The afternoon progressed with animated conversations in the living room of the Lancaster ancestral home. Mariana and Lara excitedly discussed details of the dress, while Matthew's grandparents and parents made suggestions about possible locations for the ceremony. Emily, although involved, observed everything with a certain caution. She knew that the grandeur of the Lancaster family could be both a gift and a responsibility.
It was during a pause in the conversation that Matthew spoke, his expression serious but still affectionate.
"I've been thinking about something important about our wedding," he began, drawing everyone's attention. He held Emily's hand, who looked at him curiously. "I believe we should consider doing something less extravagant and, if possible, more discreet."
The room was silent for a moment. Mariana frowned, while Lara seemed about to question, but restrained herself.
"Why do you think that, son?" Diego asked, crossing his arms.
Matthew took a deep breath, his eyes fixed on Emily, who now looked tense.
"Emily has a budding artistic career. She is beginning to gain recognition as an actress and singer. Marrying into our family, especially in a grand way, could bring negative and unwanted attention. People might question her motivations or, worse, insinuate that she is trying to climb the social ladder because of me."
Emily opened her mouth to protest, but Matthew interrupted her with a reassuring smile.
"I know you are incredibly talented, Emily, and you don't need anyone to prove it. But the public and the media are cruel, especially to female artists. I don't want our love to be turned into sensationalist headlines or for it to complicate your professional career."
Mariana, who had seemed upset before, relaxed when she heard the explanation.
"You're right," she said, sighing. "The media loves to make a scandal out of everything. And Emily, you're already so talented. It wouldn't be fair to put you under that kind of pressure."
"But... a simple wedding doesn't mean it's any less special, right?" Lara asked, clearly disappointed at the idea of not being able to plan something extravagant.
Emily, who had been taking it all in, finally spoke up.
"I really appreciate what you're saying, Matthew. And you're right... My career is still fragile. But at the same time, I don't want to hide our love. If it's to be discreet, that's fine. But I want it to be meaningful. Something that celebrates who we are, not what people expect of us."
Matthew's grandparents smiled, clearly impressed by Emily's maturity. Elisa, her grandmother, was the first to speak.
"You're a wise woman, my dear. And Matthew is right to protect you. But remember, this is your moment. Do it however you see fit."
Diego nodded. "I agree. An intimate wedding can be even more memorable. We can choose a place away from the public eye. Maybe a private destination, just for family and close friends."
Mariana, although reluctant, also agreed. "That makes sense. We can avoid the press and keep everything within our circle."
Emily relaxed, feeling more supported.
"Thank you, really. I want it to be a special day, but I want it to represent who we are, not what others think we should be."
Matthew squeezed her hand affectionately. "That's it then. Let's plan something that's perfect for us."
The conversation continued in a lighter tone, with suggestions of locations and ideas for an intimate ceremony. Lara, still excited, suggested a small flower garden, while Elisa mentioned a remote villa that the Lancaster family owned in the Italian countryside. Emily, touched by everyone's affection and understanding, felt that she was being accepted not only as Matthew's future wife, but as part of that family.
At bedtime, Matthew and Emily went to the bedroom, and while she was changing her clothes, he hugged her from behind, gently kissing her shoulder.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
Emily turned to face him, her eyes shining. "I'm more than okay. Knowing that you thought about this, about how to protect my career and our love... it means the world to me."
Matthew smiled, caressing her face. "I would do anything for you, Emily. This is just the beginning of what we will build together."
The two lay side by side, and while Matthew quickly fell asleep, Emily lay awake, thinking about the future. Despite her worries, she knew that with him by her side, any challenge could be overcome.
But, as she stared at the ceiling, a slight uneasiness touched her. Something in the back of her mind told her that not everything would be that simple. The media was relentless, and the world Matthew belonged to was full of watchful eyes.
Would it be possible to live that love to the fullest without it being corroded by external expectations? Or would that discreet wedding be just the beginning of a long battle against the pressures that were to come?
The next morning, the sun entered through the large windows of the room, illuminating Emily's face as she woke up. Still drowsy, she felt Matthew's arms around her waist, holding her gently, as if he wanted to enjoy every second of that moment.
"Good morning, my future Mrs. Lancaster," Matthew murmured, his voice hoarse from sleep but full of affection.
Emily laughed softly, turning to face him.
"Good morning, my almost husband. Are you ready to make this official?"
Matthew smiled, his gaze full of tenderness.
"I was born ready for this. We will register our marriage today. I can't wait to call you my wife, legally and from my heart."
After a quick breakfast prepared by Lara and many warm goodbyes to the family, the couple left for the city registry office. Matthew, always elegant, wore a light gray suit that highlighted his imposing posture, while Emily opted for a simple summer dress with floral prints that highlighted her natural beauty.
On the way, Matthew drove with a calm expression, while Emily stared out the window, her thoughts flying.
"It seems surreal, doesn't it?" she commented, looking at him. "We're about to become husband and wife... for real."
"It's more than surreal, Emily. It's perfect. I've waited my whole life for someone like you," he replied, holding her hand as he guided the car through the streets.
They arrived at the building that housed the registry office, an old but charming building, with an architecture that mixed modern and classic. Inside, the environment was organized and quiet, with people coming and going to resolve issues in their lives.
At the service desk, an employee, upon recognizing Matthew, gave a friendly but discreet smile. "Mr. Lancaster, how can I help you today?"
Matthew responded with his usual politeness. "We're here to register our marriage."
The employee looked at Emily, noticing her simplicity and beauty, and smiled.
"Ah, congratulations to the couple. Please follow me."
They were led to a private room where they filled out the necessary paperwork. Emily, although confident, felt a little nervous as she signed the documents. The weight of the moment was finally sinking in.
"Any questions or comments before we complete the registration?" the clerk asked, looking at them both.
Matthew took Emily's hand and answered firmly.
"None. We are ready to start our life together."
With the final signature, the clerk formally announced:
"Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Lancaster. You are officially married."
Emily couldn't contain her excitement and let out a nervous laugh, her eyes filling with tears of happiness. Matthew pulled her into a hug, kissing her forehead.
"You are now my wife, officially," he said, with a smile that made her heart race.
Emily laughed, wiping away her tears.
"And you're my husband. It feels like we're living a dream, Matthew."
"It's not a dream. It's our reality, and I'm going to do everything I can to make it perfect for you."
On the way out of the registry office, they decided to take a stroll around the city before heading back to their ancestral home. They stopped at a charming café in the center, where they talked about their future plans, laughing and enjoying each other's company.
Matthew, always worried about Emily, asked, "How do you feel now that we're officially married?"
She held his hand across the table, her gaze full of love, "I feel... complete. But at the same time, anxious. I know the future may be complicated, but as long as we're together, I know we can face anything."
Matthew smiled, kissing her hand.
"We'll always be together, Emily. That I promise."
As they walked back to the car, hand in hand, Emily felt her heart lighten. Even knowing the challenges that could come, the media, the differences between their worlds, and the expectations of both families, she knew that she had found in Matthew not only a husband, but a life partner.