Chapter 1: A Love Not Blessed
The sky was overcast that evening. Beneath an old mango tree on the edge of the village, Rey sat with Aurel, his girlfriend since high school. They chuckled softly, exchanging tender glances. But behind their laughter, a silent pain was growing.
"I don't care if you're poor, Rey. I love you," Aurel whispered gently, holding Rey's hand tightly.
Rey looked at the girl in front of him. Aurel's beautiful face, always calm, was now clouded with worry.
"But your parents… they hate me, Aurel. They say I'm just a village boy with no future," Rey said quietly.
Aurel shook her head quickly. "I'll fight them. I won't lose you."
Rey fell silent. His heart felt warm, yet it ached. He knew Aurel's love was sincere. But he also knew he would never be accepted as long as he remained poor and powerless.
"I'm leaving, Aurel. I'll go work hard in the city. I promise, I'll become someone successful, and I'll come back to ask for your hand."
Aurel was stunned. Her tears fell instantly. "Rey… don't go… I'm afraid I'll lose you…"
Rey gently wiped her cheek. "I won't disappear. I just need time. I have to prove to your parents that I'm worthy of you."
And that day, beneath the gray sky and the distant sound of thunder, two souls made a promise. But neither of them knew that fate had a plan far crueler than a simple goodbye.