Our forever after

Kareen had just arrived in New York, drawn once again to a city that always seemed to pull her in. She expected nothing more than a peaceful week before her cousin’s wedding. But fate had its own plans. While the world told jokes on April Fool’s Day, love quietly began writing its own sincere story. At the rooftop bar of her hotel, a talented jazz pianist, Marat, known onstage as Mikhail Romanov was performing. The moment he saw her, something shifted. Just as she turned to leave, he walked over and handed her his last business card, hoping she’d reach out. Three days later, she did. Their first date took place under a solar eclipse, as if the universe was putting on a show just for them. From that moment on, their bond only deepened. Kareen’s work as a flight attendant kept her constantly moving, yet every time she returned to the U.S., Marat was there… waiting, present, devoted. What neither of them realized at first was how much of this story had already been set in motion. Two months earlier, Kareen had journeyed to the sacred site of Our Lady of Lourdes in France. In the quiet stillness of that holy place, she prayed for her future husband that he would find her, no matter where she was in the world. On her way home, as she stepped out of the train station, she heard her favorite song being played on a piano. It was rare, perfect, and strangely timed. She thought little of it then, but looking back, she believes it was her first sign. Only after they started dating did she remember that moment. And after they got engaged, they visited a church where Marat had a gig only to discover it was Mother Mary’s birthday. Another sign. Another quiet affirmation that this love was divinely guided. And there were so many more moments, details, quiet signs that made it clear this story wasn’t random. It was always meant to unfold just the way it did. Five months after that rooftop meeting, Marat proposed. Their civil wedding took place at New York City Hall—the very place Kareen had wandered into by accident when she was an hour late for their first date. Now, they look forward to celebrating their love story this August, surrounded by family, friends, and beautiful blooms. It’s the beginning of forever… written by fate, answered by faith, and filled with music, magic, and meaning.