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The ritual of dressing herself to work was always automatic, devoid of significance or enjoyment. But the lightness of the previous day extended to that morning, so much that Bella spent an extra hour doing her hair and makeup. Bella couldn't remember when was the last time she enjoyed pampering herself and felt a pang of sorrow for everything she had been deprived of. Deciding not to dwell on the past, she concentrated on the present. Seeing the result of her efforts, Bella smiled at the gorgeous woman staring back at her.
Regardless of the fact that it was autumn, there was spring on Bella's soul, for she had the smile of blossoming hope on her rejuvenated face. Walking to work, she emanated an aura of contentment, attracting wondering looks of passers-bye. Any other day she would be dismayed by the unexpected attention, but that morning she welcomed it, because, like any other woman, she liked to be admired, though she could barely admit it, even to herself. Bella no longer felt invisible, relishing the inviting eyes of some impertinent strangers.
A girl who had always felt unworthy, Bella was bewildered by the possibility that maybe the life she had led until that point wasn't a direct product of circumstances beyond her control, but a matter of how she perceived reality.