It was mid-September when I invited him to my city. He accepted. My intention was to introduce him to the woman I called "big sister" at the office—someone I deeply trusted. Honestly, I also wanted to send a subtle message: "I'm serious about you, Chris. I see this relationship going toward marriage. Look, I'm introducing you to my work and social circle."
He came to the office, and the introductions began. I had a huge smile on my face as this tall, charismatic man stood in my office being introduced as my boyfriend. What a beautiful feeling it was. After the introductions, we left the office and I took Chris out to eat. We carefully avoided familiar places—no chance of running into anyone we knew.
We had dinner, grabbed coffee at a quiet café, and then I sent him off with warmth. That night, we continued texting until the day ended.
Sundays were my rest days when Chris wasn't around. I usually spent them sleeping, being lazy, just recharging. But Monday came, and I was back at the office. I asked my office "sister" what she thought of Chris.
She said, "Handsome guy… but he's not going to marry you. It's obvious—he's not thinking about marriage."
She was right. Chris had always said he didn't want to get married, that he wasn't interested in that kind of life. Still, I was young. I kept thinking, "Maybe he'll change his mind. Maybe I'm different."
But those "maybes" would soon be tested, wouldn't they, my love Chris