Chapter76 The Changes in the Bullies and Noah's Teasing

Elena Garcia's POV:

Francesco's question about my Italian heritage threw me off.

I knew the Bianchi family was big on keeping their bloodline pure and might even cut off heirs with mixed blood. Abner, the guy Sofia and I ran into when we got back to the villa, was a prime example of that.

Francesco's words seemed to be hinting at something to Marco.

How was Marco going to respond?

I sneaked a glance at Marco; his face was unreadable. Just as he started to answer, Hanna called out, asking if I wanted some hot tea. Her timing was impeccable, making me miss Marco's response.

But honestly, I didn't mind. I realized I cared more about Marco than the Bianchi name.

Francesco then took off.

Later that afternoon, after a sweet moment with Marco, I remembered I had to get back to school.

Noah had taken a leave for me, but he mentioned the professor had assigned a paper for the class I missed today. So, I still had to catch up on that and the classes I missed.

Marco held me close, burying his head in my neck. "I'm starting to get jealous of that assignment."

"Don't be silly, Marco. If you could help with my exams or credits, I'd gladly stay with you all day." I turned and kissed the corner of his mouth as he looked up.

Marco pouted, looking all sad and adorable. "You should really think about Francesco's suggestion to intern at the hospital. That way, I could see you more often."

"You can visit me at school too. I don't think there's a 'Marco not allowed' sign?" I teased, watching him act all clingy, which was so unlike him.

Love could make women lose their minds and also drastically change men's personalities.

Marco said, "I just want more time with you, even if it's just to keep you company."

He held my hand, our fingers intertwined, not wanting to let go.

I didn't comment on it, but seeing the hint of sadness on his face, I finally said, "Me too."

Marco seemed satisfied and didn't push it.

As I stood in front of the mirror, he stood behind me, adjusting my hat, then wrapped his arms around my waist.

Noticing my empty wrist, he paused and asked, "You're not wearing the bracelet I gave you. Don't you like it?"

I fell silent for a moment. It was not that I didn't like it. The bracelet was beautiful and totally my style. But at that time, I misunderstood him, so I put it away.

Now, with things different between us, the bracelet had a new meaning, and I regretted not wearing it.

Marco seemed to get it from my reaction; he kissed my ear and sighed. He didn't press further and instead said sweetly, "Looks like I need to step up my game and give you more gifts."

With that, he drove me back to school himself. 

After dropping me off at the gate, he grabbed my hand as I got out of the car. I turned back to see his eyes flickering with a hint of nervousness as he said, "I think we're dating, but I still want to hear you confirm it."

I then realized that since I woke up, I hadn't given Marco a definite answer.

I thought we were on the same page, no need to spell it out, but it seemed he felt a bit insecure around me.

His insecurity wasn't a turn-off; it just showed how much he cared.

"What are you worried about? Think this is just a dream?" I laughed, leaned in, and gave him a big, loud kiss on the cheek. "I'll get someone to bring me that bracelet with my name on it."

Marco asked, "And then?"

I chuckled, "I'll put it on my wrist and tell everyone it's from my boyfriend, Marco."

Marco's face lit up with a happy, proud smile.

Back at the dorm, I grabbed some stuff and headed to the library.

At the library, I ran into Sophia and Nancy. Perfect timing; if I had any questions about the assignment, I could ask them.

But when Nancy saw me, she quickly found an excuse to leave.

"I'm sorry. She probably just doesn't know how to act around you after the whole dorm incident." Sophia apologized for Nancy's behavior and then asked, "How's your new dorm? I think Nancy might be hoping you could move back."

I replied, "It's fine, but I'm a bit tired of moving things back and forth, so I'll stay put for now."

I tapped away at the keyboard, working on my assignment while chatting with Sophia. "I thought you'd still be hanging out with Laura and her crew."

"Oh, about that..." Sophia smirked. "They must've pissed off someone. After that party night, when I went to meet them, they asked if I knew a young and dangerous guy. They were so scared and told me not to follow them anymore."

Since then, Laura's crew had been on edge, no longer bullying Sophia. They used to be so arrogant on campus, but now, if someone stood up to them, they'd back off, like they were scared of something.

"That's strange. In the past, if someone resisted, they would just bully them even more." Sophia whispered to me, frowning.

I didn't say anything, but I knew what happened. Marco must have threatened those bullies that night.

Seeing them scared made me a bit happy.

They deserved it; bullies should be punished.

Seeing my smile, Sophia seemed to catch on. She leaned in, curious and excited. "Do you know the guy who threatened them?"

I said casually, "Maybe a kind passerby, like a hero in the movies."

My vague answer made Sophia more curious, but I didn't tell her until we left the library.

As we left, I finally gave in to Sophia's repeated questions and reluctantly answered, "Alright, you've actually met him. It's the guy who showed up at the end of the party, Marco."

"Oh, it's him!" Sophia looked surprised.

I didn't tell her more about Marco's identity and just described him as a kind and brave guy.

Maybe I was biased, but that was how I saw Marco.

Back at the dorm, I ran into Noah. He was peeking behind me like he was looking for someone.

I said to him, "Stop, who are you looking for?"

"Your guardian spirit," Noah joked.

"A guy posted a picture of two hands holding each other on Instagram a few hours ago, and the caption is 'my heart.' Do you know him?" Noah asked, putting on a puzzled look.