Episode 1: The Unexpected Turn

For most of my life, I had never considered love as a priority. My early years had been consumed by my academic pursuits and building a career that would lead me across the world. I was determined to make a mark in the world of international diplomacy. I had spent years immersed in my postgraduate studies and then my work with the United Nations. These were the things that motivated me, that defined me. They gave my life purpose. The thought of love—let alone marriage—seemed like an afterthought, an unnecessary distraction. I was focused, goal-oriented, and clear on the path I had chosen for myself.
But, as time passed, something began to shift.

I had always traveled—so often, in fact, that I had become accustomed to being alone in foreign countries, surrounded by people I didn’t know, engaging in conversations that felt temporary and fleeting. But despite the bustle, despite the diplomacy, despite all the professional recognition I was receiving, I started to realize something I hadn’t expected. I was lonely. The moments when I could stand still and truly be myself felt sparse. My work, my travels, my accolades—none of it was enough to fill the void I didn’t even know existed. I yearned for something deeper, something more intimate. I wanted a companion, someone to share not just my successes but my quiet moments too.
I met Emmanuel in 2009, in Chad, a country I never thought would play such a pivotal role in my life. He was a kind, grounded man, and we had kept a loose friendship over the years. We didn’t speak often, but when we did, it was easy—comfortable, even. It wasn’t a relationship I ever thought about much, though. I was too busy. Life was demanding, and I had no time for distractions.

Fast forward to 2015. I found myself in Paris, a city that was meant to be a retreat, a break between my commitments. I had planned to spend the weekend with a girlfriend, but at the last minute, she had to cancel. Once again, I was alone. I could have easily drowned myself in the allure of Paris—the museums, the cafes, the endless bustle of the city. But there was something missing. The city felt empty without someone to share it with, without a sense of connection. And then, Emmanuel—now in Po (I didn’t even know how to spell Pau at the time)—reached out. He had mentioned before that he would be around, but I had dismissed the idea of visiting him. I was just passing through, after all. I hadn’t expected this to go anywhere, nor was I looking for anything more than a pleasant chat.

But then, after a moment of reflection, something in me shifted. I thought, why not? It’s just one weekend, one chance to catch up with an old friend. It’s not like I was risking much. I decided to take the leap. I told myself I’d be cautious, keep my distance, and enjoy his company for the weekend. Nothing more.
The weekend was peaceful—pleasant in a way that surprised me. It was easy. We spent time talking, walking, sharing stories from years past. There was no rush, no pressure. We laughed, we connected, and for the first time in a long time, I didn’t feel alone. It was calm. It was beautiful.

On the way to the airport, as I said my goodbyes, Emmanuel, true to his nature, was respectful and kind. He didn’t try to hug me, as if respecting some invisible boundary. It was a gesture that stuck with me, a sign of his modesty, his integrity. And then, as I got into the taxi to head to the airport, I received a message from him: “In another life, possibly.”

I sat there, reading those words over and over. There was something so final, so fatalistic about it. It rattled me, more than I cared to admit. Why did he say that? Was he letting me go? Had I missed something? I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had to do something more, that this was not just a fleeting connection but something deeper that needed to be explored. The message, instead of closing the door, had opened it wider for me, urging me to step forward and see what lay beyond.

And so, I did what I had always done in my life—when faced with uncertainty, I moved forward. I decided to try, to push past the doubts, to explore this unexpected possibility. I didn’t know where it would lead, but I knew one thing for sure: something was shifting in me, and I wasn’t going to let it slip away this time.

That was the moment everything began to change. I was no longer just a diplomat, a traveler, a woman lost in her career. I was starting to become something else—a woman ready to open her heart, to take a chance on love, and to embrace the unexpected turns life had in store for me. And little did I know, that was just the beginning of a much bigger journey ahead.