Days later, Pastor Matthews visited, reminding them of the upcoming Thanksgiving service. On the way to church, Ethan noticed a woman helping an elderly man cross the street. Her name was Grace.
A single mother and church usher, she was humble, kind, and devoted to her son, Liam, and her sick father. Despite past hardships—being abandoned by her high school boyfriend and raising Liam alone—her faith remained steadfast.
Ethan admired Grace’s selflessness. At church, he ignored Sarah’s attempts to attract him, focusing on the sermon. Afterward, Liam asked Ethan to retrieve a ball from a drain. Grace soon arrived, thanking him. Ethan recognized her from that morning and felt moved by her genuine heart and humility.
Back home, he shared the encounter with his father, reflecting on the contrast between Sarah’s pride and Grace’s sincerity. Later, at a supermarket, Sarah approached Ethan, playful and charming.
They shopped together, and she invited him to her birthday. Ethan smiled, noting her beauty but remaining cautious about judging character by appearances.
Ethan devised a test: he would disguise himself as a poor man, while his cousin David, his lookalike, attended church in his place. Sitting outside the church gate, he observed who truly showed kindness.
Sarah, still vain and self-centered, ignored him and mocked his plea for help. Grace, however, offered bread, money, and heartfelt concern. Ethan was touched, seeing her compassion and generosity, despite knowing nothing of his true identity.
He recounted the test to his father. “Sarah smiles in church, but her heart is empty. Grace gave selflessly. That’s the woman I want.” Mr. Carter nodded, affirming his choice.
Ethan repeated the test the following Sunday, again observing Grace’s care and patience for her father and son.
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