Chapter 5 5

As I closed the door on my relationship with Nic, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. I was finally free from the cycle of lies and heartache, But I knew that I still had a long way to go. I needed to rediscover myself, to find out who I was outside of the relationship. I started by trying new things. I joined a book club and started volunteering at a local animal shelter. I slowly began to rebuild my sense of identity, to find new passions and interests. I also made a conscious effort to surround myself with positive people.

I spent more time with my family and friends, and I started to rebuild my social network. I realized that I didn't have to go through this journey alone. I was done with relationships for a while, and I just wanted to focus on myself. I threw myself into my baking business, experimenting with new recipes and decorating techniques. I found solace in the familiar rhythms of mixing and measuring, and the joy of creating something beautiful and delicious. As my business grew, so did my confidence.

I started taking on more orders and even landed a few catering gigs. I loved seeing the smile on people's faces when they tasted my creations, and it gave me a sense of purpose. But my main focus was on my daughter, myself, and my family. I made sure to spend quality time with my daughter, doing things she loved like going to the park and cooking together. I also prioritized self-care, taking long baths, getting massages, and practicing yoga.

Slowly but surely, I started enjoying my life to the fullest. I no longer felt defined by my relationship status or my past heartaches. I was a strong, capable, and happy woman, and that felt amazing. I started to see that life was full of possibilities and opportunities. I didn't need a man to complete me; I was already whole. And with that realization, I felt a sense of freedom and empowerment that I had never felt before.

Everything was going well for both me and my brother. My brother had secured a better job at a prestigious company, and I was thriving in my baking business. My mom was also doing well, She was happy with her life, surrounded by her loved ones and children. Months went by, and I met Joseph Vanessa's father, at an Organization gathering. He looked at me with a mix of emotions, and I could tell he still had feelings for me. He approached me and started talking about our past, telling me how much he regretted losing me. He said he still wished to have me back, but I stood my ground. I told him I had moved on and was happy with my life.

Meanwhile, my brother was preparing for his wedding to his college sweetheart. I was happy for him, but it also brought back memories of what I never had. We had struggled so much as a family, with Mom's sickness, then Dad's sickness and death. I never had the chance to experience a normal relationship at college. Maybe it would have led to something fruitful but I had to carry the responsibility of my family and taking care of Dad when he was sick while my mom was away working. So I had no time for relationships in college.

As the wedding day approached, I couldn't help but feel a little bitter. Why did my brother get to have the happy ending I never did? But as I looked at him and his fiancée, I saw how much they loved each other, and my heart swelled with joy. I realized that everyone's journey is different, and I was happy for my brother. The wedding was beautiful, and I was honored to be a part of it. As I watched my brother exchange vows with his wife, I felt a sense of closure. I knew I had made the right decision in moving on from Joseph and Nic, and I was excited for what the future holds. After the wedding, my brother and his wife moved into a new home he bought in Miami, starting their life together. I continued to focus on my business and daughter, grateful for the love and support of my family. My mom was happy to see her children thriving, and she continued to be the rock of our family.

As for Joseph, he eventually moved on, realizing that I was never going to take him back. He started a new relationship, and I was happy for him. I knew that we would always be connected through our daughter, and I was grateful for the positive co-parenting relationship we had later developed.