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Sitting on the far corner of the crowded wedding reception, she observed the happiness of the newlyweds, wondering if she would ever be on the receiving end of so much affection. Unwanted tears sprung to her eyes, but unlike the strong heroines of the novels she was so fond of, she couldn't blink them back. Allowing just a few to run down her face, she managed to rein in her emotions and was once again a placid observer of the life unfolding before her very eyes.

Nobody would have guessed that the ever docile Bella Swan could be inclined to such display of emotion. Usually, her darker thoughts were covered by a polite smile and prompt agreement to whatever might be said. She was the nice, biddable girl; a far cry from the daring heroine she longed to be. It was her twisted attempt at compensating the world for her less than pleasing appearance. That's the same reason behind her lack of protest at being pushed aside by Edward, who, instead of paying attention to his girlfriend, was entertaining the pretty cousin of the bride.

It started that day, but she never realized it until much later. Her world didn't tilt in its axes, a thunder didn't strike her. It was just a tiny voice whispering on her soul's ears the need to stop waiting for prince charming. She would have to rescue herself.