Loving Him

Chapter 11

“What happened to you? You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” Mike asked Levi in confusion. Levi motioned toward the woman standing behind Mike. Before Mike could turn around, Yuna covered his eyes with her palms. There was no denying that Mike instantly knew whose hands those were — he could recognize her just by her scent. Yuna — the woman who left him years ago because she chose her career over him.

Mike’s jaw immediately tightened as he quickly brushed her hands away.

“What are you doing here, Yuna?” he asked seriously.

“I was just passing by when I saw you, so I came here to know how you’re doing,” Yuna replied cheerfully, not even sparing Levi a glance. The two of them never really got along, even back when she and Mike were still together.

“Mike, I’ll head to the car first. Looks like you two need some privacy,” Levi said as he stood up, about to leave, but Mike grabbed his arm to stop her.

“We’ll go together. Let’s go. I apologize, Yuna, but we have to leave now. Mom and the others are waiting for us,” Mike said, taking out some cash from his wallet. He signaled the waiter and placed the money on their table.

Moving quickly, Mike pulled Levi out of the restaurant, and Levi let herself be dragged along. He knew Mike was still hurting — it was obvious in the way he moved, even if he didn’t say a word.

Once they were inside the car, Mike remained silent. A moment later, he started the engine.

“Does it still hurt? Well, that’s normal — especially since you haven’t moved on yet. Imagine, the woman who broke your heart just came back,” Levi said softly.

“Could you please shut up!” Mike snapped irritably at Levi.

Levi startled by his outburst — there he was again with his habit of yelling. Levi chose to remain silent instead. She understood what he was going through; even if he didn’t admit it, she could feel the heaviness in his heart.

They arrived safely at Ranch Montenegro. Mike was still in a foul mood when they reached the mansion. He quietly greeted his parents and his sister, Micah, with a kiss. Levi was the one who told them about what had happened the previous night, including Mike’s unexpected encounter with Yuna. Afterward, she excused herself from the couple, wanting to rest and take a bath — she’d been feeling sticky for a while.

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Mr. Montenegro had called for a meeting in the library. He was already there, waiting for his wife, who was being assisted by Micah and Levi. Mike, on the other hand, hurried home after checking on the workers at the ranch. Once everyone had gathered, Levi noticed an unusual smile on the couple’s faces. She couldn’t quite figure out what it meant.

“Mom, Dad, what’s the reason you called us here?” Mike asked curiously.

“We just want to inform you that everything is ready for your wedding with Levi… and before that, I’d like to congratulate both of you. Hopefully, your marriage will go well. But if not—well, you know what to do. I’m only asking for two years. I’m sure you both understand my situation,” Mrs. Montenegro said cheerfully.

Levi was left gaping in shock, while Mike could only shake his head.

He didn’t want to go against his mother’s decision anymore. After all, there was no changing her plans — she was known for always getting what she wanted. He glanced at Levi and saw the disappointment clearly written on her face. He knew that she wasn’t in favor of the arrangement either, but he just couldn’t resist teasing her. Still, he already had something in mind for their setup — if the wedding did push through, he would make sure that he and Levi would at least get along.

When they stepped out of the library, Levi approached him.

“Mike, so… are you ready for our coming ordeal? But maybe it won’t be that bad, as long as neither of us falls for the other, right?” she said softly.

“My life has already been an ordeal ever since you first set foot in this house. So please, Levi, don’t talk to me right now. I want to be alone — and could you please just stay away from me?” Mike replied irritably.

His words secretly hurt her. She didn’t even notice the tears that began to fall from her eyes until she touched her cheeks. She quickly wiped them away and headed toward the poolside. Sitting down on a sun lounger, she stared blankly ahead.

“Levi, you’re all by yourself. Is something wrong? Is it about your upcoming wedding with Mike?” Micah asked with concern.

Levi smiled faintly at her. “No, it’s not that. I just… miss my mom,” she lied.

“I’m sure she’s happy now, Levi — especially seeing how far you’ve come in life. And remember, Mom, Dad, and I are always here for you. You’re already part of our family,” Micah said with a warm smile. “Anyway, why don’t you join me for a swim? I’m really feeling the summer heat — it’s super hot today!” she exclaimed.

Levi felt the heaviness in her chest ease a little at Micah’s cheerful invitation. Good thing her bra and panties matched — she thought a swim might help her shake off the weight she was feeling inside.

Just then, Melba arrived carrying fruit salad and lemonade. Micah requested a pitcher of lemonade, a bowl of fruit salad, and a glass for Levi. She also added a quick request for some carbonara to be prepared.

Micah was the first to dive into the cool water of the pool. From the veranda, Mike could see them while he was deep in thought. His mind was troubled by Yuna’s return — he only wished she wouldn’t mess up his life again.

He was about to leave the veranda when he noticed Levi standing by the edge of the pool. She took off her white T-shirt, revealing her smooth, fair chest and the black bra she wore underneath. The corner of Mike’s lips lifted slightly — the view was quite something. Then Levi slipped off her pedal shorts, revealing a sight so captivating that any man would be left breathless.

Suddenly, a rush of heat spread through Mike’s entire body. He never thought this woman could affect him like that. Levi stepped into the pool and began splashing around joyfully with Micah.

Her mind wandered to their upcoming wedding. What kind of future awaits her? What if, one day, she actually fell in love with Mike? Would she be able to face the consequences? Was she really ready to gamble everything in the name of what people call love?

“You seem to be enjoying watching your bride-to-be, Mike,” his mother remarked cheerfully.

He turned to her, walked over, kissed her cheek, and gave her a hug.

“How are you, Mom?”

“I’m fine. But still, I’m so excited for your upcoming wedding! I can’t wait for you to marry Levi. I’m sure the two of you will give me beautiful and handsome grandchildren,” his mother said, unable to hide her delight.

“Mom, I already agreed to the wedding for your sake — but do we really have to talk about grandkids now too?” he complained, though the lady just smiled, her expression full of quiet confidence.

“I don’t know, but I have a feeling that something special will happen once you and Levi get married.”

Speaking of Levi, Mike glanced back toward the pool. Levi looked incredibly hot and sexy — though she always hid it behind her unfashionable clothes.

His mother excused herself and went upstairs to her room, assisted by her private nurse, who kept a close eye on her health. Mike felt grateful that his mother’s condition had improved since they brought her back to the ranch.

“Sir, someone’s looking for you in the living room… M— Ms. Yuna,” the servant said nervously.

Mike sighed and rubbed his temples. Whether he admitted it or not, he still hadn’t completely gotten over his ex-girlfriend, Yuna. And he didn’t even know how he would turn her down if she came to ask for another chance. With no other choice, he decided to face her.

Yuna immediately stood up the moment she saw the man she still loved. She admitted to herself that she had hurt him — she chose her modeling career over the love he had so freely given her. But deep inside, she hoped he could still accept her back, that it wasn’t too late for them. When she saw him walking toward her, her heart began to pound with a familiar rhythm. She smiled faintly when he told her to take a seat.

“Just dropping by? Is there something you need to discuss?” Mike asked formally.

Yuna couldn’t find the right words to say. She didn’t know how or where to start. She was about to speak when someone suddenly interrupted them.

“Oh! There you are, my groom-to-be! So you have a guest?” Levi said dramatically. She deliberately chose not to cover herself with her robe — she didn’t want to see Mike hurt again because of his ex-girlfriend, who had suddenly reappeared in his life like a mushroom after the rain. She didn’t even know why she cared so much; all she knew was that as his bride-to-be, she had to protect him.

Mike turned to look at her. Levi flashed a seductive smile, then walked up to him — and without saying a word, she kissed him on the lips right in front of the woman who had once broke his heart.

She kissed him softly; her lips were warm and tender. She thought he wouldn’t respond, but to her surprise, he did — and soon, they were kissing as if there were no tomorrow. He kissed her back passionately, pulling her close to deepen the kiss. Levi felt as though she were floating in the clouds. The kiss was different — it was intense, thrilling, and undeniably electrifying.

Their lips finally parted when Yuna suddenly cleared her throat.

“So, that means you’re really getting married? Well, I don’t think so. I’ll only believe it when I see you standing before the judge, exchanging your ‘I dos’!” Yuna said sharply, her eyes blazing as she glared at Levi.

Her face twisted with anger and jealousy before she quickly turned and stormed out of the mansion.

“Are you okay?” Levi asked him. His mouth was still slightly open and he was still draped over her.

“I... I am.”

“The show is over, Mike— you can let me go now. I’ll apologize for doing that. I just wanted to save you from that woman,” Levi quickly defended herself; whether she admitted it or not, Mike had stirred something deep inside her heart.

They heard loud applause. Both of them turned to see Micah.

“I never thought you’d do that, Levi — that was fantastic! It felt like a scene from a TV drama. So romantic!” Micah gushed, swooning.

“And don't you dare try that with your suitor, or I’ll wreck his neck with my bare hands!” Mike said seriously to his smiling sister. Micah puckered her lips and turned away from her brother. Levi secretly smiled.