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In the whirlwind of the COVID pandemic, amidst the scholarly pursuits and the isolation of research labs, a serendipitous love story unfolded at the University of Oxford.

Niki, a determined student from abroad, had ventured to Oxford with a singular focus on her engineering studies. She had no plans for romance, instead envisioning her time as a solo journey of academic exploration.

Christian, a postdoc in AI, shared a similar mindset. He was deeply engrossed in his work, wary of entangling himself with someone who might soon depart for distant shores.

Their unlikely romance began at the Magic Cafe, where discussions on artificial intelligence were punctuated by the clinking of wine glasses and bursts of laughter. Despite their initial reservations, Niki and Christian found themselves drawn to each other, their friendship blossoming amidst the solitude of the lab during the pandemic.

As Niki's time in Oxford stretched on, she received an offer for a PhD in AI, much to Christian's quiet delight. Soon after, Niki asked Christian if he wanted to start a relationship. He confirmed that he did, and their bond deepened as they explored the world together as a couple, from the quaint streets of Germany to the sun-drenched coastlines of Spain.

Their adventures were not without their challenges. A wild road trip down the west coast of the United States tested their patience and resilience, especially when they found themselves stranded in Death Valley during a rare, 1000-year flash flood storm. But together, they laughed in the face of adversity, finding strength in each other's company.

In November 2022, amidst the chaos of Niki's PhD studies, Christian seized a moment to profess his love and ask her to marry him. With tears in her eyes, Niki wholeheartedly accepted, sealing their commitment to each other with a humble and heartfelt "yes."

From Seattle to Bad Homburg, from research papers to wedding plans, Niki and Christian embarked on a journey filled with laughter, love, and the simple joys of companionship. Though they may have started as two solitary souls navigating the complexities of academia, they ended up finding something far greater—a genuine and enduring love that would carry them through life's adventures, both big and small.