SHE WAS FORCED TO MARRY THE “PIG BILLIONAIRE” TO PAY OFF HER FAMILY’S DEBTS — BUT ON THE NIGHT OF THEIR ANNIVERSARY, SHE SCREAMED WHEN HE REMOVED HIS “SKIN,” REVEALING THE MAN EVERYONE DREAMED OF

And yet, she never complained.

“I’m sorry, Don Baste. I’ll try harder tomorrow,” was always her gentle reply.

Every night, while Baste slept—or pretended to—Clara softly spoke as she massaged his swollen feet.

“I know you’re kind,” she whispered.

“Maybe you’re hurt because people wounded you with their words. Don’t worry. I’m here. I’m your wife. I won’t leave you.”

Baste heard every word.

And beneath his thick “skin,” his heart slowly softened.

THE GRAND CHARITY BALL

The night of the Grand Charity Ball arrived—the first time Baste would introduce Clara to high society.

He dressed her in a stunning red gown and expensive jewelry.

He himself wore a tuxedo, still tight around his massive body.

All eyes turned toward them as they entered the ballroom.

A woman approached—Vanessa, Baste’s former girlfriend from before he became “fat,” according to rumors. In truth, Vanessa was the one who shattered Baste’s trust in women.

“Oh my God, Sebastian,” Vanessa laughed.

“You’ve gotten even bigger! Is this the woman you bought? How much did she cost? She looks like a gold digger.”

Vanessa’s friends laughed.

“The perfect match—the beast and the paid woman.”

Baste lowered his head.

He waited for Clara to cry.

To step away.

To feel ashamed.

But he was wrong.

Clara released the wheelchair and stepped forward.

“Excuse me,” she said firmly.

“Do not call my husband a monster.”

Vanessa froze.

“Excuse me?”

“Yes, he’s big. Yes, he’s not as polished as your husbands,” Clara said loudly enough for everyone to hear.

“But this man has a heart bigger than all of yours combined. I married him because of debt—I admit that.

But I stayed because for three months, I saw the kindness you’re blind to because you only see appearances.”

Clara placed her hand on Baste’s shoulder.

“I am proud to be Mrs. Montemayor. And I would rather spend my life with this ‘pig’ than with plastic people like you.”

The entire ballroom fell silent.

Vanessa stood humiliated.

Baste looked at Clara—and saw courage, loyalty, and love.

She was the woman he had been waiting for.

“Clara,” Baste whispered.

“Let’s go home.”