Loving Him

Chapter 6

Levi walked down the stairs with a slight limp. In the living room, she saw Mike and Trisha being overly sweet with each other, and she couldn’t help but grimace at the sight. She headed straight to the kitchen to make herself some milk.

“Good morning. I thought you were supposed to marry Mike? Why is he being so affectionate with another woman?” asked Melba, clearly indulging in gossip once again.

“Yes, but that’s only a contract marriage—a two-year marriage. If you read an online apps you’ll understand what I mean.”

“Contract marriage? Does such a thing even exist?” she asked in confusion, scratching her head as if trying to make sense of it. Levi couldn’t help but smile at Melba’s puzzled expression—it was almost comical.

“Yes, it’s common in Korean dramas. Next time, join Micah so you’ll understand my point. The problem with you is you’re always busy with work. You should take some time to enjoy those heart-fluttering love stories,” Levi replied with a cheerful smile.

“I’ll have to try that sometime.”

“Well then, I’ll be in the garden,” Levi said before making her way outside.

She settled onto the swing nearby, quietly entertained as she watched the fountain. But soon, thoughts of her mother filled her mind, and she released a deep sigh. She missed her so much.

After finishing her milk, she stood and decided to visit the Mrs. Montenegro in her room. The bedroom door was slightly open, so she let herself in.

“Mrs. Montenegro,” she called softly, moving closer to embrace her, suddenly overwhelmed by longing for her own mother.

“How are you? Mike told me you were hurt yesterday. Why didn’t you wear your boots?”

“I forgot to put them on. But don’t worry, it’s nothing serious. It’s not life-threatening. I only fainted yesterday because of nerves—you know how scared I am of blood,” she answered, while Mrs. Montenegro continued eating her fruit.

Her eyes then drifted toward the door, where the private nurse stood carrying a suitcase. The nurse stepped inside and gave them a polite smile. Levi watched her curiously.

I’ll be leaving now. Ma’am Levi, I’ll take my leave,” the nurse said respectfully. Levi turned to the Mrs. Montenegro in surprise.

“Where is she going?”

“She needs to return to her province for now because her father fell ill. I couldn’t bring myself to stop her—it’s her father, after all. I’d feel guilty if something happened to him because of me. But I’m fine, you’re here anyway, and I know you won’t ever leave me,” she replied cheerfully, stroking Levi’s hair.

“Of course. I love you like my second mom. I’m so lucky that you took someone like me in,” Levi answered warmly. Just then, a throat cleared from the doorway of Mrs. Montenegro’s room.

They both turned, and Levi secretly rolled her eyes when she saw Mike and Trisha. The pair entered the room, Mike going straight to his mother to kiss her on the cheek, and Trisha following suit.

“How are you, Mrs. Montenegro? I hope you’re doing well,” Trisha said, her smile looking obviously forced.

“Well, I’m fine, dear. I didn’t expect you to be here,” Mrs. Montenegro replied politely.

“That’s good to hear. By the way, I brought you a little something. I gave it to Melba to put in the fridge,” Trisha said, her tone laced with pretension.

“Oh, thank you, dear. Levi, would you accompany me to visit our flowers on the farm?” Mrs. Montenegro asked, turning to Levi.

“Of course, no problem,” Levi agreed, standing up to help her. But as she rose, she quickly sat back down again, wincing in pain, having forgotten about the cut on her sole.

“Oh, that’s right—you’re still injured. In that case, I’ll have Trisha go with me instead. And you, Mike—take Levi to the doctor to have her wound checked again. We wouldn’t want it to get infected,” Mrs. Montenegro instructed.

“No, please. I can still walk, though I can’t help but wince from the pain. I suggest it would be better if just the two of us go. Let’s allow Mike and Trisha to spend some bonding time together,” Levi insisted, though it was clear from Mrs. Montenegro expression that she wasn’t pleased with the idea.

“Alright then,” Mrs. Montenegro conceded, glancing at Mike and Trisha.

Mike helped his mother to her feet, then offered his hand to Levi. Trisha, meanwhile, stood watching, secretly seething in jealousy toward Levi.

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Later, the two women were in the cottage, gazing out at the farm bursting with flowers of every kind. The Montenegro family owned a flower shop in San Martin, which Levi managed. She only visited when small issues arose, as the family had trustworthy workers who kept things running smoothly. The Montenegro's were a kind clan—except, in Levi’s opinion, for Mike. When blessings were poured upon the family, he must have been the unlucky one, she thought with disdain.

The breeze was fresh as they sat on the lanai. Soon, Mike arrived on his horse, Tigrel. He dismounted and tied the reins to a nearby tree.

Levi didn’t even need to look—she already recognized the familiar sound of both Mike and Tigrel.

“Out for a stroll? Where’s your companion?” Mrs. Montenegro asked her son.

“She’s mad, Mom. I told her everything—I already explained to her the agreement you made for me and Levi,” Mike replied nonchalantly.

Levi turned to him, staring in shock at his words. Mrs. Montenegro, however, smiled at the news. At last, the intruder in her family was gone, and she could finally set her plans for Mike and Levi’s marriage in motion.

“Do you mean… you’re no longer together?” she asked again.

“She broke up with me, Mom. And I don’t care. I have plenty of girlfriends—she’s not the only woman in the world,” Mike said casually, glancing at Levi, who was sipping her lemonade.

Their eyes met unexpectedly, startling Levi so much that she choked on her drink. Mrs. Montenegro quickly patted her back to ease her coughing.

“Why are you staring at me? Do you think I’m one of your girlfriends? Are you trying to send me signals?” Levi snapped irritably.

“Did I hit a nerve? You act like I was referring to you. Don’t assume things, Levi. Just because I looked your way doesn’t mean I meant you,” Mike shot back, a suppressed smile tugging at his lips.

“That’s enough of your bickering, both of you,” Mrs. Montenegro intervened, clearly amused. “Mike, take Levi with you to visit the workers at the ranch.. Share one horse—it will be easier for you to assist her with her injured foot.”

“But, what about you being left here alone?” Levi asked.

“I won’t be alone. The farm workers are here. Don’t worry, I want you both to check on the ranch workers. Go now so you won’t get home too late.”

Levi glanced at Mike, who only grinned at her—a smile that told her he was up to something. If he dared try anything foolish, she wouldn’t hesitate to use the karate lessons her Uncle Marco had taught her.

Without warning, Mike stepped closer and swept her up into his arms, carrying her straight to Tigrel. They bid farewell to Mrs. Montenegro, and Mike urged the horse forward at a gentle pace.

“What’s gotten into you? Since when do you just agree with your mother like that? Did you eat a lizard or something weird?” Levi demanded.

“Could you stop asking nonsense, Levi?” Mike retorted in irritation.

Levi couldn’t help but laugh at his response, though even she didn’t know why. She simply breathed in the crisp air of the Montenegro ranch, feeling the wind brush against her face.

The ride grew awkward, silence stretching between them as if each was waiting for the other to speak. Finally, Levi broke it.

“My mouth is drying up here. Can’t you at least tell a story? How much farther is this?” she complained.

“Stop fidgeting. You might fall off, and I’ll end up feeling guilty again,” Mike scolded.

“So what—you’d let me fall?”

“What do you think?” he shot back.