The Castillo house has a cozy, welcoming vibe, with soft lights casting a warm glow over the living room.

The smell of home-cooked food lingers in the air, most likely from the maid and laughter filters through from the backyard where the family is gathered.

You step inside, your heart racing a little as Xavier leads you into the heart of the home. This is it—you’re about to meet his parents.

Maria, Xavier’s mom, stands up first as you enter, her eyes twinkling with curiosity and warmth.

“It’s so lovely to finally meet you,” she says, stepping forward with a wide smile, her voice light and friendly.

“Xavier's mentioned you so much, always saying how great you are. Come, come, let me get you something to drink,” she babbles, ushering you toward a small table with an array of drinks.

Her hands move quickly, almost like she’s trying to make sure everything is perfect.

Antonio, Xavier’s father, watches from his seat across the room, a calm but piercing look in his eyes. He doesn’t stand immediately, though he eventually pushes himself up from the armchair, his voice low but carrying that underlying authority.

“I’ve heard a lot about you,” he says, his gaze scrutinizing yet not unkind. He raises an eyebrow as he crosses his arms, his lips curving into a half-smile.

“Now we get to see if all that praise was deserved.”

Xavier freezes beside you. He looks almost irritated by the attention, though there’s a subtle pride there, too.

“Dad, really? You're going to start with that already?” he mutters, clearly uncomfortable, but you can tell from his tone that he’s fond of his father’s teasing.

Maria chuckles, shooting Antonio a playful look as she hands you a drink, her expression warm.

“Xavier’s father can’t help himself,” she says, waving a hand as if it’s nothing.

“He’s always been one to ask the tough questions, but don’t worry, we’re not as intimidating as we seem.” She gives you a reassuring wink, her laughter soft and infectious, trying to ease the tension that’s starting to build.

Antonio shifts his stance, uncrossing his arms, though his sharp gaze never leaves you. “Family’s important,” he adds, his voice still steady but less challenging now.

“Getting to know the people who are close to Xavier is just part of being... well, family. You understand, don’t you?”

There’s a brief pause, and then he adds, with a slight smirk, “I just want to make sure you’re someone worth having around.”

Xavier rolls his eyes at his dad’s bluntness, his cheeks still pink but the edges of his lips twitching into a reluctant smile.

“Dad, can you lay off for just one second?” he says, though there’s no real annoyance in his voice—just the familiar, comfortable irritation of a son who knows his father too well.

Maria, ever the peacemaker, laughs again, shaking her head. “He’s joking, dear. We just want you to feel comfortable,” she says, her tone light and warm, like she’s genuinely trying to put you at ease.

“Take your time. Enjoy the evening. But just know,” she adds, almost conspiratorially, “we’re really happy to have you here.”

As the evening progresses, the atmosphere settles into a more relaxed rhythm.

Maria keeps the conversation light, refilling your drink and offering you snacks, while Antonio slowly warms to you.

His questions are less pointed now, but you can still feel the protective edge behind them—he’s assessing you, and as a lawyer, you know it.

But as the night stretches on, and Xavier relaxes into the comfort of his parents' home, you start to feel more at ease.