Chapter 3

Tanya's tongue was sharp. "Harry's been more than generous! All he did back then was point out a few obvious truths, yet you took Melanie's side and lashed out at him. He was kind enough to let it go.

"Not only that, but he even helped find a camp where you could receive professional guidance, with a scientifically planned diet and a regular exercise schedule. He's already done more than enough for you. What more could you want?"

She looked down at me again, her gaze oozing with superiority. "I just hope Melanie has learned her lesson in there, too. Let's hope she's finally figured out what's right."

I kept my head bowed and never once looked at her, nor did I tell her that the daughter she had always criticized for not being pretty, slim, or perfect enough would never leave that damned camp again.

Melanie hadn't been planned.

Tanya was originally meant to marry Harry, but the Lieberman family's business suffered a devastating blow, leaving them buried in debt overnight.

Desperate to find her a husband from a family of equal standing, her parents set their sights on the generous wedding budget my family could offer.

So, on a carefully orchestrated night, Tanya and I were persuaded by her parents' sweet talk to drink far more than we could handle.

By the time we woke up in the same bed, our heads still spinning and our memories hazy, we had done what we couldn't undo.

For the sake of the Smith family's reputation, and for that hefty wedding budget, I became Tanya's husband as a matter of course.

Not long afterward, Melanie was born. Her arrival tied Tanya and me together even more securely.

I had been naive enough to hope that time might change everything. Perhaps Tanya would come to see my good qualities and genuinely accept both our daughter and me.

Alas, those hopes were shattered the second Harry made his comeback.

No one knew how the Lieberman family did it, but within a few years, they paid off all their debts and grew their business even bigger than ever.

Harry, now mature, handsome, and wealthy, became one of the most coveted bachelors in their social circle. Instead of settling down, he continued clinging to Tanya, even though she was already my wife.

His return and success became a mirror, reflecting Tanya's ever-growing dissatisfaction with Melanie, this family, and me. Her contempt for us deepened with every passing day.

Then, one day, Tanya formally invited Harry to our home for the first time.

When he saw Melanie and me, both tanned and overweight, an undisguised look of mockery spread across his face. He spoke to Tanya in a half-joking, half-serious tone.

"Tanya, don't you think you've been a little too indulgent with the food at home? You should tell the housekeeper to keep their portions under control.

"Look at your husband and daughter. They're both round as balls. If you ever appear in public with them…"

He trailed off, but his meaning was as clear as the sky.

I instinctively tried to pull Melanie behind me, shielding her from their hurtful stares and cruel remarks, but she exploded instantly. She yanked her hand free and stormed up to Harry.

Then she whirled around to face Tanya, her voice trembling with anger. "What gives you the right to talk about my dad like that? He doesn't even eat that much. And what makes you so good-looking yourself?

"Mom, he can't insult us however he wants just because he's your friend! Do you find Dad and me embarrassing? Is that man the only person you care about?"