Ava had always been skeptical of arranged marriages, but when her parents introduced her to Walter, she was pleasantly surprised. He was charming, intelligent, and seemed genuinely interested in her. Over the next few months, Ava found herself falling in love with him, much to her own astonishment. Their conversations were deep and meaningful, and Walter’s kind gestures made her feel cherished.

Everything seemed perfect until a few days before the wedding. Ava started hearing unsettling rumors. Some said Walter was only marrying her for her family’s wealth, while others hinted at his involvement in dubious business dealings. These whispers gnawed at Ava, making her question everything she believed about their relationship.

Determined to uncover the truth, Ava decided to test Walter. It was the only way to know if his love was real or if he was merely pretending.

The following evening, Ava invited Walter over for dinner at her parents’ house. She had a plan and hoped it would reveal his true intentions. As they sat down to eat, Ava brought up a hypothetical scenario.

“Walter,” she began, trying to keep her voice steady, “what would you do if I told you my family had lost all its money? That we were bankrupt and had nothing left?”

Walter looked at her, his eyes searching her face. “Ava, why would you ask such a thing?”

“It’s just a thought experiment,” she said, forcing a smile. “Humor me.”

Walter put down his fork and leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. “Ava, I would still want to marry you. My feelings for you have nothing to do with your family’s wealth. I love you for who you are, not for what you have.”

Ava’s heart skipped a beat, but she wasn’t convinced yet. She needed more.

“That’s reassuring to hear, Walter,” she said softly. “But there’s something else I need to know. I’ve heard some rumors… about your business. People are saying things that don’t paint you in the best light. Can you explain that?”

Walter’s face darkened, and he sighed. “I was afraid this might come up. Ava, there are always people who will try to tear you down when you’re successful. I won’t lie; I’ve had to make tough decisions in business, and not everyone agrees with them. But I assure you, I have never done anything illegal or unethical. My conscience is clear.”

Ava watched him closely, trying to gauge his sincerity. His eyes held a steady, honest gaze, and she felt a flicker of hope.

“I believe you, Walter,” she said, reaching out to take his hand. “But I had to be sure. You mean so much to me, and I needed to know that I can trust you completely.”

Walter squeezed her hand, his eyes softening. “I understand, Ava. And I appreciate your honesty. I want us to build our marriage on trust and love, with no secrets between us.”

Relieved, Ava felt a weight lift off her shoulders. She knew she had made the right choice in testing Walter, and his responses had reaffirmed her faith in him. The rumors had been just that—baseless gossip.

The next few days flew by, filled with final wedding preparations. Ava’s heart was light, knowing she was marrying a man who truly loved her. When the wedding day finally arrived, she walked down the aisle with confidence, her hand in Walter’s, ready to start their life together.

In the end, Ava’s test had brought them closer, solidifying the trust and love they shared. And as they exchanged vows, she knew that their marriage would be built on a foundation of honesty and unwavering support, ready to weather any storm that might come their way.