I proposed to my girlfriend during her family gathering

A young man, 21 years old and deeply in love, nervously proposed to his girlfriend during her family gathering with a modest but heartfelt ring. Instead of joy, he was met with a harsh rejection: she publicly questioned his worth and left.
Two weeks later, her father called him, apologizing for how his daughter and family treated him, revealing she had run away with a wealthy older man. Though it hurt, he found closure in the call.
He focused on healing, working hard and avoiding relationships until a chance meeting at the auto shop led him to Liana. Their connection grew naturally—no grand gestures, just steady kindness and companionship.
Two years later, he proposed again, this time at a simple park bench, with a ring he had fully paid for himself. She said yes. Their wedding was small but joyful, and even his former girlfriend’s father expressed pride.
The story closes with a powerful message: true love values who you are, not what you have.