In 2014, I got a scholarship to study in Canada.
The scholarship covered my partner, too, so I took my boyfriend with me. Before we left, he’d wanted to marry me, but my father, a wise man, only agreed to a small ceremony and said he didn’t want me to feel pressured. Before we left, he gave us both this advice: he told me not to sacrifice my education or career goals for any relationship, and he reminded my boyfriend of the same.
The next ten years were tough.
I worked, studied, and supported family back home, but we did it! He now has a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, and I’m a data scientist specializing in machine learning.
We’ve built a wonderful life together, but now, suddenly, I’m “too proud” for their son.
I once overheard a WhatsApp message where his aunt’s husband was advising him to “come back home and find a ‘lower’ woman.” Those were his exact words—only he knows what a “lower” woman is supposed to look like.
Right now, I’m typing this from the balcony of our hotel. I can hear my man and his older brother talking. His brother says he’s surprised I didn’t tell them I’m the entire house!
My fiancé is laughing that deep, sexy laugh of his, and I feel so protected. It feels good to know he has my back!
