If I could speak to the twenty-one-year-old Amara who first fell in love with Daniel, I would hold her hands and tell her this:
“My dear, you can love someone with your whole heart without giving them the power to decide your worth. You can stand beside someone through difficult times without accepting endless excuses. You can forgive someone without inviting them back into the same place where they once hurt you.
“And if a man promises to marry you someday, remember that your life is happening today. Do not put your dreams, your happiness, and your future on hold indefinitely while waiting for him to make a decision.
“Love him if he deserves your love. Build with him if he is willing to build with you. But never confuse waiting with loyalty when the other person refuses to offer honesty.
“You are allowed to walk away.
“You are allowed to begin again.
