I leaned into him, grateful for his unwavering support. “I just wish they’d see me as more than just a resource.”

“Give it time,” Mark murmured. “They’ll come around.”

As I sat there, in the quiet comfort of our home, I realized that this was a turning point. For the first time, I’d defined my boundaries and demanded they be respected. It was a start, and though the road ahead might be rocky, I felt ready to navigate it on my own terms.