Chapter 13: Bombshell

Me: Mia?!

Mia: Liana, hey!

I gave her a big hug.

Me: It's been such a long time! How are you keeping?

Mia: It has been - no I am good and yourself? I see you are looking gorgeous as always!

Me: I could say the same too!

Mia: So... the last time I knew you, Liana and dinner parties did not mix. What's with the sudden change girl?

Me: If you could know, it is a long story. I got dragged by my aunt and uncle to come... so here I am! He said he wanted to introduce me to Lee Romano---

Mia: Wait! That Romano?

Me: That Romano Mia. Let me tell you, he is...

Mia: Don't be shy now Liana. He is handsome, right?

Me: I didn't say he was handsome. Let's just say, our meeting could have gone better.

Mia: Don't worry, once you know him, he is a sweetheart.

Why is everyone telling me this? Why should I care about Lee Romano?

Me: Mia. He is getting married. Why should I be worried about the man? It's not like I am getting married to him.

Mia skipped the topic.

Mia: Anyways, how is life treating you?

Me: The same. Until all my colleagues criticized me for not having a boyfriend... as if it's compulsory.

Mia: Babes, I get it, experiencing that is awful, but look at this - what kind of beautiful, smart young, elegant lady like you doesn't have a significant other by her side?

Me: I don't know, personal preference?

Mia: Oh Liana - you are still the same stick-to-her-decision girl huh?

Me: And she will never change. But enough about me, how have you been keeping up with work and everything?

Mia: It's good. Now that I am married---

Me: Hold up - married? When?

Mia: I got married in North Cybric 3 months ago, my husband works along with the Raynolds---

The Romano's rival family, the Raynolds...

Mia: And so we threw a lavish party but I, unfortunately, lost your contact details so I couldn't invite you.

Me: Or do you mean that your wedding needed the invitee to have a partner and so the boring Liana Rodriguez couldn't come because she has no partner? 

Mia: Gosh Liana, you pretty much catch up to info fast! That was the case. Sorry.

Me: Don't stress - no need to worry. 

Mia: Oh Liana! You are such a sweet friend you know!

Me: Ha! Should I believe those words?

Mia: Of course! Ever since the entire class went their separate ways after graduation we all lost contact with each other and as for me, you are the only person I know.

Me: Well... that is indeed true. And you are the only person I have from senior high.

Mia: You do?!

Me: Really.

Mia: Liana... may you not change forever! I do love introverted ones... man, you can tell where real friendship lies!

Me: Very funny Mia, but I am being honest. It's truly good to see you again.

Mia: Me too.

A few seconds later, people started looking towards the podium and Ace was alongside Lee who seemed like he was going to give a speech.

Mia: Girl, you heard right?

Me: Yeah. About him revealing his fiancee?

Mia: Happy we are together on one thing.

Me: Not that I was interested in knowing though. The livestream that day seemed interesting to watch.

Mia: Yeah, yeah. Back to the point. He is going to reveal his fiancee to us and his dad!

As if it has some significance...

Me: Yeah. I feel---

Mia: Gosh! I can not wait to see her! I wonder what she looks like.

Me: Beautiful, rich, and very rich.

Mia: (sighs) Yeah, you are completely wrong. Lee Romano doesn't have to marry anyone with the same standard of living.

Me: What do you take him for? He is a rich man!

Mia: You want to bet? If my theory is true, you owe me coffee. If you do, I owe you coffee.

Me: It's a deal.

I don't like to bet, especially with Mia but never have I ever been super sure of my stance.

Lee Romano started to speak.

Lee Romano: Good evening to all. I would like to thank you all both here in person and watching this live on TV. Today is indeed a joyful day, and I am happy that my Father is here to witness this, and that is the announcement of my fiancee.

Everyone gasps.

Me: Everyone seems anticipated---

Mia: Yeah, but listen and watch.

Even Mia is heavily invested in this too...

Speaking of Romano, where in the world is my aunt and uncle? Luckily Mia is keeping me company or else I would have left this party a whole while ago.

As Romano kept ranting about his family life and stuff the crowded people started moving away.

Who are they clearing the way for?

Mia: Liana.

Me: What Mia?

Mia: Look.

Me: Where?

Before I knew it, there were two bodyguards in front of me.

Mia: Do you know them?

Before I could respond, one of the two men spoke.

Bodyguard 1: Ms. Liana?

I hesitantly respond.

Me: That's me.

Bodyguard 1: Please follow us.

Mia: OMG Liana!

Me: Shh Mia... where am I being taken to? I am looking for my aunt and uncle, not to be escorted in style with bodyguards beside me!

Mia: Geez Li, don't you think it connects with your Aunt and Uncle in some way? Don't they work with the Romanos or something?

Me: Yeah, but since when do I need bodyguards?!

Mia: Girl, just enjoy every moment of it.

What did I expect from Mia Lasero? Of course, she was going to throw me under the bus...

Me: Of course, like you would have rescued me from these guards.

The second guard started to speak.

Bodyguard 2: We promise, we mean no harm.

Mia: Go, Liana! Show your jealous colleagues what you, Liana Rodriguez are made of!

Me: Okay then. I will be on my way then. See you, Mia.

Mia: Yeah, yeah, bye!

I followed the guards as they escorted me through the crowds. Like what Mia said, maybe this is in connection with my Henry and Hailey... how could they abandon their niece like that?! And then they decide to send two men in black suits to find me?!

Yet to my surprise, they led me straight up to the front of the room. 

Okay... now this is freaking me out.

Me: Excuse me, why am I being---

They leave me and I look around in disbelief. Lee and I glanced at each other with irritated expressions.

Lee Romano: So we meet again... Klutz girl.

Me: Indeed... Bad mannerisms boy.