It was early 2017, and global employees of Facebook (later renamed Meta) were gathered for a week-long training program. On the closing day, Alex Truong, a man from Quebec, Canada, was captivated by a woman speaking fluent French. He introduced himself and learned her name was Kim Long, a Vietnamese national.
The next day, he invited her to breakfast, but Long declined.
"I thought it was strange. People who are just getting to know each other usually go out for dinner, not breakfast," the then-27-year-old woman recounted.
After the event in the US, they returned to their respective lives. Kim Long went back to Singapore, working as a customer service team manager. Alex returned to Canada to continue his work with high-end clients.
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Kim Long has worked at Meta for 10 years, while Alex also has 8 years of experience at the same company. Photo: Provided by the subject |
Kim Long has worked at Meta for 10 years, while Alex also has 8 years of experience at the same company. Photo: Provided by the subject
At the end of 2017, Long was transferred to Europe, working at Facebook's Ireland office. Two months later, Alex also moved to Paris. He texted her: "If you visit Paris, I'll show you around." Kim Long, accustomed to traveling solo, declined once more.
In the following years, both reached the peak of their careers. They both bought their own homes, obtained European citizenship, and traveled the world extensively. But despite all this, success couldn't fill the void of love.
Kim Long had a penchant for "bad boys" with charisma, who knew how to charm women with sweet gestures and smooth talk. But every relationship ended in heartbreak. "After being deceived several times, I realized I couldn't love a bad boy anymore; I had to find someone kind," she said.
For months, Long didn't date anyone. One time, while hanging out with friends, someone filmed her and posted the video online with the caption, "Why is this woman still single?".
The first person to comment was Alex.
It turned out that for the past 7 years, he had been "lurking," waiting for Kim Long. Despite his limited Vietnamese, he diligently interacted with her on social media. Now, knowing she was single, he began his pursuit in earnest.
Kim Long, still hurting and wanting a stable relationship, tested Alex by asking about his values. Although it was during work hours, Alex responded with an "essay as long as a petition," outlining his 7 values and life perspectives.
"For me, independence is crucial. We can rely on each other, but each person should be able to take charge of their own life." "Self-development is essential. It doesn't have to be anything grand, just as long as each year, we see ourselves a little better than before," he wrote.
Reading Alex's "essay," Kim Long realized they had much in common. She agreed to their first date.
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Long and Alex during their honeymoon in Japan in 3/2025. Photo: Provided by the subject |
Long and Alex during their honeymoon in Japan in 3/2025. Photo: Provided by the subject
In 2/2023, Alex flew to Ireland. They had dinner and a few drinks. In the gentle night, Long confessed: "I want to be clear, love means marriage." Alex nodded in agreement.
"So, is there any proof?" she continued. The man unexpectedly knelt down, pulling a blue box from his pocket. The woman was startled. The surrounding people thought they were about to witness a romantic proposal. But inside was a pair of headphones.
They both burst out laughing. Long realized this man was also humorous and playful, just like her.
Officially a couple, they tried to spend time together despite demanding jobs and constant business trips. In the first quarter of 2023, Long had a business trip to Asia, and Alex proactively arranged to accompany her. She arrived in Singapore the day before, and he landed the next day. Knowing she had returned to Vietnam, he adjusted his schedule to fly from Japan to Ho Chi Minh City, before returning to the "Lion City" with her to finish the work week. When not on business trips, every three weeks to a month, he flew from France to Ireland to visit his girlfriend.
"His actions made me understand that when there's mutual affection, no distance or obstacle is insurmountable," Long shared.
While dating, Kim Long learned that Alex was born into a Vietnamese immigrant family, his parents divorced early. He and his two siblings were raised by their aunt. Growing up amidst worries and shortcomings, Alex seemed to struggle with expressing emotions in a conventional way. However, he gave Kim Long a sense of absolute trust. Even when he was on business trips or constantly meeting clients, she never had to worry or doubt.
"If she's angry, I lose all my energy; I can't eat, drink, or do anything," the 38-year-old man shared. "She's the one who determines all my joy and sorrow."
One evening in 7/2024, Alex used the excuse of throwing a party to celebrate Long's transfer back to the Singapore office. When she entered the house, the usually "stoic, robot-like" man had already popped open the champagne. While they were talking, Long suddenly noticed the flashing lights of a camera in the corner of the staircase. Working in risk management, she jumped up in alarm: "This house is being watched! We need to take that camera down."
As she pointed and turned back, she saw Alex kneeling, holding a ring. "Marry me!"
At that moment, Long realized everything. Tears streamed down her face.
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The couple held their wedding ceremony in Vietnam in 3/2025. Photo: Provided by the subject |
The couple held their wedding ceremony in Vietnam in 3/2025. Photo: Provided by the subject
The proposal was orchestrated with the help of Joyce, Long's close Irish friend. Joyce said she had witnessed Long's incredible journey, from a girl born in Vietnam to a global citizen, while still retaining her kind heart, strong will, and inherent humor.
"And then Alex appeared, and I saw a clear change in Kim Long. A new radiance and happiness from within," Joyce shared.
In 3/2025, they held their wedding ceremony. Over 100 guests from 16 countries, including university friends, colleagues at Meta, and relatives from both sides, gathered.
In his speech, Alex called it a "healing wedding" because among those present were some who had left Vietnam half a century ago, and some of Vietnamese descent born abroad who had never set foot in Vietnam. The party was not only a celebration of their union but also an opportunity to connect and heal the voids in their souls, with roots they thought they had forgotten.
With tearful eyes, Kim Long also confessed that she was a strong woman who once believed she could stand alone in the world. But since Alex came into her life, all her rough edges melted away, and she no longer needed to try to fit in with anyone. "You're the one who made me believe in destiny," the bride said.
Phan Duong
