“Thank you, ma’am.”
And he hung up. His friend Esteban heard it and was furious.
“Are you crazy? Your mother is in the hospital. You’re rejecting the help of a rich woman. Perhaps God is sending you a blessing.”
Raúl was filled with doubt. What if Esteban was right? What if it was a test, a sign from fate? Finally, he called Raquel and agreed to meet her at an elegant restaurant.
When he arrived, he found himself alone with her. She had booked the entire place and greeted him warmly. Raúl didn’t even dare look her in the eye.
“How old are you, Raúl?”
“25, ma’am.”
“And you?”
“60, but I already know. I’ve done my research on you.”
Raúl frowned. “Why me?”
“Because you’re honest. You touched me. You don’t want my money. You treated me with respect. You reminded me what it’s like to be loved.” Then she opened up. “I’ve been betrayed. I’ve been humiliated.
I’ve been used. All my life I’ve had money and recognition, but never love at my age. I just want to feel what it’s like to be loved.”
Raúl was speechless. She asked him if he had children. “No.”
She told him she had an adopted daughter, María, 23, whom she had raised alone. Then Raúl stood up, walked over to her, and kissed her.
“Is that a yes?” Raquel asked, confused. He nodded, and that’s how their story began.
That night Raquel didn’t sleep alone. For the first time in years, she felt sincere arms around her, tender gestures. He said softly, “I may not be rich, but I’m yours.”
The days passed, and they saw each other more and more, first discreetly, then publicly. Raúl regained her trust.
Raquel loved him as she had never loved before and returned everything in abundance. His mother was transferred to a private clinic. They took care of his sisters’ education, and Raúl even began managing projects with Raquel’s contacts, but the most precious thing was the love they shared.
One day Raúl looked at her and said, “I want to marry you.” She laughed, thinking it was a joke. He insisted and decided to propose on her birthday. In front of all her friends and colleagues, he knelt and pulled out a ring. “Raquel, will you marry me?” The room fell silent. Whispers began. Seriously, she’s the same age as her mother. It’s not love, it’s self-interest.
