May 22nd, 2015 — Los Angeles International Airport
The wheels of the private jet screeched gently against the tarmac as the plane touched down at LAX. Inside the cabin, Adriano stirred awake from a shallow nap, eyes still heavy with jet lag.
He stretched his legs out and glanced across the aisle. Kate sat upright, applying a quick touch of lipstick using her phone screen as a mirror. She didn't look tired at all—just focused, collected, and already in red carpet mode.
"You sure you're not secretly solar-powered?" Adriano mumbled, rubbing his eyes. "Because I swear you recharge in sunlight."
Kate glanced at him and smirked. "I had two espressos while you were drooling against the window. I'm practically vibrating."
"Fantastic," he muttered, sitting upright. "I'm about to walk into a media storm looking like I just crawled out of a laundry basket."
"You'll be fine," she said, leaning over to adjust his collar. "Just remember the basics—smile, don't say anything that gets quoted for the wrong reasons, and pretend you know what you're doing."
He raised an eyebrow. "That last part is literally my entire football career."
She grinned. "Exactly. You're already a pro."
As the door opened and the warm California air spilled into the cabin, Kate's assistant popped her head in. "We've got press outside. TMZ, Entertainment Tonight, E!, some sports outlets. Just walk straight to the Marvel car—they'll handle the rest. Oh, and sunglasses on."
Kate slipped on a pair of black designer shades, then handed Adriano his.
"Ready to conquer Hollywood, my King?" she said playfully.
"Let's go meet our subjects," he replied with mock regality.
The second they descended the stairs, the flash of cameras hit like a wall. Reporters pushed forward from behind barricades, microphones and phones held aloft, voices overlapping.
"Adriano! Are the wedding plans already in motion?"
"Kate! Are you excited for the Age of Ultron premiere tomorrow?"
"Adriano, are you appearing in the Marvel campaign?"
"Kate! What are you wearing on the red carpet?"
"Will we see Adriano on-screen next to Iron Man?!"
"Kate, what is it like being engaged to the footballer of the year?"
Adriano squinted through the barrage, sunglasses doing little to shield him from the chaos. He leaned toward Kate as they walked briskly toward the black SUV waiting near the terminal.
"Is it too late to pretend I'm someone else?"
Kate laughed without breaking stride. "Not when you proposed in front of 90,000 people, no."
He turned to the crowd, raising one hand in a royal wave. "Hello, loyal citizens! Yes, we are now officially Hollywood royalty."
Laughter rippled through some of the reporters, and camera shutters clicked even faster.
Kate rolled her eyes, still smiling as she answered a question about her film. "Yes, the premiere is on 28th. Yes, it's going to be big. No, I'm not giving away spoilers—even to him."
Adriano played along, pretending to sulk. "I still don't know if Ultron wins."
"Maybe he does," she teased. "You'll find out with everyone else."
A reporter on Adriano's side leaned forward. "Any truth to the rumor you'll be joining Kate for promotional interviews?"
He chuckled. "You want a guy who kicks balls for a living to comment on AI robots and flying cities? I'll pass."
"But you'll be on the red carpet?"
Adriano exchanged a glance with Kate. "Wouldn't miss it. I've been told my suit will 'break the internet,' whatever that means."
Kate added quickly, "He just means he's got new shoes."
"Golden soles," Adriano added proudly. "Very superhero of me."
More laughter. More flashes.
"Kate! Is Adriano your lucky charm?" another voice called.
She paused, just for a moment, and looked at him with a smile before answering. "He's a lot of things. Lucky charm's just one of them."
That answer sparked a fresh storm of questions. Some went " Awww , they look perfect together."
One reporter tried shouting over the others. "Have you two set a wedding date yet?"
Kate waved politely but didn't reply.
Adriano grinned, lowering his sunglasses slightly to reveal his eyes. "Let's just say... we're still auditioning venues."
"You mean castles?" someone shouted from the back.
Adriano looked back, winked. "Wouldn't not consider it."
They finally reached the SUV. A Marvel Studios handler stood by the door, ushering them in quickly. The doors shut, muffling the chaos outside to a distant hum. The car pulled away from the curb and eased into LA traffic.
Adriano leaned back, exhaling loudly. "I feel like I just got tackled by thirty journalists."
Kate pulled off her sunglasses and gave him a side glance. "That was a tackle. It just didn't come with cleats."
"You know what's wild?" he said, glancing out the window. "7 days ago I was on a football pitch in Berlin. Today I'm being asked if I'm the new Avenger."
She laughed. "You do have the abs for it."
He narrowed his eyes. "Please, I'm at least a sidekick."
Kate rested her head on his shoulder. "Well, sidekick, you've got a full day ahead tomorrow. Red carpet walk, press photos, premiere. You good?"
"Yeah," he said, quietly. "This is your world. I just visit."
She looked up. "And I like that you visit. You handle it better than most people who live here."
He glanced at her, amused. "Is that your way of saying I'm not a complete embarrassment?"
Kate smiled softly. "I'm saying you make it fun."
They drove on in silence for a few minutes, the skyline of LA slowly coming into view. Billboards for Age of Ultron loomed over the freeway, larger than life—Iron Man, Thor, Black Widow, and of course Scarlett Witch.
Adriano's face wasn't among them, but the idea that people were asking if he should be was surreal enough.
"You ever imagine this when you were a kid?" he asked suddenly.
Kate raised a brow. "What, movie posters and press junkets?"
"No," he said. "You. Me. Doing all this together."
She reached out and took his hand, giving it a light squeeze. "I didn't know what I imagined. But this feels right."
He looked at her, thoughtful. "Even with the shouting and flashing lights?"
"Especially with them," she said with a grin. "Because you make the in-between parts worth it."
He nodded slowly, still holding her hand as the SUV glided through the LA traffic. The next day would be loud, chaotic, full of lights, interviews, and noise. But for now, they had the car, the quiet, and each other.
And that, Adriano thought, was the best kind of scene.
*****
May 22nd, 2015 – Los Angeles, The Four Seasons Hotel
The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime as Adriano and Kate stepped out onto the top floor. A concierge walked ahead of them, unlocking the door to the presidential suite and swinging it open with a practiced gesture.
"Welcome to your suite, Mr. Riveiro, Miss Upton," he said politely. "Marvel's PR team is waiting for you in the lounge area. They said it would only take fifteen minutes."
Kate gave a courteous nod while Adriano walked in, eyes darting around the expansive suite. The living room was sprawling—floor-to-ceiling windows offering a full view of Beverly Hills below, a fruit basket sat untouched on the coffee table, and crisp folders were stacked neatly next to a tray of mineral water.
Adriano dropped his duffle onto the couch and muttered under his breath, "This room's bigger than my apartment in Málaga."
Kate chuckled and tossed her sunglasses onto the counter. "Well, welcome to Hollywood. Everything's inflated—prices, egos, even fruit bowls."
He glanced at the neatly arranged apples and grapes. "I think this one's just for looking."
A moment later, two men and a woman, all dressed in sleek, dark blazers with Marvel name tags clipped to their collars, stood up to greet them. One of them—Paul, a senior promotions coordinator—stepped forward with a smile that was polished enough to sell an air conditioner in the Arctic.
"Kate, Adriano—thanks so much for making time. We'll keep this quick, I promise," Paul said. "First off, congratulations to both of you. The engagement's already trending."
"Thank you," Kate said smoothly, slipping onto the couch as Adriano joined her. "But I assume this isn't just a social call."
Paul chuckled. "Right. So, we're finalizing promotional details for Age of Ultron this weekend. As you know, Kate, we've got the red carpet, morning shows, fan events. What we were hoping to discuss today was—well—Adriano's involvement."
Adriano blinked. "My involvement?"
Kate immediately sat up straighter. "Wait. You said we'd be reviewing the press schedule—not adding people to it."
Paul raised his hands calmly. "Of course, of course. It's entirely optional. But the buzz around you two is huge right now. After the Champions League final, the proposal, now this premiere—it's like a real-life fairytale. Our idea was simple: have Adriano tag along, join a few photo ops, sign some stuff. Just presence, really."
Kate frowned slightly. "He's not here to work. He just finished a brutal season. He's here to rest—and support me."
"I get it," Paul said quickly, glancing at his colleagues. "Really, we do. It's just... he wouldn't have to do much. A couple of short appearances, stand beside Kate during red carpet interviews, smile for the cameras. The fans would go nuts. It boosts our reach and shows support for your relationship. Win-win."
Adriano turned his head toward Kate. "It's okay."
She raised a brow. "No, you don't have to say that just to be polite—"
"I'm not," he said gently. "If they need a few pictures and a soundbite, I can manage that. I came here to support you anyway. If this helps you, then I'm in."
Kate looked at him, her face softening. "Are you sure? You haven't had a single real break since the season started."
Adriano smiled, that familiar calm in his eyes. "A few days of walking around in a suit and pretending to care about superheroes? I think I'll survive."
Kate laughed under her breath and leaned in, wrapping her arms around him. "You are the most wonderful fiancé."
He held her close. "You're always there for me. Always. This one's your moment—I want to be here for it."
The Marvel team watched the exchange with polite smiles, trying not to look too pleased but clearly breathing a collective sigh of relief.
"Well, that's fantastic," Paul said, nodding at his assistant. "We've actually prepared a light contract just in case. Nothing intense—just legal clearance and compensation."
Kate pulled back slightly, amused. "Compensation?"
The assistant handed over a folder. "One million dollars. Covers appearances, usage rights, basic promotional involvement through the weekend."
Adriano blinked. "For standing next to Kate and saying hello?"
Paul chuckled. "It's not just that. You're a global athlete. You bring another dimension to this release. Sports fans, international media—it's all part of the Marvel machine."
Adriano exchanged another look with Kate, and she smiled wryly. "You might actually be the highest-paid non-actor in this movie."
"Guess I finally got that Marvel deal," he joked, flipping through the pages before scribbling his signature at the bottom. "Do I get a cape?"
"No capes," Kate said firmly channeling her inner Edna. "You'd trip."
The Marvel team stood and began gathering their things. "We'll have the car pick you both up tomorrow at 3 PM. You'll walk the carpet together, Kate, and Adriano will do a short fan greeting after your press interviews. Very relaxed."
"Sounds good," Adriano said, rising to his feet and shaking their hands.
"Thank you both," Paul added sincerely. "This is going to make the weekend even bigger."
Once the door closed and the suite returned to quiet, Kate flopped back onto the couch with a sigh. Adriano tossed the folder aside and loosened the top button of his shirt.
"Well," he said. "How did I do as your publicist?"
Kate didn't answer immediately. Instead, she stood, crossed the space between them, and climbed onto his lap, straddling him with practiced ease. Her hands slid around his shoulders, her fingers brushing the back of his neck.
"You did perfect," she whispered, leaning in. "Thank you."
Adriano wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her firmly. She kissed him—slow, lingering—then rested her forehead against his.
"I know you'd rather be anywhere else than in front of flashing cameras," she said softly. "But the fact that you're doing it with me, for me… it means everything."
"You've always been there," he murmured, his voice quiet and warm. "Every match. Every trip. You never made me feel like I was doing this alone. So if this is your big moment, then I want to be in it too. Right beside you."
She kissed him again, smiling against his lips.
"I love you," she whispered.
"I love you more," he replied.
The LA skyline shimmered through the window behind them, the sun beginning to dip into golden hour. In that quiet suite—above the noise and glitter of Hollywood—they held each other close, knowing that in the middle of red carpets, headlines, and flashing lights, this was the only moment that really mattered.
*****
For the next four days, the city of Los Angeles felt like the center of the entertainment universe. Billboards of Age of Ultron loomed across buildings. Ads played on taxi screens. Red, white, and blue banners were draped across parts of Hollywood Boulevard. Every media outlet, from Good Morning America to obscure movie podcasts, was circling around one massive event—the upcoming premiere of the biggest Marvel movie to date.
And woven into the frenzy—unexpectedly, charmingly—was Adriano Riveiro.
May 23rd, 2015 – Los Angeles, Marvel Studios Promo Tour – Day One
The early morning sun poured into the suite through the sheer curtains, casting long strips of gold across the bed. Adriano stirred, one arm loosely draped around Kate, who was still curled against his chest. The city below was already humming with life, but inside the room, time felt slower—like the outside world hadn't quite reached them yet.
Kate shifted slightly, her voice soft. "Morning."
Adriano opened his eyes, smiling down at her. "You're awake."
"Barely." She stretched her arm across his chest. "But awake enough to know I don't want to get up."
He brushed a strand of hair from her face. "You've got a premiere to promote, superstar."
"You've got autographs to sign, Duke of Manchester."
He grinned. "Right. Hollywood's newest unpaid intern."
Kate smirked. "Unpaid? You made a million yesterday for saying three sentences."
Adriano raised an eyebrow. "And I haven't even gotten to the part where I pretend to care about Thor's hammer."
She laughed, finally sitting up and swinging her legs over the side of the bed. "Come on. Shower, food, charm offensive. We've got a schedule."
By midmorning, they arrived at the Marvel Studios press compound—an expansive white structure just outside of downtown LA, bustling with people, wires, cameras, and more coffee than any one building should hold. Posters for Age of Ultron lined the walls.
Massive cutouts of the main cast loomed from behind temporary backdrops set up for media interviews.
Inside the waiting lounge, the atmosphere was buzzing. Journalists, PR reps, stylists, and handlers weaved through the crowd like bees around a hive. But as Adriano and Kate stepped in, the room seemed to shift.
"There they are!" someone called from across the space.
Scarlett Johansson strode over first, dressed casually in jeans and a navy bomber jacket, arms already extended.
"Kate!" Scarlett pulled her into a hug, then turned to Adriano. "And you—mister football god-slash-fiancé of the year."
Adriano laughed. "That's a lot of titles for before noon."
"You deserve it," she said, stepping back and grinning. "That proposal? Smooth. Like, dangerously smooth."
Kate glanced at him. "He's still pretending it wasn't planned."
"Nothing was planned," Adriano said, hands raised. "The music was a fluke. The timing? Chaos. The ring? Almost forgotten in the hotel safe."
Scarlett looked impressed. "You must be naturally cinematic, then."
"Or just really lucky," he replied, slipping his arm around Kate's waist.
Chris Evans appeared next, holding two cups of coffee. "I heard there was a real-life love story in the building."
Kate accepted one of the cups from him. "Thanks, Cap."
Chris gave Adriano a handshake and a nod. "Man, that goal in the final... I don't watch a ton of football, but that made me look up from my popcorn. You are something else."
Adriano chuckled. "Glad I could convert Captain America."
Just behind him, Chris Hemsworth walked in, taller than everyone, hair tied back loosely, and wearing aviators despite being indoors. "I've got to admit mate," he said with his booming Aussie voice, "when I saw the proposal, I thought—'That's how I would do it.' Dramatic, big crowd, a bit of lightning in the background."
Kate playfully nudged Adriano. "See? You've got them on your side."
Robert Downey Jr. entered last—no introduction necessary, no coffee in hand, just sunglasses and a grin. "Look who's here. The only man in this room with better looks than Tony Stark."
Adriano extended a hand. "Pleasure to meet you again Robert. Still charming as ever."
RDJ waved the handshake aside and pulled him into a quick hug instead. "No handshakes, man. You proposed mid-pitch. That's an honorary Marvel moment if I've ever seen one."
He turned to Kate. "And you—you're glowing. Either love suits you or you're hiding a mini Iron Man in there."
Kate laughed. "Just adrenaline and caffeine."
Mark Ruffalo also showed up, " Man, I have watched your games after Hemsworth said it's gonna be good. It was epic! I've become a fan ."
Adriano chuckled and hugged him, " Thanks Mark. Just don't Hulk out if I lose a few games." Everyone laughed at the humor while Mark replied playfully, " No promises."
For the next twenty minutes, the group mingled casually, lounging on couches and exchanging stories. Adriano sat between Chris Evans and Hemsworth, listening to stories from past press tours—airport chases, fan tattoos, interviews gone wrong.
Kate sat with Scarlett, RDJ and Mark Ruffalo occasionally chiming in from behind his sunglasses, narrating every moment like it was a scene in a movie.
Chris Evans leaned in toward Adriano. "So, real question: Is it weird jumping from the football world into this circus?"
Adriano shrugged. "A little. But it's less pressure. No one expects me to score a goal here."
Hemsworth nodded. "Just smile and look pretty. Works for me."
"Speak for yourself," RDJ said, sipping from a water bottle. "I carry this whole franchise on my back."
Scarlett turned to Kate. "I know you said he was supportive, but I didn't expect this level. Jetlagged, smiling, suits up for press. He's basically a unicorn."
Kate looked over at Adriano. "He's something better than that."
Scarlett smirked , " Name your girl after me if you have one. Remember who played matchmaker."
Kate smiled , " you're in line after Henry. He already got a bro pact with Adriano that they would name their children after Warhammer characters."
Adriano caught her gaze, and the smile that passed between them said more than anything else in the room.
Eventually, Marvel's lead PR rep entered, clipboard in hand. "Alright, everyone—we've got separate call times for interviews. Kate, you're with Chris and Scarlett for the first panel. Adriano, we'll have you join the fan area and photo call in about an hour. Nothing intense."
Adriano gave Kate's hand a light squeeze. "Showtime."
She stood and kissed his cheek. "You sure you're good?"
He nodded. "Just point me in the direction of the autograph pens and I'm set."
As she headed toward the interview set, Kate glanced back once, catching him still watching her with that same quiet pride. Scarlett elbowed her lightly. "You've got it bad girl."
"I've got it right," Kate said softly.
Back in the lounge, Adriano fielded a few more congratulations from supporting cast members—Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, even Mark Ruffalo dropped by for a quick hello. Everyone was curious about the match, the proposal, and how he was adjusting to the madness of press tours.
"I just follow Kate around," Adriano said with a shrug. "She's the real Avenger. I'm just the guy with the ring."
Laughter followed him wherever he went. But as the schedule picked up and people moved to their assigned stations, one thing became clear: Adriano might've been a visitor in this world of cameras, capes, and catchphrases—but he belonged beside her.
And for today, that was exactly where he wanted to be.
****
May 23rd–25th, 2015 — Los Angeles, Marvel Promo Tour (Pre-Premiere Days)
The energy in Los Angeles shifted the moment the Age of Ultron promo tour began. Billboards blinked down from Sunset, buses rumbled past with Avengers plastered along their sides, and news anchors couldn't go five minutes without mentioning the film. But somewhere between the flashing cameras and studio interviews, a new figure emerged into the Hollywood scene—not an actor, not a producer, but the man who'd just scored the most dramatic goal in Champions League history and proposed on live television: Adriano Riveiro.
He wasn't there to steal the spotlight. But he didn't have to try.
May 23rd – Marvel Fan Experience, Hollywood & Highland
The plaza had been transformed. A giant inflatable Iron Man hovered near the parking deck, while a life-sized Hulk statue flexed his green muscles next to a temporary red carpet. Booths handed out Marvel merchandise, kids darted through cosplay competitions, and music from the Avengers score boomed through the air. It felt less like a promo event and more like a mini comic-con.
Adriano arrived quietly with Kate, both of them weaving past security and handlers. She was swept into a live interview almost immediately, her name already trending that morning after a teaser clip dropped. Adriano? He was supposed to hang back, "make a casual appearance," maybe smile for a photo or two.
But plans rarely went as expected.
He leaned near a massive LEGO sculpture of the Avengers "A," watching a group of kids attempt to pose with it. He wore a dark navy shirt, sleeves rolled just enough to show the thin gold tattoo on his forearm, and a relaxed smile. His sunglasses dangled from his collar. He could've blended in with the crowd—until a group of teens spotted him.
"Adriano!" one of them shouted, breaking into a run.
The others followed, jerseys flapping, phones already out. "Dude, that goal in the final—we watched it like a hundred times!"
Adriano chuckled, stepping forward. "Didn't realize I had Barça fans in LA."
"Only when City isn't playing," one said.
He shook hands, signed shirts, even autographed someone's FIFA 15 cover. A Marvel rep walked over with a Sharpie, grinning. "Guess the cameo plan's out the window."
Soon, the circle around him widened. People gathered with Avengers posters, Black Widow notebooks, even footballs that materialized from backpacks like magic. At one point, a girl in a hand-sewn Black Widow suit approached with a replica Mjolnir.
She held it up shyly. "You… you're totally worthy."
Adriano raised an eyebrow, then carefully lifted the hammer and posed with it. "Should I be worried that I've been judged by Thor's weapon?"
She giggled. "You scored a Champions League final goal and proposed in front of the world. That's like, god-tier romance."
He grinned. "I'll take it."
Across the plaza, Kate spotted him between interview setups. She was mid-answer when Scarlett Johansson leaned in beside her.
"He's not even supposed to be on the schedule," Scarlett murmured. "Why is there a whole crowd around him?"
Kate smiled into her mic. "Because he doesn't try. He just shows up."
Scarlett glanced back at Adriano, now mock-posing as he bowed in front of a Captain America cosplayer. "You picked a good one."
"I know."
May 24th – Roosevelt Hotel, Press Junket
The following morning, the scene shifted to the more clinical glamour of a press junket. The Roosevelt had been reserved top to bottom. Studio reps, journalists, publicists, and camera crews rotated in and out of lavishly decorated suites like clockwork. Five-minute interviews. Flashes. Quick resets. Repeat.
Kate was a pro—sharp, warm, effortlessly navigating each question with the perfect blend of wit and polish. Adriano was mostly an observer, seated off camera in the corner with a bottle of water and a quiet grin. But in one session, a host waved him over.
"Come on," she said, laughing. "We have to bring in the fiancé."
Kate scooted to make space, and Adriano eased into the chair beside her.
"So," the host grinned, adjusting her earpiece. "Kate Upton, global icon. Adriano Riveiro, Champions League MVP and public proposal king. How does this work?"
Adriano leaned into the mic. "Two words: shared calendar."
Kate laughed. "And caffeine. So much caffeine."
"He doesn't even flinch around paparazzi," the host noted.
"Because they're not looking for me," Adriano said. "They're just zooming past me to get to her."
The moment caught fire. A Marvel staffer brought in a tray of cupcakes shaped like Iron Man's helmet, Hulk's fist, and Thor's hammer. Adriano grabbed the latter and handed it to Kate with exaggerated formality. "For the one true queen."
The photo made its way across Twitter within hours. #CupcakeCouple trended before noon.
Later, they posed for press photos—Kate in Hulk gloves, Adriano dramatically collapsing like he'd been punched. Their comfort with each other was obvious, the kind that needed no scripting.
On the ride back to the hotel, Kate leaned over in the back seat.
"You okay?"
He shrugged. "Bit tired. But I kinda like being a prop in your world."
She raised an eyebrow. "You're not a prop."
"I mean, I stand around looking good while you do all the talking," he teased.
She reached for his hand. "You're here. That's all I need."
He squeezed her fingers gently. "I'm exactly where I want to be."
May 25th – Late Night Talk Show Taping
The studio lights were bright, but Adriano didn't seem fazed as he sat in the front row of the taping. The host, a fast-talking comedian with a knack for getting people off-script, had Kate on the couch mid-way through the episode. They discussed the movie, her character, and then the inevitable switch came.
"So, Adriano's here," the host said, gesturing toward the crowd. The camera turned. Adriano raised a hand.
"Big moment. Champions League final. You propose in front of the world. Let me ask… if you had Thor on your team, do you think you'd have scored five goals instead of one?"
Adriano smirked. "Only if he passed me the ball."
Laughter. Kate shook her head. "He's getting too comfortable with this."
The host leaned back. "I'm just saying, I smell a new franchise. The Goalkeeper's Bane."
Kate played along. "He doesn't even play striker."
Adriano shrugged. "Does now."
The episode wrapped with applause, but the real fun came later that night.
Late Night Rooftop Dinner
High above the city, the cast and close friends gathered on a private rooftop. Lanterns swayed gently in the breeze. Glasses clinked. Laughter rolled across the tables like background music.
Chris Hemsworth raised a glass. "To a film that didn't kill us—and to Adriano, who might just be my body double when I retire."
Robert Downey Jr., never far from a mic, leaned across the table. "If they make a movie about your life, I'm playing your manager. Loud, dramatic, emotionally exhausted. Perfect casting."
Kate laughed, resting her hand on Adriano's knee beneath the table. He said little, just smiled, took it all in. A different kind of stadium. A different kind of noise.
But to her, it didn't matter. He belonged. And he was here—really here.
And for the first time in days, as the night sky stretched above the glittering city, they had nowhere to be but beside each other.
****
May 26th, 2015 – Burbank, California – Marvel Fan Q&A Event
The Marvel soundstage in Burbank had been transformed into something between a press hall and a comic book fantasy. Rows of velvet-draped chairs faced a low, wide platform, where the stars of Age of Ultron were lined up behind a polished table set with water bottles, name placards, and microphones. Giant screens flanked either side, projecting close-ups of the cast and real-time fan reactions. Soft lighting above gave everything a golden glow.
Adriano sat at the far end of the panel, technically a guest and not part of the formal Q&A—but the fans had other plans.
The first few questions came in for the usual suspects—Robert Downey Jr., ever the showman, fielded a question about Iron Man's arc with a well-timed quip; Chris Evans spoke earnestly about Captain America's moral compass; Scarlett Johansson delivered a thoughtful answer on playing a complex female hero in a male-dominated franchise.
Then came the moment that shifted the rhythm.
A teenage girl wearing a Spider-Gwen hoodie raised her hand, eyes darting between the moderator and the far corner of the table. "Hi, um… this is actually for Adriano."
The moderator blinked, surprised. "Go ahead."
She cleared her throat. "What's scarier—taking a penalty in a Champions League final… or sitting up there with the Avengers?"
Laughter erupted from the room. Heads turned toward Adriano. He leaned slightly across Scarlett to reach her mic, a sheepish grin spreading across his face.
"Definitely this," he said. "At least on the pitch, I know the tactics. Here, I'm just hoping no one asks me about plot continuity."
Even the cast laughed, and the fans gave him a warm round of applause.
Chris Hemsworth leaned over his mic and added, "Don't worry, mate. Most of us don't know the plot either."
Kate, seated between Scarlett and Mark Ruffalo, chuckled and gave Adriano a light nudge with her elbow.
The next few questions flowed to Elizabeth Olsen and Jeremy Renner, but Adriano's earlier joke had shifted the crowd's attention. A young boy in a Captain America shirt stood up next.
"This is also for Adriano," he said, holding a notebook in his hands. "Do you think you'll ever be in a Marvel movie? Like, even just a cameo?"
Adriano laughed. "I doubt they want someone who can't keep a straight face during scenes."
Before the moderator could move on, Kate turned to her mic. "He's being modest. He remembered all his lines on Downton Abbey."
That got a louder cheer than expected—many in the room had already seen the leaked behind-the-scenes photos of the now-famous cameo. A few people even started chanting, "Duke of Manchester!" in a sing-song tone.
Robert Downey Jr. pointed dramatically at Adriano. "We should bring him in as Iron Man's bodyguard. You know, in case Happy ever retires."
Adriano shrugged. "Only if I get to drive one of the suits."
Scarlett looked to the crowd. "Can we all agree that Adriano might be the only footballer who could walk into a Marvel panel and steal half the attention?"
The room buzzed with approval. Fans clapped, a few shouted "Yes!" from the back.
The moderator, grinning now, allowed a few more questions before wrapping up the formal Q&A. But the real excitement began once the panelists stood and walked toward the barricade separating them from the fans. Security kept things orderly, but Marvel had already planned for this—there were designated signing areas, and a fan photo zone along the edge of the stage.
Adriano walked beside Kate as they made their way down the line. She signed movie posters and posed with fans dressed as Black Widow, while he found himself surrounded by people in football jerseys, Marvel t-shirts, and even a homemade sign that read: Adriano & Kate – Real-Life Avengers.
He paused at the sign, its bold letters scrawled in silver marker across red construction paper. The girl holding it looked stunned that he'd stopped.
"Can I get a picture?" she asked, holding out her phone.
"Of course," he said, stepping beside her.
Kate caught up just as the photo was being snapped, and the fan squealed, "Oh my god, both of you? This is the best day ever!"
Afterward, Adriano turned to Kate, glancing at the sign again. "You think if we were superheroes, we'd still argue about who left the toothpaste cap off?"
Kate laughed, brushing her hair behind her ear. "Definitely. But we'd argue while saving the world. Priorities."
"Right," he said. "Save the planet first, then passive-aggressively point out the bathroom sink mess."
As they moved along, Adriano signed a Captain America shield and posed next to a cardboard Hulk cutout that was barely taller than him.
At one point, a fan held out a Champions League program for him to sign.
"I cried when you proposed," the boy said, maybe fifteen or sixteen. "I didn't think footballers were like that."
Adriano hesitated for a second, then signed slowly, adding "Love wins" beneath his name.
Kate watched from the corner of her eye, visibly moved, before quietly slipping her hand into his as they stepped off the fan floor and backstage again.
May 27th – Los Angeles – Marvel/Disney Industry Dinner
Held at an exclusive rooftop restaurant in Beverly Hills, the event was closed to the public. This was the side of Hollywood most people didn't see—producers, executive vice presidents, studio investors, and select members of the press mingled between candlelit tables with panoramic views of the city.
Adriano and Kate arrived fashionably on time. He wore a classic charcoal-gray suit with a subtle sheen under the rooftop lights, while Kate chose a sleek black gown that hugged her frame, simple but elegant.
A string quartet played softly in one corner. The room buzzed with the sound of crystal glasses clinking and low conversation. Waiters moved through the crowd with hors d'oeuvres and champagne.
Adriano hovered beside Kate at first, not entirely sure where he fit in among agents and financiers discussing box office projections. But then a middle-aged man with a Marvel Studios pin approached, a wide grin on his face.
"Adriano Riveiro," he said warmly, extending a hand. "My son cried watching your proposal. He's never even watched a full football match before, but now he wants to join a youth club."
Adriano's smile widened. "Tell him to go for it. And to practice headers—they're underrated."
The man chuckled and pulled out his phone. "Would you mind? He'll lose it."
Kate watched as Adriano posed for the photo, completely at ease. It struck her again how effortlessly he moved through all of this, how naturally he connected with people—regardless of whether they were sports fans, executives, or kids holding Avengers merch.
She leaned in during the meal, keeping her voice low. "You're getting more fan mail than me this week."
Adriano, sipping from his wine glass, gave her a knowing smile. "I peaked too early."
"You're not even trying," she said, half amused, half exasperated.
"I'm just here for the food and the girl," he replied.
She rolled her eyes, but her smile betrayed her.
As the night wound down, they stood side by side at the balcony railing, the lights of Los Angeles stretched out below them. Tomorrow was the big one—the premiere. The culmination of months of production, planning, press, and anticipation.
Kate leaned into him slightly, resting her head against his shoulder.
"You nervous?" he asked.
She shook her head. "Not really. I'm ready."
Adriano looked at her, proud. "You're going to be amazing."
And just like that, the chaos of the tour faded, leaving only the two of them, quietly standing above the city, waiting for the spotlight to arrive.
Later that night, they sat on the balcony of their hotel suite. The city lights shimmered below them. Kate rested her head on Adriano's shoulder, enjoying the peaceful moment.
"You ready for tomorrow?" he asked.
She nodded slowly. "Yeah. The big day."
He looked out at the city. "I'll be right next to you."
"I know," she said. "And that's the best part. Can't imagine anything more perfect."
And with the premiere only hours away, they sat there in silence—tired but content, knowing they'd navigated the chaos together.
Tomorrow, the red carpet awaited.