My parents had high hopes for me to attend university, but I wasn’t sure what I wanted in life. Instead of registering, I used the fees they gave me to rent a cozy place so my girlfriend, Baaba, and I could live together. My friends thought it was crazy; they didn’t like her and thought I was making a mistake, but I was in love. I even paid her tuition and covered her dressmaking course fees, helping her family when they needed it.

Baaba, though, barely appreciated my efforts. She often picked fights, and it stung. Then one day, my friend Ebow called, sounding serious. “Are you free to talk now?” he asked. I said yes, and he replied, “Baaba brings a guy to the hostel whenever you’re not around. We warned you about her.” Although I doubted him, I decided to spy on her to be sure.

It only took a day—there she was, entering the hostel with another guy. Furious, I confronted them, and it turned into a bitter argument. But, somehow, she turned it on me, making me feel guilty, and I ended up apologizing for catching her cheating on me.

Despite my embarrassment and bruised ego, I stayed. As the months went by, I thought we were in a good place; that was until I heard an audio recording of her telling someone else how bad I was in bed, she was justifying why she was doing it with someone else. My friends laughed, and my self-esteem took a huge hit. Heartbroken, I walked out of the relationship, but I couldn’t get over her. When she finally came back asking for money, I forgave her and got back together with her.

On Valentine’s Day, I went all out. I sent her a hamper with chocolates, champagne, and more, planning to surprise her that evening. When I arrived, I found the locks changed. I knocked, and she shouted, “Who’s there?” I stayed silent, wanting her to open up and surprise her. Then, I heard a male voice inside, saying, “Just open it.” My heart sank. I knocked again until she opened the door, and there she was with the same guy she cheated on me with, enjoying the Valentine’s hamper I had sent.

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This was the first time she actually begged me not to make a scene. I was angry—at her, yes, but mostly at myself for still loving her. She ended things with the other guy and came back to me. I forgave her again, and since then, things have been…better. Eventually, my parents found out I wasn’t going to school, and they flew me out of the country. But distance hasn’t come between Baaba and me; our relationship has only strengthened. I even helped her open her own shop.

Yes, she’s cheated, and yes, my friends call me crazy. But I still love her, and the devil you know is better than the angel you don’t know. I’m determined to make her mine, to marry her, and build a future with her.