Madeline’s POV

“Where am I going to take you, Madeline?” Tony asked me, and I told him the address of my best friend, Gina, but I know I can’t stay long in her place because I am sure Hunter and Calixto will find me quickly. I will borrow some money from her, but I need to withdraw the remaining amount from my savings account because I am not sure if my best friend has extra cash. I know her parents both have permanent jobs. They can afford to send my friend to college, but Gina’s allowance is only enough for her gasoline and personal needs because she still has younger siblings. That is why she also needs to have a part-time job.

“So, what is your plan, Madeline? I don’t want to be involved with your personal life because I love my job, and I don’t want to be jobless because, to be honest, the Divenson family provides me well; the salary is more than I can ask for, and I can never say no to Lily because she always reminds me of my eldest daughter; besides, I owe a lot to your father. He was the one who brought and introduced me to Mr. Divenson, Hunter’s father. And Frank taught me how to drive.” He said and glanced at me sideways.

“But right now, I am already involved. Do you have a place to stay?” He asked, and I shook my head.

“Well, you are running away, and you don’t have a place to stay?” He asked.

“My aunt sold me to Hunter Divenson, and she is the only family I know, and after what she did, I am still upset with her, and besides, I don’t want to go there because I am sure Calixto will find me right away. The address I told you about is my best friend’s home address near my aunt’s house, but I am also sure Cal will find me there. Now that it is still summer, I want to go as far away from Archois City because if I stay here, I am sure Hunter will find me.” I declared.

“I only need to talk and say goodbye to my friend, and after that, I need to flee,” I added.

“Well, I have a sister living in Magnolia Village, I don’t know if you are familiar with the name of that place, but it would be far away from the city, and you have to go through three towns before you reach the place, maybe it would be enough for the time being. And I will not be at peace knowing you have nowhere to go.” Tony said, and I am so delighted and touched by his concerns about me. I am only a stranger to him because we only met this morning, but I can feel his sincerity, and I couldn’t be happier knowing there are people like him who care for others that they didn’t even know.

“Thank you so much, Tony. You have already done enough for me. Helping me from running away from the Diveson mansion was too much already, and you could be in trouble, yet you still help me.” I replied.

“It was nothing, Madeline, compared to what your father has done for me.” He declared, and I wonder what type of person my father is? How could he be so good with other people but never with me and my mom? And I suddenly felt sad that I am in this situation because of him.

“I will call my sister once we arrived at your friend’s house, and then I will drive you to the train station.” He said, and I smiled at him.

“Thank you, Tony, and I don’t know how to repay your kindness,” I said.

“Don’t mention it, Maddie, besides I want you to have a happy life ahead of you. I wish you good luck, and you may find what you are looking for, and I hope my boss will never find you, but I am afraid sooner than later Hunter can track you down. You don’t realize how powerful and influential your fiance is.” He declared. And I hate myself that I am still affected even hearing Hunter’s name. I can still remember his handsome face, ripped body, his masculine scent, and his sensual lips that I can’t stop myself from reliving our hot kiss.

I need to stop my foolishness with him and focus on my new life, and I wish he will never find me at all. I am excited that at least I have direction now, and I am sure Tony’s sister is as good as he is, and I can’t stop myself feeling so excited to take refuge in his sister’s house. I have never been there in Magnolia Village, but I have heard the place, and I am so excited to be there because of its well-known Magnolia trees and flowers.

“My sister has a diner, and I think she needs an assistant now that it is summer. It became busier during summer because of the tourists.” He said, and I became more excited.

“Don’t worry, the moment I arrive, I will ask your sister to help me to find a place where I can rent. A small room will do.” I said.

“Don’t be silly, Madeline, my sister, has a big house. It was our ancestral home. My other siblings live in the city, so she was left in our old yet still livable house. She only has two children, and my nephew is maybe older than you by three years, and I think my niece has the same age as you.” He said, and I become more excited. I didn’t know that Tony’s help now realizes my plan of running away.

“We are here,” I said the moment we arrived in front of Gina’s house.

“Okay, I will wait for you, Madeline.” He said.

I knock on the main door, and Gina’s mom is shocked when she sees me after opening their door.

“My gracious! What are you doing this early, Madeline? What happened to your upcoming wedding?” She asked.

“That is why I am here, Mrs. Springwood,” I said politely.

“I think your best friend is still sleeping. Just go to her room, Madeline.” Gina’s mom said, and I quickly stride to her bedroom. I am so familiar with their house since I have been here countless times. We have so many sleepovers here in her place because her room is spacious compared with mine, but even though my bedroom at my aunt’s house is tiny, my best friend still spent several times sleeping over at my aunt’s house.

“Gina, wake up,” I said as I sat on the edge of her bed, and I am just glad she didn’t lock her room, and I know. She seldom latches her door, only during my sleepovers. She moaned, and I know she is still sleepy, and I feel guilty because I know she came home late because of her part-time job. I shake her shoulder again, and when she opened her eyes, she sat on her bed immediately.

“I drop by to say goodbye. I am sorry for waking you up early; besides, I can’t go without seeing you because I need to say goodbye to you, Gina.” I declared, and she hugs me, and she cries.

“It is okay. I am so happy that you came, and I want you to stay here with us, but I know Hunter will find you immediately if you live here in our house, Maddie. I hate to see you go because you know I will miss you so much.” She said as she tightened her arms around me, and I hugged her back.

“I will miss you too, Gina, but this is only temporary, and don’t worry, we will meet again,” I said.

“Can you at least tell me where you are going? I don’t want to worry about you, Madeline. Your safety is my top priority. I won’t let you walk away from this house without telling me where you are taking off.” Gina said, and I can see the worries in her eyes, and I told her everything about Tony and his sister, and I can see my best friend’s face relaxed by the time I finish telling her everything.

“Wow, at least someone cares about you, Maddie, and I can’t wait to visit you there.” My best friend said enthusiastically, and then she got up from her bed and go to her drawer, and she pulled an envelope and handed it to me.

“I know you need some cash, Madeline, take this, I know that is not an enormous amount of money, but at least it will help you survive for days, but knowing that you have a place to stay made me feel less guilty. Good luck, Maddie. I am so proud of you that you could run away from that mansion even though I am a little disappointed that I lose my chance to see the well-known Divenson mansion; the place is so known for its splendor because of the social balls hosted by his mother.” Gina added.

“I know this is your savings, Gina, don’t worry; I will pay you immediately by the time I receive my salary,” I said.

“Don’t think about it, Madeline; besides, I want you to have it because I don’t want you to get hungry. You better leave now before Hunter can find you.” She said, and I quickly got up, and she sends me to the main door.

“Are you now ready to leave, Maddie?” Tony had asked me by the time I settled myself on the front seat of the car.

“Yes,” I replied, and he offered me his friendly, fatherly smile. By the time he dropped me near the train station, I climb out of the car immediately after I said my thanks and goodbye. After I sat on the train, I can stop myself from feeling thrilled and nervous at the same time.. I don’t know what my future would be, but knowing that I have a place to stay is enough to have new hope and courage to face my life’s new journey.