Chapter 5

Sofia's POV

The doctor gave me the rest of my instructions and prescribed some medications. I walked out of the hospital, lost in my thoughts. It was hard to believe that I was pregnant. What the hell am I going to do now?

I hailed a cab and returned to the mansion. I just wanted to get some rest, but I came across my father and Carlito while entering.

“What the hell happened to you?” my father grumbled.

“Accident.” I shrugged nonchalantly and started walking towards the stairs.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

“Bed. I need to rest, doctor’s advice.”

I turned around and walked away. I fell and hit my face on the bed. What the hell am I going to do now?

***

I woke up to yelling voices not far from me. I winced as I sat up and held my head.

I wondered what was happening. I was about to get out of bed when the room door slammed open. My padre walked in with an angry look, followed by Carlito, who also looked equally pissed.

“Whose is it?” My father gritted his teeth.

“I have no idea what you are talking about.” I massaged my throbbing head.

“Don’t play dumb with me. Who fathered that bastard child of yours?”

I clenched my teeth. How dare he? How did he even find out?

“I don’t know,” I replied without breaking eye contact with him. I wouldn’t allow him to intimidate me.

“How do you not know who you spread your legs for?” Padre clenched his fists.

“I said I don’t know. I can’t remember what happened,” I said while crossing my arms in front of my chest.

“You are lying!” he lashed out.

“Believe whatever you want,” I replied while getting out of bed and headed to the restroom.

“Get rid of it!” he spat.

I froze in mid-step. “No,” I narrowed my eyes.

I would not give in on this. I may not fully understand figuring out this whole pregnancy issue yet, but I was sick and tired of him pulling the strings in my life. It was time I took over my own life.

“Lo juro por Dios. Si no haces nada, lo haré yo mismo (I swear to God. If you don’t do anything, I will do it myself),” he growled, digging his fingers into my arm. I fought the urge to flinch. I wouldn’t let him control me.

He shoved me, and I fell on the bed, but my gaze never wavered. He stormed out of the room, and Carlito followed him out not long after. He briefly glanced towards me with a disappointed look but didn’t say anything.

I quickly ran to the bathroom to throw up. I supported my head with my hands as I tried to figure out what to do next.

I knew it wasn’t safe to stay here any longer, but where would I go? I couldn’t just walk away from the mafia so easily.

I could leave the mansion without getting caught; I had been doing that long enough, but I couldn’t stay hidden for too long because they would track me easily. I needed to come up with a plan fast.

I waited for nightfall and left the mansion without any trace. I only took some little clothes with me. I hoped this plan would work. If it failed, a certain father wouldn’t let me out of his sight.

I entered the hotel and made my way to the elevator, trying not to draw too much attention to myself.

I banged on the door of the penthouse with my fist a couple of times. When he opened it, I could see the surprise on his face.

“I must be dreaming,” Sterling said with a smirk on his face.

“I need your help.”

“Now I know for certain that I’m dreaming.”

“Listen, I don’t have time for your nonsense,” I took a deep breath. “Can we talk?” I sighed.

He stepped back and held the door open, leading me to the living room area.

“So what do I owe the pleasure of your presence in my humble abode?” he asked, pouring himself a scotch as I sat down on the couch. He offered me a glass, but I declined.

“I need your help,” I repeated.

“So you stated before. Care to explain?”

“I want to disappear.”

“What?”

“I need to get away from my family, this mafia life, and especially from my father.”

“Wow, this is interesting. The princess is running away from her castle.”

I glared at him.

“Oh, don’t give me that look, princess. Tell me the real reason.”

I took a deep breath. He could never know the real reason that I wanted to leave.

“I can’t go through with this arranged marriage. I need to escape. They won’t let me live in peace.”

“Are you sure that’s the only reason?” He calmly took a sip from his glass.

“Are you going to help me or not?” I asked impatiently.

“Why should I?” he questioned.

“Listen, Sterling. I wouldn’t be here if I had another way.”

“And what do I gain from this?”

“What do you want? I can’t give you anything.”

“One night.”

“Excuse me?”

“I want you to spend one night in my bed, and I’ll make all the arrangements.”

I stared at him in bewilderment. Did I hear him correctly?

“Yes, princess, you heard me right.”

“And if I say no?”

“You are not in the position to decline because you came here seeking my help. I can just as easily send you away.”

“But you wouldn’t do that? Because you need me to disappear. The Delgado and the Santiago won’t form an alliance, which means they won’t be strong enough to defeat you.”

“I agree, princess. All of that is true, but before I make you disappear, we can have some fun together.” He winked.

He took a step closer to me, and I inhaled his intoxicating scent. He leaned forward and pressed his lips to mine, and I felt my whole body light up. His lips traveled to my collarbone while giving me a turn-on.

And just like that, I gave in, like our time in the elevator. I held in a deep breath and sighed.