What started as a failed attempt between two strangers turned into something unexpected. In 2017, while out with friends, Okim and Nwamaka quite literally ran into each other. They instantly hit it off- discovering shared names, laughter, and their common Nigerian roots- sparking the beginning of their connection. Before the night wrapped up, Okim made it clear he wanted to see her again, and they exchanged numbers. Over the next month, they went on a few dates, getting to know each other and nurturing a quiet spark… until, just like that, things fizzled out. Life moved on. Fast forward to December 2018. On a First Friday night in Oakland, Nwamaka strolled into one of her favorite bars with her girlfriends. As she turned to her right, there he was… Okim. For a moment she thought, “Who is that?” And then it clicked. They locked eyes, smiled, and everything familiar came rushing back. This time, Nwamaka wasn’t leaving anything to chance. She made her interest very clear—“casually” asking about his dating life, checking if he still had her number, and finding every excuse to stay close. Her hope? That this time, they wouldn’t miss their moment. The next day, determined not to let history repeat itself, Nwamaka scoured through old messages until she found his number from 2017. She sent a simple text. That message led to a date… and this time, they never looked back. In February 2020, Nwamaka made the first official move and asked Okim to be her boyfriend, and he couldn’t resist. Unbeknownst to them, the world would come to a complete halt. But instead of slowing them down, it gave them time to truly know each other. As life reopened, so did their world—traveling, blending families, and deepening what had already become something undeniable. After five years of dating, on February 2025, Okim returned the favor and asked Nwamaka to be his wife, and she couldn’t resist. This time, it was forever. And the easiest yes.