Karachi (Romance Stories Online) — When Luke proposes and her father storms in, Candy faces betrayal, broken promises, and the harsh choice between love and wealth.
Candy’s fingers trembled over her glass of lemonade. The terrace lanterns cast soft shadows across her face as she waited for Luke. She inhaled the scent of jasmine climbing the walls, hoping he would arrive. He had promised.
A car door clicked. Luke stepped onto the terrace, his cheeks flushed, eyes determined.
“Candy…” he said, voice trembling.
She stood abruptly. “Luke—what’s wrong?”
He reached into his pocket. “Candy, I—I don’t have enough money yet for the ring of your dreams. But I promise I’ll buy it soon. Will you marry me?” He dropped to one knee.
Tears blurred her vision. “Oh, Luke…” she whispered, about to say yes.
Before she could finish, the front door swung open. Candy’s father, Mr. Harding, glided into view. His tailored suit caught the lantern light, and his voice cut through the air.
“Future son-in-law?” He smiled tightly. “Let’s talk.”
Luke rose, face pale. “Sir, I—”
Mr. Harding interrupted, voice stiff. “You don’t work for me. But starting tomorrow, you come to my office. You’ll get a job, a salary.” He folded his arms. “Take it. Or leave my daughter alone.”
Luke’s jaw clenched. “I already have a job—and dreams. I’m trying to build something for her. I won’t beg.”
Mr. Harding’s eyes snapped. “Listen: you want my blessing—take the job. If not, step away.”
Candy gasped and stepped between them. “Dad, stop it. You’re humiliating him!”
Mr. Harding glared. “She will not marry a beggar. Understand?”
She turned to Luke. “I’m sorry.” Her voice, sharp but firm. “My love for you doesn’t depend on money.”
Mr. Harding laughed, low and bitter. “Money does matter. You think he can buy this jewelry? This nesting? You think he can fit in my world? Dream all you want—but beggars aren’t welcome.”
Candy’s tears spilled. She looked at Luke, then back at her father. “I’d rather live poor and loved than rich and trapped.”
Luke stepped forward. “Candy—”
She shook her head. “No. I need space.”
With that, she turned and walked away.
That night, Luke found Mrs. Harding in the kitchen, weeping softly into her apron. He gently knocked.
“May I come in?”
She looked up, red-eyed. “Luke. I—I tried to tell him. He never listens.”
He placed a hand on hers. “Candy deserves her own life. I can’t ask her to stay in a home built on approval and fear.”
Mrs. Harding nodded. “Thank you. I’ll try to help her see sense.”
Weeks passed. Candy grew distant. One evening, she hosted a gathering: her father introduced Jordan Bon Jr., heir to a vast fortune.
“So, Candy,” Harding said, gesturing, “meet Jordan. He’s wealthy, stable—everything you should want.”
Jordan bowed. “A pleasure.” He showed off exotic rings and whispered promises of grand weddings in Monaco and Caribbean isles.
Luke arrived uninvited. He swept in, eyes locked on Candy. “What is this?”
Mr. Harding stiffened. “Jordan is your fiancé now.”
Candy’s voice cracked. “I never agreed to this.”
Jordan’s lips curled. “I heard you’d need to settle for someone reliable. I’m that someone.”
Luke puckered his lips. “She never asked for riches. She asked for love.”
Mr. Harding waved him off. “Step aside.”
Candy grabbed Luke’s hand. “I won’t marry someone I don’t love. I refuse.”
Jordan laughed. “She’ll come around. She always does.”
Candy’s eyes blazed. “No. This ends tonight.” She pulled Luke toward the door. “I’m leaving. Don’t expect me back.”
Jordan lunged. “You can’t just—”
Luke pushed him gently aside. Jordan’s pristine cuff snagged on the door frame. The flash of gold, ruined. The room fell silent.
Mr. Harding sagged, stunned.
Candy whispered fiercely, “I choose him.” She looked at Luke, voice trembling. “I love you. Money never mattered.”
Luke’s eyes glistened. He squeezed her hand. “I’d rather have you than a kingdom.”
Mr. Harding sagged into a chair. Mrs. Harding cried softly. In the hush, Candy stood beside Luke, determined and free.
FAQs
Q: Is the story based on real events?
A: While fiction, it draws from the real tensions many couples face when family approval collides with true romance.
Q: What themes are explored?
A: The story explores love vs money, betrayal, family control, and the courage to follow your heart against all odds.
Q: Which character grows the most?
A: Candy transforms from seeking her father’s validation to finding her own strength and voice.
Q: Does Luke succeed in achieving his dreams?
A: The ending suggests hope. His resolve to prove himself—with or without wealth—is central to the emotional victory.
Q: Can this story be adapted for film or short stories?
A: Absolutely. The emotional conflict, dialogue, and character arcs lend themselves well to adaptation into script, short film, or stage play.
Which side would you choose if your heart and family were in conflict? Reply and share your own story below — I’d love to read your version of this forbidden love.
