Being aware of the additional clause in the new contract, Don Armando warned her not to date anyone to avoid an accident of losing her virginity. As if she could do anything about dating when she couldn’t venture outside without a bodyguard. At least, her phone wasn’t confiscated, and she could talk with her boyfriend. Anthony learned of his dilemma and promised to help, but she has been waiting for several days already, and nothing happened.

Anthony suggested to go with the flow, and when her father would least expect it, he would be waiting outside the building to take her. The idea of eloping together was romantic, and Sofia looked forward to it. She fooled everyone inside Katerina that she had no plan to go out by getting herself occupied in the kitchen. Don Armando assumed she’s learning how to cook for Khalil, but unknown to her father, she has a degree in culinary. She pretended to learn the basics of cooking and baking. The truth was, she waited for the perfect timing to summon Anthony and rescue her from the claws of Don Armando. Of course, she couldn’t do anything without Janna’s assistance.

It was around eleven in the morning when her father was summoned for an emergency meeting. Sofia panicked at the chance of leaving when she looked like a freak with a dirty apron and messy hair. However, she couldn’t go back to her room to change into something more appropriate. She retrieved the backpack she hid properly in the kitchen which contained her important documents including money, identification cards, and her passport. Anthony promised to help and she believed him with all her heart.

Her messy appearance helped in fooling some of the guards, and only Janna recognized Sofia on her way out of the building. She walked towards Anthony’s blue car as casually as she could, but the loud thump of her heart almost deafened her! She was only able to breathe normally once she got inside her boyfriend’s car.

“I’m sorry if I look like this,” she apologized for her face with a bit of flour and chocolate powder. As she stared at the man who sat behind the wheel, she decided to go all-in with him.

Anthony smiled at Sofia wholeheartedly while his inside was torn between kinship and romance. Every time, he and Sofia enjoyed a peaceful walk along the park or an intimate dinner at their favorite hangout, unwanted feelings began to grow inside his heart. Sofia trusted him, and he felt bad that he has to betray that trust soon! He wanted to rescue her, but how could he do it when his mother’s second husband need rescuing? “You must be starving,” he said as he began steering the wheel.

“You bet I am. Thanks, baby,” she was truly grateful when he came, regardless if it took him almost a month to deliver his promise of helping her.

Anthony chuckled at Sofia and grabbed one of her hands. He pressed it along with his, and Anthony didn’t want to let her go. If only he has another option! “How about pizza?” He believed that pizza would be great.

“I love pizza,” she agreed.

Anthony drove towards the nearest Yellow Cab and ordered the largest size of their Hawaiian. “Do you trust me?” He stared at the woman’s eyes while waiting for her response.

“Yeah, I trust you with my life, baby.” She replied.

“Good,” he said, but before he could elaborate, their pizza was ready for take-out, and Anthony accepted the huge box. “Let’s go somewhere private,” he whispered into the woman’s ears before they left the pizza house.

S-somewhere private?” Sofia stammered as thoughts him and her, being alone and naked, flooded her thoughts. Could he be thinking the same thing as hers?

“Yes,” Anthony replied.

As she imagined the possibilities of being intimate with him, Sofia suddenly has second thoughts. She thought she was ready, but she wasn’t, and the idea of doing it with Anthony scared the shit out of her! However, she must do it with him while she still has a chance! “If you say so,” she agreed.

Anthony felt bad towards Sofia Arellano. To her father, she was just a pawn for his ambitions. To Khalil Dizon, she was just a toy! “I have a condo unit nearby but I feared your father’s henchmen will find us soon,” he worried for the woman’s safety.

“I’m worried about it too. I’m sure that by now, they’ve been tracking for your car.” Sofia stated a fact.

Anthony believed Sofia’s words because she knew her father better than anyone else. “Is that so? Hmmm,” he said as he scanned the road ahead. There was a blind spot but he couldn’t just abandon his car. “Don’t you have a place to hide?” He inquired because it would be a disaster if a woman has no plans at all.

“Janna said I can use her place for the meantime but I’m afraid it will put her at risk.” She replied.

“You’re right, but you need to change your clothes, babe,” Anthony stated a fact while taking a glance at her.

“My clothes are fine. It’s just the apron that’s dirty,” she replied. “And I can’t do some shopping now,” Sofia said.

“On a second note, you can. Have you been to the KM Hotel? It has boutiques which are available 24/7,” he said.

Sofia creased her forehead because she has never heard such a ridiculous offer from a hotel! “Are you serious?”

“Yes,” Anthony answered while shaking his head in disbelief. The woman was engaged with the sons of KM’s founder, and yet she had no idea what’s going on inside the KM Hotel. However, the reason why he suggested they would go to KM was to switch vehicles without raising suspicion.

“N-no, I don’t want to go to KM.” She refused to visit because she feared to meet her fiancé who’s probably working in the hotel. Khalil’s mother mentioned that her son was out of the country but she never believed it! Khalil used his mother to lie and she hated him even more!

Anthony noticed her glare at the mention of KM Hotel, and Anthony thought to play cupid. He grinned at the possibility that the high and mighty Khalil Dizon might fall for Sofia Arellano. “I have a friend who needs a cook,” he informed her.

At first, she believed he was talking to himself. “A cook? Are you suggesting that I should work as a cook to hide from my father?” Sofia asked because she was confused by Anthony’s statement. For a moment, she bit her lower lip to hide her disappointment. To be honest, she expected to elope with him, and they would go somewhere far away!

“Yes, and that place will be the safest for you, babe. No one will find you, but of course, you can’t use your real name.” He warned her.

The more he explained, the more she’s disappointed. Sofia wanted to ask him about his intention but held her tongue. Anthony must have a valid reason for suggesting she should work instead of being with him. “Where is this place?” She asked.

“It’s across Beverly Hills, and it’s called The Highlands by its owner,” Anthony responded.

“Will I be safe there?” She was hesitant but Anthony recommended it and she trusted him.

“Of course, babe. My friend Ali is a good man, don’t worry.” He assured Sofia.

Sofia smiled at Anthony even if she’s hurting inside. She was disappointed, and she began to question if Anthony loved her! It wasn’t what she expected when he promised to help her! “I’m not worried,” she replied.