Chapter 35 My Well-Intentioned Lie

Elena Garcia POV:

"Hey, Sofia," I started, trying to figure out the best way to remind her. "Albert mentioned you know who Marco really is, so you get that he's dangerous, right? You want me to steer clear of trouble, don't you? The more curious you get, the closer you get to danger. It's like in those movies where the curious lead always ends up in some mess."

Sofia gave me a playful wink and pouted like she was annoyed.

"Elena, you don't have to treat me like a kid. I know you're just looking out for me," she said.

I felt a wave of relief wash over me. She got it.

She didn't seem scared, which made me think of what Albert had once said, "Sofia is a girl full of challenges."

Maybe Albert's teasing had a point—Sofia was brave.

Her smarts were both impressive and worrying, especially since Albert hinted she might have a thing for Marco.

Albert had already chosen to dive into danger before I met him, but Sofia was different. I wanted her to stay away from Marco.

It might seem overbearing, but maybe that was not what Sofia needed.

Still, thinking about Marco's true identity made me uneasy, even after getting to know him better.

It was a deep-rooted feeling, a mix of love and concern for my family.

But I also knew that meddling too much could mess up my relationship with Sofia. She might end up resenting me, even though she was always so considerate and obedient. But when it came to love, nothing was sure.

Love could make people do crazy things, like my foster mom Rosa did when she chose my foster dad Andrew over her family.

I didn't want to create a rift in our family.

But now wasn't the time to worry about Sofia's feelings for Marco.

With the news Marco shared, getting Sofia and everyone else out of the villa ASAP was the priority.

Marco promised me he and his agent Francesco would handle everything within two days before the dangerous folks showed up at the seaside villa.

To be safe, it was best for everyone to leave temporarily.

"Sofia, you have to trust that Albert and Marco will take care of everything." I didn't tell Sofia the whole truth, thinking it wasn't the right time.

No need to cause unnecessary panic.

Even though Sofia was smart and might not freak out, I still wanted her to enjoy her vacation without any dark clouds hanging over it, so I lied.

"But the reason we have to leave isn't anything terrible. Just some minor issues. Marco's agent from the family is coming to the villa to see Marco. You know Marco's identity, and that agent is also part of the Bianchi family. Having too many unrelated people here might annoy the agent," I explained.

'Damn it! I don't even know what kind of person Francesco is. Maybe he's a nice guy? But a nice mafia guy?' I wondered.

To someone like me, who grew up in rough neighborhoods and was used to seeing gangsters, it sounded like a bad joke.

I thought my excuse was perfect.

Even if the girls Albert brought here got curious again or if any other issues popped up, this reason should make sense to them.

The only hitch was that I needed to get Marco and the others on the same page with this story.

I felt a bit nervous as Sofia looked at me with her beautiful, clear eyes.

"The Bianchi family's agent?" Sofia seemed puzzled but stayed her usual considerate self and didn't push it.

To save time, I grabbed her hand and led her to her bedroom upstairs.

"Come on. I haven't been to the Beverly Center yet. I heard it's the hub of the American TV and film industry. Maybe we'll spot some celebrities?" I coaxed her.

Honestly, I had no clue.

My imagination was pretty limited. Even though I'd been back at the Garcia Mansion for a while, I'd been focused on college admissions and etiquette studies, so I hadn't gone out much. Without friends or suitable companions, I hadn't visited many places in Los Angeles.

"Maybe." Sofia answered me.

I figured Sofia bought my story, so I let my guard down.

I shifted the conversation to shopping and food. Sofia told me the Beverly Center wasn't far from Beverly Hills.

Beverly Hills was known as the home of the rich and famous, with the title of 'the most prestigious residential area in the world' symbolizing wealth and fame.

The Garcia family also had a villa there, but it was mostly empty.

Owning property there was more like having a business card, representing a certain status.

I expressed my confusion. But Sofia didn't explain much. She seemed a bit distracted.

As we were about to reach the second floor, Sofia suddenly came close to me. She took my hand, looking like she was about to say something.

Her voice was so low that I had to lean in, bringing us closer.

In the next second, Sofia suddenly screamed.

She abruptly moved away from me and crashed into the stair railing.

After her scream, William, who was closest to the stairs, rushed out first.

"What happened, Sofia?" William asked.

I still had my hands raised, while Sofia sat on the stairs in pain. Her back was red from hitting the railing. She groaned in pain.

William rushed over, kneeling to check on Sofia carefully, then turned to me. "Elena, what did you do?"

"I didn't do anything!" I looked panicked.

Honestly, I had no idea what just happened. Sofia suddenly moved away from me and hit the railing.

Anyone would be as confused and panicked as I was in such a sudden situation.

Before I could react, William appeared. I realized he must have misunderstood something.

I noticed my raised hands and quickly put them down, but that only made it more awkward.

The others started coming out, seeing us.

There I was, standing awkwardly, while William held a pained Sofia.

"Sofia, she suddenly... Is she okay?" I asked carefully.

I realized I should explain, but Sofia's condition seemed more urgent.

Her exposed, tender skin was swelling.

"What happened?" someone asked.

"I don't know. When I came out, I saw Sofia sitting on the stairs and Elena, Elena..." William replied.

William didn't finish his sentence, but his look at me was full of shock and suspicion.