I proposed to my girlfriend during her family gathering

At 21, I proposed to Mariela at her family gathering, nervous but proud of the modest ring I’d worked overtime for. She frowned and snapped, “Is this all I’m worth?” Humiliated, I left. Two weeks later, her dad, Mr. Sandoval, called, sobbing. “Mariela ran off with a wealthy older man,” he said, apologizing for her actions and their family’s misplaced values. His words eased my pain—I wasn’t the failure I felt like. Months later, I met Liana at my auto

shop job. Warm and genuine, she valued me, not my paycheck. Two years on, I proposed again on a park bench with a simple ring. Liana’s tearful “Yes” was pure joy. We married, and Mr. Sandoval attended, proud and bittersweet. Life taught me love isn’t about diamonds but the heart behind them. True love sees effort, not limits. 💛 Like and share if this resonates—you never know who needs it.