Chapter 4

I stood before the full-length mirror in my walk-in closet, barely recognizing the woman who stared back at me. Gone were the soft pastel dresses and demure blouses that had filled my wardrobe for years—clothes chosen to complement Chris, to fade into the background of his brilliance. In their place hung sleek, bold pieces in jewel tones and structured silhouettes that commanded attention rather than deflected it.

"What do you think?" I asked, smoothing the emerald silk blouse tucked into high-waisted black trousers. The outfit was completed by a tailored blazer that accentuated my shoulders, giving me a presence I'd…