Chapter Three: One Year Later

Chapter Three: One Year Later

One year later, Anasha was no longer the woman who wept over a love that had never been real. She had stitched herself back together with determination, patience, and a fierce sense of self-worth. The tears that once soaked her pillow had dried, replaced by smiles that reached her eyes, and a lightness in her step that only healing could bring.

Gone was the woman who questioned her value. Anasha had transformed-piece by piece-into someone who knew exactly who she was. Her mornings began with affirmations in the mirror, and her evenings ended with books and gratitude journals that fed her soul. Her job had become more than a paycheck. It was a place where she thrived and found purpose. It was also where she started building a life that felt stable, safe, and meaningful.

She no longer looked for love to complete her. She had fallen in love with her own growth.

And it was there-between emails, meetings, and coffee breaks-that she met Michelle.

Michelle was the new girl in the department, smart, sharp-tongued, and full of sass. She carried herself like a woman who knew exactly what she brought to the table. While others were slow to approach her, Anasha felt drawn to her vibrant energy and the way she didn't apologize for being herself.

Their friendship began over a shared complaint about the office's ancient printer. A few jokes later, and they were eating lunch together in the break room, talking about everything from annoying clients to their favorite childhood cartoons. Michelle had a contagious laugh and a bold spirit, and she challenged Anasha in the best ways.

Michelle was quick to notice when Anasha was quiet or distracted. She didn't pry, but she always found a way to say just the right thing to bring her back. When Anasha doubted herself during a project, Michelle reminded her of her worth. When Michelle was exhausted from juggling too many tasks, Anasha was there with coffee and encouragement.

They were a team.

In a world that often pitted women against each other, Anasha and Michelle built each other up. They were fierce defenders of each other's space and time. Michelle never let Anasha shrink herself to fit into someone else's comfort zone. She encouraged her to stand tall, speak up, and own her brilliance.

Outside of work, their friendship grew even deeper. Weekend brunches turned into weekly rituals. They tried new restaurants, explored city parks, and binge-watched shows while painting their nails and laughing until they cried. They shared playlists, swapped skincare tips, and even began planning a girls' trip together.

Michelle became more than a friend-she became family.

Through Michelle, Anasha found something she didn't even know she needed: a sisterhood. There was no competition, no jealousy, just unconditional support. They shared their dreams, their disappointments, and their goals. They celebrated each other's wins and picked each other up after losses.

And most importantly, Michelle reminded Anasha that love didn't have to come wrapped in romance. Friendship could be just as deep, just as loyal, just as powerful.

When Anasha spoke of her past heartbreak, Michelle didn't pity her-she empowered her.

"He was never your person," Michelle had said once over drinks. "But that doesn't mean your person isn't out there. You've just leveled up. He wouldn't even recognize the woman you are now."

Anasha had smiled, warmed not just by the cocktail but by the truth in her friend's words.

She had leveled up.

She was stronger, wiser, and more in tune with herself than ever before. She knew what she wanted, and more importantly, she knew what she would never settle for again.

One evening, after a particularly long day at work, the two of them sat on Michelle's apartment balcony. City lights blinked in the distance as they shared a pizza and talked about life.

"I feel like I'm finally becoming the woman I used to dream about being," Anasha said, sipping on a glass of wine. "I'm not perfect, but I'm proud of how far I've come."

Michelle grinned. "You should be. You walked through fire and came out shining. That takes guts."

"I just want to keep growing," Anasha added thoughtfully. "I want to keep becoming... me."

Michelle nodded in agreement. "And you will. You're just getting started."

That night, Anasha went home feeling lighter. She wasn't in a relationship. She didn't have a fairytale love story just yet. But she had herself. And she had Michelle. And that was more than enough.

The following weeks brought more growth. Anasha started taking evening classes to explore a long-forgotten passion for interior design. She joined a local yoga group. She even said yes to an open mic night, reading one of her poems to a small audience for the first time.

Michelle was there for it all-cheering the loudest, snapping photos, being her loudest and most loyal fan.

They didn't always agree. They had their share of heated debates and playful arguments. But the respect between them never wavered. They knew how to talk it out. They knew how to show up for each other. Their friendship had layers-messy, real, honest layers that made it all the more beautiful.

Anasha had never felt more empowered.

When a coworker made a snide comment about her success, she didn't shrink. She handled it with grace and clarity. When her ex reached out in a moment of nostalgia, she didn't hesitate to delete the message. She was no longer interested in half-hearted love or shallow validation.

She knew her worth.

She had created a life of substance, and she refused to let anyone threaten that peace.

Then one Saturday morning, as she sat journaling in her favorite café, Anasha wrote a sentence that stopped her mid-thought:

"I think I'm ready."

Ready for what, she didn't yet know.

But deep down, she felt it-a quiet shift, a stirring in her soul. She had built her foundation. She had nourished her spirit. And maybe-just maybe-she was finally ready for someone to walk beside her. Not to complete her. Not to fix her.

But to meet her, fully formed, and walk forward together.

Still, she didn't rush it. She didn't start swiping on dating apps or asking the universe for signs. She simply stayed open. Trusting that when the time was right, the right person would come.

For now, she had her strength. She had her joy. And she had Michelle.

And as they lay sprawled out on the living room floor later that night-face masks on, hair up in messy buns, and giggling at a corny movie-Anasha felt something she hadn't felt in a long time:

Peace.

The kind of peace that wraps around your shoulders like a warm blanket and says, "You're exactly where you're meant to be."

And somewhere deep in her spirit, Anasha knew-the best was yet to come.

Even if she didn't see it yet, love was on its way.

And when it arrived, she would meet it not with desperation, but with grace.

Because this time, she knew exactly who she was.

And that changed everything.

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