Chapter 3

The man’s warm gaze hovered over me. He smiled, his lips curving up.

"Serena, you said that if I lost weight, you’d marry me."

It really was him. Julian, my middle school classmate.

The first time I saw him, he was cornered by a bunch of bullies who were calling him a "fat pig."

I rolled up my sleeves and fought them off.

After that, Julian became my shadow. Everyone teased me about having a "pig" following me around.

But I didn't care. I cared about his health.

My grandfather had passed away from complications due to obesity, and I didn't want the same for Julian.

So when he gathered the courage to confess to me, I laughed it off and said, "Sure. Lose the weight, and I'll marry you."

For a 200-pound kid, losing weight seemed like an impossible dream.

Later, my family’s business hit a rough patch, and my parents moved me to another city. I never saw him again.

I swallowed hard, looking at his perfectly sculpted muscles. His physique was incredible.

Compared to him, Ethan was nothing.

I can't believe my first one-night stand was with such a masterpiece.

Julian’s intense gaze locked onto me, waiting for my answer.

My heart raced, and for a moment, I couldn't speak.

Finally, out of sheer impulse, I blurted out, "Then let's do it."

I underestimated Julian’s efficiency. He immediately put me in his car and drove straight to City Hall.

In less than twenty minutes, we were holding a marriage certificate.

Julian pulled me into a tight embrace, laughing with pure joy.

"Serena, thank you for marrying me."

"You protected me back then. Now, it’s my turn to protect you."

Those simple words brought tears to my eyes.

Julian kissed my forehead, his eyes filled with absolute devotion.

"Oh my god, did we rush into this? If my parents find out, they’ll disown me," I worried, my morning confidence suddenly fading.

Julian laughed, pinching my nose gently. "Since when did you become such a coward, Serena?"

"Don't worry. I’ll give you a wedding that will make the whole world jealous."

Over the next few days, we picked out a wedding dress, chose a ring, and took wedding photos.

We were in perfect sync. Our tastes were identical.

I actually started looking forward to the wedding.

Right then, Ethan called again.

"Serena, why haven't you explained things to my dad yet? Are you really that busy?"

"Make sure to buy some fruits and swing by his place. A good daughter-in-law starts with the little things."

Hearing his arrogant tone made my blood boil.

"Ethan, why the hell should I explain anything? Your business has nothing to do with me."

"Don't call me again. My husband gets jealous."

There was a long silence on the other end, followed by a sarcastic laugh.

"Are you daydreaming? Who would marry you besides me?"

I sneered. I could already picture his face when he saw the digital wedding invitation.

He had never cared about my feelings, constantly putting me down until I felt worthless.

I used to have so many pursuers. I was just blinded by love when I chose him.

"If you aren't at my dad's house in an hour, don't blame me for—"

I hung up and immediately blocked his number.

Julian wrapped his arms around my waist, asking softly, "Who annoyed my beautiful wife? Do you want me to handle him?"

I smiled at his playfulness and shook my head. "He’s not worth it."

Then, a text from my mother popped up: “You brat, get home right now!”

My heart sank. I didn't know how to explain this to my parents.

"Julian, I need to go home and tell my parents the truth, or..."

He saw through my anxiety. With confidence shining in his eyes, he smiled. "I'll go with you."

"Maybe your family will prefer their new son-in-law."