Chapter 1

Chapter 1: The Wedding and the Beginning of Change

Sarah had always dreamed of her wedding day. As she stood in front of the mirror in her pristine white gown, she felt like the most beautiful woman in the world. The dress hugged her curves perfectly, accentuating her soft but toned figure. At 23 years old, she had always been a little on the curvier side, but years of dance classes had kept her body firm and shapely. She had never been obsessed with dieting, but she had made an effort to watch what she ate leading up to the wedding, ensuring that she looked her absolute best for the big day.

Mark, her soon-to-be husband, was waiting at the altar, beaming at her with an expression of pure love. He had always been broad-shouldered and strong, his warm brown eyes lighting up whenever he saw her. As she walked down the aisle, she felt confident, believing that they were beginning their lives as the perfect couple.

But married life brought comfort, and comfort brought indulgence. The honeymoon was filled with rich foods, room service, and endless desserts. They dined out every night, enjoying multiple courses and late-night snacks. For the first time, Sarah let go of the rigid control she had always maintained over her eating habits. She told herself she would get back to her usual routine when they returned home, but deep down, she enjoyed the freedom of eating whatever she wanted without guilt.

Within months, their lifestyle had shifted completely. Dinners turned into feasts, and takeout became the norm. They enjoyed cozy nights watching movies with bowls of buttery popcorn and boxes of chocolates. Their love for food became a shared passion, an intimate experience they indulged in together. By their first anniversary, Sarah had gained twenty pounds, her once-taut stomach softening into a small belly that pressed against her clothes. She noticed how her dresses fit differently, how her jeans dug into her hips, but Mark never seemed to mind. If anything, he seemed to enjoy her fuller figure, wrapping his arms around her waist and squeezing her affectionately.