Our Love Story

In 2017, a memorable year in our life began when a simple exchange—a pen, a question about love—sparked a connection that would shape the course of both our lives. Life often works in mysterious ways, doesn’t it? It was a typical day in the office, but that day turned extraordinary. Little did I know that this year would be marked by the joy of unexpected connections and the deepening of relationships that would change our life forever.

It all started at work, a bustling environment where Marvin, our new and handsome Production Supervisor entered the room. I was working in the Accounting Department, handling payroll by that time, buried in spreadsheets and numbers. My days were structured and routine, but fate had a different plan.

One fateful morning, while I was busy in my tasks, our HR Officer asked, “Do you have a pen?” I handed my pen to her, not realizing it would lead to a life-altering moment. She passed it to Marvin, and in that fleeting exchange, our eyes met, igniting a connection that both of us were unaware of at that moment.

The atmosphere shifted when our HR playfully asked about Marvin’s relationship status. “May girlfriend ka na?”, “wala po” he replied without hesitation. Then, she pointed to me and said, “Single din yan si Joy.” Laughter filled the room—a lighthearted moment that acted as a catalyst for what was to come. From that day forward, the playful teasing and friendly banter became a part of our daily interactions, subtly weaving our lives together.

The following evening, I received a notification on my phone—Marvin had sent me a friend request accompanied by a message. Our innocence soon blossomed into daily conversations, and I began receiving delightful surprises at work—meals left at my desk with heartfelt notes that made me feel cherished, filled with sweet messages expressing his happiness whenever he saw me—a heartfelt gesture that made my heart race. Each meal was more than just a food; it was a reminder that someone was thinking of me, someone who valued my presence in their life.

Marvin entered my life not with grand gestures but with gentle, thoughtful actions that spoke volumes. These acts, however small, were revelations of his character—his determination and kindness shining through.

As the days turned into weeks, Marvin’s gestures grew from food to earnest conversations about his feelings for me. In his message, he confessed, “it was love at first sight.” I chuckled at his boldness but felt a flutter of curiosity inside. He approached me, asking if he could court me. I was taken aback; his insistence on courting me was met with hesitation. It wasn’t just my own fears but the weight of expectation surrounding us, after all other colleagues admired him, and I felt a twinge of apprehension about stepping into the spotlight of his affections—could I really be the one he genuinely wanted? Despite my hesitations and discouragement, his determination was unwavering. He wanted to show me that he was serious.

Every afternoon, while I wrapped up my work, Marvin would patiently wait outside, even after he finished his shift at 4PM and me at 6PM. He would linger for two hours, just to walk me home. The short distance from our office to my cousin’s house where I lived became our time to connect, even if it was just for a few fleeting moments. Often, he would wait longer than the time we spent walking together, a testament to his commitment. And that opened my eyes. They spoke not just of his intention but of something deeper, a promise, a reflection of his commitment to trying, waiting, and hoping for a chance to know me better.

As I began to see his unwavering determination and genuine intentions, I grew more comfortable with the idea of letting him pursue me. Then I introduced him to my mother, who was immediately taken by his charm. Marvin’s respectful demeanor and kindness won her over, which reassured me that I had made the right choice.

Our adventures were simple, the thrill of “dates” found in the familiar halls of SM, where we curated memories through shared laughter and the warmth of conversations rather than extravagant experiences. It became our special place—our comfort zone—just enjoying playing in the arcade, watching movies and singing along in the karaoke room inside the mall. With Marvin, I realized happiness doesn’t stem from lavish events; it stems from the depth of connection, the joy of understanding that we were building our own narrative, unique and beautiful in its simplicity.

We also attended church services nearby, deepening our bond as we embraced both the excitement of our new love and the tranquility of shared faith. After a few months, we officially became a couple, making our relationship more significant with each date and shared moment.

Our love story is a testament to patience and commitment. As the years rolled on and the novelty of “firsts” faded into the seamless fabric of life together, we grew. Not just as individuals, but as partners weaving the tapestry of our shared existence. As our relationship evolved, so did our understanding of love. It wasn't always a fairy tale. Our journey has been peppered with trials that tested our resolve and moments that made us question our path.  I found solace in prayer, in conversations with God, asking for strength, guidance, and clarity. Somehow, in our darkest moments, we would find rays of light—wisdom that reminded us that love is often stitched together with threads of resilience, respect, and unwavering support. We learned that sometimes, it’s okay to rest and seek guidance in silence. We learned that love isn’t about perfection or living up to others’ expectations; it’s about showing up for each other, learning together, and evolving through the challenges. And in these moments, I realized that love, when nurtured, grows deeper and more profound, often in the quiet spaces in between.

2017 transformed from a simple year into a cherished chapter of our lives, filled with sweet beginnings that blossomed into something truly special—a deep, unwavering love that would set the foundation for our journey together. Our story is about partnership, faith, and the art of growing together, embracing the unknown hand in hand, trusting that wherever the journey leads us, it’s worth every moment.