Dima, 38, was the epitome of success: he owned premium gyms and supplement brands and was obsessed with discipline and perfection. To him, weight was a sign of weakness, and he publicly mocked anyone who did not reach his high standards.
One night at a secret club, his friend Sasha challenged him to marry an overweight woman for six months without any controversies or divorce. If Dima succeeded, he would be richly rewarded.
Dima, intrigued by the challenge and keen to show himself, consented. What about the woman? Anya Lukyanova is a bashful literature teacher living a tranquil life away from Dima’s glitzy world.
Sasha invited Anya, claiming that a successful businessman wanted to meet with her. Suspicious but intrigued, she agreed. Dima was the epitome of a gentleman on their first date, concealing his condescending nature beneath his charm. Anya, hesitant but touched, gradually let down her guard.
Dima showered her with attention, including presents, dates, and compliments, all of which were premeditated maneuvers. Anya began to feel fully noticed, and she trusted her newfound devotion.
But, while Dima saw it as a game, Anya’s actual sensitivity disturbed him.
One evening, she admitted, “You’re the first person I’ve truly opened myself to. “I never imagined I could be loved.”
Dima responded cordially, but guilt crept in silently.
His friends saw it as an out-of-control joke. Anya had never experienced true love before.
On the wedding day, when the truth about Dima’s bet threatened to be revealed, Anya’s reaction astonished everyone and turned the tables.
Dima intended to dominate everything by being her “first” love, convinced that the six months and proposal would secure his win.
But Anya’s sincere gaze unnerved him. He was unused to real emotion—past flings were shallow. Yet Anya’s honesty weighed heavily. Still, he told himself it was just a bet.
Weeks passed smoothly. Anya’s love deepened; her eyes sparkled. One day in the park, Dima finally proposed.
“Anya, I feel we understand each other. Will you marry me?”
Tears welled. “Are you serious?”
“Absolutely.”
“Yes! Of course!”
Dima felt a stab of shame, but brushed it away. He still had control.
Anya was happy and dreamed aloud. Dima assured friends that the strategy remained on track.
“Did you propose?” Sasha chuckled. “I didn’t think you’d do it.”
Dima smiled but felt something was off. Anya was becoming real—the love, trust, and vulnerability pulling at him.
As the wedding neared, Anya remained blissfully unaware. Dima’s act was faltering.
On the big day, under perfect skies and floral arches, Dima stood at the altar—calm on the surface, crumbling inside.
Then came the music, the church doors opened, and all eyes fixed on the bride.
Anya entered, radiant, believing her dream was real.
At the altar, Dima’s forced smile masked his guilt. The ceremony started. Dima spoke first—vows of love and fidelity—but they felt hollow.
Then Anya spoke, steady despite trembling.
“Dima, I thought you saw me—the real me, beyond my flaws and past.”
A quiet descended.
“But I understand the truth. Your love was a bet.
Gasps echoed. Dima froze.
Anya’s voice became sharper.
“I bet you could marry me for money. “I was never a person; only a game.”
The church fell silent. Guests stared. Even Dima’s buddies were astounded.
“You laughed at me,” she said, releasing his hands. “But today, I laugh. I knew from the start. I played along. And now, you lose.”
She turned and walked out.
Days later, Dima knocked on her home with flowers, begging for forgiveness. She did not slam the door, but she did not greet him.
He persisted with presents, apologies, and promises, but Anya had changed. She was stronger, so she held him at a distance, demonstrating what true strength was.
She shed twenty kilograms, reinvented herself, and met someone new: Andrei, who loved her for who she was.
Dima, who had once been confident, now had nothing—no wife, no friends, and no win. Only regrets.
Anya moved on—free, confident, and deeply loved.
