The Civil Registry Office was not very crowded that morning. Sheena sat beside Julio, her fingers trembling slightly as she held a folder containing the documents. Julio glanced at her and smiled calmly.

“Nervous?” Julio whispered.

Sheena nodded slightly. “A little. It feels like a dream.”

Julio squeezed her hand tighter. “This is real. I’m here.”

The officer called their names. They stood up together and stepped forward to the desk with mixed emotions. The process went quickly, without excessive words. Signatures were signed, witnesses confirmed, and finally, the sentence was spoken.

“By this declaration, Mr. Julio and Ms. Sheena are officially bound in a lawful marriage.”

Sheena turned to...