Elle was raised to be the epitome of elegance and wealth, so when she meets Bode, a man from humble beginnings, she knows her parents won’t approve of her decision.
However, as time goes on, the family discovers that Bode is much more than they first imagined.
My upbringing was a privileged canvas waiting to be unexpectedly painted with love and discovery. Growing up in a society where your character is defined by the size of your wallet is strange, don’t you think?
However, such was my parents’ way of life; we led an extravagant life covered in sparkle and glamour. My siblings and I grew up like that, so we were aware of it.
Enter, stage left, the man who completely changed the way I saw the world.
Bode and I met at a bookstore. I could happily spend hours there browsing the aisles of books, most of which I already had in our library.
With a confused look on his face, Bode entered the self-help section and began looking through the book titles.
I turned to see what he was reading when he asked, “Do you think these books will change a person’s life?”
“It depends on your point of view,” I replied, giving him a sharp look.
He was not rich and led a modest life. He admitted to me that he doesn’t own a big station wagon or a nice car. He was the epitome of everything my parents despised, yet he had no trust fund.
However, Bode felt like a breath of fresh air in an otherwise stuffy atmosphere full of luxury.
It was at the bookstore that Bode asked for my number and that’s how our relationship began.
He said, “I’ll call you, Elle.” “And I’m looking forward to meeting you.”
Bode had become my secret and I knew he would stay that way until I had a positive opinion of him. I didn’t want to cause strife between my parents and me because I knew they wouldn’t approve of him. Not before I was sure of him.
Our bond was forged over picnics in the park, evenings of stargazing, and conversations that touched on our differences rather than expensive dates or gifts.
Bode finally expressed a desire to meet my parents.
He said, “I have to meet them, Elle.”
“How else do we take the next step?”
My mother arranged for our cook to prepare a sumptuous lunch when I told her that my boyfriend was interested in seeing the family.
She replied, “If we have to, Elle.” “But I hope it will be worth it, you know how your father wastes his time.
When evening came, Bode appeared with a box of chocolates and a bouquet. He felt incredible anxiety.
“Sir, ma’am,” said Bode. Even though I’m not very rich, I vow to love and love Elle. I would like you to agree to marry her.”
I wasn’t aware of that.
I was filled with joy as I smiled at Bode.
Unfortunately, at the same time, my parents started laughing. Their sarcastic, icy laughter filled our dining room.
“Do you think you are worthy of our Ella?” My dad smiled. “Are you serious? Are you serious?”
“It’s really serious,” Bode replied, holding my hand under the table.
My mother picked up her fork again and remarked, “Don’t be kidding,” bringing the conversation to a halt.
Bode remained polite to them despite their angry statements.
But he was not well, as I knew. His hand was sweating in mine and I could feel the heat in his ears.
Our world as we knew it changed dramatically a few days later.
After the gala, my mom and I arrived home to find the police.
“Sir, I’m sorry,” one officer remarked. “But by order of the court, this house is no longer yours.
My father began to complain to the police and threatened to lose his job as my mother gasped.
When I opened the front door and texted Bode, I saw the most unexpected thing: my partner who had undergone a complete transformation.
His normal clothing disappeared and was replaced by a lavish suit that radiated power and wealth.
Dad growled, “What are you doing here?”
“Mr. Wilson,” Bode said. “Accept the truth or I will,” Bode said, meeting his father’s gaze.
“Somebody say something. Right now,” my mom demanded.
My father remarked, “I don’t think this is the time or the place.”
Bode leaned against the door and exclaimed, “There’s never been a better time.”
“I lived on borrowed time and borrowed money until I went bankrupt years ago. I was overcome with an overwhelming fear of losing everything. My father said, ‘Not everything we own is exactly in my name,'” and looked at the floor.
My mother said, “So whose is it?”
“Mine,” Bode declared as he stepped forward.
“When Eric went bankrupt, my father assumed responsibility for Wilson’s debt. But since then, everything has been transferred to me.”
I own everything. And Elle, if she marries me.
My beloved, whom I thought was impoverished, turned out to be a prosperous young entrepreneur. He hid his true fortune from those who were blind to his circumstances.
He intended to test my parents on whether they could tolerate a man who did not meet their expectations – financially or socially.
But if I put it above family needs, I wouldn’t expect Elle to marry me. So you’re ready,” Bode stated.
He pulled out a large package from his jacket pocket.
“Everything is fine here. I have released all rights to anything under my name in this contract.”
You own it.”
Bode handed the envelope to my father, who was staring intently at his hand.
“You can give me financial advice if you work for me. My only request is Ella’s marriage.”
After some confusion, my parents said that Bode had their blessing and best wishes.
My folks learned a great lesson a few weeks ago. Bode proposed, but the wedding planning had not yet begun. As much as I adore Bode, I don’t know his new side.
It will take some time to get to know him.
How would you answer
There is one more fairy tale for you. Henry has had enough of mediating disputes between his wife’s divorcing parents. After fifteen years, he finally asserts himself and demands to know the real reason for their breakup. But everything changes when he learns the truth.
Ella’s world was one of privilege and grandeur, but Bode’s unexpected revelation redefined her understanding of both love and wealth. When Bode first appeared in her life, his humble origins and unassuming demeanor were in stark contrast to the world Elle had come to know. Despite their differences, their relationship flourished in a way that was genuine and heartfelt. Bode’s decision to reveal his true self not only exposed his integrity but also served as a profound lesson to Ella’s parents about the true measure of worth.
An evening meeting with Ella’s parents was a test of their values and prejudices. Bode’s humility and the way he dealt with their scorn revealed his character. His act of transferring all his wealth to them, not out of need but to challenge their prejudices, showed a degree of selflessness and self-confidence that eventually won over Ellie’s parents. Their eventual approval marked not only their acceptance of Bode but also a transformation of their understanding of worth and value.
As for Elle, the next journey with Nike will involve uncovering the layers of his character and adjusting to this new side of his life. The proposal, while grand, was only the beginning of a deeper exploration of their relationship and what it means to build a future together.
In Henry’s case, his longtime role as a mediator between his wife’s feuding parents has faded. His decision to confront them with the real reasons for their separation led to a revelation that changed his perception of their family dynamic forever. The truth, once revealed, had the power to change his understanding of loyalty, forgiveness, and the nature of family bonds. Henry’s desire for clarity was more than a search for their past; it was a journey to understand the complexity of human relationships and the impact of hidden truths on personal and collective healing.