For years, my husband, Bryce, mocked my plump figure. I used food to cope with our troubled marriage, finding comfort in the kitchen while my confidence dwindled. I dreamed of becoming a skilled pastry chef, but the more I baked, the more the weight piled on. “Maybe if you spent more time at the gym and less in the kitchen, you’d look better in that dress,” Bryce would say, his words cutting deep.
There was a time when I was always by Bryce’s side, attending his work events with a smile. But as the pounds accumulated, my self-esteem plummeted. I stopped joining him, retreating into the kitchen while he continued his life without me.
One day, I catered an important event—the first one where my desserts would be the highlight. As soon as we arrived, I noticed Bryce’s attention drifting toward a slim, stunning woman, Elise. “Now *that’s* how a woman should look in a dress,” he said, admiring her. His words stung, but I stayed silent, feeling invisible as he flirted with her the entire evening.
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I hid in a corner and met Rowan, the event’s host, who praised my desserts and encouraged me to consider a career in baking. Before I could respond, Bryce interrupted, suggesting Elise for the opportunity I had dreamed of. “She’s got a real knack for culinary stuff,” Bryce said with a smug grin.
At home, I confronted him, but he dismissed me. “If you were good enough, you wouldn’t need me to speak up for you.”
That was the moment I decided to change everything. I would prove him wrong. I threw myself into creating the dessert menu for Rowan’s restaurant, working long hours while slowly rebuilding my confidence. I also started working on my health, doing exercises at home to get stronger. Bryce mocked my efforts, but it only fueled my determination.
The day of the competition came. The event was like a culinary show, with chefs presenting their creations for the chance to win a contract. As I set up, I saw Elise again. She sneered, “Shouldn’t the buns be in the bakery, not hanging off the baker?” Then she pointed to Bryce. “At least my man is here to support me. Yours?”
I followed her gaze and saw Bryce laughing with guests, completely ignoring me. I was crushed, but then Rowan appeared by my side. “If you’re too weak to continue, leave now,” he said. His blunt words struck a chord. “I can do this,” I whispered, steeling myself.
I poured my heart into my desserts, blocking out everything else. When the results were announced, I was in shock. I had won.
Bryce’s face was a picture of disbelief. But the real surprise came next—an opportunity to study in Paris, the culinary capital of the world. Furious, Bryce dragged me aside. “What the hell, Clara? You did all this behind my back? Come home where you belong.”
Before I could respond, Rowan stepped forward. “Clara is remarkable,” he said. “She deserves to follow her dreams.” Bryce, speechless, stood frozen as I found my voice.
“I’m a free woman, Bryce,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I deserve more than to live in your shadow. I want a divorce.”
Rowan offered me a bouquet. “Shall we?” he asked, inviting me to begin a new chapter.
The future had never looked brighter. With Rowan’s support, I was ready to pursue my passion, reclaim my confidence, and embrace the life I deserved. The world was mine to conquer.
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