It was that time when the winner of the best CEO of the decade hosted an event in appreciation for them and invited a few companies and their employees to attend. One would call it special, but I couldn't care less. I would be chilled at home, quietly enjoying my me-time. 

Mr. Jonathan looked at me for some time before addressing everyone. We were at the doors of the well-known Lee Romano's event. I looked around, intrigued by everyone's luxurious, stylish, and expensive outfits. It was events like this that reminded me how out of place I was with the rest.

It was only worth an hour, so my 60 minutes began from this minute onward.

Jonathan: I expect everyone to be there. He has personally invited us, and we have to show our gratitude.

I wanted to argue but I decided to brush it off. It was no use arguing now that I was already here.

Risa and Nathan: Woah...

Me: I looked at where they were looking. It was such an expensive reception, I wouldn't even want to think about how much it cost for the decor.

Nathan: Stunning!

Me: It's just interior. It's an average answer, right? Jonathan: Says someone who is just irritated to be here.

Me: True.

Nathan: This is expensive, Liana! He must have paid millions for this...

Risa: I wonder where Lee Romano is.

Me: Why would you want to see him anyway? He's with important business people.

Risa: Can you stop being cynical for a second? He's going to reveal his fiance tonight.

Me: (surprised) Really?

Risa: Yeah. I wonder who she is...

Me: Someone born into riches and have the same status.

Risa: Hey, a girl can dream, no?

Me: I don't know.

Risa: You are no fun Liana. You will stay single forever.

Me: There's more to life than just getting married. Anyway, I am going out.

Jonathan and Nathan: Where?

I looked at the both of them, both asking the same question in unison. I gave them a puzzled look, then chuckled.

Me: I am not going to run away, in case you are wondering. I just need some fresh air by the balcony.

Jonathan: I had to check.

Nathan: You going to the balcony means you running away.

Me: (chuckling) You are such a funny person, Nathan. Here (pinky promise) I promise.

Nathan pointed over to where they would be in case I was looking for them. I nodded and headed my way to the balcony.
As I carried on walking in silence. I had to continue excusing myself.

Woman 1: Watch it!

Me: Sorry.

Man 1: You nearly tripped me!

Me: Please excuse me.

Woman 2: Hey! Do you know how much this dress cost me?! It's half your life!

Um, okay.

Me: I am truly sorry, ma'am. Please excuse me.

As if that was not enough, I tripped on my foot, causing me to fall face-forward.
I brace for impact, but nothing comes. Until I felt big, strong hands grabbing my waist and pulling me to them. I looked up to see a tall man with black, silky hair and eyes - he was different. I was going to be biased, but this man was handsome, nothing like it. If he said he came from a dark romance book, I would agree.

We locked eyes with each other, none of us moving. I was speechless, fighting my intrusive thoughts to touch his face. He then cleared his thoughts, and I slowly regained my composure. I thanked him for saving me.

Me: Thank you so much for... rescuing me just now.

But to my dismay...

Lee Romano: What a klutz...

I snapped back at him.

Me: Excuse me?

Lee Romano: I hate girls who are all beauty and no brains.

Me: Such a sight to look at, yet has no manners...

Lee Romano: Some nerve you have.

Me: I would tell you the same. (leaning close) Listen here. I don't care if you are rich or what, but no man in my 25 years of existence has ever spoken to me with the disrespect you gave me, klutz or not. If you were never taught manners, how about you take your millions of cash and enroll at a school for mannerisms because it seems you deleted the file in your brain?

Bracing for another sharp argument, he leaned close to me, our faces inches apart.

Lee Romano: You wouldn't want to see what the school for mannerisms looks like, would you?

Me: Never cared, never will.

Lee Romano: (smirks) Good to know. Just so you know, be grateful I even tolerated you.

Me: I won't waste my breath on... nonsensical arguments.

Lee Romano slowly let me go, chuckling at the same time. He fixed himself and whispered into my ear before walking away.

Lee Romano: Game on, Liana.

I widened my eyes. I looked at Lee, but he walked away. Questions spiraled through my head, but I had no one to tell. 

Me: (to myself) How does he know me? Spoilt.

Romano surely got you there.

I looked to see a gorgeous lady coming up to me. It was like looking in a mirror. She resembled me, fierce, sharp-tongued, and weirdly copied my hairstyle.

It was my twin sister, Elena.

Me: Elena...

Elena: Don't 'Elena' me. You just fought with the host of this event.

Me: Host of... (looking at Elena) Romano?

Elena: Hmm. The Romano.

Me: Couldn't care less.

Elena: He can end your life in seconds.

I was about to shoot back, but Elena had a point. My prideful self, however, would never come to apologize to Lee. He started the rudeness.

Me: He has no manners.

Elena: And you tell me how you tripped? Liana, your dress is a ballgown. Not a mermaid.

Me: Don't you see how packed this venue is? Elena, I can't breathe! 

We then fell into silence.

Me: Enough about Romano. What brings you here?

Elena: I am gathering intel on the Katrina.

Me: Katrina Peroz? Elena, are you still up for the whole revenge on the Kingdom thing?

Elena: I'm not like you who forgives people easily.

Me: Forgiveness doesn't mean condoning the behavior.

Elena: I understand... just trust me on this.

Me: The four words society fears most.

Elena: (rolling her eyes) Grumpy Liana. You are just like Lee.

Me: And since when do you know him? Is he your husband?

Elena: Haha, interesting. Go find one for all I care.

Me: Elena, just drop the revenge thing. There is nothing we can do now that will change the outcome. We were kicked out after mom and dad died; that's okay. We move on. We become successful. 

Elena: Be my guest, Liana, but I am not going to stop until I bring them to shreds. 

Me: Elena, wait!

With that, she walked away. I shook my head, trying to calm myself down because I had crashed out. Elena is more sharp-tongued than I am, and for the past 7 years, she has been planning for revenge on the Kingdom in North Cybric. I wish she could just drop it, but... we, as the Rodriguez girls, we are not the sort to shrink back in challenging times.

Katrina Peroz was the lady in charge of helping us be prepared to take the throne, but she had sons and felt they were more capable, and I couldn't care less about what had happened. It's a good thing to know the castle and Kingdom still stand.

Just then, I saw Romano go on the stage and immediately get everyone's attention. People got to their seats, and I decided to save myself embarrassment by not sitting with anyone. Everyone was silent, and he began his speech.

Lee Romano: (smiling) It is such a great pleasure to have you all attend this important event. To find someone with the same view as you and eventually get married to each other is a decison I have never regretted making in my life.

I folded my arms as I let my mind travel while he continued with his 'speech'.

Lee Romano: And I would like to introduce her tonight. Would you like to see her?

They all clapped their hands, and the lights went off, gasps filling the hall. I then felt a tap on my shoulder, and then a hand guiding me away from my seat and leading me to the podium. I saw Lee extending a hand to me in the dark. I gave him a puzzled look.

Me: What's going on?

Lee Romano: Read the room?

Me: No way am I going up there with you. That's called misleading people, in case you never knew.

Lee Romano: And who will tell them? You?

Me: ... Be my guest. This will blow up on your face.

Lee Romano ignored me and gently took my hands up the podium. It was at the same time when the lights went on again, and everyone gasped at the sight of me and Lee together.

Me: (whispering to Lee) See? Everyone believes it is a bad-

And clapped hands instead, shocking me and earning a smirk from Lee.

Lee: Is it still a bad idea, Liana?

Me: It still is.

Lee: (turning to the audience) Welcome, Liana Rodriguez. My fiance is a capable woman who has proven herself to me.

Everyone: Wow!

Lee took my hand and put on the most expensive ring onto my ring finger, which received a second applause because of how amazed people were. He then led me down and into one of the secluded rooms in the venue. I immediately broke into loud shouting as soon as we got in.

Me: WHAT IN THE WORLD WAS THAT LEE ROMANO?!

Lee was super collected as he leaned against the wall.

Lee: My apologies. Do you have any questions?

Me: QUESTIONS?! I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHERE TO BEGIN!

Lee: Listen, I don't have all night to answer all your questions, so jump straight into them.

Me: Is this your definition of being 'grateful '? Accepting, no - forcing me to accept your engagement. First, you invite my company, I bump into you, and the next minute I am your what? Fiancee?!

I then tried calming myself down.

Me: First, what's your agenda for all this?

Lee: Okay. Do you want to know that first? Don't you want to know the rewards of doing this?

Me: Get to the point, Lee.

Lee: My father, Lawrence Romano, has been bickering about the whole me not being married thing for a while now.

Me: Not my problem.Lee: True, but you can't lie - I know you have been facing the same pressure: get married, get out of your comfort zone.

Me: Tell me about it.

Lee: Take it as a marriage of convenience.

Me: So, you want me to be your fiancee so that your father stops complaining about the marriage thing?

Lee: (smirks) So you do have a brain - smart.

Me: I am already in it, so how can I refuse?

Lee: Wouldn't be wise for you to refuse.

Me: Um - Lee Romano, listen up. There are so many people dying to be your wife. I told myself that I would remain an introvert - and YOU are destroying it.

Lee: What's bad about making a change? I told myself the same thing, and look at where I am.

Me: That's you, Romano. I am me - Liana Rodriguez.

Lee: Don't you think I deserve a 'thank you'?

Me: And don't you think you need an advisor? You are about to make the biggest mistake in your life.

Lee: Me?

Me: Yes, you.

Lee: You might want to reconsider.

Me: What, why?

Lee: Let me give you background info. I did my research on everyone in your boss's company and found you interesting. Do you know why?

Me: Enlighten me, Romano, enlighten me.

Lee leaned closer and whispered.

Lee: I know you have a twin sister named Elena, and you two are part of the royal family of North Cybric.

Me: ....

Lee: Would you like me to continue?