A few weeks after the wedding, I woke up smiling before I even opened my eyes.
I turned toward Marcus. He was still asleep. I watched him for a moment, remembering how impossible this life had once seemed. My life had changed. But the biggest change wasn’t my wedding ring. It was me.
I got out of bed and walked toward the mirror. My body was fitter now. My clothes fit differently, and I felt stronger than I had before. But when I looked at myself, I didn’t focus on my weight anymore. I looked at my eyes. They were different. There was confidence there.
For years, I had measured myself through other people’s opinions. Ryan’s words had made me believe that being loved meant becoming the woman he wanted. I had spent too much time trying to earn approval. Now, I didn’t need it.
I touched m
