It all started when she visited her aunt, and by chance, met Armand and Sonia — a lively, kindhearted couple. Armand, who’s a self-declared Ndolé expert, tasted her cooking and immediately called me while still chewing, yelling: “Bro, I found your wife! I’m not even joking - Today of all days, you missed your blessing!” At first, I laughed. It sounded too crazy to be true. But Armand wasn't kidding. He even started calling her "sister-in-law" that same night! He bragged about me (a little too much) and made sure plans were in motion for us to meet. The next day, at a spontaneous barbecue — disguised as just another friendly gathering — I showed up and saw her. She was busy working her magic in the kitchen, totally unaware that the setup was all for her and me to cross paths. When we finally talked, it wasn’t fireworks and fairy tales with violins playing in the background. It was better: it was real. Our conversation flowed effortlessly. She made me laugh, think, dream — all within one evening. For her, after a tough heartbreak, love was the last thing on her mind. For me, it didn’t take long to realize she was exactly who I'd been waiting for. From our first text on July 2nd, 2023, to my proposal on September 14th, 2024 (disguised as my birthday celebration - she had no clue!) — our story unfolded faster than we ever expected, but exactly how it was meant to. We prayed for the right person — and God gave us so much more. Now, we can’t wait to start this next chapter, together.

My love and I met through mutual acquaintances. I had gone to visit my aunt, who had just given birth, and that’s where I met a lovely couple (Armand and Sonia), who were also visiting and were very kind and welcoming. Armand, a close friend and “brother” to Micael, is known for his love of Ndolé. He had asked my aunt, Nicaise, to make him some, but since she was busy, I had luckily prepared three small dishes — Ndolé, catfish broth, and grilled fish. The moment Armand saw the Ndolé, he immediately began praising it and jokingly declared that I would make a perfect wife for his "little brother.” We all laughed, but after tasting the food, Armand seriously asked me if I was in a relationship. When I said no, he started calling me his "sister-in-law" right then and there. He even called Micael that same moment, insisting he come meet me — but Micael couldn’t make it due to other plans. That didn’t stop Armand; he spent the evening talking up Micael, telling me how intelligent, kind, and handsome he was. I kept laughing, thinking he was just being playful, but he was very serious! Later that evening or the next day, my uncle (Chirac, my aunt’s husband) asked for my social media handles — and though I found it a bit curious, I shared them. Unfortunately, I barely had any pictures online, so they came up with a brilliant idea: organize a barbecue. Naturally, I was in my favorite place — the kitchen — without knowing what they had planned. Then Micael arrived: handsome, smiling, smelling so good and looking just a little shy. We greeted each other briefly, and he went to join his friends, still seeming quite reserved. At that moment, I thought, "Oh God, he won't survive!" I had just come out of a painful relationship and wasn’t ready to open my heart again. But as we started talking, something shifted. We connected effortlessly. We laughed. We understood each other. Without even realizing it, I began to admire him. Little by little, love grew between us — naturally, tenderly, beautifully. And I believe he felt the same. We started dating, and exactly one year later, on his birthday, he asked me to be his wife — in the most beautiful way. I thank God every day for our meeting. I had prayed for a prince who would treat me like a princess, but instead, God sent me a King who treats me like a Queen. I love you, my love.

What started as a casual visit and a shared meal quickly became something more. A spontaneous gathering. A meaningful conversation. And a connection that felt effortless from the start. We met in a moment we didn’t plan for, through people we’re grateful for, and found in each other what we didn’t even know we were missing. One year later, with hearts full of gratitude and joy, we said yes to forever.