A long journey it's been, for the both of us, especially for me. A young girl I'd been with, the will to survive in this life and make something of myself, I'm here now as a young woman, having grown within marriage.
I was so young and probably naive but I still stood strong, for I'd been an observer and an independent person.
Losing my mother was the hardest hit I'd got and at some point, I'd thought I'd lose focus and purpose, but then he showed up. Keith came along and gave me purpose, he gave me a reason to start living and being focused, even if my focus was on him.
The age difference didn't matter to me, and even if I entered into this marriage alone, with no support or family, I still did it independently.
My wait for him was not intentional at first, I found myself invested more in the marriage without realizing, and when I'd really opened my eyes to the truth, the truth was that I'd fallen in love.
I'd fallen for a man who didn't even acknowledge me, a man who was drowning in his own misery, a man who's life revolved around work and so much anger bubbled within him.
Keith Salvatore was confused for most of the time, having lost direction once his own mother passed. There's just something about losing a loved one, especially a mother.
A mother could never be replaced, they have their own sense of mark in your life, for they've given you life and created a forever bond, that neither man nor scientist could ever describe. A mother is a nurturer, provider and your safe haven.
So when he lost his mother, I'd understood him, I understood his pain and the emotions one's heart can consume. When they don't have anything to say, they express.
I had to watch him crumble and lose himself, a grown man at his feet and being a little boy once again.
He pushed everyone away and never spoke much, he drowned himself into alcohol and was a brooding silent man. You never knew what to expect from him, whether he'd snap or just stay silent on you.
Once a few months passed and he seemed to snap out of his funk, though he was still hurting, he seemed to return to his old self. This time burying himself in work.
I made sure to keep out of his way, to give him space and still care for him, watching over him without crowding him. My schedule, my day revolved around him till it became second nature, to wait for him every night and continue on how it was, when he'd return. I never tired from caring for him and I found a peace of mind when he ate, when he got enough rest or even said hi to me.
It was when I was hit with the news of him finding someone new, that I got a reaction from myself. My routine, my everything was messed up and I had no grasp over anything.
Emotions spiralled out of control, yet I made sure to never show any effect, I didn't want to hold him back. I suffered alone in my misery but still kept a smile on my face, never wanting him to think otherwise .
I'd been in waiting, hoping that he'd reciprocate my love, only to be served divorce papers. I was so in love and blindly believed my love would be received.
I left, wanting to make things easier for myself, wanting for my heart to heal but of course it seemed fate, always brought us back together.
Looking back now, the man just couldn't stay away from me and I couldn't too. Our lives just seemed impossible without each other in it.
So much stood in our way to happiness. From misunderstandings to almost losing our lives.
A hard journey indeed.
Now look at us, we were happy and in love. I couldn't be more happier.
" Are you ready?" Joey asks me as we head to the building.
" I'm nervous."
" As expected but the time has finally come." He tells me.
"The time has finally come." I agree, nodding.
I had just gotten home from registering at a private institution, I would be studying English literature, I've decided.
It was just right for me, I loved to read and always had something to say about each book I'd read. I wanted to learn more and English Lit was right for me.
He'd called and asked me to come, today was the day Keith would be awarded for the business man of the year award.
He wasn't even available to receive it because we'd been on our honeymoon. It was then organized for him to receive it, a business conference was taking place and the most influential people would be present.
I was more then nervous, for Keith wanted me present, he wanted me there to share this beautiful moment with him.
I told him I'd be there, like always.
We made it in and Joe led me to where we were supposed to be. People were moving all around , all busy and minding their own business.
Some gave me curious looks , probably wondering who I was and why I was showing up so late in the day.
I kept my head down and minded my step, following closely behind him.
When we made it to the back, the room full of people visible, that's when it hit me. Soon I wouldn't be at the back but in front, possibly beside him.
I didn't even know if I was ready for this but I knew that with Keith, I felt safe and nothing else really mattered.
I was quite shy around a crowd and we've all established that. Now the public would be in the know of our lives, whether we invited them or not, they would make a way to be present.
Keith and I had talked through this, him preparing me of what was to come once I was in the public eye. I just hoped I wouldn't embarrass him.
I wasn't even prepared, I was truly dressed for the day and I didn't even know if I was dressed right for the occasion.
Gosh what am I saying, I'm not.

"Come on." Joey told me, leading me to the right door, where I would be closer to the stage.
Joey spoke to someone, who was close by and they let us through a small passage way, until we reached the bottom of a small stairway, that led to the stage.
We stood beside each other, waiting.
That's when it happened, Keith's name was called.
My heart jumped, seeing him come up the stairway in his maroon suit and bow tie.
He looked so handsome and was ready to receive his award.
I listened intently with a smile, as he said his speech. He looked so powerful, so proud and held his composure.
He spoke so well and his voice held authority. Watching from the screen, the camera showed us some of the audience, they looked attentive and were listening to each word said.
Glancing away from the TV screen, I looked back at my husband, who stole a glance my way, he had a straight face on, but his eyes smiled at me.
I shyly waved at him, now believing that was it.
Just when I released a breathe about to take a step back, his next words had me stopping in place.
"This moment wouldn't feel right, without mentioning the reason behind my success, my wife."
Oh Lord....
I could now see everyone's anticipation, a few eyes glancing around curiously and being caught on camera.
"Many may not have known but I'm a proud and happy married man, my success is owed to this beautiful human being." He glances at me, his gaze lingering to me.
" I know I've kept her hidden from the world and with good reason, maybe I wanted her all to myself." People laugh at that.
I blush, looking down at my feet.
" But today that's about to change , for the whole world needs to know my number one lady in my life, my only..... "
He leaves the podium and comes over to where I am, holding out his hand for me to take.
"Come on Angel, it's time."
I bite at my bottom lip as I place my small hand on his. I'm guided up the small steps.
My heart hammers against my chest, nerves shooting in every which way but I keep my eyes on him.
He guides me to the stage, making sure I'm close to his side, his arm goes around my waist and we make the rest of the way to the podium.
He kisses my temple, murmuring it's okay against my hair.
I take a breath and take my first real look at everyone.
Keith steps aside, removing his arm from around me, but his hand coming back to hold my own.
His gold trophy is seated on the podium.
He glances at me and that's when the first real smile takes over his face, giving everyone a glimpse of his true emotions, that Keith Salvatore is happy and satisfied in his life.
"It is my honour to introduce to everyone, the world even, my wife, my Angel, my everything..
Akiandra Salvatore."
I look at him, seeing all the love, only reserved for me.
Suddenly there's claps all around the room, camera flashes and clicks go wild and I, well I'm speechless yet calm.
The first smile in the public as Mrs Keith Salvatore makes its way onto my face.
No more being hidden but I'm out in the open.
He's proud of me being his wife.
And he loves me.
I stand in front of a crowd, proud to be Akiandra Thompson Salvatore.
The end.