Mornings began with a run around the neighborhood. I was still too self-conscious to step foot in a gym, but that didn’t stop me from doing exercises at home. Each push-up, each sit-up, was a small victory, a step closer to reclaiming the confidence I had lost.Bryce watched me with that familiar smirk, never missing a chance to throw out some snide comment. “You think those leggings are doing you any favors?” or “All this work, and for what? You’re still the same, Clara.” Bryce only sneered when he saw my hands covered in dough, my hair a tangled mess of flour and jam. I didn’t tell him about my new opportunity with Rowan or the competition that loomed ahead.
Not a word. I knew this was something I had to do for myself, no matter what.The day of the competition finally arrived. The event was set up like a culinary show, with stations for each chef to present their creations. Judges and guests would taste each dish and decide which one was the best. The winner would secure the contract and represent the restaurant. I looked around at the other chefs, all seasoned professionals.What if I’m not good enough? Suddenly, I saw Elise. She was even more stunning up close, with her perfect sleek figure. “Well, well, if it isn’t the pastry princess.” She looked me up and down. “Shouldn’t the buns be in the bakery, not hanging off the baker?”I opened my mouth to say something, anything, but the words wouldn’t come. My throat felt tight. Then she delivered the final blow. “At least my man is here to support me. Yours?” I followed her gaze and felt my world collapse around me. There was Bryce, chatting with some guests. But he wasn’t here for me. He was here for her—for Elise, his mistress!I felt humiliated, broken, and completely alone. How could I go on? Just as I was about to walk away, Rowan appeared by my side. “Clara, I have high hopes for your dessert,” he said, his eyes locking onto mine. “But if you’re too weak to continue, you should leave now.
I need a strong team. If you can’t handle the pressure, there’s no place for you here.”His words were blunt, but they were exactly what I needed to hear. Something inside me reignited—a fire I thought I had lost. “I can do this,” I whispered to myself, and then louder, “I’ll do this.” I poured my heart into every detail of my desserts, blocking out everything else. The taste, the presentation, the experience—I made sure every element was perfect. By the end of the competition, I knew I had done my best.When the results were announced, I stood there in disbelief. I had won the contract! Me! The woman who had been belittled and mocked by her husband had won.I looked over at Bryce and saw him standing there, his mouth opening and closing like a fish, but not a single word could escape his lips.
He was utterly speechless. But the surprises didn’t stop there. An unexpected reward came with the prize. It was an opportunity to study in Paris, the culinary capital of the world. When the announcement ended, his face twisted with anger.“What the hell, Clara?” Bryce hissed, pulling me aside. “You did all this behind my back? This nonsense? You need to stop this right now and come home where you belong.” I opened my mouth to respond, but before I could, Rowan stepped forward. “Bryce, Clara is a remarkable woman. From the first moment I met her, I knew there was something special about her. I’ve watched how you’ve treated her, how you’ve tried to break her spirit, and I’ve also seen how she’s changed over the past month.
Her determination and hard work have yielded incredible results, and I’m more certain than ever that I’ve fallen in love with an extraordinary woman.”Bryce was stunned into silence. His eyes widened, and for once, he had nothing to say. Finally, I found my voice. “I am a free woman, Bryce,” I said, looking him directly in the eye. “I deserve more than to live in your shadow, and I will not let you control my life any longer. I want a divorce, and you can go to Elise if that’s what you want.”Bryce’s face flushed with anger, but he was speechless. At the same moment, Rowan gently handed me a beautiful bouquet. “Shall we?” he asked, inviting me to dinner. Rowan revealed another surprise.
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