Once upon a time, there was a young woman named Ana, the daughter of a wealthy merchant. Sadly, her father, László, passed away when she was just a child, leaving her in the care of her stepmother, Judit.

Unfortunately, Judit harbored no love for Ana, seeing her instead as a burden. As Ana matured, she blossomed into a beautiful and intelligent young lady, capturing the hearts of all who knew her. Suitors vied for her attention, much to Judit’s envy, as her own daughter, Zsofi, did not receive nearly as much admiration.

Determined to rid herself of Ana, Judit concocted a plan to humiliate her in the cruellest way she could imagine.

“If you must get married, I’ve found the perfect groom for you,” Judit declared one day.

Ana’s heart raced with anticipation. Could it be someone kind and worthy? But, upon hearing the chosen one’s identity, she was left breathless.

“You will wed a beggar. A poor, ragged man with not a penny to his name. I’ve arranged everything.”

Ana protested, but to no avail. Judit had orchestrated all the arrangements, and the wedding was to proceed.

The news spread throughout the town, leaving people murmuring in disbelief. A girl as lovely and wise as Ana, marrying a beggar? What a scandal!

The wedding day arrived, and the church was filled with curious onlookers. The groom stood at the altar – a bearded man in tattered clothes whom nobody recognized. Ana, dressed in white, stood beside him with bowed head, as though trapped in a nightmare.

As the ceremony began, suddenly the beggar raised his hand, saying:

“Wait a minute!”

The crowd fell silent, eyes fixed on the mysterious man. Straightening his back, he removed his shabby coat, revealing a transformed demeanor. Wiping dust and grime from his face, he unveiled a youthful and handsome visage.

“My name is Matia,” he announced with a smile. “I am not a beggar. I am actually the son of a wealthy merchant. Before his death, my father asked me to find a wife who would love me for who I am rather than my wealth. So, I chose to hide my true identity and pose as a pauper.”

The crowd buzzed with shock. Judit’s complexion turned pale, while Ana stared wide-eyed in astonishment.

“When I learned that Mrs. Judit intended to marry off her stepdaughter to a beggar purely out of spite, I thought, ‘What if I were that beggar?’ Now that the truth is known, Ana, will you be my wife, knowing who I truly am?”

Tears welled in Ana’s eyes, but this time from happiness, not sorrow.

“Yes!” she exclaimed joyfully, grasping his hand.

The crowd erupted in applause, rejoicing for the newlyweds, while Judit stood speechless, watching her scheme unravel before her.

Ana and Matia married and lived happily ever after, leaving Judit to ponder how love and kindness ultimately triumph over malice.

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