Chapter 16 Marco's Visit and Sofia's Kiss

Elena Garcia's POV:

I pretty much spent all my time in my room or the home library, even getting the maids to bring my meals up.

Sure, part of it was avoiding my brother Albert, but mostly, I just wanted to make the most of every minute.

While I was cramming for exams and prepping for interviews, I was also chatting away with William on social media.

William and Sofia both went to Boston University, but they were in different majors.

Lately, I asked Sofia if she wanted to check out some spots in Los Angeles with me after my interview.

She didn't say yes right away, said she needed to see if she had the time.

I told William about Sofia's response, and he was cool with waiting.

To thank me for inviting Sofia, he offered to help me prep for my interview, which was super helpful.

Whenever I had a bit of downtime, I'd answer William's questions, which were mostly about Sofia.

After the banquet, Sofia didn't go back to school but took sick leave again.

James and Isabella were really worried about her, so they agreed to her decision almost immediately.

When William found out, he asked me to send his regards to Sofia and hoped I could deliver the gifts he sent her.

It was a pretty busy job.

I gave the gifts to Sofia and told her that William might have a thing for her.

At first, she seemed indifferent, but then she looked troubled. "Elena, I don't know if I should say this, but I've always known William has a crush on me. But I don't feel the same way. You know, William's a great guy. He's handsome, charming, and very gentlemanly."

"But you're not into him?"

"Yeah, I only see him as a friend."

Sofia wanted me to tell William this. When I did, he didn't give up. Instead, he asked what kind of guys Sofia liked.

"William doesn't need to change anything; he's great. It's just, Elena, you know, attraction isn't something you can control. It needs the right conditions to blossom." Sofia knew how to let someone down easy.

But I didn't think William would take that well. He seemed totally smitten with Sofia, and even if I told him she wasn't interested, he'd still ask, "Why?"

"Just like you and William. I can see, Elena, you have feelings for him. He was like a hero descending from the heavens, saving you in front of everyone."

My face turned red. I didn't know how Sofia guessed that I once had feelings for William.

Sofia said, "William is great. Girls from different majors in the academy all have a crush on him. It's easy to guess."

"Like a campus prince? Is he really that popular at school?"

"You really think highly of William. A prince? If you think he's like a prince, then you're not wrong."

My face turned even redder.

Sofia hoped I could help her reject William. "He shouldn't be fixated on me, Elena. You know, it will only hurt him."

Sofia was very determined, and I totally respected her decision. She was right.

If I kept helping William, it would hurt both of them.

When William asked me to send his regards to Sofia again and deliver gifts, I turned him down.

William was confused about my rejection. "Elena, did I do something to make you mad? Why won't you help me anymore?"

"No, William, I just don't want to hurt you. Sofia doesn't want this to continue either."

If you don't like someone, you shouldn't give them hope. I completely agreed with this.

I also felt a bit sad. I thought it was because I had feelings for William.

I was sad because he got rejected.

William apologized to me. I thought he had given up, but when I found out he visited in person, I realized I was wrong.

I had just wrapped up my admission interview today. The results would be out tomorrow, so I had some free time to kill.

I decided to start eating in the dining room again.

When I walked in, I saw a young, handsome guy in a black shirt, chatting with Albert.

As soon as I entered, they both looked at me.

"Hey, I'm Elena," I said, introducing myself quickly. Then I turned to Albert, "Where are Mom and Dad?"

"They went to a small gathering," Albert replied. "Want me to introduce you to my friend?"

Albert, the jerk, looked like he was waiting for me to ask. No way was I giving him that satisfaction.

"Marco Bianchi," Albert's friend introduced himself before I could say anything. I looked at him. He had these familiar eyes, like I'd seen him somewhere before.

Marco's clothes screamed money, and he had a platinum watch with diamonds on his wrist.

Before coming back to the Garcia family, I'd never seen someone so loaded.

He had this mysterious vibe, with thick eyebrows and a short scar at the end of one, making it look split.

His muscles were solid, and his shirt looked like it was about to burst.

He looked like a strong wolf ready to pounce.

Just like Albert, he had only buttoned a few buttons on his shirt, showing off his chest muscles.

"I told you she'd like this look. God, look how sexy you are, instantly attracting her," Albert, the annoying guy, whistled and raised his eyebrows. "All thanks to my advice."

What was he talking about?

Marco caught me peeking, and my face turned red.

I looked at Marco, embarrassed. "Did Albert suggest your dressing style?"

"What's wrong with it?"

"If it was his suggestion, then I think you should change it. You deserve more stylish clothes, not like this."

Albert didn't like my critique. "What's wrong with my dressing style?"

"Like a playboy."

Albert dressed very flamboyantly, and I didn't think my assessment was wrong.

He even kissed a maid in the open garden before dawn.

Albert glared at me. "Those girls love my exposed chest. Marco wants to learn how to be popular, and I just gave him reasonable advice."

"So, Mr. Bianchi is also a playboy? Or does he want to be one?"

Marco didn't seem to like talking much. Our conversation might have offended him. But I was too focused on expressing my dislike for Albert to notice.

"I don't want to be a playboy, nor will I ever be," Marco said, looking at me seriously.

I was surprised. "Sorry, I just... I'm very sorry."

"Marco, your way of showing affection to my sister is really subtle," Albert teased.

I ignored Albert and decided to change the topic. "Where's Sofia?"

"Probably meeting a friend in the garden. I remember the name, William, the guy who saved you at the banquet. He brought a big bouquet of roses.

Seriously, why don't you think it was Marco who saved you? He's way more handsome than that arrogant jerk," Albert said, winking at Marco.

"Learn to shut up, Albert," I snapped.

I could never stay rational around this guy.

After hearing that William came to see Sofia, I got a bit anxious. Hadn't William given up on Sofia yet?

I knew it was their private matter, and I shouldn't interfere too much, but William coming again after Sofia's rejection worried me, especially since he brought a big bouquet of roses.

Ignoring Albert, I hurried to the garden on the second floor.

When I got to the garden entrance, I saw Sofia and William standing inside.

I was sure Sofia saw me because she smiled at me.

Then, out of nowhere, she stood on tiptoe and cupped William's face.

She kissed him.

I could hardly think.