SIETE

Following the main carriage were several carriages with servants. Leanne assumed that the Diaz family were higher in standing considering their entourage.

Rafael stepped forward and extended his hand to the duo for a handshake, "Welcome to Bicol, Gobernadorcillo and Sir Diego." He then turned to introduce the ladies, "This is my wife Teresita, my daughter Josefa and my niece Maria... Come greet the Gobernadorcillio, Fernando Diaz and his son, Sir Diego Diaz."

(Gobernadorcillo = Governor at that time)

Leanne bowed together with Teresita and Maria, "It is a pleasure to meet you."

The Gobernadorcillo laughed good-heartedly, "The pleasure is all ours... Alcalde Rafael dela Cruz, you have such a beautiful daughter... Isn't that right, Diego?" He then beckoned Diego to introduce himself.

"That's right, Father... Good day to you! I am called Diego Diaz. Nice to meet you, Binibini Josefa." Diego came up to Leanne and kissed the back of her hand.

Leanne was not able to respond right away. She was busy observing Diego Diaz as she thought, "What the hell!? I didn't know it was possible to become even more handsome up close. Great-grandpa is totally my type! Neat black hair, tantalizing eyes, sharp nose, thin pink lips, strong jawline, fair-skinned, slender and tall body..."

Maria noticed that Leanne was having an out-of-the-body experience again, so she gently nudge her arm.

Leanne was forcefully woken up from her thoughts as she exclaimed, "Great-grandpa!"

Following her sudden exclamation was a long, painfully awkward silence. Leanne couldn't help but feel embarrassed that she was caught daydreaming while checking out a hot guy. She showed a strained smile and bowed, "He-hello."

Diego was amused and chuckled, showing those pearly white teeth.

Rafael cut the greetings short and guided the guests inside. Teresita showed them the dining area. She had prepared a full feast to welcome their guests today.

Dinner went on smoothly as the men talked and discussed business. The ladies reckoned that today was probably the longest they have ever seen Rafael laugh and smile widely.

After the dinner, everyone gathered in the livingroom. Rafael cleared his throat, "Josefa, today I invited the Diaz family for the purpose of forming a partnership. We have agreed to seal this partnership by getting you engage with Sir Diego."

Leanne remembered her plan and got into character. She timidly asked, "But why father? Aren't I too young for marriage?"

"You know that I needed a male heir, while the Gobernadorcillo wanted to try his hand in trading... You'll only be engage at the moment. Sir Diego is only a year older than you after all." Rafael returned to being stern when speaking with Leanne.

Leanne remained firm as she shook her head, "No, father! We don't even know each other."

Diego took this opportunity to interrupt, "Then, we can start getting to know each other now, Binibini" He said as he smiled gently.

Leanne almost agreed, fortunately she was able to control herself. She strengtened her mind, "No! no... You're not a weak sh*t. You must fight... You have a different goal."

The Gobernadorcillo saw that Leanne was still not convinced, " Binibini Josefa, you don't need to worry. Diego is a good man. We are Peninsulares living in the walled city of Intramuros, Manila. Marrying Diego will only bring good things to your family. He is also a medical student at Santo Tomas. What more can you ask for?"

Leanne stood up and lowered her head, "I'm really sorry, but I can't marry your son... I... I'm in love with someone else..."

Audible gasps could be heard from all the people present. Teresita almost fainted and fell down, fortunately, Maria was supporting her.

Rafael had the biggest reaction as he shouted and pointed at Leanne, "Josefa, you ungrateful child!!! How could you be so rude to the Gobernadorcillo!?! This is why I didn't want you hanging out with Indios. Look at how they've infected you with their uneducated attitude!"

Rafael then called out to the nearest servants, "Servants! Lock her in her room. She is not allowed to be let out unless I say so."

Leanne allowed herself to be taken away by the servants. Her eyes met with Maria for a brief moment, but Maria only sighed and shook her head. As if saying that she shouldn't have done that.

When Leanne left, it was Rafael's turn to lower his head, "Forgive my impertinent daughter, Gobernadorcillo... Don't worry, I will talk to her and convince her."

The Gobernadorcillo only laughed. He looked as if he saw something amusing.

Diego, however, looked worried. "It's alright. I hope that you wont be too hard on her, Alcalde."

The discussion in the living room continued, unaware of what Leanne was doing.

Leanne tied several blankets to the bed post and threw it outside the window. She was attempting to escape.

Leanne tried if the blankets would be able to endure her weight. She had a lot of trust in their abaca weaving business, so she almost did not hesitate in going down the window.

Avoiding all the servants outside, she ran away. Leanne had one place in mind. The only place that she knows of in this timeline... Emilio's house.

The bahay kubo was devoid of any light. It was night time, so the people inside must already be sleeping.

Leanne knocked on the wooden door while peaking inside, "Emilio... Emilio..."

The door opened, revealing a sleepy Emilio. He looks confused as he rubbed his eyes, wondering if he was dreaming. "What are you doing here at this time? It's night time... and you're even alone... Your father will surely punish you."

"I ran away." Leanne tried her best to look teary and as pitiful as possible.

Emilio, however, did not fall for it. "What!? Why? No... Go home! I'll escort you. Come on!"

Leanne stepped back and shook her head, "No! I ran away... because, my father wanted to marry me off..."

Emilio remained silent and listened to her, but Leanne was dragging her sentence... so Emilio became a little impatient. "And?"

Leanne hesitated a bit. She wondered, "Is this really alright? I've convinced myself that this is just a dream, and that I should atleast help Josefa with her regrets... but everything seems too vivid. I'm getting a little scared... Aaah! Whatever... Here goes nothing."

Leanne covered her reddened cheeks and with a loud and shaky voice, she said, "I don't want to get married... because... I... I like you, Emilio!"