His Heart, Mine

28- Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy

"I just knew that you were going to do something," Mr. Marconi pleads as he starts the engine.

Alex shoots me a funny look, and a small laugh escapes his throat.

"She can be stubborn," he tells Marconi while he's driving us to the location of the bank Alex just shared with him. I still can't believe he's doing this for Ali and me.

"So, what are your plans after all this?" I ask him.

His head falls to his shoulder, and he lets out a deep breath.

"I'll still go to my sister's wedding; it's next week. I assume you won't go?" He questions, and I am surprised that the word 'no' doesn't automatically run out of my mouth.

Five minutes ago, I noticed ten missed calls from my father. He probably has seen the news, but I don't feel like talking to him. I have nothing to do at that wedding, but we never know, right?

"Probably not," I eventually tell him, and he nods as an acknowledgment.

"So yeah, I'll go to the wedding, and after graduation, there's a high chance that I am headed back to Italy."

I startled at the latter.

"Really? I thought you would stay for your journalism passion," I tell him, but I almost regret asking that when I notice the colors drain from his face.

"I know," he says, his voice deep.

"My father's getting old, and he expects me to step up in our family's business. It sucks, but family matters, I guess."

My jaw almost drops, and I suddenly feel terrible for Alex. There's nothing worse than giving up on your dreams to fulfill your family's expectations.

"What's your family's business about?" I ask him.

He doesn't say anything for a while until he suddenly parts his lips.

"We're here," Marconi announces.

I sit straight and stare at J.P. Morgan Private Bank. I don't even know why I'm surprised; if Alex is rich enough to spontaneously hand me 10 thousand dollars, he is rich enough to have a bank account at J.P. fucking Morgan.

"I'll be back soon," he whispers before stepping outside of the car and heading towards the bank.

"Who is this guy, and why is he so rich?" Marconi asks almost instantly when Alex is out of sight, and I start laughing.

"I truly have no idea," I tell him as I try to think of everything. A hot, rich Italian guy who's heading back to Italy to take care of his family's business.

I truly have no idea, I repeat to myself. And I don't think I want to know.

Just ten minutes later, I watch Alex stepping outside of the bank. He comes close enough to the car and knocks three times at my window. I roll it down and notice the small paper waving in his right hand.

"Here's the certified cheque," he says, handing me the envelope. "Ten thousand, made out to the court."

I still am in disbelief as I stare at the J.P. Morgan cheque. I suddenly frown.

"Aren't you coming with us?" I ask him.

He shakes his head and smiles widely at me.

"There's no need to. This is mostly about Ali and you, and I don't want to make it uncomfortable. Besides, I have to take back my car at the hotel's parking lot."

I have no idea how I haven't drained my tears yet, but I feel my eyes teary as I unlock the door and jump in Alex's arms.

"I promise, I'll pay you every cent..." But he immediately cuts me off.