Cedric and Ashley’s journey began seventeen years ago at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T). Though they both graduated from high school in Durham, NC, they didn’t know each other at the time. In fact, they had even attended the same Class of 2008 Graduation Ball before starting at NC A&T, completely unaware that fate would soon bring them together. During their freshman year, Cedric and Ashley found themselves in the same computer science class. As classmates and fellow computer science majors, they often studied together in the library and engineering halls. Over time, they became good friends, sharing late nights of studying and laughter. Cedric was interested in pursuing Ashley early on, but the timing wasn’t quite right, and life led them in different directions. Over the years, they each followed their own paths, growing and evolving, but their connection never faded. Between 2008 and 2019, they remained in touch, checking in on each other and maintaining a strong friendship built on mutual care and respect. Then, in 2020, something shifted. What had always been a deep friendship began to grow into something more. As they explored their connection in a new way, Cedric found himself at a crossroads—continue dating casually or embrace the love that had been in front of him all along. Ashley always reminded him, with confidence and warmth, that they were meant to be together. In time, Cedric realized that no one had ever cared for him—his health, his career, his family—the way Ashley did. As the years passed and their relationship flourished, their love deepened in ways they had never imagined. Then, in 2024, with full hearts and unwavering certainty, Cedric proposed and asked Ashley to be his forever. Now, they look forward to their greatest adventure yet—spending a lifetime together.