In the midst of her tears, Ariana managed to say, "I'm lost, Sonia.

I'm utterly clueless about what to do now!"

Initially, she had fervently wished for Theodore's return, but the reality that unfolded was far more intricate than she had bargained for.

Ariana felt as though fate had played a capricious hand. The five years of yearning seemed futile now. Her heart, despite being reunited with her beloved, echoed with emptiness. Everything had changed, slipping through her fingers like grains of sand.

Sonia, in a tender embrace, shared in Ariana's sorrow, her own eyes betraying signs of tears. Words eluded her; it was as if fate had chosen to jest with them.