Chapter 11: Liana Rodriguez

2:00 P.M

Me: Ah! I have officially knocked off.

Melissa: Yeah! Feels good to knock off at this time right?

Me: Yeah.

Melissa: Speaking of which, are you coming with us to the dinner party, because the boss hired a bus.

Me: No, I will go with my Aunt and Uncle. But I will see you all there, I guess.

Melissa: Okay then, that's nice. So your aunt and uncle are rich then?

Me: Yeah - they have lived in North Cybric for some 10 years and they even had the opportunity to meet the Raynolds Family... something like that.

Melissa gasps.

Melissa: You mean they have been able to meet the Raynolds?!

Me: Yeah. Is anything special about them?

Melissa: You don't keep up with the news do you?

Me: No - I am boring, old Liana Rodriguez.

Melissa: Let me update you, girl. Do you see the dinner party we are attending tonight?

Me: The Romanos?

Melissa: Yes.

Me: Okay...?

Melissa: The Romanos and Raynolds are in a feud, and the worst part is that they are both the richest families in the country!

Me: So, the Romanos and the Raynolds are rivals?

Melissa: You get it!

Me: So, I am guessing the Raynolds will be at the party too?

Melissa: Look at you good at being a detective!

Me: It's my genre hehe.

Melissa: The fiancee must be lucky then. To marry into such a rich family, she surely won the heart of Mr. Lawrence Romano.

Me: Is he strict regarding the person his son marries? That sounds tough.

Melissa: I know right? Well, nothing can be done though.

Me: Indeed

Since we were walking together on our way out of the office, I realized we talked for 20 minutes straight, considering we knocked off at 2 p.m.

Me: Let me go and freshen up.

Melissa: Yeah, me too. See you later Liana!

Me: See you later Melissa!

I jumped into my car and drove off.

Yesterday's heavy traffic was back on the road. Many cars were driving swiftly and it had to be none other than the Raynolds. They traveled to South Cybric to see Lee Romano's fiancee.

Me: Rich life is tough.

After some good 10 minutes elapsed, the roads were running smoothly again.

I then got home to find the house empty.

Me: This is unlike Ziana.

I called her to find out about her whereabouts.

---ON A CALL---

Me: Ziana, hey.

Ziana: Hey sis, did you see the note on the door?

Me: Door? A note?

I went back outside to see a note written the words:

"Hey sis, I am Aunt and Uncle's place. When you knock off, drive to Aunt and Uncle's place.

Love,

Zi"

Me: Oh, I now see the note, thanks for informing me. Do the others know?

Ziana: Not yet, but Aunt and Uncle said they would give them a call.

Me: Then why didn't they give me a call then?

Ziana: Hehe, sorry sis - they thought you would figure it out... you know what I mean. Because you are the smart hacker?

Me: Very funny Ziana. Okay then, Let me come to you then.

Ziana: Okay, I will send the location to you.

Me: Thanks. See you now!

Ziana: See you now sis!

---END OF CALL---

Me: This family of mine.

I had to drive, crossing the bridge that separated us from the rich.

"Never thought I would be driving into this rich place," I said.

Once I reached the location, I stopped at the biggest mansions I have ever seen in my 25 years of living.

I parked my car and stood in front of it - blank in expression.

"When you have a rich aunt and uncle, oh I got it alright," I said.

"You like it?" asked Uncle Henry.

Me: Uncle, this feels too surreal. But who am I kidding?

Henry: You are looking at the real deal Liana. This is your second home. If you need a getaway.

Me: I will think about it - doesn't sound too bad when I see it in a different light.

Hailey: See? Getting out of your comfort zone is not a bad thing.

Back to the "getting out of your comfort zone" thing.

Me: I guess so. Where's Ziana?

Hailey: After seeing your aunt and uncle, you can't say a greeting?

I smiled. I opened my arms to Aunt Hailey.

Me: Hello Aunt Hailey! It's good to see you again.

Hailey: Naughty child.

She hugs me back.

Hailey: And I missed you too.

I then hugged Uncle Henry and together we went inside.

Me: Woah! You never told me you live in a mansion! This is way too big for two. But l guess it's the benefits of being rich huh? Am l right?

Uncle: It sure is. You will live in such a big house like this one day.

Me: Ha, with my salary, that is never going to happen - it will consume another 25 years of existence, no thanks.

Uncle: Look at you, being all independent and strategic.

Hailey: Is there anything you would like to eat? Oh, wait! I know. How about...

Aunt Hailey brought 3, no, 5 boxes of glazed donuts! Something that l wouldn't do with my salary, except when l spoil Ziana once in a while.

Me: Aunt Hailey, you know me too well.

I was beaming.

Hailey: You can't hide your little flushed face from me! Enjoy yourself. Ziana has her 5 boxes too. She's in the cinema room.

Wait! Do they even have a cinema room?!

Me: That sounds luxurious... l wouldn't mind living here you know.

Uncle Henry looked at the time and it was 4:00 p.m.

Uncle Henry: We should be getting ready to leave.

Me: Oopsies... l left my dress back home. I can drive---

Aunt Hailey laughed at me.

Hailey: What are you talking about sweetie? We have another dress here.

Me: Of the same design?!

Hailey: Everything.

Me: Great! Thanks, Aunt Hailey and Uncle Henry!

Henry: Anytime.

2 HOURS LATER

TIME: 06:00 P.M

I fit into my dress again and we were at the door when Ziana gave me the biggest tightest hug.

Ziana: l wish you were Romano's fiancée!

Me: Very funny Ziana. I never will be.

Hailey: Make sure to tune in, okay Zi?

Ziana: Yes aunt.

Henry: We will be on our way now.

Me: Bye Zi! Be good, okay?

Ziana: Yeah, yeah, l will. Bye!

I walked outside to see an electric car with the design of a limo parked in front of me.

"The perks of having a rich aunt and uncle," l said.

I got into the car, helped by my aunt, and together we drove to the dinner party.

15 MINUTES LATER

AT THE ROMANO ESTATE

It was just as l expected. Extravagant, over the top, and elegant.

The room was already buzzing with people in fancy gowns. I would feel out of place just being here.

When l entered the room, all eyes were glued to me. I heard whispers and chattering. I then looked back and my aunt and uncle, only to see that l was by myself - Uncle Henry and Aunt Hailey were gone!

Great. Just great...