We met in 2013 at the University of Central Florida, both just 18 at the time, unaware that our first encounter would set the stage for a lifelong connection. Kiara had already spent a summer semester on campus with her friends, and one evening, her and girls decided to stop by a friend’s dorm to share some funny stories from the night before. Kiara, in her usual dramatic style, was deep into telling the story—twerking and reenacting the night’s events—when she suddenly realized there were two guys in the room, including Robert. While a little embarrassed at first, Kiara couldn’t help but notice Robert—tall, dark, and handsome—though she initially thought he was there for her friend. It wasn’t long before we realized there was a mutual interest. Robert, who hadn’t expected the girls to stop by, found Kiara’s energy captivating from the moment she walked in. We started texting that night, and though our connection sparked quickly, it didn’t take off right away. After a brief start, Kiara, feeling shy and unsure, ghosted Robert for about three months. But Robert, being patient and understanding, gave her the space she needed, knowing we would reconnect when the time was right. When we did, Robert made his move, asking Kiara to be his girlfriend in the sweetest way—by surprising her with a teddy bear and a card asking her to be his girlfriend. Though Kiara made the moment awkward (as she often does), her heart was full, and she eventually said yes. The next few years were filled with both joy and challenges. After two years at UCF, Kiara decided to take a break from school, and in 2016, we went through our first breakup. We both needed time to grow and figure things out on our own, and while that year apart was difficult, it was also necessary. By the end of 2017, we found our way back to each other, realizing that no matter what, we always seemed to come back together. In 2018, Kiara started attending FAMU in Tallahassee, while Robert graduated from UCF and moved to Fort Lauderdale. Despite our recent reunion, we decided to embark on a long-distance relationship, determined to make it work. We committed to meeting halfway in Orlando for monthly getaways, finding time to escape from our busy schedules and reconnect. These trips strengthened our bond, showing just how much effort and consideration Robert put into our relationship, always working around Kiara’s school commitments and making sure we had time together. Over the years, we traveled, explored new places, and supported each other through life’s highs and lows. Whether it was navigating the loss of loved ones, career changes, or simply the challenges of everyday life, we became each other’s biggest supporters. In 2020, we officially moved in together in Orlando, marking a new chapter in our relationship. Then, in July 2024, while on a beautiful trip to St. Lucia, Robert proposed. After a day filled with island excursions, we took a boat tour at sunset, with stunning views of the island in the background. As we posed for pictures, Robert got down on one knee and surprised Kiara with a proposal she hadn’t seen coming. The moment was perfect, filled with joy, laughter, and tears, as we embraced our future together. Now, after celebrating with family and friends, we’ve been planning our wedding and looking forward to our future as husband and wife. Our love, built on trust, loyalty, and a deep understanding of each other, isn’t flashy, but it’s strong. Every day, we choose each other, and we can’t wait to continue this journey together, forever.