"While big brother Alex is tearing himself in half wondering if he loves you enough to give up all that money, I never gave it a second thought. Hell, I could live right here with you on this island for the rest of my life and be happy every single day the sun rises."
Melanie longed to take him. She longed for both of them.
She would have to make a decision -- one that would rend her heart in two.
"Can I speak now?" Alex inquired.
Melanie nodded. "Then I get to speak again too, right?" Sebastian quickly added.
"Of course, of course, whatever. But look, Sebastian, Alex, I'm feeling very confused right now and I don't even know what it is you want from me. Why are you both here? Can you explain that to me?"
"It couldn't be simpler Melanie. I love you. That's why I'm back."
"So do I!" Sebastian said. Alex sent him a dark look.
"It's my turn." He said. Sebastian nodded. "My little brother is twisting my words. I don't care about the money at all. Not on my own account, anyway. I'm perfectly capable of living without it, but why should you suffer? Why should you lose your job and be poor? That doesn't make any sense at all, but that's exactly what Sebastian is willing to do to you. He's always just thinking of himself. He thinks he can live like a normal Joe after spending his whole life as a billionaire and that you'll be happy to struggle along with him, but I'm not like that. I'm rather you are happy even if… " he struggled with the words, "even if it means losing you." He turned his dark gaze to the sand.
"But I have an idea." He almost whispered.
"Last interruption." Sebastian interjected. "Just for the record, I want it to be known that this is entirely and completely his idea and that I don't agree with it, I'm not on board with it, and I don't even think he should suggest it to you." He zipped his fingers across his lips and then sat back to see how his brother could possibly come out with his ridiculous suggestion.
Alex turned all of his focus to Melanie and held her gaze for several long, intense moments. She felt inexplicably nervous. She couldn't imagine what on earth his idea was or how it could help to ease her confusion. She was scared but still longing to hear what he had to say and praying for some way out of her emotional confusion.
"I love you, Melanie." He said. "I'm sure of that. And I want you all to myself and forever." Her heart was melting inside of her. "I hope you feel the same way, too."