0025|start of something new

ARABELLA ARMANI

The morning light filtered through the hotel curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. Arabella stretched beneath the covers, her body aching from the weight of yesterday's emotions. Still, there was an unexpected lightness in her chest—a clarity she hadn't felt in a long time.

After a quick shower, she stood in front of the mirror, letting the warm steam curl her hair naturally. It felt symbolic, in a way, letting her curls breathe without forcing them into submission. Today wasn't about fitting into anyone else's expectations—it was about her.

Her phone buzzed on the counter. It was Sarah.

Sarah: "Carter and I are in the café downstairs. Come join us for breakfast when you're ready! We'll brainstorm ways to celebrate your fresh start."

Arabella smiled, typing back a quick response.

Arabella: "Be there soon."

Throwing on a breezy sundress and her favorite sneakers, she grabbed her bag and headed downstairs. The warm scent of coffee and freshly baked pastries filled the café as she spotted Sarah and Carter at a corner table, already deep in conversation.

"There she is!" Carter called, waving her over.

Arabella slid into the chair next to Sarah, who immediately pushed a latte toward her. "Extra caramel, just how you like it."

"Thanks, guys," Arabella said, taking a sip and savoring the sweetness. She glanced at the open notebook on the table, its pages filled with bullet points and doodles. "What's this?"

Sarah grinned. "Operation Move On."

Carter leaned back in his chair, a smirk on his face. "We've been brainstorming all the ways to help you leave Alessio in the dust."

Arabella couldn't help but laugh. "This should be good."

Sarah flipped the notebook toward her, revealing the first page. "Okay, so step one: Block his number."

Arabella's brows rose. "Straight to the point, huh?"

"Absolutely," Sarah said firmly. "He doesn't deserve access to you anymore. He made his choice, remember?

Arabella hesitated for a moment before pulling out her phone. With a deep breath, she navigated to Alessio's contact and hit "Block."

"There," she said, exhaling. "Step one, done."

Carter clapped dramatically. "And she didn't even flinch. Proud of you, Bella."

"Okay, step two," Sarah continued. "We're going to focus on things that make you happy. Hobbies, passions, whatever brings you joy. Any ideas?"

Arabella thought for a moment. "I've always wanted to get back into painting. I used to love it, but I haven't picked up a brush in years."

"Perfect," Carter said. "We'll find you an art supply store today."

"And step three," Sarah added, a mischievous glint in her eye. "We're going out tonight. Somewhere fun, where we can dance and forget about everything else."

Arabella laughed. "I like the sound of that."

The day flew by as they explored the city, stopping at a quaint art store where Arabella picked out a set of brushes and vibrant paints. Carter insisted on buying her a canvas, declaring it a gift for her "artistic rebirth."

By the time evening rolled around, the trio was back at the hotel, getting ready for their night out. Sarah helped Arabella curl her hair into soft, defined waves, while Carter provided comedic commentary from the couch.

"Bell, you're going to have guys falling at your feet tonight," Carter said, tossing a pillow in her direction.

Arabella rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling. "I'm not looking for anyone. Tonight's about me, remember?"

"Exactly," Sarah said, zipping up her heels. "And if anyone happens to notice how amazing you look, that's just a bonus."

The club was alive with energy, the music pulsing through the air as they stepped onto the dance floor. Arabella let the beat wash over her, her body moving instinctively to the rhythm. For the first time in weeks, she felt free—untethered from the weight of her past.

Sarah and Carter danced alongside her, their laughter blending with the music. Strangers around them joined in, creating a whirlwind of joy and celebration.

At one point, Carter leaned in close, his voice barely audible over the music. "You look happy."

Arabella nodded, her smile wide. "I am."

And for the first time, she truly meant it.

By the time they returned to the hotel, their feet sore and their hearts full, Arabella felt a sense of renewal. As she collapsed onto her bed, her mind drifted to everything that had happened. Alessio's betrayal still stung, but it no longer consumed her.

She glanced at the canvas leaning against the wall, her fingers itching to create something new. Tomorrow, she decided, she'd start painting again.

Because this was her life now—one where she called the shots, chased her passions, and refused to settle for less than she deserved.

And for the first time in a long time, she couldn't wait to see what came next.