Ryan and Alexis led parallel lives ever since childhood. They both attended the Armenian Sisters Academy but were several grades apart. Ryan lived around the corner from Alexis's grandparents. For years, they trick-or-treated in the same neighborhood every Halloween, unknowingly sharing the same streets and memories long before their paths crossed. Both were equally ambitious, often making sacrifices in their personal lives in order to further their careers. While Alexis was in her orthopaedic surgery residency, Ryan was perfecting his craft as a home builder.

Years went by, and while Alexis's mother would often prompt her about "the sweet and handsome" guy Ryan from church, she remained focused on her career path. Alexis ultimately returned to Philadelphia after completing her fellowship year in New York City and was settling in to her job as a new attending surgeon. In December 2024, a casual night out with friends changed everything. Alexis happened to mention that her mom was still bugging her about meeting Ryan. That is when Ana, one of Alexis's oldest and dearest friends with whom she had experienced every life milestone, revealed that Ryan was, in fact, her cousin. Ana volunteered to play matchmaker, and the rest, as they say, is history...Much to Alexis's mother's quiet satisfaction - though she has yet to tell her, "I told you so."