As the evening progresses, the room begins to fill with murmurs of excitement, laughter, and polite conversation. The clinking of wine glasses echoes, and waiters glide between guests, offering hors d'oeuvres and champagne. Christian and Marilena exchange a few glances, the weight of the moment lingering in the air between them.
Marilena turns to Christian, breaking the silence as she surveys the scene. "We'll start with the speeches," she explains, her voice steady but a little weary. "Then there'll be a dinner, and everyone will talk about how generous they've been. A little bit of wine and the usual political talk. You know, the things people say when they want to make sure they're seen in the right light."
