CHIARA POV
As I sit at home, I feel a mix of excitement and nerves. Today is the day that Luis's parents will be coming over to discuss our marriage. I can still vividly remember the joy on my parent's face when I first shared the news with them. As I told them that I am getting married to Ximara's father, my mother couldn't help but cry tears of happiness. I can still hear her voice filled with joy when I called them that day.
It's not just my family who is thrilled about the upcoming marriage. My only brother is coming to visit as well, and I couldn't be more grateful. We haven't seen each other in a long time, and I've missed him dearly. The thought of having him here during this important moment in my life brings me even more joy.

Of course, I couldn't keep the news to myself. I immediately reached out to my close friends, Alexa and Sanya, to share the exciting news. During our video call, I couldn't help but chuckle at Sanya's reaction. She had known about Alexa and Xander's relationship, so she was slightly taken aback when I told her about my own upcoming wedding. But she quickly recovered and asked if it was okay, to which I replied with an enthusiastic yes. After all, why shouldn't it be? We're all supportive of each other's relationships.
My thoughts were abruptly halted, interrupted by the sound of the doorbell reverberating throughout the house. Curiosity piqued, I instinctively turned towards the source of the commotion. To my surprise, I saw Luis, my partner, holding our precious daughter, Ximara, in his arms as he made his way towards the front door. Intrigued, I quickly followed suit.
As I approached, the scene before me gradually came into focus. There, standing outside our humble abode, was my own mother and father, accompanied by my brother, alongside Luis' parents. The sight warmed my heart instantly, filling me with a sense of overwhelming joy and anticipation.
"Mom! Dad!" Luis exclaimed with a wide smile, his feet carrying him closer to the gate, his arms cradling our daughter tenderly. I couldn't help but mirror his excitement, my grin stretching across my face as I welcomed my beloved family, as well as Luis' parents, with open arms.
"Oh, Maximo, how I've missed you!" exclaimed the lady, her voice trembling with emotion. Without hesitation, Luis reciprocated the affection, embracing her tightly despite the fact that he still had Ximara nestled against his chest.
The lady's gaze then shifted towards our adorable daughter, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "This is my granddaughter?" she inquired eagerly, her voice tinged with awe and wonder.

Ximara, being the bundle of energy that she is, wasted no time in responding. "Hi, my second grandma!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine enthusiasm and excitement.
Aware of the need to properly introduce our parents to each other, Luis stepped forward. "Ahm.. Mom, Dad, this is Chiara Mia Abella, my beautiful fiancéé," he gestured towards me with pride evident in his voice. I couldn't help but return his affectionate smile, silently conveying my appreciation for his warm introduction.
Turning to my own parents, I felt a surge of love and pride well up within me. "Mommy, Daddy, this is Luis, my fiancé and Ximara's daddy," I introduced Luis with a gentle nod towards him, confident in our mutual love and commitment.
As if on cue, my older brother, Chiaro, took his turn to acknowledge Luis. "Chiaro, Chiara's older brother," he stated, his voice resonating with sincerity as he extended a hand towards Luis, embracing him as a member of our family.

Sensing the need to continue this warm reunion indoors, I suggested, "So, shall we all come inside?" Guided by a collective sense of excitement and happiness, we made our way into the familiar embrace of our home, ready to embark on this new chapter in our lives together.
Inside, the air was filled with a mixture of delicious aromas from a home-cooked meal that had lovingly prepared for this special occasion. The dining table was adorned with elegant decorations, showcasing the celebration that lay before us. As we took our seats, there was a sense of anticipation in the room, a feeling that something significant was about to unfold.
Seated next to Luis, I caught a glimpse of his nervous smile, a stark contrast to his usual confident demeanor. I reached under the table, taking his hand in mine, offering silent words of reassurance and support. Together, we faced our families who were now joined as one, bound by love and shared dreams.
My mother, a woman of grace and warmth, took the lead, standing up to make a toast. Holding her glass high, she looked around at our loved ones with tears glistening in her eyes. "Here's to Luis and Chiara, our beautiful children who have found each other, and to this new chapter in their lives," she said, her voice filled with pride and joy.
As we clinked glasses and took a sip of champagne, the room erupted into laughter and conversation. Stories of our childhood and anecdotes from our respective journeys were shared, weaving a tapestry of memories that would forever be cherished. The sound of our loved ones' voices intertwined, creating a beautiful symphony of love and acceptance.
I glanced at Luis, his eyes dancing with happiness as he engaged in conversation with my father. Their laughter echoed throughout the room, a testament to the deepening bond they were forming. It was a sight that filled my heart with an overwhelming sense of contentment and gratitude.
Amidst the delightful chaos, Chiaro leaned over to whisper in my ear, "I'm so happy for you, Chiara. Luis is a great addition to our family." His genuine words of support touched my heart, and I couldn't help but agree with him wholeheartedly. Luis had indeed become an invaluable part of my life, offering unwavering love and support.
"Chiara, my dear, I can't believe my little girl is getting married," my mother said, her voice filled with emotion. "I'm so happy for you, my daughter," she continued, a warm smile accompanying her words.
My father, a man of few words but great wisdom, nodded in agreement. "You've found yourself a good man, Chiara," he said, his deep voice resonating with support and pride. "We trust that the two of you will build a beautiful life together."
Luis, ever the charmer, graciously accepted their compliments. "Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Abella," he said, his voice laced with genuine appreciation. "I am incredibly blessed to have Chiara by my side, and I promise to take care of her and cherish her forever."
The room filled with warmth, as the conversations flowed seamlessly. Laughter echoed off the walls as we shared stories and memories of our journey as a couple. It was evident that the connection between our families was growing stronger with every passing moment.
Amid the conversation, my daughter Ximara, a beautiful little girl joined us at the table. She sat on Luis's lap, her little hand reaching out to play with his fingers. The sight tugged at my heart, melting away any remaining doubt and confirming the bond that now held us all together.
The room was filled with contentment and love, as we enjoyed the delicious meal together. It felt as though time stood still, allowing us to savor this precious moment. Our hearts were full, brimming with excitement for the future that awaited us.
As we cleared the remaining plates, a sense of unity enveloped us. We knew that our families would always be there for each other, supporting and loving one another through the ups and downs of life. Together, we were embarking on a journey full of love, laughter, and endless possibilities.
The dinner progressed with moments of laughter and moments of quiet reflection. It was a harmonious blend of two families coming together as one, celebrating the love that intertwined us. The night seemed to stretch on indefinitely, a testament to the deep connections that were being forged.
---
As I sat in the room with Luis's mothers, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. Luis, Ximara, and Luis's father were outside while my parents and older brother had already left for home, as they had some unfinished tasks to attend to.
As she looked at me, a smile crossed her face. "You know, I genuinely am delighted that my son is getting married, especially to you, the mother of my granddaughter," she started, trying her best to convey understanding and empathy. "However, I must admit that I feel a sense of sadness knowing that you kept our granddaughter a secret from us. Having said that, please understand that I don't hold you responsible as I am unaware of the reasons behind your choice."
"I'm also happy that you accept as your son's partner, and I apologize that we're only introducing ourselves now, with the wedding so close," I said, wishing to acknowledge the delayed introduction between us.
Her smile widened, and she nodded understandingly. "Don't worry, my dear. I understand that life can be unpredictable sometimes. Besides, what matters most is that you both have found happiness together," she reassured me, her tone softening.
She continued, her voice laced with a hint of protectiveness. "Just promise me one thing, don't hurt my son. I can see the love he has for you in his eyes, and I know he wouldn't dream of hurting you. But if, by any chance, he does cause you pain, rest assured that I will not hesitate to take revenge on your behalf," she declared, raising her fist playfully, causing me to burst out laughing.
Her words and animated gesture somehow put me at ease, allowing me to feel more comfortable in her presence. Her genuine concern for her son's well-being made me appreciate her even more.
Still chuckling, I replied, "I promise you, I would never hurt Luis intentionally. Our love is strong, and we are committed to supporting and caring for each other. You can trust in that."
Changing the subject, she let out a mischievous chuckle. "Your wedding is really next month? Don't you want it sooner? Perhaps next week?" she playfully suggested, her eyes twinkling.
Her lightheartedness caught me off guard, and I couldn't help but laugh even more. "Oh, no! Next month is perfect. We want to make sure everything is organized and well-prepared. Rushing into it might cause unnecessary stress," I explained, my laughter echoing into the walls of the room.
Together, Luis' mother and I shared a moment of genuine laughter and understanding, easing the tension that had been present. In that instant, I knew that together, we could bridge the gap and foster a healthy relationship as we prepared for the joyous union of our families.
As the night drew to a close, we exchanged warm goodbyes, promising to plan future get-togethers. Luis held my hand tightly as we watched her parents depart, feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the unyielding love surrounding us.
As we stood under the starlit night sky, taking a moment to absorb the beauty of the evening, Luis turned to me, his eyes shining with devotion. "Today was beautiful, Chiara," he said softly, "and I'm so grateful to have you by my side."
I smiled, feeling my heart fill with a renewed sense of love and excitement for the journey that lay ahead. As we embraced, we knew that this dinner had marked the beginning of a lifetime of togetherness, shared happiness, and a future filled with love and laughter. And as we walked hand in hand towards our home, we were ready to face whatever came our way, secure in the knowledge that our families would always stand by our side.