Chapter 57 57
Sofía stared at him, utterly spellbound. How did this man read her so easily as if her thoughts were written plainly across her face? Sometimes she wondered if he was some kind of magician, capable of peering straight into her mind and knowing exactly what stirred there.
Words failed her. Strength failed her too. All she could do was nod, a small, hesitant motion that told him she understood.
“Good,” he said coolly. “Now ask me something.”
He released her arm, and she instinctively took a step back, lowering her gaze at once. Nervousness fluttered through her chest at his demand.
“W-where are you g-going tonight?” she asked softly, fingers twisting together.
The toaster clicked, ejecting the bread. She turned to plate the toast, busying herself as she waited for his answer.
“Dinner,” he replied calmly, “with someone important.”
She peeked at him briefly, then looked away again.
“U-um… who is that s-someone?” she asked, gathering every scrap of courage she had.
His face remained carefully blank, but there was a mischievous glint in his eyes.
“With a beautiful woman,” he said casually, reaching for an apple. He tossed it once into the air, caught it, and took a bite.
Her head snapped up so fast it startled her. Shock flashed across her face before she could stop the words spilling out.
“Who is that woman?”
The tone surprised even her cold, edged with something sharp. She had never been the angry type, yet somehow he always managed to draw out parts of her she didn’t know existed.
“Someone important,” he replied nonchalantly, already turning toward the door.
That was when Sofía snapped.
She grabbed the back of his shirt in a fist, stopping him mid-step. “W-what is she to you?” Her voice was soft, almost fragile.
A faint smile tugged at his lips, though he masked it quickly as he turned to face her, his expression once more unreadable.
“She’s my girlfriend.”
The words hit her like a blow.
Her jaw dropped. Her eyes widened until they looked impossibly large as she stared at him in disbelief.
“W-what?” Panic flooded her voice.
“Yeah.” He sounded painfully casual.
“B-but then… w-who am I t-to you?” she stammered, her ocean-blue eyes glazing over as emotion surged. His heart skipped at the sight.
“My girlfriend,” he answered smoothly.
“B-but t-then”
Her confusion shattered when he leaned down and pressed a soft, fleeting kiss to her lips.
She gasped, staring up at him as his intense gaze locked onto hers.
“You’re going out with me tonight, doll,” he murmured. Then he winked and walked out of the kitchen, leaving her standing there, utterly flabbergasted.
Heat rushed to her cheeks as realization dawned he had been messing with her the entire time. And for one terrifying second, he had driven her completely mad.
An uncontrollable smile curved her lips as she resumed making breakfast, her thoughts spiraling wildly around one thing.
Their date.
What would she wear?
Oh God she wasn’t prepared for this. At all.
She had so much to do.
It was her first date.
Her excitement bubbled over, making her grin like a fool.
She set the table, and as they ate, she tried to coax information out of him where they were going, what time, what kind of place it was. He only smiled and told her it was a surprise.
After breakfast, Sofía retreated to her room and began rummaging through her wardrobe. She searched desperately for something elegant, something classy but she had never been on a date or attended a party before. Expecting a suitable outfit to magically appear was hopeless.
A minute or two later, there was a knock. Twice.
Before she could answer, the door opened.
Mr. Ruiz stepped inside.
He glanced at her closet, then calmly placed several shopping bags on her bed. She looked from the bags to him, silently questioning.
“Wear this tonight,” he said flatly and left just as quickly as he’d come.
Confused, Sofía reached for the first bag.
Inside were heels beautiful, breathtaking, the kind you only ever saw in magazines.
The second bag held a black dress.
Her breath caught as she lifted it out.
The dress was stunning. Exotic. Made of stretchable fabric adorned with delicate detailing. The front was modest enough but the back plunged into a deep V that ended at her lower back.
It was completely backless.
And there was a long slit along the left leg.
Her pulse raced.
The brand alone told her it was designer something made for a model or an actress. How was she supposed to wear this?
The third box held a pair of earrings.
Diamonds.
She recognized the brand instantly La Fides I.F.O.
Fernando had locked himself away in his study, a room she had never once seen. Sofía ate lunch alone while he was consumed by whatever secretive work kept him hidden.
Later, she took a long, soothing shower, taking extra care with her grooming. When she stepped out, wrapped in a bathrobe, she felt fresh new.
She did her makeup carefully. She wasn’t skilled, so she kept it simple: light foundation, mascara, a hint of blush, and dark red lipstick. After drying her hair, she twisted it into a messy bun, letting a few strands fall loose around her face.
Then came the dress.
It took effort real effort to pull it on. It clung to her body like a second skin, impossibly tight.
When she finally faced the mirror, she froze.
She didn’t know what to think or what not to think.
Every curve of her body was accentuated. Slowly, she turned, glancing at her reflection from behind and gasped.
Her back was bare. Completely exposed. The fabric dipped dangerously low, ending just as her hips flared outward. The slit revealed the long line of her leg.
She slipped on the heels, hands trembling, but left the earrings untouched. They felt… too much. She decided she would give them back later.
A knock came.
Once.
Twice.
The doorknob turned.
And Fernando walked in
Only to stop dead in his tracks.