Lucas Dela Vega is the son of one of many richest households within the nation — a clan that has companies in actual property, banking, and virtually half of the buildings in Makati that they personal.
He grew up in an expensive life, however regardless of all the pieces, he felt like he was trapped in gold.
Each time he sat on the eating desk, he heard not meals however his mother and father’ plans.
“Lucas, prepare. You’re marrying Senator Villanueva’s daughter. It is going to be a wonderful get together.”
He remained silent, however deep down, a query stored popping up in his thoughts:
“When will I expertise loving freely?”
He didn’t reply on the time.
However one evening, whereas searching the window of his high-rise condominium,
he decided.
THE DECISION THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
The following day, he known as his finest good friend.
“Miguel, I’m leaving for now. I need to see should you can love me with out me.”
A number of days later, Lucas disappeared from the eyes of his mother and father, mates, and the media.
Nobody knew the place he was.
However in actuality, Lucas was in a small village in Batangas,
carrying an previous t-shirt, and making use of as a helper at a small cafeteria.
The identify he used: “Louie.”
No automotive, no cash, no final identify.
A brand new starting.
THE WOMAN WHO SHOWED THE REAL WORLD
On his first day on the cafeteria, he met Althea, a twenty-two-year-old lady, a easy saleswoman, however with eyes like stars — vivid, mild, and energetic.
“Are you a beginner?” Althea requested as she organized the dishes.
“Sure,” Lucas replied. “They are saying it’s good to work right here should you’re hungry.”
“That’s proper,” Althea stated with fun. “Right here, smiles are free, however vinegar is pricey.”
They laughed, and that’s the place an surprising friendship started.
On daily basis, they cooked collectively, provided meals, and at any time when they took a break, they only laughed underneath an previous umbrella.
However each time Lucas returned house to his small rented home,
he stared on the picture of his mother and father in his pockets.
He knew that the day would come when he must return.
LOVE WITHOUT A MASK
Two months handed.
His friendship with Althea deepened.
As they walked alongside the seashore one evening, Althea opened up.
“You already know, Louie, I don’t know why I really feel snug with you. Regardless that you’re quiet, you appear to grasp me.”
Lucas smiled.
“Possibly it’s as a result of we’re not searching for wealth, however for peace.”
“Wealthy? Haha! If I have been wealthy, I’d purchase good footwear. However , Louie, regardless that we’re like this… I’m completely satisfied.”
And that evening, as they watched the waves, Lucas felt one thing he’d by no means skilled earlier than— the sensation that he was sufficient, regardless that he didn’t have a reputation.
THE OPPORTUNITY OF TRUTH
At some point, a convoy of automobiles arrived within the village.
Bodyguards and a lady in excessive heels and an costly gown got here out— Lucas’ fiancée, whom his mother and father had organized for, Monique Villanueva.
“Lucas Dela Vega!” the girl shouted. “What are you doing?
Your complete household is searching for you! Your Daddy is on his approach!”
Everybody within the cafeteria stopped.
Lucas was silent, not understanding learn how to clarify.
He turned to Althea—her eyes have been filled with shock and ache.
“Is that true, Louie? You’re Lucas?”
“Althea, you don’t perceive. I used to be simply attempting…”
“You have been simply attempting? You fooled me!”
Althea ran off, whereas Lucas was left behind, holding the previous apron she had given him.
THE DAY OF THE REVELATION
Two weeks later, Lucas and Monique’s engagement get together was held at a big lodge in Makati.
However as Lucas held a glass of champagne, he noticed himself within the mirror— a person carrying a masks once more.
He couldn’t take it anymore.
“Women and gents,” he stated into the microphone, “I’m sorry. I can’t marry a lady I don’t love. The reality is, I beloved another person—
a lady who taught me learn how to be actual even with out cash,
and learn how to love life even with out luxurious.”
Everybody was silent.
He left, with out trying again.
THE RETURN TO REALITY
Lucas returned to Batangas, carrying a small flower and Althea’s previous apron.
However when he arrived on the cafeteria, Althea was gone.
It was closed.
He requested the neighbors,
“The place is Althea?”
“She left, son. She utilized to be a nurse within the province. However earlier than she left, she left this.”
An envelope was handed to her.
She opened it.
“Louie—or Lucas, whoever you actually are.
I don’t know if I’m offended or unhappy.
However thanks, as a result of in your organization, I realized to like folks, not the state.
In case your love is true, discover me—not as Dela Vega, however as you.”
Lucas fell silent.
And for the primary time, he walked away from the automotive, in direction of the bus station—carrying solely his coronary heart and his actual identify.
THE REUNION
A 12 months handed.
At an outreach program of Dela Vega’s firm, Lucas arrived—now merely dressed, with out jewellery.
Whereas he was handing out free medicines to sufferers, he noticed a lady in a white uniform.
She smiled at him.
“You’re right here too, Louie.”
He smiled again, went over, and hugged the girl tightly.
“I’m not Lucas Dela Vega.
I’m nonetheless the person who cleaned your desk on the cafeteria.
And now, I need to work my complete life—simply to make you content.”
Althea’s tears flowed, and in the midst of a easy village, two hearts separated by wealth met— now joined by real love.
Ethical of the Story:
Real love is rarely measured by final identify or possessions.
As a result of ultimately, regardless of how luxurious your world is—
gold is nugatory should you’re not beloved for who you might be.
