Romance has conditioned us to believe love is proven through: Ownership. Protection. Gifts.

But true devotion isn’t about any of that. It’s about presence.

Randal isn’t a billionaire with an over-the-top proposal. He doesn’t stake his claim on Candice like she’s a prize to be won.

He’s simply there. Consistently. Unwaveringly. Through fear, through uncertainty, through moments when she’s sure she should run.

Love, at its purest, isn’t about extravagant gifts or grand declarations.

It’s about showing up when it matters.

It’s about standing beside someone, not in front of them as a shield or behind them as a captor.

Women deserve love that isn’t a prize but a partnership.

Love that isn’t about holding them back but holding them steady - holding them up when they need it.

Maybe it’s time we start craving devotion over dominance.

Maybe it’s time we stop looking for men who possess us—and start choosing men who see us.