To the one I'm spending my lifetime with,

How did I know that you're the one?

I have loved you since the day I thought of saying yes to a romantic relationship with you. I have loved you from the moment I started thinking when and how should I confirm that I am indeed letting you in my life. I have loved you at the height of a global pandemic, when the world is filled with the unknown.

You often told me during our me-before-you talks that it was nice to dig deeper on the woman I was and I've become through the years. You said that I earned more of your respect and love, and that the mere thought of being your wife always warms your heart.

Unpacking further on our past, we entertained the idea of what could have been. You'd pursue me in high school if I stayed. We'd be a couple attending different schools in college. You'd accompany me job hunting after graduation and vice-versa. We'd go on dates after you fetch me from work, and so on.

You were curious that if things turned out differently, would you stand a chance on the previous me? Definitely.

I would have loved being your prom date at 15, the one you gaze at as you sing your heart out on stage. I would have liked spending time with you at 18, walking 2kms everyday so that we could meet after our classes. I would have enjoyed watching your gigs at 20, screaming on top of my lungs to show my support both as a fan and as your girlfriend. I would have held your hand at 22, earnestly praying that you'd take it one step at a time to move forward from your loss. That in your highs and lows at whatever point in your life, I would have strived to stay.

Because as much as I can imagine having you with me in the past, the more I appreciate being with you in the present and God-willing, in the future. That's how I've known you are the one, hon.