Page 94 of My Spanish Love Affair

“You make it sound much more interesting than it actually is. I’m just… not sure people actually care about any of that.”

“They will,” Javier says confidently. “We will give them no choicebutto care. Plus, it’s authentic - and that’s what people respond to.”

“And how would you... highlight this, exactly?” I ask, still cautious.

“Feature stories,” Javier explains smoothly. “Local papers. Perhaps a couple of key interviews. Nothing too invasive, I promise. The goal is simple: to showcase the real you. Have you appreciated for who you are outside of being the girlfriend of Spain’s beloved Santiago Ortiz.”

“I don’t know,” I say, shifting uncomfortably. “It feels a little risky. I don’t want to bring any weird attention to the school, or the kids. They don’t deserve to be scrutinised.”

Javier’s expression softens slightly, and he nods in understanding.

“That’s a valid concern, and one we’ll address. We can keep details about the school vague. No names, no specifics. The focus will be on the programme itself and the broader impact, not on individual students or the school’s identity. Your privacy and theirs will be protected.”

“Are you sure you can do that?” I ask, glancing at Santi for reassurance.

“Yes,” Javier says firmly. “We’ll work with trusted outlets, ones I’ve dealt with for years. This won’t be about sensationalism. It’s about showcasing something meaningful.”

“And if anyone crosses that line?” I press. “If someone digs too deep or tries to twist the narrative?”

“Then we shut it down,” Javier says simply, his tone steady. “You have my word, Olivia. Your boundaries will be respected.”

Santi leans closer, his voice gentle.

“You’re in control, Olivia. This is your story, and you get to decide how much, or how little, you want to share.”

“Okay,” I say finally, my voice steady but cautious. “I’m willingto try, but I want everything about the school and the kids to stay anonymous. I won’t risk their privacy for this.”

“Understood,” Javier says, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “And I think you’ll find that this will be something you’re proud of. We’ll take it one step at a time.”

Santi reaches over and places a hand on mine, his thumb brushing gently against my knuckles.

“You’re going to be amazing,” he says softly.

The warmth in his voice and the steadiness of his gaze make it hard to doubt him.

After a few more clarifications and assurances, the meeting begins to wind down. As we stand to leave, Javier extends his hand towards me.

“I’m glad we had this conversation,” he says sincerely. “You’re everything Santiago said you were, and more.”

“Thank you,” I reply, shaking his hand, my nerves tempered by a small flicker of hope.

As we step out of Javier’s office and head over towards the elevator, I glance at Santi, my thoughts still racing.

“You okay?” he asks.

“I think so,” I say. “It’s just... a lot to process. Although you’d almost think I’d be used to that by now.”

“You’re stronger than you think, you know. And I promise you, I’ll be with you every step of the way.”

I nod, leaning into his side as the elevator doors slide open. It hums softly as we begin our descent, and I can feel the weight of the meeting still hanging in the air.

“You’re quiet,” Santi remarks, his voice low but teasing. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

I smile at him, though it feels a little forced.

“I’m fine, honestly.”

Santi raises an eyebrow, his gaze never leaving me. “If there’s anything you need to know more about - any questions that you have - you know you can talk to me about them, right? Or even Javier. You can go to him at any time.”

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