Our Love Story

Mariel’s POV

Our story began in October 2015, when two strangers were introduced at the most unexpected time. I didn’t pay much attention to him at first for he was miles away, and my heart wasn’t looking for anything.

But love has a funny way of finding you.

Henry was typically persistent. Even when I left his messages unanswered, he stayed. And one day, when my heart was heavy and I had no one to turn to, he reached out, right on time, as if he knew I needed him.

That moment changed everything.

From strangers, we became each other’s constant. From conversations, we became something more. I tried to hide my feelings, but my heart already knew that I was falling for him.

In July 2016, he came home - not just to see me, but to bravely tell me what his heart had been holding all along. 

And on August 1, 2016, what started as a simple night of street food turned into the sweetest beginning of our forever.

For almost ten years, through distance, misunderstandings, and the ache of being apart, we have held on. Time and again, we chose each other, even when love felt impossible, believing that one day, goodbyes would no longer be part of our story.

And on February 2, 2025, after years of loving each other across miles, of silent prayers, and of holding onto hope, he finally asked the question my heart had been whispering for all this time—the question I had been dreaming of answering. And in that moment, everything I had ever wished for came true.

Now I finally understand why God let my heart break before… because He was keeping the best for last. He was saving you, Henry—the one I would laugh with, lean on, and love endlessly for the rest of my life. He was giving me the greatest blessing I could ever dream of, and that is you.

Henry’s POV

Back in 2015, I was an engineering student, overwhelmed and stressed, even thinking about quitting. I needed someone to talk to, someone who could help me escape the weight I was carrying, so I asked a friend to introduce me to someone—just someone to brighten my days.

That’s when Mariel came into my life.

We started chatting, sharing stories, dreams, struggles, and even the silliest little things about our lives. Day by day, her words became a constant in my life, and without even realizing it..I had fallen for her.

I promised myself that when I got back to our province, I would see her and finally tell her what she truly meant to me.

Then came that unforgettable day in July—the day I was finally going to meet her. But the moment I laid eyes on her, every word I had carefully rehearsed in my mind completely disappeared. Standing there, looking at her, I forgot how to speak. She simply stole my breath with the way she looked at me, and all I could manage to say was… “Hi.”

That day, between random questions, bursts of laughter, and shy little glances, I discovered something extraordinary. With every passing moment, it became crystal clear that I didn’t just like her—I was falling, completely and utterly, in love with her heart, her smile, her everything.

A few days later, on August 1, 2016, we officially became a couple—the beginning of a story I never thought I’d be lucky enough to live.

Almost ten incredible years have passed. Through distance, disagreements, laughter that echoed for hours, tears, and every obstacle life placed before us, one thing has remained - our love. It has grown richer, deeper, and more beautiful than I ever imagined.

And then last year… after endless prayers, countless moments of wishing, and every quiet hope I shared with God, I finally asked her to spend the rest of her life with me.

And she said yes.

From strangers to friends, friends to best friends, best friends to lovers… and now, from two hearts to one soul, we are about to begin forever. I am endlessly grateful—to God, to life, and to her—for a love that makes my heart overflow every single day.