Success had become his identity.
Unfortunately, so had arrogance.
Alexander believed nearly everything in life could be measured by numbers: company profits, investment returns, social status, and physical appearance. He surrounded himself with people who thought the same way, and together they often made cruel jokes at the expense of anyone they considered ordinary.
Among his closest friends was a group of wealthy businessmen who enjoyed making outrageous bets. They competed over everything—from expensive sports cars to private vacations. Winning mattered more than the prize itself.
One evening, after an extravagant dinner, the conversation took an unexpected turn.
"If you really think you can convince anyone to marry you," one friend laughed, "prove it."
Alexander raised an eyebrow.
"What do you mean?"
His friend smiled.
"Marry someone nobody expects you to choose."
The table erupted in laughter.
Then someone casually added,
"A plus-size woman."
The room fell silent for a moment before another friend spoke.
"If you stay married long enough, we'll pay you $5 million."
It was supposed to be a joke.
