Chapter 15: Backstabbed

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

Everyone: Aw!

Everyone was so amazed that they all clapped hands. We then walked away from the crowd and I was led to the basement under the Estate, where more bodyguards were standing outside the door. Lee then let go of my hand.

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

Lee was super collected as he leaned against a pool table.

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: Didn't you hear a word I said Lee Romano?! I SAID I DO NOT KNOW WHERE TO BEGIN.

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 me being 25 years old and without a fiancee. 

Me: Oh - so you want a fake fiancee to lie to your father that you have changed your mind and that you are better able to take care of the company?

He smiled at me.

Lee: Smart girl. So you have a brain?

Me: Don't insult me. Anyway, couldn't you do this with someone you actually like?

Lee: I don't have time to love a woman - it's a waste of energy.

Me: And don't you think it's already a waste of time faking to love a woman?

Lee: Why are you acting all innocent?

Me: What do you mean?

This man is the rudest I have met.

Lee walked up to me.

Lee: I know you were also having a rough time at work. Being pressured to date and get married...

I opened my eyes in shock but quickly returned to my calm expression.

Me: And how did you know?

Lee: A little coupling told me about you.

Me: And you did what? Go with the flow?

Lee: Got a problem?

Me: Yeah - why me?

Lee looked at me in the eye.

Lee: Because you were the best among the women in the room.

Me: Um - Lee Romano, listen up. There are so many women dying to be your fiancee. I made a vow for myself that I won't get married - and YOU are destroying it. 

Lee: What's bad about breaking such a vow? I made a vow regarding the same thing and look at where I am.

Me: That's you Romano. I am me - Liana Rodriguez. I am known for not breaking my vows and here you are purposely breaking them for me.

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

Me: And don't you think you deserve a slap?

Lee: On my face?

Me: You heard me.

Lee: You might want to reconsider.

Me: ....

Lee: Let me give you background info. This coupling asked for a favor, and we helped them out. I in turn asked for a favor and they recommended you.

Me: Recommended me...

Lee: Come on in!

There I saw Aunt Hailey and Uncle Henry come through the door.

I stood with my mouth open.

Me: Aunt Hailey... Uncle Henry...?

Lee: Shocked?

Aunt Hailey: Liana!

She came forward to hug me, and I stood back.

Uncle Henry: We can explain---

Me: Just keep quiet.

I looked at Lee.

Me: Lee?

Lee: Yeah?

I whispered to Lee's ear:

Me: Do you have something strong?

Lee: A drink?

Me: Nevermind.

Aunt Hailey: What's happening?

Me: You will see it in due time.

I searched the room to find nothing.

Henry: Calm down Liana---

Me: Oh yeah? I must calm down after what you did to me. You thought my life could repay your debt?!

Henry: You are safe in Romano's hands...

I walked around back and forth in the room, pinching my nose and shaking my head. When Lee realized what I was about to do, he wrapped me in a tight hug and whispered in my ear:

Lee: Were you planning on doing that?

Me: Yes - maybe I might have felt better afterward.

Lee: Ooh... I never knew my fiancee was this fierce.

Me: As for you Romano, I will show you explosions. Don't push me.

For some reason, he managed to calm me down and I let go of my anger.

Me: And tell me Uncle Henry, Aunt Hailey, what made you choose me? 

Henry: We asked for a favor from Lee Romano, and he helped us - you see, the Raynolds asked us to sabotage the Romano's business but Hailey and I refused, so Lee agreed to help us only if we would fulfill his favor. He wanted 3 million Cybric Notes and we were financially broke at that time, so...

Aunt Hailey: So, when we heard he was looking for someone to pose as his fiancee, we recommended you to pay our debt off.

Me: Wow! Thank you so much for being selfish.

Aunt Hailey fell silent.

Henry: I wouldn't have done so if you were going to be in danger.

Me: Yes, thank you so much Uncle for successfully ruining my life.

Hailey: But we helped you silence those Riana people at work.

Me: Yes, Riana was a pain, but I never asked for help. I was just venting it out--- let me guess, Alicia told you?

Henry: Well...

Me: Get to the point.

Henry: Yes.

Me: I was handling it well Uncle Henry, what part of handling it well didn't you understand?

Henry: Well, I guess I took things the other way, but---

Me: No buts Uncle! You ruined my life! My everything. And I must what? Thank you.

Henry: Liana, look. This is a great opportunity for you and your uncle and aunt wanted to ease you from the pressure of marriage.

Me: Yeah, by throwing me into a loveless marriage?

Henry: Okay, yeah but look at it on the bright side!

Me: What bright side uncle, what bright side?!

Lee: You might want to listen to the reward for doing this.

Me: I am listening.

Lee: If you pull this off without anyone suspecting our relationship, you will be 10 times richer than anyone in Cybric. 

Me: Ten times richer?

Lee: I can make it infinity if you want.

Me: Please, as if knowing the reward will make me stay.

Henry: Please Liana. Please do this for us.

Me: Okay. I have an idea. Let Aunt Hailey marry Lee instead. I am going out.

Uncle Henry stood in front of me.

Me: Move out of the way.

Lee: Look, if you are worried about paparazzi, I have Ace to back you up. Your family will be protected from now on.

Me: I never asked you to do that.

Lee: I have to do it for the sake of the act.

Me: Who said I agreed?

Lee: The ring on your finger.

Me: I was ambushed! Besides I didn't want to embarrass the rich kid.

Lee: Hey! I am no rich kid. I worked hard to get to where I am.

Me: Geez! Stop getting all worked up! It was just a sarcastic joke.

The quicker I play this act, the quicker I get back to my normal life.

Me: (sighs) Fine! I will pose as your fiancee.

Uncle Henry: Thank you---

Me: It's not for you though. Although I am paying for your debt.

Henry: Okay.

Me: Backstabbers.

Uncle Henry then kept quiet.

Lee: Ace will escort you home. Come on in Ace!

Ace then came in. I was not surprised by it because it was obvious that Ace and Lee had dealings with each other.

Ace: Liana! We meet again.

Me: Yep.

Lee: He will be your personal bodyguard from now on.

Me: What's with the crazy security, it's not like I am going to die on my way home.

Lee: We need to take safety measures. I wouldn't want to see you get hurt.

I don't know if he was being genuine about my safety or if this was just an act.

Me: Okay... Mr. Safety Measures... I will be on my way then.

Lee: Don't call me that.

Me: You might as well get used to it. Expect a new nickname soon.

Lee smirked at me.

Lee: Okay - see you then... klutz girl.

Me: Excuse me?!

Lee: Get ready for some new nicknames soon... not my words, yours.

I rolled my eyes at him.

Me: Whatever.

Ace and I went out of the Estate and into a tinted SUV car. 

My crazy life begins now...