Montenegro Series 1

Chapter 3

“Is this apartment okay with you?” Tessa asked me cheerfully.

I let my eyes wander across the space. It was a two-level studio apartment with a cool background palette that allowed the unique-colored furnishings to shine. A wide, avocado-hued sofa made its mark in the main living area, while minimalist gray patterns and simple wooden textures gave the room plenty of breathing space.

I moved toward the kitchen. The stenciled table wasn’t dramatic, but its thin design brought a touch of elegance. Then my steps carried me to the staircase—broad wooden stairs that made a statement while still offering a clean, non-intrusive backdrop for the rest of the elements.

The apartment was spacious, beautiful, and neat. I had nothing to criticize. Even the bathroom was impressive—small, spotless, with a bathtub tucked inside. A smile tugged at my lips. At last, I was finally moving out on my own.

“Perfect! It’s impressive,” I told my friend.

Just then, my phone rang. It was Micah. My brow furrowed as I answered.

“Hello, Micah?”

“A-Ate Levi… Mom, been rushed to the hospital,” Micah’s voice shook with panic.

“What?” My knees weakened as my body froze.

“I’ll text you the hospital address. Please, come as soon as possible!” she blurted out before abruptly ending the call.

I slumped onto the couch, trembling.

“Levi, what happened? Who was that? Is something wrong?” Tessa asked anxiously.

“Mrs. Montenegro… she’s in the hospital. Tessa, please—we need to get there now. Can we take your car? I’m not in the right state of mind to drive.” My hand clutched my chest, my head swirling with fear.

“Of course. Let’s go,” she said without hesitation, tugging me out of the apartment.

---

My heart wouldn’t calm down inside the car. My thoughts spiraled. Could Mrs. Montenegro have fallen ill because of the sadness I caused when I left the Montenegro mansion? Please, no… If that were true, I was certain Mike would never forgive me.

“We’re here, Levi,” Tessa’s voice snapped me back.

I jumped out of the car and rushed into the emergency room. Spotting a nurse, I hurriedly asked for directions, and she quickly pointed me to where Mrs. Montenegro was.

Micah was crying uncontrollably in Mike’s arms when I arrived. My heartbeat quickened as dread clawed at me. Tessa trailed silently behind me. I also noticed Mr. Montenegro, sitting in one of the hospital chairs, his shoulders heavy with despair. I approached him.

“Mr. Montenegro what happened to her?” My voice quivered.

He lifted his tear-stained face. Without thinking, I wrapped my arms around him. I could feel the weight of his suffering.

“She’ll be fine. Please, let’s just keep our faith in God. He won’t abandon her.”

“I won’t forgive myself, Levi, if something happens to my wife. I failed her.”

“No. Don’t blame yourself. None of us wanted this. All we can do now is entrust everything to God,” I soothed him.

I only realized later that Micah and Mike had drawn near. I left them for a while and sat outside on the bleachers, trying to breathe. Tessa sat quietly beside me.

“You okay?” she asked gently.

“Not really. I’m so worried about her. I guess I’ll have to postpone moving out… I want to spend more time with her,” I admitted, my voice heavy with sorrow.

“It’s your choice. Whatever it is, I’ll support you,” she said warmly.

“Thank you, Tessa.” I hugged her tightly.

Hours later, we returned to the hallway, only to find the Montenegros no longer there. They must have gone inside the private room. Tessa squeezed my hand, silently telling me to stay strong. I gave her a weak smile and drew a deep breath.

When the door opened, Micah and Mr. Montenegro stepped out, worry etched on their faces.

“Levi, she's awake. She’s asking for you. Go inside. She wants to see you,” Mr. Montenegro said, patting my shoulder. “And please, try to avoid clashing with Mike.”

“Yes, Mr. Montenegro. You have my word.”

I entered the room. She was speaking softly with Mike. My chest tightened as I saw her weakened state.

“Mrs. Montenegro...” My voice cracked as I approached. My tears spilled as I held her fragile hand. “How are you feeling?”

She gave me a faint smile. “Don’t cry, Levi. I’m fine. Dry your tears, please?”

“I can’t. I’m just so worried about you.”

“There’s no need. Sometimes death comes, and when it does, we can do nothing if it’s God’s will.”

“Please, don’t say that…”

“Levi, listen. I can feel it—I don’t have much time left. But before I go, I want you and Mike to promise me something.”

My stomach dropped. My palms went cold. Even Mike stiffened, waiting.

“I don’t want you to leave this family, Levi. And the only way to truly make you a Montenegro is for you to marry Mike,” she declared firmly.

“What?” I stammered.

"But mom!” Mike protested.

“That’s final! A contract marriage. Just two years. Who knows, it might even work out,” she insisted, as if it were the simplest thing in the world.

I froze. My mind reeled. How could she suggest such a thing, knowing Mike and I were like cats and dogs?

“This isn’t funny, Mom,” Mike said through gritted teeth, clearly restraining his temper.

“I’m serious. And from now on, I don’t want to see you two fighting—especially in front of me,” she said.

I wanted to protest too, but my love for her silenced me. If this was the price for all the love she had given me, then I would endure it.

---

“Levi, hey! You’ve been spacing out. Mike is calling you,” Tessa nudged me.

“Huh?”

She pointed to his office. “He’s waiting.”

I stood, my mind still heavy, and walked toward his door. After knocking, I entered.

“Come in,” he said as he gazed out the window.

“If this is about the wedding, you don’t have a choice anymore. You’re marrying me,” I said flatly.

He turned, his words striking me like lightning. My heart pounded violently.

“And you? Are you just going to accept this? Can you really tie yourself to someone who doesn’t want you?” His voice was sharp, his fists clenched.

“Of course. For her, nothing is impossible. If giving up my happiness is what it takes for the woman who treated me as her own daughter, then I’ll do it. So yes you’ll marry me.” I lifted my chin.

Mike stormed toward me, grabbing my arm harshly. Pain shot through me as I winced. He smirked wickedly—and then, without warning, his lips crashed against mine.

Shock froze me, but instinct kicked in, and I responded. My inexperience didn’t matter; I quickly realized kissing wasn’t complicated. At first, his kiss was rough, demanding. But then, his pace shifted, becoming gentle, almost tender. His arm slipped around my waist, pulling me closer.

I opened my eyes slightly and saw his face closer than ever before. His thick brows, sharp jaw, straight nose… He was painfully handsome up close.

But the moment was ripped apart when someone yanked my hair hard. I screamed.

“You shameless flirt! Stealing my boyfriend?!” a woman shrieked behind me.

I didn’t need to guess I know it was Trisha.

Chaos broke out. Mike quickly pulled her away while Tessa dragged me out of the office.

“What the hell just happened? Did that witch harass you?” Tessa fumed.

“She just caught us kissing,” I admitted.

Her jaw dropped. Then she smacked me on the head.

“Ouch! That hurt!” I complained.

“That’s what you get for your nonsense! Tell me, are you out of your mind?”

“Crazy yourself! I’m telling the truth,” I said with a grin.