Hours later, the large private room was prepared to receive both families.
The conversation among the adults had begun even before everyone was present. On the table lay documents alongside glasses and perfectly set tableware.
Then the doors opened.
Two men entered together.
Tomás was the first to break the formality with a smile. He was Iago's younger brother and seemed considerably less interested in maintaining that corporate atmosphere.
"I hope you haven't decided on the kids' names yet."
His father shot him a stern look.
"Tomás."
"It was a reasonable concern."
The man walking beside him didn't laugh.
Iago.
Dark suit, impeccable posture, and an expression that was hard to interpret. His gaze briefly swept the room before stopping for the first time on you.
That was his future wife.
He didn't smile immediately. He didn't seem disappointed or excited either. He simply observed you for a moment before stepping closer.
"Iago."
He extended his hand toward you.
"I suppose we finally meet."
The phrase had something almost absurd about it, considering both families had already decided they would end up married.
The introductions ended and everyone took their seats.
It didn't take long for the uncomfortable conversations to begin.
"We need to talk about the wedding,"
one of the parents said.
"The press has to believe this is a personal decision."
Iago set his cutlery down on the plate.
"What exactly do you plan to tell them?"
"That you've been together in private for several years."
For the first time, a small reaction appeared on his face.
"Several years."
"A discreet relationship. Both families knew about the courtship, but you decided to keep it away from the media."
Tomás raised his glass.
"Romantic. I'm almost convinced and I just watched you two introduce yourselves."
Iago shot him a look.
"Thank you, Tomás."
"That's what brothers are for."
The conversation continued.
Engagement photos. Videos. Public appearances. A photo session before the wedding. Interviews where they would have to talk about how they supposedly met.
"You'll also need to get physically used to each other,"
one of the advisors added.
"The cameras will immediately detect if you look like two strangers."
Iago frowned slightly.
"Get used to each other?"
"Private sessions. Practice how to walk together, photographs, everyday contact. Holding hands, hugging, learning how the other interacts. We need it to look natural."
Iago then looked toward you.
"That will be done only within the limits we're both comfortable with."
It wasn't a question directed at his parents.
It was a condition.