When I was fat, I was bullied a lot. My self-esteem took a massive beating and it got worse when I ended up in an abusive relationship. My ex-boyfriend used to make me believe that I was ugly, that I didn’t deserve any better, that nobody else would want me and I am so lucky to have him.

He often asked me for money and I later found out that he used my money to go clubbing, and was also seeing one of the dancers at the clubs. When he realised I knew, he started beating me.

At that time, I always looked in the mirror and slap myself, telling myself to endure it because I really believed I was ugly. I justified his actions and kept thinking that he is not wrong to do so.

I eventually left him, but instead, it was out of the frying pan and into the fire. I threw myself into the arms of any men whom I thought wanted me, when I was actually just a plaything to them.

I was in a really dark place and I had no more self-worth. I really looked down on myself. Then I met a guy who was totally different than others. He has six-pack abs and is a black belt in nearly every martial arts discipline.

I flirted with him a lot but he never fell for me until one day, he told me if I could get myself in shape, it would prove that I loved him. At that point, all I wanted was just to make him fall for me. In the end, I proved to him that I could be what he wanted me to be.

But he told me one surprising thing: “You don’t need to make me fall for you. I’ve already fallen for you since the first time we met. I just wanted to help you build your self-confidence. I want those haters to be able to see you and not recognise you and be the girl that everyone would wants to chase, including me. But please, be mine only.”

We started dating and after a few weeks, I uploaded several photos on my Instagram and unblocked my ex. Then I went to his profile and started liking some pictures of him with his girlfriend.

He noticed my account and went through my photos, before leaving a comment, “Who are you? How can you be so hot?”

“My name is still Cecilia,” I replied.