Huyền’s gaze swept across the glittering Richard Mille watch on her wrist, before stopping at Khải’s simple appearance. He stood there in a crisp white shirt and faded jeans—such a stark contrast to the extravagant world she was used to. Since the day they met, Huyền had grown accustomed to boasting about European trips, lavish parties, and expensive designer goods. Each time, Khải would simply smile, his eyes gentle and warm, but Huyền could always sense an invisible distance growing between them. She loved him, but insecurities and the fear of her friends’ judgment always haunted her.

“Do you think you and I don’t match?” Huyền once asked him on a cold winter night as they sat side by side on a park bench. Khải turned to her, his eyes full of patience. “Huyền, what do you think compatibility means? Sharing the same hobbies? The same social class? To me, compatibility is when two souls find each other, when we can laugh together, share our sorrows, and accept each other’s imperfections.” His words soothed her worries, but they couldn’t erase the doubt that lingered deep inside.

Khải loved Huyền. He loved the way she laughed, the way she pouted when being playful, even the way she acted arrogant when talking about luxury brands. He understood—it wasn’t vanity, but her way of seeking safety, her way of proving her worth in the world she lived in. He knew she was lonely, always yearning for someone who could protect her—not with money, but with love. Khải tried to be that man. He cooked for her, took her on walks, told her stories about his life. He never hid who he was, but he never flaunted himself either.

“Do you want to have dinner at Le Rêve?” Huyền asked one day, her voice filled with excitement as she scrolled through social media. “I heard it’s nearly impossible to book, and the prices are… insane!” Khải smiled. “Le Rêve, huh? Sounds interesting. I’ll try to get us a table.” Huyền eyed him with doubt. “You? Get a reservation? Should I ask my dad to pull some strings?” Khải shook his head. “No need, I’ll manage.” Though uneasy, she didn’t press further.

That night, Huyền wore a glamorous evening gown, her beauty radiant and regal. She wanted to be perfect, to live up to the grandeur of Le Rêve. Khải arrived on his old motorbike. Huyền frowned slightly but reluctantly climbed on. She always felt uneasy going out with him—afraid her friends might see, afraid of the judgment in their eyes. Yet she loved him enough to endure the discomfort.

Outside Le Rêve, she looked up at the glowing sign. “The Dream,” she whispered. “A place made for me.” Khải smiled tenderly, understanding both her pride and her longing. He parked his bike, took her hand, and led her inside. Staff bowed politely and guided them to a private corner table. Huyền barely noticed the courtesy—her eyes were dazzled by the lavish setting.

Dinner unfolded in romance. Huyền talked endlessly about high society, her wealthy friends, exotic trips, and dazzling parties. She spoke proudly, as if to remind Khải that she belonged to another world. Khải just listened quietly, sometimes nodding, sometimes smiling. He said little, content to savor the meal and gaze at her. To him, her glow wasn’t in her makeup or dress—it was in her innocence, her enthusiasm when she spoke. And that simple happiness was worth more than all her luxury.

Near the end of dinner, Huyền pulled out her phone for a selfie. She posted it with the caption: “Romantic night at Le Rêve with my love.” Satisfaction filled her—this was the image she wanted the world to see. Khải only smiled, understanding her need to be acknowledged.

When the bill arrived, Huyền reached for her wallet. She had already planned to pay, knowing Khải might not afford it. But Khải stopped her, eyes shining. “Let me handle this.” Huyền gave a doubtful smile. “Do you really have the money?” He only smiled mysteriously and reached for his back pocket. Suddenly, his worn leather wallet slipped and fell. It burst open, spilling small bills, crumpled dollar notes, and old credit cards across the gleaming floor.

Huyền froze. She stared at the shabby wallet, the scattered coins, then at Khải. Shame surged inside her, hot and suffocating. She had expected this, but facing it in reality was unbearable. How could she sit here while her boyfriend, who had promised to pay, revealed nothing but scraps of money? Khải bent down to gather his things, his face calm, though his eyes betrayed sadness. He knew this widened the distance between them.

Huyền wanted to say something—anything—to ease the tension, but words failed. She wished the ground would swallow her whole. She imagined whispers, mocking glances from others. Her world spun in humiliation. She turned to Khải, her voice low with reproach. “I told you… let me pay. Why didn’t you listen?” Khải stayed silent, collecting the last of his cards.

At that moment, a tall man in a black suit approached—the restaurant manager she had seen earlier. He bowed respectfully, worry in his tone. “Young Master, are you alright?”

Huyền blinked. “Young… Master?” Her heart pounded. What was happening? Khải shook his head. “I’m fine. Don’t worry.”

She stared at him in shock. “Young Master? Him?”

The manager turned to her with a polite smile. “Perhaps you don’t know. His father is Mr. Trọng Nam, chairman of Golden River Group. He instructed us that if the Young Master ever needed anything, no matter how small, we must inform him immediately.” With that, the manager motioned for a staff member to bring a brand-new wallet, placing it on the table. “This is the Young Master’s wallet, prepared in advance. Do you require additional funds, sir?”

Khải shook his head gently. “That won’t be necessary. Thank you.”

Huyền’s mind reeled. Trọng Nam? Golden River? That was one of the country’s largest conglomerates, owning luxury hotels, resorts, and even Le Rêve itself.

The manager bowed again and departed. Silence engulfed the table. Huyền’s voice trembled. “You… you lied to me?”

Khải met her gaze, eyes warm but tinged with sadness. “I never lied, Huyền. I just wanted you to love me for who I am, not for what I have.”

Shame burned through her. Every boast, every complaint about his old motorbike, every judgmental word now cut like knives in her chest.

“You’re… Trọng Nam’s heir?” she whispered. Khải nodded softly. “I’m still Khải, the man you fell in love with.”

Tears welled in her eyes. She had belittled him, blinded by status and appearances. Now the truth stripped her bare.

They left the restaurant in silence. On his old motorbike, wind whipped through her hair, but couldn’t ease her turmoil. She wanted to apologize, but where could she begin? Finally, she whispered, “Khải… do you regret this?”

He turned, smiling gently. “Regret what? Regret loving you?”

Her tears fell. “No… regret being with someone shallow like me.”

He stopped by a lakeside, holding her hands. “Huyền, I’ve never regretted it. Because I know you’re good—you’ve just never allowed yourself to live truthfully. You’ve always chased the image others expected of you. I just want you to be free, to love sincerely.”

She broke down, embracing him tightly. For the first time, she felt truly alive—loved and forgiven.

From then on, their relationship changed. Huyền no longer bragged about her family. She took interest in Khải’s work, realizing he wasn’t just an heir but a brilliant businessman. He had helped build Le Rêve into the renowned brand it was. He confessed that he kept his identity hidden because he wanted to succeed on his own, and to find a love that was real.

Grateful that he still loved her, Huyền began living more simply. She wore modest dresses, spent less on luxuries, enjoyed walks in the park and movies at small theaters. She was no longer the arrogant heiress, but a gentle woman who cherished life’s true values.

One rainy afternoon, Khải arrived in a car. Surprised, she asked, “Why not your motorbike today?” He chuckled. “It’s being serviced. But honestly, I prefer the bike—it feels free.” She smiled, realizing she no longer cared about appearances. All she needed was him.

They eventually married in a warm, simple wedding. No luxury gowns, no supercars—only love. Guests were surprised, but Huyền smiled serenely. She had found happiness not in extravagance, but in sincerity.

Together, they built a modest but loving home. They started a charity for poor children, choosing to use their wealth for good. Huyền no longer feared judgment or carried shame. She had found true love and meaning.

One quiet evening, cuddled on their old sofa, she turned to him with sparkling eyes. “Khải, do you regret being with me?”

He squeezed her hand tenderly. “The only regret I have… is not finding you sooner.”

Her smile that night was the happiest he had ever seen.