It all began in 2019 at a “Find Your Valentine” social event hosted by North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University. At the time, Charles was a junior and I was a sophomore— two people in different stages of life who never imagined that one simple evening would change everything. My girlfriends and I decided to go that night, mostly out of curiosity and the fun of being single together. When I first saw Charles, he looked like he didn’t want to be there — and honestly, I later found out someone had dragged him to the event! But now, I’m so grateful they did. Because without that one moment, we wouldn’t be here today, writing this story together. Our first interaction stood out from the rest that night — it just felt easy and genuine. We exchanged contact information, not knowing that this small exchange would blossom into something beautiful. We didn’t officially start dating until the start of the pandemic, which brought its fair share of challenges. But through it all, we learned how to communicate, support each other, and grow closer despite the uncertainty around us. Fast forward to February 14th, 2025 — our anniversary. I thought we were simply heading out to dinner with friends to celebrate, not realizing that everyone, from our closest friends to our families, had been in on a beautiful surprise. When we stopped by my parents’ home to drop off a few Valentine’s gifts for my mom, I was greeted with an unforgettable moment — a proposal and a celebration that Charles had secretly planned just for me. Surrounded by love, laughter, and the people who mean the most to us, he asked me to be his forever. What makes our relationship so special is the foundation we’ve built on shared values, determination, and mutual respect. We dream together, encourage each other, and face every obstacle as a team. Our love has always been rooted in understanding, patience, and the belief that with faith and effort, we can overcome anything. Our story began with a simple meeting on campus — but it has grown into a partnership filled with purpose, laughter, and endless love. And this is only the beginning of our forever. ❤️