Chapter 21: Heartbreak and Healing
Althaia had made her decision. With a heavy heart, she had chosen Stellan, her college sweetheart, as the man she wanted to be with. Her choice had been difficult, knowing that it meant Manuel would no longer be her romantic partner. 
Althaia invited Manuel to a quiet cafe, where she needed to explain her decision. She knew it would break his heart, and she was dreading the conversation.
Manuel (concerned): "Althaia, what's on your mind? You seem so serious."
Althaia (teary-eyed): "Manuel, I... I've made a decision. I've chosen to be with Stellan."
Manuel (heartbroken): "I see..."
Manuel's eyes welled up with tears as he processed Althaia's words. He had known that this outcome was possible, but it didn't lessen the pain.
Manuel (with a trembling voice): "Althaia, I won't deny that this hurts. I care about you deeply, and losing you romantically is... it's incredibly painful."
Althaia, too, was struggling to hold back tears. She had never wanted to hurt Manuel, but she believed that being with Stellan was the right choice.
Althaia (sincere): "Manuel, please know that this wasn't an easy decision for me. I have deep feelings for you, but my history with Stellan, it's complicated. I hope you can understand."
Manuel nodded, his heart heavy with sadness.
Manuel (resigned): "I understand, Althaia. I want you to be happy, even if it means we can't be together in that way."
The breakup was painful for both Althaia and Manuel. They decided to give each other some space to heal and move forward separately.
Althaia leaned on her close friend for support during this challenging time. She knew that choosing Stellan was the right decision for her, but it didn't make the healing process any less painful.
Stellan, aware of the heartbreak Althaia and Manuel were experiencing, was understanding and supportive.
Stellan (gentle): "Althaia, I know this wasn't easy for you. I'm here for you, no matter what."
In the weeks that followed, Althaia and Manuel both went through a period of healing. They cherished the memories they had created together and began to rebuild their lives separately.
Althaia (reflective): "Sometimes, the right decision can be the most painful one."
As time passed, Althaia's relationship with Stellan continued to deepen. They faced challenges and joys together, and Althaia was grateful for the love they shared.
Manuel, too, found happiness in his own way. He focused on his career and personal growth, knowing that love could come again in unexpected ways.
The heartbreak had been painful, but it had also taught Althaia and Manuel valuable lessons about love, choices, and the importance of following their hearts.
Althaia (hopeful): "In the end, we all deserve a chance at happiness."
Their journey was far from over, and they all had much to learn about love, forgiveness, and the resilience of the heart.
Stellan had decided to surprise Althaia at one of her fashion shoots. However, he had a bit of a mix-up with the studio layout. 
**The Wrong Door:**
As he arrived at the studio, he noticed a door labeled "Restroom" and assumed it was the bathroom. Little did he know, it was the entrance to the set where a high-fashion photo shoot was in progress.
**Stellan's Entrance:**
Stellan confidently pushed the door open, thinking he was heading to the restroom. To his horror, he found himself in the middle of a highly stylized fashion shoot. 
**Fashion Chaos:**
The moment Stellan stepped onto the set, the photographer, models, and crew were left in shock.
Photographer (bewildered): "Who is this guy?"
Models (whispering): "Is he a new model?"
Stellan (panicking): "Oh, sorry, I thought this was the bathroom!"
**The Hilarious Moment:**
Stellan's accidental intrusion led to an amusing scene. He found himself standing amidst a group of models in extravagant outfits, striking dramatic poses. 
Stellan (sheepish): "Um, I'll just... go find the actual bathroom."
**Photographer (laughing):** "Well, this is a first!"
The fashion shoot crew burst into laughter as Stellan hastily retreated, his face turning a shade of crimson.
**Althaia's Reaction:**
Moments later, Althaia stepped off the set, only to find Stellan in the hallway, still flustered by the mix-up.
Althaia (teasing): "Stellan, I didn't know you had a secret career in modeling."
Stellan (embarrassed): "Trust me, it was a one-time thing."
**A Comedic Memory:**
The incident became a running joke among their friends and a fond, comedic memory in their relationship. Stellan learned the importance of double-checking doors, and Althaia never let him forget his accidental "modeling" debut.
From then on, whenever they entered a studio, they made sure to double-check the signs on the doors, ensuring that there were no more accidental fashion shoots in Stellan's future.