A millionaire decides to test his girlfriend by taking her to an old, run-down house and proposing.

Andrew Hardy grew up in a household devoid of love. His mother had married his father for his wealth, and after giving birth to Andrew, she felt her responsibilities were complete. She didn’t care for her husband beyond his money and eventually left him, remarrying someone else.

Growing up, Andrew witnessed the sadness in his father’s eyes and understood the pain of loving someone who only wanted luxury and status. He vowed never to fall into that trap himself. He would find someone who loved him for who he was, not what he owned.

After studying in England and completing his postgraduate degree in Australia, Andrew returned home. He had few connections left in his hometown—just his father, Danton Hardy, and his beloved grandmother. His mother never reached out, and that suited Andrew fine. He liked being just another face in town, someone with no past baggage.

Andrew approached his father about joining Hardy Industries. “Dad, I want to work at the company,” he said.

Danton’s face lit up. “I’d love that, son! You could start as vice president of marketing.”

Andrew shook his head. “No, Dad, I want to start at the bottom. I don’t want anyone to know I’m your son. Just hire me as an intern.”

Danton frowned, worried. “But the pay isn’t great.”

Andrew grinned. “That’s okay. I’ll still live at home, won’t I?” Danton chuckled and agreed.

Andrew bought a modest used car and dressed in clothes that fit the role of an intern. He joined Hardy Industries without anyone knowing his real identity. He enjoyed the work, made friends, and was especially close to a fellow intern named Cynthia. She quickly became his confidante, and they grew to be best friends.

One day, while out jogging, Andrew passed a Starbucks. A young woman rushed out, and before she saw him, they collided, spilling her coffee all over him. Andrew looked up, stunned. She was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.

“Oh my God, I’m so sorry!” the woman gasped, clearly embarrassed.

“That’s okay,” Andrew replied, a bit dazed. Then, before he could think it through, he blurted, “You’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen. Would you have coffee with me?”

The woman, whose name was Linda, laughed and agreed. That coffee turned into dates, and soon, Andrew was head over heels in love. He believed Linda was “the one.” He even shared his feelings with his grandmother.

But his grandmother wasn’t convinced. “Sweetheart, a beautiful face doesn’t guarantee a beautiful heart,” she warned.

“Gran, Linda thinks I’m an intern,” Andrew argued. “She has no idea about my background.”

His grandmother smiled softly. “But you don’t know who she really is either, dear.”

Andrew pondered her words and eventually discussed Linda with Cynthia. “I went to high school with Linda,” Cynthia said. “She’s gorgeous, but very ambitious.”

“So am I,” Andrew snapped defensively, and Cynthia said no more. She knew Linda’s reputation all too well—Linda was not the kind of girl who’d settle for an intern with little money.

Determined to find out Linda’s true intentions, Andrew devised a plan. He bought a beautiful five-carat diamond ring and rented a shabby, run-down house in a humble but decent neighborhood. He called Linda and told her he had a surprise for her.

Andrew drove Linda to the old house, filled it with candles and rose petals, and led her inside. He knelt down with the ring in hand. “Linda, I love you. I want to spend my life with you. Will you marry me?”

Linda looked around, her face twisting in disgust. “Are you serious?” she laughed, barely hiding her disdain.

“Yes,” Andrew said, his heart full of hope.

“You think I belong in a place like this?” Linda sneered. “Andrew, I thought you knew better. We were just having fun.” She looked at the ring and scoffed. “This? Is this the biggest fake diamond you could find? I’m not marrying a poor man.” With that, she walked out, leaving Andrew devastated.

In the following days, Cynthia noticed the change in Andrew. He no longer laughed or joked, and he looked as if his heart had shattered. One day, she approached him gently.

“She’s not worth it, Andrew,” she said.

“What are you talking about?” he asked.

“Linda,” Cynthia said quietly. “I should have warned you, but you were so in love. She always said she’d marry rich. I knew she wasn’t serious.”

“Just shut up!” Andrew yelled, his pain turning into anger. “You don’t know anything!” Cynthia went pale and walked away. The second she was gone, Andrew regretted every word. He tried calling, he texted, but she didn’t respond.

The next morning, he bought a huge bouquet of flowers and went to apologize, but Cynthia wasn’t there. He learned she had transferred to another department. Andrew felt hollow—he had lost his one true friend over someone who didn’t care about him at all.

As the weeks passed, Andrew realized how much he missed Cynthia—her kindness, her laughter, her genuine heart. He knew he had to make things right.

He went to Cynthia’s apartment and knocked, waiting nervously. She opened the door, her eyes widening at the sight of him.

“I’m sorry,” Andrew said, holding out the bouquet. “Please, forgive me. I miss you. Be my friend again.”

Cynthia shook her head. “Andrew, I can’t. I love you. I realized it when you started dating Linda.”

Before she could finish, Andrew pulled her into his arms and kissed her.

Things have a way of working out when two good hearts come together. A year later, Andrew and Cynthia were married. Their love story made the headlines, with photos of their romantic wedding day splashed across the newspapers.

Linda, sipping her morning coffee, stared at the headlines in shock. “Heir to Hardy Industries Marries in Romantic Ceremony,” the article read, alongside a photo of Andrew and Cynthia sharing a kiss. She had lost her chance at the millionaire she so desperately sought.

What can we learn from this story?

• Greed and a cold heart lead nowhere good. Linda missed out on true love and wealth because she thought Andrew was just an ordinary guy.
• The most valuable qualities in a friend are kindness and honesty. Andrew learned to value Cynthia’s genuine heart and good nature more than Linda’s looks.

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