An Obese Girl Was Given to a Poor Farmer as “Punishment”—She Didn’t Know He Owned Thousands of…

Thomas owned thousands of acres of prime farmland, ran several hundred head of cattle, and had profitable contracts with buyers in three different states. Why did you never correct my father’s assumptions about your financial situation? Margaret asked one evening as they sat on the front porch watching the sunset. Thomas was quiet for a long moment, his hands folded in his lap.

Your father made it clear that he was looking for a solution to his financial problems, not a husband who would cherish his daughter. I thought if he knew the truth about our holdings, he might have different motivations for the arrangement. And what were your motivations? Margaret asked softly.

Thomas turned to look at her with those honest brown eyes. Loneliness, if I am being completely truthful. This farm has been successful, but it has also been empty.

When I heard about your situation through mutual acquaintances, I thought perhaps we might be able to help each other. As autumn deepened into winter, Margaret found herself falling into the rhythms of farm life with surprising contentment. She discovered a talent for managing the household finances and began helping Thomas with the business correspondence.

Her careful attention to detail and natural intelligence impressed both men. More importantly, she began to feel valued and appreciated for the first time in her life. Thomas consistently sought her opinion on important decisions, and Samuel treated her like the daughter he had never had.

The transformation was not just emotional but physical as well. The regular meals, outdoor work, and genuine happiness began to show in her appearance. She still carried extra weight, but her posture straightened with confidence, and her eyes began to sparkle with life.

One snowy December evening, as they sat by the fireplace reading together, Thomas set down his book and looked at Margaret with unusual seriousness. Margaret, I need to say something, and I hope you will not take offense. Margaret felt her heart skip with worry.

Had she done something wrong? When this arrangement began, I thought we might develop a partnership of mutual convenience, Thomas continued carefully. But somewhere along the way, my feelings have changed completely. He paused, gathering his courage.

I have come to love you, not as a business partner or household helper, but as the woman I want to spend my life with. You bring joy and intelligence and warmth to everything you touch. Margaret felt tears spring to her eyes.

Thomas, I. You do not need to answer right now, he said quickly. I just wanted you to know that if you ever choose to make this marriage real in every sense, it would make me the happiest man alive. Margaret looked at this kind, successful, genuine man who had shown her more respect and affection in six months than her own family had in 24 years…