At 21, I proposed to my girlfriend Mariela at her family gathering with a modest ring I’d saved for months to buy. She rejected me harshly, saying, “Is this all I’m worth?” Devastated, I never saw her again. Two weeks later, her father, Mr. Sandoval, called in tears, asking to talk. At their home, he revealed Mariela had run off with a wealthy older man, leaving her family heartbroken. He apologized for her behavior and their focus on money, admitting my love for her should’ve mattered more. Their regret eased my pain, helping me move forward. Months later, I
met Liana, a kind, grounded woman who valued me for who I was. Two years later, I proposed to her with another modest ring. She accepted with joy, tears in her eyes. We married, and Mr. Sandoval attended, expressing pride and gratitude. Through this, I learned love’s value lies in the heart, not material wealth. True love sees effort, not limits.