The morning sun was already high in the sky, casting a golden glow across the calm waters. Liam slowly opened his eyes, squinting as the bright rays of sunlight hit his face directly. He stirred, feeling the stiffness in his muscles from sleeping on the couch, but his mind was instantly alert. Memories of the previous night—the gunfight, the escape, and the intimate moment by the campfire—came rushing back.
He sat up and looked around. The yacht was quiet. His gaze immediately drifted towards the closed door of the bedroom where Amore was sleeping. A strange feeling of worry and protectiveness washed over him. Even though they had just met, something inside him told him that he couldn't leave her side. Not yet.
He stood up, stretched his limbs, and walked gently towards the bedroom door. He knocked softly. "Amore? Are you awake?"
The door opened, revealing Amore. She looked refreshed, her eyes clear and bright despite the danger they were in. She was already dressed and ready.
"Good morning! You're awake already?" she greeted him with a soft smile. "Okay, just a moment, I'll untie the rope so we can leave here. We can't stay here too long; it's risky."
"Good morning to you too," Liam replied, watching her move with grace and efficiency. "Alright, I'm just packing my things. I need to get ready to go to my uncle's island in Cebu."
"Good. Let's get moving then."
Without further delay, Liam untied the thick ropes that secured the yacht to the large tree on the shore. Once everything was clear, they boarded the vessel, and Liam steered it back into the open sea.
The journey was peaceful compared to their frantic escape the day before. The ocean was calm, and the wind was cool. They sailed for hours, talking occasionally, but mostly enjoying the silence and the safety of each other's company. Liam watched Amore as she looked out at the horizon. She looked like a true queen—strong, beautiful, and mysterious.
Finally, late in the morning, they arrived at their destination. They docked at a quiet pier in Cebu. This was the place where they had agreed to part ways.
Amore immediately went to one of her trusted acquaintances to leave her yacht for safekeeping. She was a woman who had built connections everywhere she went; people trusted her, and she trusted them. It was one of her greatest strengths—having allies in every corner of the country.
Once the yacht was secured, she turned to Liam. She took out a thick white envelope from her bag. Her expression was serious but kind.
"Okay. This is where we part ways, Liam," she said firmly. She held out the envelope to him. "Here is 100,000 pesos. I hope this helps you. Use it for your travel expenses, for food, or whatever you need. I want to make sure you are okay."
Liam looked at the envelope, then at her. He didn't take it immediately. "Amore... are you really serious? You really won't let me come with you?"
"Yes. It's for the best," she insisted, pushing the envelope into his hands. "This isn't a bribe, Liam. You know me, I always help people who need it. Consider this my help to you. Now, go. Find a safe place. Regor is still looking for you."
"But wait!" Liam stepped forward, blocking her path slightly. His voice was desperate. "I don't want to leave! Honestly, if I go alone, I know for sure that Kuya Regor will find me eventually. He has eyes everywhere. Where else can I go? It's safer for me if I just stay with you. Please, Amore. Let me come with you."
Amore sighed deeply, her expression softening. She looked at him, seeing the fear and the sincerity in his eyes. It pained her to refuse him, but she had to be strict.
"Liam, don't make this harder than it already is," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "You have to understand. My uncle's place... he is not an easy man. He is very suspicious, just like an investigator. He asks too many questions. If I bring you there, he will dig into your background, and he will find out about what happened in Manila. He will know about Regor, about the gunfight, about everything. I can't risk that. I already did my part in helping you escape. I hope that kindness was enough."
Without waiting for his reply, Amore turned her back on him. She took a deep breath to steady her emotions and started walking away. She walked down a narrow, dusty path that led to another shoreline where smaller boats were waiting to take passengers to the remote islands.
She didn't look back. It hurt her heart to leave him there. She barely knew him, yet she felt an unexplainable connection. She saw how Regor had treated him, how he was almost killed, and she didn't want to see him hurt again. Leaving him was the only way to protect him, or so she told herself.
But Liam was not the type to give up easily.
As soon as Amore started walking away, Liam quickly handed the envelope back to the caretaker for safekeeping and quietly followed her. He kept his distance, hiding behind trees and posts, making sure she didn't notice him.
Amore was walking briskly, her mind focused on her plans. She was thinking about her uncle, about her revenge against Regor, and about the safe house she needed to reach.
But halfway through the path, her instincts kicked in. She was an assassin, trained to sense danger and notice details. She felt it—a presence behind her. Someone was following her.
Her eyes narrowed. Is it Regor's men? Did they track us here?
Without hesitation, Amore quickly diverted her path and hid behind the thick trunk of a large mango tree. She silently pulled out the small but sharp dagger she always kept hidden in her sleeve. She held her breath, waiting for the follower to pass by.
When the figure stepped into view, Amore jumped out instantly, pointing the blade directly at the person's chest.
"Who are you?!" she shouted, her voice cold and commanding. "Show your— What? Ha! You?"
She froze. Her eyes widened in shock. The person standing in front of her, hands raised in surrender, was none other than Liam.
"Yes, it's me," Liam said, looking a bit guilty but determined. "Sorry I followed you, Am."
"Are you insane?!" Amore lowered her knife but was clearly furious and exasperated. She put her hands on her hips. "I told you to stay at the pier! Why did you follow me? Are you trying to get yourself killed?"
"I can't go anywhere else!" Liam cried out, his voice laced with fear and desperation. He looked like a lost child. "I'm scared, Amore! I really am scared! Everywhere I go, I feel like Kuya Regor is watching me. But when I'm with you... I feel safe. You're the only one who protected me. Please... please let me come with you. I promise I won't be a burden. I'll help you with anything."
He looked at her with pleading eyes, his lower lip jutting out slightly, acting like a big baby.
Amore stared at him, trying to control her anger and her confusion. She took a deep breath, trying to think logically.
"God! Liam, you are acting like a child!" she exclaimed, shaking her head. "Do you think this is a game? We are running for our lives! And besides... what excuse am I going to tell my uncle? How can I bring a stranger to his house and make him believe that nothing dangerous is happening? He will interrogate you non-stop! He will find out the truth!"
"Then tell him anything!" Liam suggested quickly. "Tell him I'm your bodyguard! Or your personal assistant! Or... or just your friend!"
"No!" Amore cut him off, pacing back and forth in frustration. "None of that will work! My uncle is sharp. He knows everyone in my life. If I bring a 'friend' that he has never heard of, he won't believe it. He will suspect something is wrong."
She stopped and looked at Liam. She looked him up and down, then an idea suddenly popped into her head—a crazy, risky idea.
She crossed her arms over her chest and looked at him intensely.
"There is only one way this will work," she said slowly, her voice firm. "Unless... we pretend that you are my husband!"
"What!"
Liam's eyes almost popped out of their sockets. His jaw dropped to the floor. He was completely stunned, frozen in place as if he had been struck by lightning.
"What did you say? Husband?" he stammered, unable to believe his ears.
"Yes! Husband!" Amore repeated, emphasizing every word. "That is the only explanation that will make sense! If we say we are married, then he will understand why you are with me, why you are holding my things, and why we are together. It is the perfect alibi! No one will question a husband and wife. But it's just for show, Liam! Just an act!"
Liam stood there, processing what she just said. His heart started beating fast—faster than when they were being shot at. The thought of pretending to be the husband of this beautiful, strong woman... it was something he never dared to imagine.
But he had no choice. He wanted to be with her. He wanted to stay by her side. If acting as her husband was the price to pay, then he would do it. He would do it gladly.
"Okay," Liam said finally, a slow smile spreading across his face. He straightened his back, looking determined. "If that's what it takes... then I'll be your husband. I'll be the best actor you'll ever see."
Amore let out a heavy sigh, realizing what she had just done. She had just entangled their fates even deeper.
"Fine," she said, turning around to hide her blushing cheeks. "Then come on. Husband. We have a long way to go."
She started walking again, this time with Liam right beside her.
Liam followed, his heart racing. He looked at Amore's back, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.
This is it, he thought. I'm going to pretend to be her husband. I really have to bring out my acting skills now. And I hope... I hope I don't fall for real while I'm at it.