When I fell in love with Liam, a humble teacher, my parents gave me an ultimatum: choose him or them. I chose Liam, and on my wedding day, their seats sat empty. But my grandpa was there, walking me down the aisle and offering words of wisdom: “Love matters more than money.”

After a modest, happy life together, with Liam teaching and me freelancing, we struggled but were rich in love. Grandpa was our rock, offering support and teaching my daughter, Sophie, about true wealth.

Ten years later, at Grandpa’s funeral, my estranged parents showed up, asking for forgiveness. But Aunt Claire pulled me aside and revealed their apology wasn’t sincere—they wanted my inheritance, which Grandpa had tied to their reconciliation with me.

I was heartbroken, but I saw it for what it was—another attempt to manipulate me for money. At the funeral, I told everyone what true wealth really was: love, not material wealth. Later, I learned Grandpa had left me an inheritance to ease our struggles, while leaving my parents nothing.

As I sat with Liam and Sophie, watching a movie on our old couch, I felt at peace. My parents’ betrayal still stung, but I had everything that truly mattered: love.