Mark Hallspringer was on a mission to find the ideal partner—someone intelligent, funny, stylish, and stunning.
Given that he was attractive, athletic, and successful, he felt entitled to nothing less than perfection.
When he first started interacting with Anna Coulton, romance was the last thing on his mind. She simply wasn’t the type of woman he usually went for.
But life has a strange way of giving us not what we want, but what we truly need. It would take Mark a long time to understand that.
Their story began when Mark was tasked with bridging communication between the sales and marketing teams at his company.
That’s when he was introduced—virtually—to Anna, the woman running the marketing department with remarkable efficiency.
Though they’d worked in the same building for years, their paths had never crossed—not at meetings, company events, or even the holiday parties.
Mark sent Anna an email asking for clarity on how her marketing campaigns aligned with sales strategies, as sales numbers were underperforming.
Anna responded promptly and clearly, not only defending her team but offering several actionable ideas to improve sales. Her sharp mind impressed Mark.
The following day, he gave her a call to discuss her suggestions and arrange a meeting with the sales director.
Anna’s voice, low and smooth, drew him in. They started talking business but ended up chatting like old friends.
He found himself calling her often—ostensibly for work—but really just to hear her voice and exchange witty banter.
Before long, Mark realized he genuinely enjoyed her company. After several weeks of daily conversations, he asked Anna out.
She hesitated. “Are you sure?” she asked. “I might not be what you expect.”
Mark brushed it off. “I love tea in all forms,” he joked, playing off her metaphor. Anna chuckled and agreed to lunch that Saturday.
When the day arrived, Mark stood outside the restaurant, anxiously waiting. He hadn’t even asked what she looked like.
Then a curvy woman approached and greeted him in the familiar voice he adored. “Hi, Mark. I’m Anna.”
She was beautiful—her face radiant and model-worthy—but she was also what society calls “plus-size.”
Mark was taken aback. This wasn’t what he had pictured.
But as they talked, Mark forgot about her size entirely. Anna’s charm, confidence, and laughter lit up everything. By the end of the meal, he was already planning their next date.
Over the next six months, they fell deeply in love. But Mark struggled internally. He adored Anna, but feared what others would say about her appearance.
He felt ashamed of his own embarrassment, but couldn’t shake it. They kept their relationship secret at work due to company policy, but while Mark had met Anna’s family, she had yet to meet his.
Then, one night, he proposed. He couldn’t imagine life without her, yet he still hesitated to introduce her to his family.
He feared their judgment-or, worse, that of his brother, who would surely make cruel jokes.
Things came to a head when his parents planned a celebration for their 40th anniversary.
Anna helped him buy a thoughtful gift. “When’s the party?” she asked excitedly. “I’m so looking forward to meeting your parents!”
“They know all about you,” Mark lied. The truth was, his parents only knew he was engaged to a woman named Anna—no details, no photos.
He told her they’d drive to Connecticut together on Friday night and spend the weekend there.
Anna was thrilled. Mark, however, was filled with dread. How could he keep her away without hurting her?
Then he made a decision—a terrible one, though at the time it seemed like the only way out.
Two days before the trip, Mark called Anna. “I’ve been sent to Colorado for work,” he said. “It’s urgent, and I might not even make it to the party. You’ll have to go without me.”
Anna was disappointed but understanding. “Should I mail the gift, then?”
“That would be perfect,” Mark replied, relieved. He gave her his parents’ address, unaware of what would come next.
After the call, Anna stared at the address, then had an idea. Why not deliver the gift herself and surprise everyone?
She arrived at the Hallspringers’ home, smiling warmly as an elegant older woman answered the door.
“Hello! This is a gift for Mr. and Mrs. Hallspringer.”
“Thank you,” the woman said politely, taking the box.
“I’m Anna. Mark’s fiancée,” Anna added.
The woman’s expression froze. “You must be mistaken. My son and his fiancée Anna are having dinner here right now.”
Stunned, Anna pushed past her into the house. Inside, a long dining table was set.
At one end sat Mark, with a slender, attractive woman clinging to his arm.
“Mark!” Anna shouted. “What is happening?”
Mark stood, his face drained of color. “Anna, it’s not what it looks like. This woman—she’s an actress… I just needed to—”
“To what?” Anna demanded. “Hide me?”
“I love you,” he said desperately. “I just didn’t want to be judged.”
“You’re ashamed of me,” she whispered.
“No!” he said. “I was afraid.”
Anna removed her ring and placed it on the table.
“If you truly loved me, you wouldn’t be afraid. Or ashamed.” And with that, she left.
Mark tried reaching out again and again. Anna ignored every message. At work, she avoided him. He was heartbroken and knew he had ruined everything.
Then he made one final, bold move.
One morning, Anna arrived at work to see a crowd gathered outside.
They were pointing at a massive billboard across the street. It showed a photo of her and Mark together, smiling.
The bold caption read: “I LOVE ANNA COULTON AND I WANT TO MARRY HER!”
As Anna stood frozen, Mark walked up and got down on one knee. “I’m an idiot,” he said. “But I love you. Please forgive me.”
“You are an idiot,” Anna replied, tears in her eyes. “But I still love you.”
Now, they’re planning a winter wedding in Connecticut—with both families proudly invited.
