He Loved Her—But Was Ashamed of Her
Mark Hallspringer believed he deserved everything. A perfect life, a perfect job, and of course, a perfect woman—someone smart, stylish, funny, and drop-dead gorgeous with a body like a supermodel. He was good-looking, athletic, and successful. People said he was quite the catch, and Mark fully agreed.
So when he started talking to Anna Coulton, he didn’t think anything romantic would happen. Not even close. She just wasn’t his type. Or so he thought.
Funny how life works. Sometimes, you don’t get what you want—you get what you need. But it can take a long time to realize that.
It all started at work. Mark had been asked to coordinate efforts between the sales and marketing departments. Sales were struggling, and they were blaming marketing. That’s when Mark was introduced—via email—to Anna, the woman running the marketing team like a well-oiled machine.
Even though they’d worked in the same building for three years, Mark and Anna had never crossed paths. No meetings, no holiday parties, not even in the break room.
Mark sent her a message asking how her marketing strategy was supposed to help sales. Anna’s reply was short, smart, and crystal clear—and she pointed out, with polite confidence, that it was actually the sales team that needed to step up. She also gave several sharp ideas to fix the situation.
Mark was impressed. He liked how her mind worked.
The next day, he called her to talk more. The moment Anna picked up, her voice made him pause—it was deep, warm, and full of laughter. They started off talking business, but before long, they were chatting like two old friends who had known each other for years.
And then it became a habit. Every day, Mark found a reason to call Anna. Sometimes it was a real work issue—but sometimes, it wasn’t. He just wanted to hear her voice. Her quick wit, her bold thinking, and her gentle humor pulled him in like a magnet.
After a few weeks of daily chats, Mark couldn’t resist anymore. One afternoon, he said, “Hey, Anna… would you like to get lunch with me this Saturday?”
There was silence. Then Anna spoke quietly, “Are you sure about that, Mark?”
He blinked. “Of course I am. Why wouldn’t I be?”
Anna hesitated. “I may not be what you’re expecting. I’m not exactly… everyone’s cup of tea.”
Mark laughed. “Tea? My mom’s British. I love tea. I’m obsessed with tea. Every kind—black, green, herbal… you name it!”
Anna giggled. “Okay then,” she said. “Lunch it is.”
When Saturday came, Mark stood outside the restaurant, nervously checking his watch. He realized he hadn’t asked what she looked like—blonde? Brunette? How would he recognize her?
Just then, a large woman walked up to him and tapped his shoulder. “Hello, Mark,” she said in that unforgettable voice. “I’m Anna.”
Mark was stunned. She had the face of a movie star—absolutely beautiful—but she was plus-sized. Not what he expected. Not at all.
But within minutes, as they talked, he forgot everything else. Anna was smart, dazzling, and funny. Her laughter lit up the whole restaurant. By the end of the lunch, Mark was already thinking about their next date.
And so it began. Over the next six months, Mark fell in love. Truly, deeply in love. But something ugly grew in the shadows of his heart—shame.
He didn’t want people to know he was dating a big girl. He worried what others would think, especially his shallow friends and snarky younger brother. The idea of someone snickering behind his back made his stomach twist.
At work, they kept the relationship quiet—officially because of company policy, but also because of Mark’s embarrassment. And yet, Mark had already met Anna’s family. She was waiting to meet his.
Things became serious. One night, overwhelmed with love, Mark proposed. Anna said yes.
But inside, he panicked. He couldn’t imagine people seeing them together. What if his parents were disappointed? What if his brother laughed?
And then, disaster struck.
His parents were planning a huge 40th wedding anniversary celebration. Anna helped him pick out a lovely gift. As she wrapped the present, she beamed. “So when’s the party, babe? I can’t wait to meet them! Do they know we’re engaged?”
Mark forced a smile. “Yes! They know all about you.” That was a lie. His parents only knew he was engaged to someone named Anna. No photos, no details.
Anna was thrilled. “This is going to be so much fun!”
Mark was horrified. He had no idea how to avoid the disaster he saw coming. But then—he came up with a plan. A stupid, selfish plan.
Two days before the party, he called Anna.
“Honey, I’ve got bad news,” he said. “I’m on a plane right now. The board sent me to Colorado for an urgent labor issue. I might not even make it to Connecticut in time…”
“What?” Anna gasped. “Oh no! That’s terrible! But what about the gift?”
“You’re amazing,” Mark said quickly. “Could you send it to my parents’ house? I’ll text you the address.”
Anna agreed, heart sinking. But then, after hanging up, she had an idea. Why not deliver the gift in person? It would be a sweet surprise for Mark—and a chance to meet his family anyway!
She never imagined what she would walk into.
When she knocked on the door of Mark’s parents’ house, a slim, elegant older woman answered.
“Yes?” the woman asked kindly.
Anna smiled. “Hi! This is a gift for Mr. and Mrs. Hallspringer. Anniversary present.”
“Oh, how lovely!” the woman said, taking the box. Then she started to close the door.
Anna gently held it open. “Sorry, I’m Anna. Anna Coulton. Mark’s fiancée.”
The woman blinked. Her smile vanished. “I’m sorry… what did you say?”
“I’m his fiancée.”
The woman looked shocked. “That’s not possible. My son and his fiancée Anna are inside having dinner right now.”
Anna’s heart pounded. Without waiting, she pushed the door open and stepped inside.
She saw the dining room first—a big fancy table with silverware and flowers. And at the head of the table sat Mark. Holding onto his arm was a gorgeous, slim girl with long hair and a smug smile.
“Mark!” Anna cried out. “What is going on?”
Mark leapt up. His face turned white as paper. “Anna! I—I didn’t think you’d come— I mean—this isn’t—she’s just an actress! I hired her—”
Anna’s heart shattered. “Why?” she asked. “If you didn’t love me, why propose?”
“I do love you,” Mark said, choking up. “I was just… afraid. You know…”
“No,” Anna said firmly. “I don’t know. What about me, Mark?”
The room fell into heavy silence. Everyone stared at their plates.
Mark looked down and whispered, “You’re so… big.”
That was it. Anna stared at him, eyes full of tears, then slowly pulled off her engagement ring. She placed it gently on the table.
“If you really loved me,” she said, voice trembling, “you wouldn’t be ashamed of me.”
Then she turned and walked out.
Mark called her dozens of times. She never answered. Not even at work. She didn’t want to see him or hear his voice. He had broken her heart—and now, his own was breaking too.
Days passed. Mark was miserable. All he could think about was Anna. Her laughter, her strength, her kindness. He realized, finally, what mattered most—and how badly he had messed up.
Then he had an idea.
The next morning, Anna walked up to the office building where they both worked. A crowd had gathered on the sidewalk. People were pointing, clapping, whistling.
“What’s going on?” Anna asked.
Someone grinned. “Look!”
Anna looked across the street—and her jaw dropped.
There, on a giant billboard, was a huge photo of her and Mark, smiling with their arms around each other. The caption, written in big bold letters, read:
“I LOVE ANNA COULTON AND I WANT TO MARRY HER!”
As she stared, stunned, Mark stepped out from the crowd, walked up to her, and dropped to one knee.
Tears filled his eyes.
“Please, Anna,” he said. “Marry me. I love you. I was a fool, a coward, and an idiot. But I’ve learned. I know better now. Please give me another chance.”
Anna’s eyes filled with tears too.
“You ARE an idiot!” she said. “But I still love you.”
They hugged as everyone cheered.
Today, Anna and Mark are planning a magical winter wedding in Connecticut. Everyone’s invited—friends, family, everyone. No more shame. No more hiding.
What can we learn from this story?
Love isn’t about how someone looks. It’s about who they are. Mark let fear and pride almost ruin his life. But love taught him what really matters—kindness, courage, and being proud of the one you love.
Love loudly. Love proudly. Or don’t call it love at all.