Chapter 14: Event of A Lifetime

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

Me: Indeed... bad mannerisms boy.

He held out his hand to me and I stared at him.

Me: What in the world is this all about Lee Romano?

Lee Romano: Are you this annoying?

Me: And are you this rude?

I scoffed at him. The nerve he has to hold his hand out!

Me: I have never even met you until tonight, and yet you want us to what? Hold hands? We are not 5 year olds sir! Reconciling with someone doesn't mean shaking it off with holding hands! 

Lee Romano: I guess patience and understanding are not part of your traits.

The nerve?!

Me: For your information Lee Romano, I am a very patient and understanding person... you were just unfortunate to fall on my other, dark side tonight. Don't push it!

Expecting another response from him, he came up to me and took my hand.

Me: Lee Romano! What do you think you are doing?! You know I can call the police on you!

Lee Romano: Oh really?

He meets his gaze with mine and holds my chin.

Am I supposed to be flattered by his charm at this rate? Surely not making my heart burn...

Lee Romano: And please tell me Liana Rodriguez, who is going to believe you?

I pondered over his words. 

No one is going to believe me, that's for sure. I will be labeled as a desperate woman seeking the rich kid's attention. #Attention seeker. 

I would HATE my name to be dragged into the news like that...

I sternly looked at him.

Me: ...No one.

Lee Romano: Glad you know.

Me: But that doesn't mean you can boss me around. Look, you may have power and control over this country, but you don't have control over me. Oh wait, while we are still at it Romano, could you please tell me why you are holding my hand? Aren't you not supposed to be looking for your "fiancee?"

Lee looked at me, annoyed by my words.

Lee Romano: Guess I could do worse than this...

Me: What is that supposed to mean?

Lee Romano: Look. Fewer questions, more action. Okay?

Me: Ha - and more questions, more action. Okay?

Lee Romano: And does that matter right now?

Me: Um, yeah. I am about to go on stage with a man I know nothing about. Don't you think I deserve some explanation first before we move forward?

Lee Romano: Look, you will get your answers when the time is right.

Me: And isn't the time right now?

Lee Romano: Keep silent and just follow orders, okay?

Me: Tell me your reason for wanting me and maybe I will follow orders, how about that?

Lee Romano and I glared at each other, refusing to break eye contact.

Lee Romano: Liana, listen. I am only going to repeat myself once more. You will get the answers to all your nonsensical questions when the time is right, and secondly, I need you to just follow along.

Me: First, my questions are not a bunch of nonsense. Second, why should I?

Lee Romano: I can brush this off as a matter of shyness, but if this carries on, you are going to cause a scene. Is that what you want to achieve?

Me: I want to achieve nothing at all. I just want to have a normal evening on a weekday---

But causing a scene for the rich kid sounds like a 6 feet-underground ticket. I hate to do this but let's see what this is all about...

Me: But now thinking about it, I wouldn't want to cause a scene for the rich kid. Lead the way Romano.

How am I casually talking to the rich kid?! He started it though, so he deserves it.

Lee Romano: Good. I will indeed lead the way, ma'am.

"Keep your cool Li, keep your cool," are the words I told myself. I wouldn't want to commit a violent scene on the rich kid.

With a sharp nod, he tightened his grip on my hand as we walked together hand in hand back to the podium.

Everyone looked at Lee Romano with warm eyes.

What hypnotism method is he using on these people?!

He then carried on with his speech.

Lee Romano: Thank you so much everyone for your patience.

He then fixed his eyes on me. 

I gulped, feeling uneasy about the situation at hand.

What on earth is happening today? I am standing next to the rich kid Lee Romano, my aunt and uncle are nowhere to be seen, and this is being broadcast live on TV...

I just want the ground to swallow me this instant.

Before I knew it, I found myself hypnotized by his gaze on me, despite my frustration and confusion. 

He does steal the hearts of people everywhere he goes... just play cool Liana.

He took my hand and lifted it - me thinking he was going to be a proper gentleman and kiss my hand, instead however...

 He takes out a huge, beautiful, glimmering, expensive, diamond ring! The price of this ring would cost my entire life! 

I gasp, in shock at what my eyes are seeing.

What on earth is about to happen to me Lee Romano?!

Wait... This... this can not be happening right?...RIGHT?!

Lee Romano slips the ring onto my finger with the most brightest of smiles that would make any woman fall for him.

Everyone gasps as Lee turned back to face the crowd if they knew Lee Romano's next words:

Lee Romano: Everyone, I would love you all to meet Liana---

My fiancee.

I am... his what?!

He has got to be joking...

Lee Romano continued.

Lee Romano: Like what my Father has always said, I will need a Queen by my side to properly take care of the company and other necessary responsibilities. As the company expands, decision-making will be extremely crucial, and I am happy to face them with someone I can rely on - someone that I love with my whole heart.

Lee's gaze at me was softer than before. His words were so profound that they left everyone listening in awe.

Lee Romano: A capable woman who has proven herself to me and has won my heart.

I stare at him, with a mixture of confusion and shock.

You are soo paying for this Romano...