Chapter 17 William's Monologue

William McDonald's POV:

When I caught Sofia glancing my way at the party, I figured she was showing some interest in me.

But it was her sister, Elena Garcia, who came over to say hi.

The Garcia family hadn't changed her last name yet. They planned to do that after the party since it was a hassle.

I couldn't remember her current last name anyway, not that I cared much.

I answered her questions and made small talk, trying not to seem too bored.

I wasn't sure what her deal was with Sofia. Elena had just come back to the Garcia family recently. Maybe Sofia didn't know her well, or maybe they were tight.

I didn't want to mess up my chances with Sofia because I really liked her.

A week ago, when I heard Sofia had taken some time off to go home, I was super eager to see her again.

Sofia was gentle and beautiful, like an angel. Every guy wanted her, and honestly, I thought I was the best of the bunch!

I was Sofia's best knight if she needed one.

While chatting with Elena, she asked me a weird question.

Elena, the one who had embarrassed herself at the banquet, seemed to think I had saved her.

No way, I wasn't that kind of guy.

With Sofia not around, I lost interest in talking to Elena, but before I could brush her off, Sofia showed up.

She, like her sister, seemed to think I was some kind of gentleman, making it hard for me to say no.

Oh man, when the girl you like looks at you with admiration and praise, who wouldn't hesitate?

Who wouldn't want to be the person she thought you were?

I was no different.

I didn't think my actions were lying. I was just a guy trying to get closer to the girl I loved.

I wanted Sofia to adore me, and this was my shot!

I wasn't scared of my lie being found out because I was already blinded by my feelings, like sweet, poisonous candy.

After that, I got closer to Elena, thinking it would help me get to Sofia.

I asked Elena everything about Sofia. I was pretty obvious, and she must've noticed.

When Elena told me Sofia had rejected me, it broke my heart.

And Elena stopped helping me, stopped telling me things about Sofia.

I was worried my actions had made Sofia dislike me, which was why she rejected me. Elena's words made me uneasy, so I decided to visit the Garcia Manor to see Sofia.

When she saw me, Sofia was super enthusiastic. "William, we haven't seen each other since the party. I thought I'd only see you at school."

"No, I can't see you at school; too many people are after you, and I've already lost my chance."

"Don't joke around." Sofia covered her mouth and laughed.

We went to the garden, a perfect spot to chat. She poured me a cup of tea. "I thought you came to see Elena. You two have been chatting a lot lately; I even suspect she likes you."

She blinked at me, her long eyelashes brushing against my heart.

I felt sad. "Sofia, don't say that. You know, you're the only one I like. Everything I talked about with Elena was about you.

Elena already told me you rejected me, but I still don't want to give up."

Hearing my words, Sofia looked surprised. She bit her lip, blushing, and covered her face.

Through her fingers, I could see her beautiful eyes flashing with panic. "No, wait, William. I thought that was your excuse to talk to Elena. I never knew you liked me.

Rejection? No, Elena never told me."

Sofia became sad as she put down her hand and suddenly changed the subject. "Let's just pretend you never mentioned this to me, William."

I didn't get what Sofia meant, but I heard her previous words. "You mean, Elena never told you I liked you?"

No, that couldn't be.

I had been pouring my heart out to Elena about Sofia, and it was Elena who told me that Sofia was bothered by my actions and had rejected me.

But, I mean, if Sofia didn't know about this...

I started to feel angry.

"No, William, please forgive my sister. I don't think she did it on purpose. She didn't really mess things up between us, did she?" Sofia tried to calm me down.

"But she lied to me."

"William, please, calm down." Sofia looked at me, tears welling up in her eyes.

Damn it, she was also the one being deceived! I realized I shouldn't dump my bad mood on her. I needed to comfort her first!

Sofia suggested that maybe Elena liked me. I was skeptical, but I remembered what she said when she first saw me.

Sofia knew her sister better than I did.

Did Elena lie out of jealousy towards Sofia?

Sofia told me about Elena's past. "Elena used to live in a rough neighborhood in Chicago and picked up some bad habits. My parents hoped etiquette lessons could help straighten her out.

I don't get why Elena would do this. Just the day after she came back, she impulsively rode a horse. I think it was because I said everyone in the Garcia family had a talent for horseback riding, which probably hurt her. Luckily, she wasn't injured that time, but I sprained my ankle trying to save her."

Sofia made me worry. She was too naive.

Elena seemed to hold a grudge against her, yet she still had goodwill towards her sister.

So I asked, "Sofia, what do you want me to do for you?"

"You don't need to do anything. I don't want to hurt Elena anymore. Maybe you can pretend this never happened?"

Looking at Sofia's pitiful expression, I nodded.

I loved her so much that I was willing to do anything for her.

I calmed down a bit. "Then, Sofia, even though Elena lied to me, I still want to know your answer. Having someone else relay my feelings was clearly the worst decision I've ever made. Can you tell me if you would be my girlfriend?"

I took Sofia's hand and kissed the back of it.

I was sure she was shy. I saw her lower her head and take a deep breath.

Then Sofia looked up at me, and we gazed at each other, filled with sweetness.

Until I heard footsteps in the distance.

Sofia suddenly kissed me on the cheek. "I don't know, William. You're very popular among girls, you're handsome, and I have feelings for you, but I'm still confused about the answer."

I felt my heart pounding. If I could scream, I would have screamed out loud!

Sofia said she had feelings for me, and she even gave me a kiss!

Although she didn't agree to be my girlfriend, her response encouraged me and filled me with courage and vitality!

As long as I still had a chance, I would do anything for her.

I looked at Sofia, almost excited enough to want to pick her up, but she was a lady, and I didn't think she would agree to that.

Sofia added, "I hope you can give me some time to think about it. But please don't tell Elena; I don't want her to be sad."

Until Sofia left the garden and Elena stood in front of me, I could hardly contain my excitement.

I believed I would keep my promise to Sofia. I would forgive Elena for deceiving me, and give Sofia time to answer.

I was ready to leave, but Elena suddenly stopped me.

Elena looked at me, her eyes full of hesitation and worry.

I had no interest in talking to her; I still had some doubts, but I promised Sofia I wouldn't ask Elena and hurt her.

"William, are you dating Sofia?" Elena suddenly asked me.

This question had nothing to do with her. Why did she care?

"No, I'm not." I denied the inquiry.

Elena was initially incredulous, but then she lowered her head. I thought she might be smirking, but she was still comforting me. "That's really too bad. I mean, I thought you two were just kissing."

She saw Sofia kiss me.

I was still displeased that Elena hadn't conveyed my feelings for Sofia.

To verify if, as Sofia suspected, Elena liked me and thus deceived us and rejected our being together, I chose to ask Elena directly. "Elena, do you like me?"

I quickly got Elena's denial, but her face was completely red, and she didn't look offended.

This made my heart completely side with my poor Sofia.

To protect my Sofia, I decided to lie.

So I told Elena that the kiss just now was just an accident.