I lived for years with the hurtful things my husband said and the jokes he made about my weight. He would often be rude and say things like “you should spend more time at the gym and less time in the kitchen.” But one day, his words hurt me too much, and I chose to take charge of my life.
I put everything I had into my love of baking, getting better at desserts and joining a competition that would change my life.
I worked hard and thought about my health and well-being at the same time. My newfound drive helped me feel better.
The big day came, and I stood with other experienced workers, including the woman my husband had been admiring.
The owner of the bakery, Rowan, came over to me just as I was about to give up and said some encouraging words.
I was awarded the job and the chance to study in Paris. But the best treat was still to come: Rowan told me he loved me and offered me a fresh start in Paris, away from my past.
I left my husband and his abuse behind with a newfound sense of confidence and purpose. I looked forward to a future full of love, creativity, and self-discovery. It was finally time for me to speak up and get my due.
When I thought about it now, my trip wasn’t just about winning a contest or falling in love. It was also about finding out what I was capable of and how valuable I was. That was enough of life in the dark. It was time to come out into the light.
