Chapter 26: Grandpa Romano

After buying the entire confectionary store, we were now on the journey going home. Before that, however, Lee wanted to make a stop to his company in the capital city of North Cybric. Liam went out and Lee opened the door, then left it open for me.

"You want me to come?" I asked.

Lee simply smirked and took me out of the car.

"Of course - ever since my breakup with Elaine, the entire company, including my grandfather, thought I wouldn't move on."

This was the first time Lee spoke about Elaine. He seemed to have really loved her.

"So I want to show off how amazing and beautiful my wife---"

"No, you mean fake wif---"

"No, my real wife-to-be is," Lee said, pressing his finger on my lip as he corrected me. I felt my face heating up as I placed my head on his shoulder. Lee then patted my head.

"Stop that Lee... you are making me feel shy..." I said, hiding my face away.

"Don't you think you are always doing the same to me?" Lee asked.

Confused, I quickly lifted my head to face him. "Me? Doing the same to you?"

I folded my arms. "As if!"

I wanted to believe it and I also didn't want to believe it. Was he lying or was he being honest? Lee Romano, stop being a smooth talker for once!

Lee only chuckled and took my hand. "I am not dressed fancy - no one is allowed to criticize your outfit."

I laughed. "Yeah, and I buy my clothes from a thrift store!"

Lee gave me a peck on the nose and I couldn't help myself but smile. "Are you not scared that I will embarrass you?" I asked.

"I wouldn't ask you to accompany me if I thought so," he replied. "Let's go."

Liam was already inside. Lee and I got in. My heart was pounding but Lee gently squeezed my hand in reassurance. Everyone looked at us in shock. I could tell what Lee told me was true. I whispered to Lee as we approached the lifts.

"Where are we going?" I asked.

"To my grandfather."

I opened my eyes in shock. Lee and his bad communication... couldn't he tell me before?!

I looked around for Liam but he wasn't in sight. Lee, as if he read my mind, told me that he was already with his great-grandpa. We got into the lift - to the 23rd floor.

"Lee Romano, why didn't you tell me that we were seeing your grandfather?!" I asked.

"Babe, I'm sorry but," he replied.

"But?"

"But he doesn't know we are seeing him."

I paused. "Oh, so you mean we are surprising him?"

He nodded. "You know what I mean right?"

I playfully punched his arm. "I get you, sir..."

I looked at Lee. "Is there something wrong, or are you admiring my handsomeness?"

I came back to reality and saw Lee looking at me. I quickly turned away. "Sorry."

He held my chin and made me look at him. "No need for the formalities," he said.

I simply gazed at him.

"So, what's the answer going to be?"

"I am a prideful woman, I can't tell you," I said.

"Okay."

I looked at him, chuckling, "And you are okay with that?"

"No - I am trying to stay strong," he replied.

"Lee Romano," I said. "I was just admiring you okay?"

Lee held both my hands and pulled me for a hug.

"Do you have a fever?" I asked.

"No - I just want to enjoy this moment," Lee said. "I really did not know what would have happened to you if you died."

I hugged Lee tightly, "Thanks for caring about me Lee."

I buried my face into his chest, "I didn't think about the future at that moment. I was just happy that I managed to keep both of you safe."

"But... you didn't have to do it," Lee replied.

"But I happily did it," I interrupted. "Because you and Liam have each got a special place in my heart."

We hugged in silence. My heart could no longer keep the words that I hid for so long. The elevator took a while to get to the 23rd floor and I felt some adrenaline in me. 

"Liana."

"Lee."

We said each other's names at the same time. We chuckled.

"May I go first?" Lee asked.

I nodded. "Liana, thank you for keeping up with me despite my coldness."

I smiled, which he couldn't see. I felt closer to Lee as he became more open about himself. 

Hopefully, I could be the same too.

"Liana, I---"

The lift opened up. We looked to see Liam with his great-grandpa. He glared at us with an indescribable expression. Lee and I pulled away from each other. The both of us bowed at him.

"Good day Grandpa," Lee said.

He didn't reply, but instead, got into the lift. He pushed us back together.

"I didn't mean to disturb your bonding time - don't mind us," Grandpa said.

Lee and I looked at each other. We turned to look at them, and we found serious-looking faces. We quickly turned away and hugged. Lee laughed, catching the attention of Grandpa.

"Aren't you happy to see me?" Lee asked.

Grandpa only chuckled, "Yes I am but what I am most happy about is seeing you happy once again."

"Thanks, Gramps," he replied.

We finally got back to the ground floor and Lee and I broke free. Everyone kept quiet and quickly went back to work.

"Lee, private talk please," Grandpa said.

Lee looked at me while looking at Grandpa. I patted his shoulder, "I will take Liam with me." 

Liam and I bowed once again at Grandpa before taking our leave.

"I wish Grandpa could have taken a photo of you two!" Liam happily exclaimed.

"Liam!" I laughed as we walked out.

Lee's POV

"Lee Romano, who is she?" he asked.

"Liana. Liana Rodriguez," I replied.

"I haven't heard a lot about her or her family. Is she from an average family at least?" he asked.

I nodded. My Grandpa approved of Elaine because of her status - not my love for her. That was my first mistake but this was not going to be my second mistake.

"Grandpa, I know how marrying someone with a low social standing with us will make us look bad, but I know what I am doing," I replied.

"Oh really?" he asked. "Then here is a challenge for her: The next weekend - I am going to call Elaine, who will challenge Liana - all seven Romano special games."

I opened my eyes in shock. "What for Grandpa?!"

"If she is good for you, she needs to excel in all seven games correct?"

"No Grandpa," I replied. "That is your view of checking marriage suitability - not my way."

"Did you talk back at me?" he asked angrily.

"Yes - and no one... not even you, can choose any woman for me. I have chosen Liana, and I know she will excel in all the games, mark my words."

I bowed at my Grandpa before walking away. 

"Goodbye Grandpa. I hope this is our last conversation about this. See you next week."

I walked away.

I lost Liana once, and not again!