We were at the underground parking lot of the wedding outfits studio and were the only ones there. I looked over to the driver's seat to see that Lee's eyes were closed. 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 agreed that he indeed is handsome. Anyone who could have been chosen to be his wife would  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.

Lee: You are staring again.

He then opened his eyes, a smirk on his lips with a look so smug like he won.

Me: I was checking if there is life in you still.

Lee: You are such a horrible liar and a klutz as well.

We both checked out our phone to check the time.

08:34 am

Lee: We can go.

Me: You make me hate you even more for waking me up early.

We both stepped out of the car and went to the studio. The owner approached us with a smile, and Lee returned the smile, greeting him in a handshake. He then turned to me.

Him: Ah, the long awaited bride of the Romanos! Finally pleased to see you in person, though I saw you on screen yesterday.

Me: (smiling) Likewise sir. Thank you for helping with the wedding preparations.

Him: Please! This? Nothing. Shall I show you the outfits?

Lee: Yes.

Me: Thank you.

I was taken to the dressing room, which was full of wedding gowns, while Lee went over to the suits department.

Linda: So, what's your style?

Linda, who appeared out of nowhere 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.

They both fell silent.

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

Linda: Haha... ha, funny.

Me: A ballgown, but not too poofy.

He - Louis - 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: It's not my choice.

Me: ?

Linda: Lee chose this for you. Quick observer, isn't he?

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

Linda: Told you.

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

Linda: In case you haven't known, we don't follow wedding traditions of 'The groom can't see the dress until the wedding day'. Lee would love to see you in it as well.

Me: (smiling) I figured as much. Let me go show him.

Stepping out of the room, I met with Lee who nodded.

Me: Nodding isn't an answer. Give me your best criticism.

Lee: Would 'my bride looks like a Queen' be counted as criticism?

Me: Very funny Romano, very funny.

Lee: (smirks) So? How is my style?

Me: Very impressed with the choice Lee, you really did... your research.

Lee: Does that earn me scores?

Me: Not even one.

Just then Linda stepped out and took a photo.

Linda: I need to let the people know, and family that wedding preparations are going well.

With that, she waved us goodbye and left the studio. Immediately, Lee returned back to his cold self.

Lee: You won't wear it at the wedding.

Me: Do you think I look old in it?

Lee: My sister is going to post that to the internet. I don't want people knowing what our style will be.

Me: (smirks) Mysterious much, Lee?

Lee: (smirks) Far more than you realize Liana.

With a nod, I returned back to the room to change back to my clothes. 

Louis: So how were the outfits?

Me: Amazing. Lee really has some...

Lee and I: Great taste.

Louis: Telepathic already? My my.

Lee: Just a change in the outfits Louis.

Louis: (surprised) Were they bad?

Lee: No, my sister took photos of us, and I know they will end up on the internet. I want these outfits for the honeymoon.

I blushed thinking about the honeymoon. There wasn't a need since it was of convenience. I couldn't care less of what happens with his money however - he is a Romano after all, and I am a nobody. A disgrace of the north.

Lee: Can Liana try on the other dress?

Louis: With pleasure!

Louis escorted me back to the room, Louis taking out the second wedding dress. This time, it was wrapped under special type of packaging. I turned to Louis, who gestured me to have a look. Walking towards the dress, I unzipped it to see:

Me: This dress...

Louis: Yes?

Me: This is stunning! Did Lee choose this as well?

Louis: Indeed! He has such amazing taste, no?

Me: (nodding) Amazing taste indeed. (To Louis) Just don't tell him this. Yet.

Louis: Lips sealed.

Putting it on, I went to the mirror, turning around. 

Me: I am not a fan of sleeveless dresses but this may be the only exception.

Louis: Go show him!

Walking out of the room again, Lee looked up and for what seems like the first time since our first meeting he genuinely smiled that I would for once in this moment, feel like this marriage is genuine. 

Lee: This is amazing. Liana, you look like a Romano already.

Me: Lee, if it's one of your flirty tactics-

Lee: (whispering) What's with the shyness Liana?

My face turned red out of embarrassment but I quickly changed the topic. 

Me: You surely have good taste Lee. I never thought I would wear sleeveless in my life.

Lee: Then glad I could convince you to change.

We fell in silence. Simply looking at each other in understanding; forgetting that we both have a marriage to uphold and a company to secure, while I just enjoy the ride.

Lee: So we are done with the outfits-

Me: So you can see my dress but I can't see your suit?

Lee: I decided to keep the one I wore...

Me: With a twist.

Lee: You will see.

Nodding, I went to change back for the last time - hopefully - back into my clothing.

Me: Thanks Louis.

Louis: Anytime! See you soon!

Waving him goodbye, we left the studio, heading back to the car in the underground parking lot. Stepping inside, I let out a sigh of relief.

Me: Wedding shopping is tiring.

Lee: We could have solved this in minutes, you know?

Me: Interesting how a CEO like yourself is so short sighted.

Lee: I am simply worried about you. Marrying into a family like the Romano, no one can survive the heat it brings.

Me: Luckily heat is like fresh air to me.

Lee: Exactly.

Lee started the car, and driving out of the studio parking lot, we drove to the venue.

Me: Anything else I need to know about the wedding venue?

Lee: Anyone in the family could be there, especially extended family. Aunts, Uncles, grandmother and grandfather. Expect questions from them and anything else, I am willing to bear the strikes.

Me: Strikes? Like what would I do to you?

Lee: You tell me.

Me: Romano...

Stepping out once again, we walked to the wedding planner, Lira.

Lira: Welcome! Everyone else has been waiting for you.

Lee: (surprised) Everyone?

Lina Romano: Ah! My grandson is here!

Romano was not wrong when he said his family is huge - it is.

And this was going to be a fun wedding planning.

Lee: Thanks.

Walking to the rest of the family, everyone turned to look at us, happy to see Lee. This was the second challenge. Dealing with an extended family of in laws. Linda, of course was there. I would think she is the family spy sent to check if this marriage is real.

Lina Romano, is Lee's grandmother and mostly protective of him. He wouldn't want him to marry a girl who wants him for his money.

And this is where the stereotype begins.

Lina Romano: Ah, the new member of the family. Liana Rodriguez.

Me: Yes Mrs. Romano.

Lee: This is my fiancee, Liana. I expect all of you, including you nana, to treat her with respect.

Lina: Wouldn't mind us challenging her a bit, no?

Lee: She's strong just so you know, so when you get burned, don't come back complaining.

Lina: Already praised by Lee? All the more better to test her. (To me) Come now, we need to prepare invitations for the guests.

Me: Just how many guests are coming?

Lina: These are for very important guests, then of course, everyone needs to see the grand wedding of my grandson. I don't settle for less, surely you understand how we, the Romanos operate, no?

Me: Yes, I do.

Lina: Where is Lewis?

Lewis?

Lina: That's Lee and Linda's older brother.

To which Lina answered my question. As if on cue, he appeared and all eyes were on him. He then turned to Lina, who asked him to take Lee out.

Lewis extended a hand, looking back at Lee then me.

Lewis: You are Liana, our new member. Happy to have you.

Me: Thank you.

Lina: Lawrence said you must discuss with Lee on something. Please get to it.

Lewis: Yes grandma.

Heading to Lee, he simply wrapped his arm around his shoulder and took him away.

Guess it's me and the in laws now...

Lina: So, Liana.

Me: Yes?

Lina: Have you ever played archery before?

Me: Yes. Back in North Cybric, archery was very important in my family, so I embraced it.

Linda: As in you can play with one of us and beat us?

Me: You are Romanos. You are excellent in all you do, I can't compete for that title.

Lina: (impressed) Aren't you wise? So tell me, what happens what the wedding?

Me: (confused) What do you mean?

Lina: You know, the Romano legacy needs to-

Me: Grow?

Lina: Glad you understand.

Everyone caved in on me, waiting for a response on the riddled question. As much as I would have loved to act oblivious, I couldn't because I knew what they were asking for:

A heir for Lee Romano.

Me: I would love to.

Lina: But?

Me: I am afraid of what would happen to my child if it were to be a girl, I mean-

Lina: Linda is a girl, and we embraced her warmly! What are you on about?

Me: I have seen and lived through such a story... where they say the exact same words, but when it happens, they twist their words.

Lina and the others kept silent.

Me: So I ask again, what would happen if my baby was to be a girl instead? Honest answers will be much appreciated.

Lina: I repeat again, we will rejoice with you and Lee in this.

Liars. Even Linda isn't saying anything to defend you.

Me: Then, I don't mind.

Lina: You seem different Liana, you are not like the girls who are after Lee's money and wealth, right?

Me: Based on what you are currently seeing, what do you think?

Lina: That you are acting and will soon reveal your true colors.

Lee then returned back, and Lina and I dropped the conversation instantly.

Lee: The venue is done, the outfits are done. We need to-

Lina: The cake, reception, and the Romano Games.

I turned to Lina, a cold look on her face.

Lina: Every daughter in law who comes into the family has to undergo this on their wedding day.

Me: Of course, it's just protocol to see if we have what it takes to be worthy being in this household.

Lina: Smart girl. But now, we called the wine tasters, cake tasters and all. They are on the west quarter of the castle.

Everyone stood up, heading there at once. Lee grabbed my arm, pulling me back gently.

Lee: Not too many questions?

Me: Many deep questions Lee. Many.

Lee: Strike 2?

Me: (smirk) No. In fact, I am having fun.

I walked away from Lee and headed behind the others to the tasters. Upon arrival, there were already glasses of wine and cake set up. I smirked, looking around.

Lux, who handled the wine and Luci, who handled the cakes, greeted us.

Luci: So what are starting with today?

Everyone turned to Lee and I. I looked at Lee.

Lee: I prefer we end with the wine.

Luci: Okay, so cake tasting first it is!

Everyone sat down around the table, and I was in the middle of Lina and Linda, with Lee across from me. The first cake came around.

Option 1: A peach cake slice.

Aunt: Tastes good.

Uncle: Wouldn't mind eating this at the wedding.

Lina: Not so bad.

Linda: It's nice.

They turned to us again. Lee spoke first.

Lee: Tastes great, though...(looking at me) Liana?

Me: It tastes amazing, but not for me.

Then, the second type.

Red velvet. The cake that I immediately react to. I paused for some time, staring at the plate before raising the fork to take a bite. I could feel Lee's eyes on me but I forced myself nevertheless.

I took a bite, fear of acting out in front of Lee's extended family, fear of embarrassing myself. I forced myself to swallow, hoping that the reaction comes in later.

Lina: Not for me.

Linda: Not mine either.

Aunt: Tastes great again.

Uncle: I love this one.

This time, Lewis, who joined late, added his input.

Lewis: Too creamy for me.

Lee: Liana?

I looked up. 

Me: (shaking my head) Not for me either.

Lina: Don't be shy to voice your opinions, we are not stopping you-

Lee: Nana.

Lina: Just saying.

Me: Really, I am not a big fan of velvet.

Lee: Same.

I looked up at Lee, who briefly looked at me before turning to Luci.

Lee: Nothing else?

Luci: We do have another one. It is vanilla mixed with strawberries.

Everyone lit up. I did too. Having strawberries in a wedding cake would be unique, unlike any other wedding, so Romano.

Me: This is the one. (Looking at everyone) This is amazing, and besides, everyone lit up at the mention of it, right?

Lina: This is the one.

Linda: Love it too Liana.

Others nodded in agreement, and Lee placed the final approval.

Cake tasting done. Now continuing with the wine tasting.