The last realization that Alessandra makes before deciding to divorce Dominic is that she has lost her individuality during the years of her dysfunctional marriage. In a stark moment of clarity, she looks in the mirror and only sees a “shell of [her]self,” realizing that “[if she] didn’t get out while [she] could, [she]’d dissolve into dust, nothing more than a collection of lost time and unrealized dreams” (33). Upon leaving her marriage to Dominic, Alessandra reclaims some of the independence that she lost while she remained focused on being a supportive wife to her overly ambitious husband.

Alessandra’s first step toward increasing her independence is to rent a space to set up a physical shop for her business, Floria Designs. This decision reflects her determination “to take control and create [her] own future” (65) instead of continuing to put herself last. Although Dominic’s failure to prioritize her well-being over his business practices causes most of the issues in their marriage, Alessandra also recognizes that she is not completely blameless, for her failure to communicate has allowed their issues to fester. Her passivity and willingness to accept the dissatisfying status quo cause her to lose her sense of identity.