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 not 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 forefathers 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 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, this isn't over yet. But nevertheless, 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) No. (looking at Lee) But it's 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 then handed over a can of energy drink.

Me: What?

Lee: The least I can do. We have a long day today.

I took the can from him, intrigued by his generosity and... thoughtfulness? But I thanked him and opened it.

Me: Tell me about it rich kid. This is only the beginning, right?

Lee: Indeed... klutz.

Me: Romano.

Lee: It's even. I am the rich kid, and you are the klutz, no?