29/06/2025
More Than This
Derrick was 26ācharismatic, ambitious, and always chasing the next big thing. His charm had gotten him through life smoother than most, and lately, it had gotten him close to Amara.
Amara was 24āgraceful, intelligent, and steady. She didnāt fall easily, but something about Derrickās confidence, the way he looked at her like she was magic, made her heart soften.
They'd been dating for six months. Dinners, movies, long drives, and whispered conversations late into the night. And with each passing week, Derrick grew more forward.
āCome on, baby,ā he said one night as they sat on her couch. āYou know how I feel about you.ā
She pulled back gently, her eyes searching his. āI know. But I also know what Iām waiting for.ā
He frowned, not harshly, but confused. āYouāre saying we need to be married first? Still?ā
āYes,ā she said softly. āNot because Iām old-fashioned. But because I want more than just momentsāI want commitment. Security. I want to know Iām not just someone you want in your bed, but someone you want in your life.ā
Derrick leaned back, exhaling. āAmara⦠marriage is serious.ā
āSo is giving myself to someone,ā she replied. āItās not just physical to me. Itās spiritual. Emotional. If weāre serious, why not build the foundation?ā
He was quiet.
The truth was, he liked herāmore than he thought he would. But he was used to relationships that didnāt ask much of him. And Amara⦠she asked for something deeper. Something lasting.
Weeks passed. Derrick tried to distance himself, convinced he wasnāt ready. But her absence made him restless. Her standards, her strengthāthatās what had drawn him in. She didnāt need him, but she had chosen him. And he was beginning to realize how rare that was.
One evening, he showed up at her door, not unannounced, but unguarded.
āIāve been thinking,ā he said. āAbout what you said. About marriage, about love.ā
She stood still, waiting.
āIāve always wanted the feeling without the responsibility. But now I see⦠the real thing doesnāt work that way.ā
She blinked, unsure.
āI donāt just want to be your boyfriend,ā he said. āI want to be your partner. Your husband. I want to grow into the man you believe I can be.ā
Tears welled up in her eyes, but she smiled. āThen letās build it. Together.ā
He reached for her handāno pressure this time. Just love, pure and simple. And for the first time, Amara let herself imagine a forever that didnāt feel like a fantasy.