Chapter: 19 "You said you'd get rid of it," she said. "But here you are, choosing nail polish made for pregnant women."Millie smiled. "Why not? It's still part of me for now."Alexia rolled her eyes and studied her own nails, pleased with how they sparkled.w.vo. Millie looked down at hers. Brandon had a sensitive stomach. Since marrying him, she'd been cooking for him daily, so she hadn't done her nails in a long time."Whatever," Alexia said. "This is at least a start. Once you're done with your nails, next is your hair, and then your wardrobe. still remember when we were kids, sneaking around in our moms' heels. There's no need to shrink back into someone you're not."ww.w. She held up her hands and smiled. "Too bad I'm a doctor now. Can't go around looking like a disco ball."Millie laughed. This was who she naturally wasbright, expressive, and full of color. She had only changed for Brandon, having fallen in love with him. For years, she thought real happiness was simple: to be with the man she loved, cook for him, raise their children, and grow old side by side. But now, it all seemed ridiculous. Luckily it wasn't too late to change things now. She was ready to start againthis time on her own terms. After getting their nails done, Millie and Alexia treated themselves to a spa session. Later, after dropping Alexia off, Millie headed into a hair salon. The hair dresser gave her long, waist-length hair a thoughtful glance. "You're really cutting it all off? It looks great on you, you know."w.. It was the kind of hair people paused to admirethick, sleek, and clearly well looked after. Millie looked at herself in the mirror. The smooth fall of her hair framed the skin that was almost translucent. Her soft yellow dress sat gently on her frame, and though she wore no makeup, she still looked stunning, like a lily in full bloom pure, graceful, and calm..n. She smiled faintly. "Cut it."The waist-length hair had always been what Brandon liked. It was never her choice."Alright." The hair dresser gave a small nod and got to work. The sound of the scissors snipping filled the room. Each strand that dropped to the floor felt like shedding the pain and chains of the past years. When it was done, Millie looked at her reflection and let out a small, almost weightless smile.