Chapter 22: Confession

"What do you mean a bit longer?" I asked. "I thought it was strictly business."

"I know," Lee said. "Tell you what? How about we go somewhere?"

"Somewhere where?" I asked.

"You will see," Lee said.

He called Ace to tell him to bring another car. I laughed.

"I'm feeling really anxious right now," I said. "What about Dad and Liam?"

"They will understand," Lee said.

We got downstairs and ran to the door, hand in hand. People were clapping for us as we passed. We got outside, jumped into the car, with Ace driving, and got inside.

"Phew!" Lee and I said.

"You guys sound exhausted," Ace said.

"I'm not used to being the center of attention," I said.

"You will eventually get used to it," Lee said.

Ace took us to a park where there were a few people in it. He handed me a pair of clothes.

"What am I supposed to do?" I asked.

"We are changing our clothing. We can't enter into a park with our dressing," Lee said.

"There is no place to change!" I exclaimed.

"You still haven't learned about Lee huh?" Ace asked.

He drove a bit further away from the park and into a hidden, secluded area. I saw a mansion similar to the one we stayed in.

I paused to think.

"Hold up. Don't tell me..." I said.

"THAT LEE ROMANO OWNS THE PARK AS WELL?!"

"Why is that hard to accept Li?" Lee asked.

I looked away. He always said cheesy lines that got the better of me internally but treated me as something else at home. I wanted to believe him, but could I?

"You own too many things," I said.

"Let's change," Lee said, getting out of the car and walking into the mansion.

I opened the car door and came out. I walked barefoot because the heels were killing my feet. I couldn't walk further with them. Lee saw me walking towards him. He looked at my hands, then my feet.

"Not used to wearing heels for long I see," Lee said, pointing at the heels I was carrying.

"They are worn for special occasions according to me," I said.

"Okay," Lee said, calling someone to carry our clothing into the dressing room.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"What you think I'm doing," he replied, walking over to me and carrying me in bridal style.

"Come on Lee! It's not like I'm in pain!" I protested. "Put me down now!"

"Sorry, can't do it," Lee said.

"Why are you stubborn," I muttered to myself.

"I should be asking you that question," Lee replied.

I only laughed a little. We approached the house, but I couldn't help but stare at him from time to time.

"You will hurt your eyes by doing that you know," Lee said.

"Doing what?" I asked.

"Staring at me," Lee said. "I know I'm handsome but don't break your neck for me."

I playfully hit his chest.

"Stop being cheesy Lee! Argh!" I exclaimed.

"In your dreams," I said.

"Oh really?" Lee asked.

"Yes really," I replied.

I looked at him once more. He caught me staring at him.

"What am I seeing you doing again?" Lee asked.

"Sorry," I said. "It's just... you look much more handsome than I thought."

"Man, baby I'm hurt. You only see my handsomeness now?" Lee pouted.

"No, I just didn't know how to say it since you were always grumpy," I said.

"Say that one more time, I am dropping you," Lee said.

"Okay, I'm quiet," I said, leaning on his chest.

"That's more like it," Lee said.

We entered the house and it was lined up with staff who were ready to meet us. Since I was leaning on Lee's chest, I decided to pretend I was asleep to avoid the gazes. Lee placed me on a comfy bed instead. I didn't realize that I truly fell asleep. I woke up to a blanket being put on me. Lee and I's faces were close to each other. We looked at each other for a while before Lee stood upright. I woke up and stood up straight.

"You fell asleep," Lee said. "I didn't want you to feel cold."

"Thanks," I said, walking to the balcony in the room. 

It was dark with stars shining brightly in the sky.

"Am I late?" I asked.

"For what?" Lee asked.

"Didn't you say that you wanted to go to the park?" I asked.

Lee only laughed. He wrapped his arm around me.

"Liana, I wanted to get away with you!" Lee exclaimed. "Far away from Dad and Liam - just the two of us."

I looked at him shocked. Without thinking, I hugged him.

"Thanks," I said. "You are always full of surprises... I love that," I said.

Lee lifted my face to meet his gaze. He smirked.

"I am happy to hear," Lee said.

I wanted to tell him more but figured I would make him upset.

But as Lee is - he knew what I was thinking.

"Tell me," Lee said.

I looked at him in confusion.

"I know you have something you want to say," Lee continued. "No matter what it is, please talk to me and tell me."

I cupped his face into my hands.

"Please..." I said. "Please don't change."

Lee looked at me.

"I know this is just an arrangement, but I really like it when you are open with me, well I mean, not serious looking," I said. "This is my first relationship with anyone so I really don't know how to deal with the highs and downs of things."

I felt myself opening up.

"But take your time. That's all I wanted to say," I said.

"Finally," Lee said.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"You spoke up," he replied.

My cheeks were burning with embarrassment. I pulled away from Lee for him to pull me back.

"Where are you going?" Lee asked.

"To hide under the blankets and scream?" I replied.

Lee hugged me tightly and placed his chin on my head.

"I won't," Lee said. "That's a promise I'm making."

We looked at the stars from the balcony, admiring how there are lots of stars in the sky that have names. Lee then got a call from an unknown number.

"Answer it," I whispered.

Lee answered it, and his expression quickly darkened.

"What?"

"Okay, we are on our way."

Lee dropped the call. He hugged me tightly before pulling away.

"What's wrong?" I asked. "What was it about?"

Lee looked at me.

"Dad was in a car accident. He is in hospital."

I opened my eyes wide. We were with him nearly an hour ago, now he is in hospital?

"But if he had a car accident..." I said. "Where is Liam then?"

Lee looked at me with realization.

"The doctor didn't mention Liam."

"Well, he didn't get hurt right?" I asked. "He wouldn't disappear RIGHT?!" I exclaimed, my voice was shaky.

Lee held my hand.

"Let's hope not," Lee said. "Let's change then we will go."

Lee called Ace to get the car ready while we quickly changed into our casuals before heading to the hospital. I took my bag, while Lee took his phone.

"Let's go," Lee said, extending his hand.

"Okay," I said, taking his hand.

We got into the car, and Ace drove away. Lee and I held each other's hands tightly. As we were driving there, I couldn't help but wonder:

Who could be behind this?