Walking in, I saw Lee's father waiting for us. He looked at me for a long time before looking at Lee.

Lawrence: You came.

Lee: We were not that far.

Lawrence: I see you have brought Liana Rodriguez with us.

Me: Good morning, Mr. Romano.

Lawrence: No need for the formalities, Liana.

He led us to his office, where I sat with Lee. His office was spacious; various artworks hung on his wall, including one family picture of the entire Romano family. Lee was a bit young back then, but one could still identify him - not too bad from how he is now, just more flirtatious than expected, though it's also amusing to experience.

Lawrence: That's the entire family in that photo.

I nodded.

Lawrence: Purely Romanos.

I turned to face him, his face looking for any slight sign of irritation from me. Instead, I chuckled.

Me: Wouldn't want the outsiders to contaminate the blood.

Lawrence: (shocked) Um, yes. Yes indeed.

Me: Nice to know how much of a great legacy you have managed to maintain. That was hard work.

Lawrence: (smiling) Indeed. But enough of that. (looking at us) I would firstly like to congratulate you both on your wedding.

Lee and I: Thank you.

Lawrence: (standing up; walking around) I must ask a few questions.

Strike 1: Unexpected family meetings.

I looked at Lee, speaking with my eyes.

Me: Romano?

Lee: I didn't know, okay?

Me: Oh? What am I supposed to say?

Lee: Improvise. Anything sensible will be fine.

I looked away and took a deep breath. When he came back and sat down again, I forged a smile, keeping in mind that confidence alone can win me through - it will win me through.

Lawrence: Liana?

Me: Yes, sir?

Lawrence: Your background seems pretty interesting.

Me: In what sense, sir?

Lawrence: You come from a royal family, but you are not Queen. Why bother marrying my son instead of someone of royal blood?

Me: Rules don't determine who I marry, sir. I prefer to do my research on that. What good is there in marrying someone I don't know for the sake of keeping the royal blood? Personally, that feels more of a burden than a blessing.

Lawrence: Impressive. But I must say, for a princess, you sure dress... simple.

Me: I am here to draw attention to myself. I think we are all human beings at the end of the day, regardless of our status, no?

Lawrence: Indeed, but sometimes a measure of class must be met to fit the criteria.

Me: I am sorry, but I prefer to live off the class than follow the crowd - my ancestors have done the same without question. I am more of a person who wants a reason for everything than just facts.

Lawrence: The Romanos carry a high standard in society. Are you ready to live up to that, or are you also going to question it?

Me: (chuckles) It seems you did not understand my point. I am 25, matured and mentally, emotionally and physically prepared to take on the highs and lows of marrying into a prestigious family like the Romanos. Some of the things marriage requires don't need to be questioned, unlike many of the unreasonable rules set by royalty.

Lawrence: Fair enough. Well, welcome to the Romano family, Liana.

Me: Thank you, sir.

We stood up and went out of his office. Lee and his dad had some other things to discuss, so I excused myself to admire the mansion.

"You must be the new member of the family!"

I turned around to see a female who resembled Lee except that she was female. She walked in along with a young boy, whom I assumed was her son.

Linda: I am Linda Romano.

Me: Liana Rodriguez.

Linda: You seem pretty calm about it. Marriage - especially to the Romanos - is very daunting.

Me: Not at all. 

Linda: You do know the stakes involved when marrying into this family, right? You need to fit the part (looking at me head to toe) and class. (fake smile) Okay?

Me: (smile) Understood. This was the best outfit I got, but I will improve my clothing taste. 

Linda: Good. Well, looking forward to the wedding. Is anyone from your family coming?

Me: No. Just me.

Linda: Sorry. But don't worry, you will get to know the entire family.

With that, she walked away along with her son, who kept his eye on me. Possibly questioning who I was.

Interesting family...

Lee: Ready to go?

I turned to Lee, who was holding his hand out, his eyes gesturing that his father was watching. I took it, and we bid goodbye to him, walking away. 

Me: First strike. You didn't tell me I had to be prepared for an interrogation!

Lee: I'm sorry. 

Me: (surprised) That's okay. (flushed) Jeez, is apologizing your flirting style or what?

Lee: Why?

Me: The great Lee Romano apologizing, many women would be down for it.

Lee: (smirks) Does that include you?

Me: (smirks) True. (looking at Lee) Nice to see you have humanity in yourself.

We got into the car and drove off, now heading to the wedding venue. I then started to yawn, folding arms as I sank into the seat. 

Me: Nice car.

Lee: (chuckles) That's your fifth time in two days.

Me: (shaking my head) Please. Though I am annoyed at the fact-

Lee: Sleep.

Me: What?

Lee: You can sleep. It's my fault for giving you misleading information.

Me: (sleepy) Haha.

***

I woke up feeling weirdly energized. We were at the underground parking lot of the venue and were the only ones there. I looked over to the driver's seat to see that Lee had fallen asleep with me as well. His hair had fallen on his face, and I nearly reached to touch it but resisted. He looked peaceful, and I didn't want to admit it, but a part of me was happy to see this relaxed side of him. He always seems to work full time; I might as well give him Lee, the workaholic, as a name.

I took out my phone to check the time.

08:34 am

Lee's phone started ringing, causing him to wake up.

---ON A CALL---

Lee: Yes?

Person: Did you check the time??? You are going to be late for you own wedding! In fact, consider that two, cause your fiancee isn't here as well!

Lee: We will be there.

---END OF CALL---

We got out of the car and rushed to the lift.

Lee: I have never slept so well in weeks, if not months.

Me: Same. That was oddly refreshing.

Lee: (smirks) Is that a compliment?

Me: In your dreams.

The lift opened, and we got separated immediately. I was taken to the dressing room, which was full of wedding gowns. 

Linda: So, what's your style?

Linda came in and looked at the different dresses lined up for me. She looked at me, a smile so fake yet still trying to keep appearances.

Linda: Mm?

Me: Anything black for me would be great.

Everyone fell silent.

Me: (chuckling) Calm down, everyone. (smirks) Can't a bride crack a joke before her wedding?

Linda: Haha... ha, funny.

Me: A ballgown, but not too poofy.

One took out another dress, but before I could take a look, Linda put her dress selection in front.

Linda: Try this.

Me: Maybe after I check the first one?

I took the first dress, which was a ballgown dress with a sweetheart neckline. 

Me: (to the assistant) Thanks, but not my style.

Assistant: (smiling) Thanks for checking it out.

She took the dress and packed it away. I then took Linda's pick, which was a ballgown dress with a turtle-neck and long sleeves. I looked at her, who had a smirk on her lips.

Linda: Hit the nail, huh?

Me: (smirk; shocked) Shocked, surprised even. How did you even know?

Linda: I saw you with Lee yesterday - I must say, you were both connecting...

Me: (blushing) Yeah- quick observation. I love this dress.

Linda: Told you. Anyway, the wedding will start in 20 minutes. Don't be late.

Me: I won't. Thank you.

I put on the dress, impressed by Linda's choice. I walked to the mirror and admired the design, though I couldn't figure out why Linda was willing to help. Considering how we met this morning, she looked more of a sarcastic person. Who am I - I am also sarcastic.

I came out and walked to the makeup table. I simply took the transparent cherry-flavored lip gloss, put on mascara, and walked out, taking my phone with me. I met with some of the families along the way - it was 

Woman: Goodness gracious! How is the bride without makeup?

Me: Good morning, ma'am. I am okay, my skin is sensitive to makeup.

Woman: It's just one day!

Me: Thank you so much for checking on me.

She walked up to me, lowering her voice.

Woman: I am not checking on you; I just want to make sure you don't embarrass the family.

Me: I will make sure I don't, ma'am. You should be grateful that I am willing enough to marry into this family.

She was immediately silenced. Without saying another word, she walked away. My phone buzzed, and checking the notification, it was a message from Elena.

Elena: Congrats on your wedding. :)

I sent her a quick message and made my way to the venue. I didn't want Lee to see me yet, so I entered a random room, which was already decorated as if waiting for me to enter. I scrolled through pictures of Elena and I with our parents back in North Cybric.

Me: I miss you, Mom and Dad. 

THE WEDDING

Conductor: Now, let's welcome the bride!

The doors opened, and everyone stood up. I walked down the aisle, along with Lee's dad. I kept my eyes on Lee, who looked shocked to see me, my heart skipping a beat at the sight. I was expecting more of a fake smile in the name of keeping appearances. 

Guess some people can hide their character well.

Lawrence hugged me, handing me over to Lee, and I took his hands.

Lee: You look stunning.

Me: (smiling) Thank you. You look handsome.

Everyone: Aww!

Lee and I chuckled, clearly feeling the heat of the situation. The conductor spoke a few things before we were allowed to exchange vows. My heart pounded, and I looked at Lee.

Conductor: Let's start with the bride.

Everyone looked at me. Lee raised an eyebrow at me, but I smiled at him instead. I held his hands tighter as I began with my vows.

Me: You know Lee?