Sa hindi inaasahang pagbisita sa mayayamang biyenan, umiyak at nagdamdam ang ama, agad na hinila pauwi ang kanyang anak…

Mr. Santiago – a man in his sixties, has lived all his life in a poor rural area in Pampanga province, working hard all year round to raise three children. His youngest daughter – Marites – is the greatest pride of his life. She is obedient, studious, and beautiful and gentle.

A few years ago, Marites passed the university entrance exam and became an accountant at a large company in Manila. There, she met and fell in love with Ramon – a city boy from a wealthy family, whose parents were businessmen. When the two announced their wedding, Mr. Santiago could not hide his worry.

“They are so rich, do they truly love their children?” – he said to his wife many times.

But Marites just smiled gently, holding her father’s hand:

– Dad, Ramon’s family is rich, but he is emotional and sincere. Don’t worry. I will be your daughter-in-law, and I will live well.

Because he loved his daughter, Mr. Santiago saved up money and sold some fields to prepare a decent wedding. The groom’s family organized a grand ceremony, invited luxurious guests, and the wedding was as splendid as in a movie. The day he sent his daughter off to her husband’s house, he cried but still told her:
– Even if it’s hard, you have to endure it, as long as you two love each other. Everything will pass.

After the wedding, Marites rarely returned to her hometown. Sometimes she made excuses about being busy with work, sometimes she said her husband’s house was inconvenient. Every time he called, Mr. Santiago asked:
– Are you doing well? I’m very worried about you.

Marites always replied:
– I’m fine, Dad. Don’t worry.

Until one day, Mr. Santiago and his wife – Mrs. Ligaya – decided to go to Manila to visit their daughter. They didn’t tell her in advance, only bringing some country chicken, some clean vegetables, and a few jars of bagoong made by Mrs. Ligaya herself. They wanted their daughter to have a taste of home.

When the taxi stopped in front of a large villa in Makati, they stood there, stunned. The house was three stories high, with an automatic iron gate and a maid opening the door. Mr. Santiago smiled sadly:

– My child must be very happy living in such a luxurious place…

But as soon as he entered, the smile on his lips disappeared.

Marites came down from upstairs, her face pale when she saw her parents. She ran over:
– Mom and Dad… why did you come up without telling me?

– Mom and Dad miss me, want to visit me for a bit.

At that moment, a sour voice rang out from behind:

– You’re from the countryside, and you know to come visit?

A woman wearing an expensive silk dress, her hair curled elaborately, holding a glass of wine in her hand, walked out. It was Mrs. Isadora – Marites’ mother-in-law.

Mrs. Isadora looked at Mr. Santiago and his wife from head to toe, her eyes full of contempt:

– Why did you bring chicken, duck, and vegetables up here? This house doesn’t lack those things.

Marites hurriedly pulled her mother-in-law’s hand:

Mom… don’t say that in front of your parents…

But Mrs. Isadora spoke even louder:

– Do you think that marrying my son will bring all the country bumpkins into this? You should remember your status. Don’t disgrace my family!

Mr. Santiago’s face turned red. Mrs. Ligaya stood there, frozen. Marites bowed her head without saying a word, her hands trembling as she held onto the hem of her dress.

Unable to bear it any longer, Mr. Santiago choked up:

– Since when has my daughter been living in such a state of being looked down upon? She told me she was fine, happy. But this is happiness?

He stepped forward, grabbed Marites’s hand tightly, tears welling up in his eyes:

– Come back to your father. I can’t let you live like this.

– But dad…
– I’m not rich, I don’t have a villa. But no one in our family scolds you like a servant. I can’t stand this anymore.

The young girl hugged her father, crying like a child. Mrs. Isadora tried to stop her, but Mr. Santiago was firm:

– From today on, my daughter will no longer be your daughter-in-law. She is my child, and I will take her home.

Marites brought nothing but a small bag and simple clothes. They took a taxi back to Pampanga in silence. On the way, Mr. Santiago just squeezed his daughter’s hand and said:

– Don’t apologize. I just want you to live as a human being, not a display item.

That day, Marites returned, leaving behind a magnificent villa and a heartless marriage. She started over, with her parents, where there is true love – no need for flashiness, just heart.