Bella looked at her through tear-filled eyes. "Then what do you do?"

Sonia gave a small, mischievous smile. "I take what I can - the gifts, the dinners, the fun - and I don't let them get close enough to hurt me. That's the only way to protect your heart."

Bella sighed, shaking her head. "But how do you even meet these men?"

Sonia's grin widened. "That's what I've been trying to tell you. Online dating. There are apps where you can meet men from all over. Rich, successful, generous. Men who'll spoil you. You don't have to settle for heartbreak, Bella."

Bella hesitated, uncertainty clouding her face. "Are you sure I'll find a good match there?"

Sonia shrugged. "Maybe. By the grace of God. But you won't know unless you try."

Bella wiped at her face, the thought of meeting someone new both terrifying and oddly hopeful. "Okay... maybe I'll try downloading it later. I just need time."

"That's all I'm asking for," Sonia said, getting up and grabbing one of her bags. "But let me show you something that might change your mind."

She sat beside Bella and held up the sleek black bag. "Look at what Eric got for me."

"Eric?" Bella asked, confused.

"Yes!" Sonia said, her face lighting up again. "I met him on that dating app I told you about. Eric is amazing. Not filthy rich, but rich enough to spoil me."

Bella tilted her head. "Is he single?"

Sonia smirked. "I don't think so. But that's none of my business. I'm not after his heart - just his generosity. And trust me, he doesn't disappoint."

Bella blinked in surprise. "Wow... okay, let me see what he got you."

Sonia eagerly opened the bag and began pulling out the items. Bella watched as three elegant gowns emerged - one a deep emerald green that shimmered under the light, another a soft champagne gold that looked like it belonged at a gala, and the last a bold, fiery red that seemed made for turning heads. The fabric felt silky and expensive even from where Bella sat.

Next came two pairs of heels - one sleek black pair, the other a classic nude that would go with anything. Finally, Sonia opened a small velvet box to reveal delicate gold jewelry: a slim bracelet, a pair of sparkling stud earrings, and a simple necklace with a tiny diamond pendant.

Bella gasped softly. "Sonia, these are so beautiful."

"I know, right?" Sonia said, holding up the red gown against herself and twirling playfully. "And guess what?"

"What?" Bella asked, despite herself, a tiny smile forming at the corners of her lips.

"Eric said he's taking me to Zara's shopping mall on Tuesday. Anything I want, his treat."

Bella shook her head in amazement. "Sonia, you're so lucky."

Sonia laughed, flopping back on the couch. "That's why I'm telling you, girl. Stop wasting your time crying over Jason. There's a whole world out there. You deserve better. Download the app, see what's out there. Just try."

Bella looked at the gowns, the jewelry, the bright excitement in Sonia's eyes. Maybe Sonia was right. Maybe, somewhere out there, was something better than the pain she felt now.

"Okay," Bella said softly. "I'll try. Just... not tonight. But soon."

"That's all I ask." Sonia squeezed her hand. "We're in this together. No more tears for Jason. It's time for you to start living for you."

And for the first time that night, Bella felt a flicker of hope - fragile, but real.