Lina: I thought you were a lightweight.

Me: I drank wine at a young age.

Linda: Really? What age?

Me: (looking at Lee) 17.

Lewis: Were you even allowed to drink?

Me: My father always wanted me to learn all the alcoholic beverages so I wasn't pressured to drink them when with others.

Lina: Then you are experienced.

We were discussing a lot of topics while preparing the invites. The current topic being on wine. I watched Lee who simply watched in silence.

Lina: So where did you and Lee meet?

Me: We met in North Cybric.

Lina looked at me, then Lee, then me again.

Lina: So that was the reason Lee didn't answer my call.

Lee: Exactly. Besides, what was to talk about?

Lina: Can't a grandmother call her grandson to find out how they are doing?

Linda: So North Cybric. I thought you had nothing going back to the north for.

Me: Indeed but my twin sister-

Linda: Twin sister?

Lina: How sure are we this is Liana and not the twin?

Do you even know my twin sister?

Lewis: Elena.

I turned to him.

Lewis: Elena. That's your twin sister's name, right?

Me: Yes. It is.

Lewis: She is the one who is...

Lee shot him a stare to which he kept silent afterwards.

Lewis: Anyway, I know her. Though one can still tell you apart from your hair styles but not only that, but also from hair type.

Lee: In what sense?

I forgot that Lee saw Elena this morning. It felt as if we jumped into many days in advance.

Lewis: Elena's hair is more straight, like straightened hair, whereas Liana's is curly.

Lewis then excused himself after his phone rang.

Linda: So, now with everything done, after these invites get sent out...

Lee: It's the wedding.

Linda: How do you feel about that Liana?

Me: Honestly, I feel nothing.

Everyone froze. Lee got tense immediately.

Me: Because I have given my heart to Lee already.

Everyone: Oh!

I chuckled, surprised at how people were worried about my response. I had just finished the last invite and placed it along with the other finished ones. The one truth I am bitterly learning is that preparing for a wedding is hard and tiring work. Especially for a wedding that isn't built on mutual understanding and love in the first place.

Linda: How about we all go out? To celebrate before the wedding?

This was the moment I knew...

HOURS LATER

LA ROMANS RESTAURANT

I was going to be in this mess for a long time.

Me: I am really fine.

Lawrence: How does a daughter in law not  be able to handle liquor?

Me: I didn't know that was a requirement.

Lawrence: What happens when you have to outsmart the enemy?

Me: Unless there is deeper truth behind the companies you have?

Lawrence: With a sharp tongue.

I was about to respond when my phone buzzed. It was an incoming call from Elena.

Me: Please excuse me, I need to take this.

Lawrence: Go ahead.

Getting up, I went out to the balcony to answer her call.

---ON A CALL---

Elena: Hi Liana!

Me: I am busy Elena.

Elena: You won't believe what just happened.

Me: To you or back in the north?

Elena: Back in the north. Katrina's first son died, and left no sons. Her other sons all denied the position as the next Ruler of the country.

Me: And let me guess, you want to take it up?

Elena: Of course! This is a golden opportunity! The moment I have been waiting for has arrived Liana! This could be it. We are regaining our power back in the north!

Me: And how exactly will you do it? They do know who you are.

Elena: I will use the documentation I have always had, and with the help of Ace, this might be the last chance to regain what our parents lost.

Me: Okay Elena. Don't forget to update me.

Elena: I won't-

Me: Speaking of update... your relationship with Ace. What kind is it? 

Elena: Of convenience. Not of marriage however, but if he helps me regain power in the north, his company is allowed to open and launch in the north as well. But don't worry, I am okay.

Me: Who said I am worried?

Elena: Your constant endless questions. Anyway, I need to go. I will let you know what happened, okay?

Me: Okay Elena, bye.

---END OF CALL---

Lee: (From behind) Good chance to escape, don't you think?

Slightly startled once more, I turned around to see Lee extending a hand to me.

Lee: When it comes to family dinners, they last all night.

Me: I don't believe in your little protection front. I can handle a family dinner just fine.

Lee: Can you?

Me: My sister called. Was it a crime to answer?

Lee: Just admit you want to go.

Me: No, I don't want to. The last thing I want to be called is weak. I have been told that many times.

Lee: Then let's leave them.

Unable to hesitate, Lee took my hand and we walked out of the venue, walking down the stairs of the restaurant as some of the staff who went past us greeted us goodbye. The breezy night, as well as the full moon shining brightly in the sky, brought a certain calm in me. Even the location of this restaurant alone, was an excellent choice.

It was one of these nights that you realize that there is no turning back to a decision you made. Whether the road after the decision is bumpy, one just has to live with it and hopefully wait for the light at the end of the tunnel.

FOUR DAYS BEFORE THE 'WEDDING'

There was not a lot of things to do for the wedding since Lee's family handled everything, the wedding was soon approaching and another family dinner was in place today - 4 days before the wedding. The same drill as before.

Arriving back at the La Romans restaurant, we went upstairs again, this time, booking the entire place upstairs for our selves. Though I wondered if there were more people coming, I figured that was not my place to ask. Everyone took a seat, and like last time, Lee sat across from me, him and I facing one another. Of course, to act all lovey and roses is so fun on the outside, that dealing with him alone feels confusing like he has three personalities that he changes to interchangeably.

The meals were already set up and after giving thanks, we all began to eat. Laughter and chattering of members from one family to the next didn't bother me. Everyone left the moment mom and dad died, so immediate family to me has been nothing but a disappointment. However, as I ate, I could feel Yolanda - Lee's mom's eyes, on me.

Yolanda: Liana?

Me: Yes?

Yolanda: You are a Rodriguez, meaning you come from the North, right?

Me: Yes. If this is about my-

Yolanda: It is very much about it. So, how come you have no one apart from your twin sister?

Me: Because I have no other family apart from her, especially after our parents' death.

She nodded, probably wondering what kind of a child I am to let go of people so easily. Once you realize which side of the fence they stand on, you let them go.

Yolanda: As Romanos, we hold a very high standard in society, and considering the number of times we have heard your name...

Me: No need to hide it ma'am. You can just say it.

Everyone turned to me, but I continued, ignoring their dead set eyes on me.

Me: You can simply say it. Besides, it does not change the fact that I am from the North with a terrible dent on my name.

I could see Yolanda feeling bad almost immediately because I sensed her thought process. I have heard my name everywhere - shops, news, radio stations, podcasts... the only place that never made me feel like an outsider was my workplace. Sure, they would pester me about when I am going to get married, but they never asked about my past, and respected me for it.

No, I am not saying she is wrong in asking. I just can tell that there is some arrogance to the Romano family that feigns innocence on the outside, but they are just as the rest of us - imperfect.

Me: I will try my absolute best not to tarnish your name or reputation. I will not go to places I am not supposed to without the family's knowledge. Being invisible is like comfort to me.

Yolanda: (smiling) Not at all Liana. I mean, by accepting Lee's proposal, you understood the responsibilities that awaited you.

Lee: And can we please stop talking about it? She is marrying me, not the family.

Everyone fell silent after Lee's words. Even I had no words to say but a silent thank you for stopping the interrogation half-way. I turned to Lee, talking with my eyes.

Me: 'Marrying me, not the family'? Please, you know I am marrying everyone!

Lee: (smirk) I know you appreciated it.

Me: I still hate you.

Lee: And I hate you more.

Me: Watch me after this... marriage deal is sealed.

Lee: Can't wait (wink).

I shook my head, face reddened like a tomato. I turned to Liam, who was seated next to me.

Liam: Your face is red.

Me: My blood is circulating, Liam.

Liam: That fast?

Me: I am a unique breed.

Liam: (whispering) I know you and uncle Lee were flirting.

Me: And what do you know about flirting, Liam?

Liam: Enough to tell the whole family and they will believe me.

Me: Haha... is that a threat?

Linda: What's going on between you two?

Linda was referring to Liam and I.

Liam: We were making plans on how we can get to know each other better.

Me: Indeed. I was telling him of my favorite sport.

Lawrence: Oh really? What is it?

Me: Auto racing.

Linda: Liana, Liam does not do bumper cars.

Me: And I was not talking of bumper cars, Linda.

I locked eyes with Linda, waiting for her next counterargument. Two can play the word-exchange game.

Me: Back in the north, as young as six, you can join and play.

Lee: (smirks) Six? Is that not dangerous?

Me: (smirks) We are quite a rebellious Kingdom, we live for the danger and thrill.

Liam: That sounds so cool.

Me: (to Liam) Right? But you do need your parents approval-

Linda: No.

Lee and Liam: Yes.

I smirked. It was either Liam is curious about a foreign member joining the family, or he simply wanted to try the fun.

Linda: That could be dangerous!

Lee: You sound as if you don't do dangerous things yourself. Besides, there is safety gear for that, unlike you going on endless dinners returning home at 2 in the morning.

Lawrence: (to Linda) I wouldn't mind Liam trying it, though I wonder if Liana enjoys our family games as well.

I turned to Lawrence.

Lawrence: Hmm?

Me: How will I love a family sport that I was not told of?

Lawrence: Makes sense. Since the wedding is in a week's time, how about you join us for breakfast tomorrow? 

Me: ?

Lawrence: Considering that you are soon to be officially part of the Romano family.

Lee tapped my heel from under the table. Quickly taking a look at him, I replied.

Me: I would love that. When should I arrive?

Lee: Don't worry about that.

Yolanda: (To Lee) Lee. She has to-

Lee: I said there is no need to worry.

* * *

The news station began to play on the television screens that were off the hours we have been here for, and the first thing I heard was my sister's name, and I turned to Lee, expressing my shock through my eyes.

"Ace Lombardi makes first appearance with his girlfriend, who is also the princess of North Cybric, Princess Elena Rodriguez at the North Cybric Business Awards-"

I nearly choked on my drink as the headlines mentioned 'girlfriend'. I looked at Lee who rather showed a smirk as if his friend had accomplished a good thing by 'dating' my sister. Luckily, everyone ignored me and focused on Lee, especially Lina.

Lina: Lee? Is that not your friend, Ace?

Lee: Yes nana.

Lina: (looking at me) And he is dating the North Cybric princess, Elena?

Lee: Yes nana.

Lina: Interesting to see how you boys are taking girls of royal blood and of the other side of the country. (low mutter) Abandoned princesses.

But of course, when you have handled criticism for so long, you get used to it...

Me: Abandoned princesses have a brain too, just so you know.

Until you eventually blow up.

Everyone looked at me, while Lina looked at me with a glint of bitterness in her eyes. It felt like dealing with two different people compared to the Lina I met a week ago. I could not care less really, I mean, I have been looked down on since we were kicked out of the Kingdom at 18. The company I was working for before the whole marriage arrangement with Lee. No one was going to badmouth me or my sister.

Unless they break my alter ego.

Me: So if you have something to say to me, you say it in front of my face, okay?

Lina: I mean, as long your scandals do not spill into our lives. We are very reputable people in society.

Lee: Lina. I do not appreciate the words you used.

Lina: I am simply being honest-

Me: Like I said, (smiling at Lina) nothing will happen to the reputation of the Romanos and Lombardis.

I stood up, and looked at Lina before walking away.

Me: Just so you know - I hated the way you described my sister. I get you spouting insults at me, but leave my sister alone. (To everyone) I came into this family through Lee Romano. I shall come out of this family through Lee Romano. And let no one dare - even just a little bit - to cross my bad side. I may be marrying into this family, but I don't mind destroying your family's reputation by my disappearance.

Everyone went silent.

Me: So don't push it. You are my in laws, and I am merely just a daughter in law. No need for things to get personal.

Leaving the table in silence, I walked down the stairs, calling Elena endlessly. She needed to explain herself for what got her appearing in news stations all of a sudden.

Me: Pick up Lena!

Quickly, before Lee especially, could follow me, I made my way out of the restaurant, taking a walk to the cabs that were parked ahead, close to the gates of the restaurant.