As I remove the cheesecake from the oven, Andrei’s critical voice echoes from the living room. His taunts linger as I serve dessert to his disapproving family. When he mocks my effort yet again, something inside me quietly snaps.
That night, staring at my reflection, I no longer recognize myself. The next morning, Andrei wakes up tied to the bed. Calmly, I tell him I’m done with his cruelty. I pack my bags, message his sister, and walk away—finally free.
A week later, I sip hot chocolate in Barcelona, ignoring messages from his family. An email catches my eye: a publisher wants my story. I smile at The Story of a Marriage, my honest account of surviving abuse.
Months later, I open my own bakery and bake with joy. A support center calls—my story has inspired others. As I watch the sunset, I know I’ve found the sweetest recipe: freedom. And I’ll never forget it.