Montenegro Series 1

Chapter 4

A soft knock at my bedroom door stirred me awake. I stretched, then dragged myself up and opened it. My body still felt heavy. I hadn’t slept well last night. My mind wouldn’t stop replaying that kiss Mike and I had shared. I’ll admit, it made my heart race. But at the same time, I knew it was impossible. A guy like him? Definitely not my type.

“Pack your things. We’re all going to Hacienda Montenegro. It’s better if we bring Mom there—it’ll be good for her health,” Mike said immediately.

I looked up at him with a frown, staring into his eyes before my gaze slipped lower, landing on his lips. They looked too soft, too tempting, and I found myself biting my bottom lip without meaning to.

He smirked. “Are you just going to keep staring? Or should I help you bathe inside your bathroom?”

My eyes widened. “You arrogant jerk! Try it and I swear you’ll regret it!” I snapped, slamming the door. Or at least, I tried. His arm blocked it, and before I knew it, he slipped inside.

“Not so fast,” he teased, that mischievous grin plastered on his face.

“What are you doing? I’m serious, Mike. Don’t test me.”

He only shook his head and went straight to my drawer. My jaw dropped when he pulled out his car keys and waved them at me, winking playfully.

What the hell? How did his keys end up in my drawer? Was this some kind of magic trick?

“Don’t be so dramatic. This is all I needed. You acted like I was about to assault you. Relax, you’re not even my type I don’t go for flat-chested girls,” he muttered before walking out.

I let out the breath I didn’t even realize I’d been holding, pressing a hand against my chest.

Flat-chested? Excuse me? What a nerve. He’s probably just used to staring at women with big chests. Ugh. What an insufferable man.

I muttered curses under my breath as I stormed to the bathroom. After a quick shower, I dressed, packed my suitcase, and headed out.

“Is everyone ready?” Micah asked with a radiant smile, excitement bubbling in her voice. She loved the hacienda, especially the horses.

“I’m glad you’re joining us, Levi. Soon you’ll be moving out of the Montenegro household,” Mr. Montenegro said. His words made both Mike and Micah turn to me.

“Is that true?” Micah asked, eyes wide in surprise.

Mike stayed silent, watching me closely. I gave Micah a small nod. “Yes, Micah.”

Before I could say anything else, Mrs. Montenegro came over and hugged me tightly. “But that won’t happen anymore, because you’ll be marrying Mike. I know you won’t disappoint me not when I don’t have much time left in this world.”

The room fell silent. Mr. Montenegro coughed, Micah gasped, both of them visibly shocked.

“Sweetheart, are you serious? What about Levi’s future? You know those two can’t get along. This isn’t right,” Mr. Montenegro protested.

“My decision is final, Marco. Michael Angelo won’t inherit a single cent unless he marries Levi. Nothing will change my mind.”

“But Mom, what about Ate Levi’s feelings? Don’t you think this is unfair to her?” Micah asked in a shaky voice.

I straightened my shoulders and forced out a calm reply. “It’s fine. I can handle it. It’s just for two years anyway. If things work out, great. If not, we can annul the marriage.”

I had no idea where the strength to say that came from.

Mike shook his head. “Do you really think this is okay with me?”

I flashed him a sweet smile and tugged him away toward the garden. “Mike, if I’m being dramatic, you’re worse. Can’t we just go along with your mom’s wishes for her health? We can make an agreement after the wedding. It’s not a big deal. I’ve read it a hundred times in pocketbooks and online contracts, fake marriages, annulments… it’s nothing new.”

He blinked at me, looking half-annoyed, half-bewildered. “I can’t believe you actually apply pocketbook stories to your own life. Extraordinary.”

“Of course. Life’s a fairytale. Your family has done so much for me. If it weren’t for them, I don’t know where I’d be. So yes, I’ll endure everything for them.”

“Whatever. Just take your hands off me before they get the wrong idea,” he grumbled.

Rolling my eyes, I let him go and followed him back.

Later, when we were about to leave, I found myself shoved into Mike’s car. Of course. His mother’s doing.

“Get in,” he ordered.

I sat in the backseat, sulking, until he snapped, “Why are you back there? I’m not your driver. Sit up front.”

I huffed but climbed into the passenger seat. Buckling up, I sighed and turned my gaze out the window. Earphones in, love songs playing, I let the scenery distract me until I drifted off to sleep.

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When I woke, I was lying on a soft bed in a room I didn’t recognize. It took me a moment to realize we’d arrived at Hacienda Montenegro. I’d slept through the entire trip.

After freshening up, I searched for the others but couldn’t find them. Eventually, I wandered toward the pool and spotted Mike and Micah deep in conversation. I ducked behind a mahogany tree, listening.

“Is it really true? How did Mom convince Levi?” Micah asked.

“I don’t know. Let’s not talk about it. I just want to clear my head,” Mike replied, sipping from a bottle.

“But this is ridiculous! You and Levi can still back out,” Micah pressed.

“As much as I want to, I can’t. I’m worried about Mom’s health. Sometimes I even think she’s exaggerating. But what can I do?” he muttered, shaking his head.

My chest tightened as I slipped away quietly. I walked to the stables where I found Mang Ben feeding the horses.

“Mang Ben, how are you?” I greeted.

“Oh, Levi, you’re awake. You must’ve been so tired from the trip. No matter how much Senyorito Mike tried to wake you, you wouldn’t budge. He ended up carrying you to your room.”

I froze. My face heated instantly. Mike… carried me? God, I snore when I’m exhausted!

“W-what? He carried me?” I stammered.

“Yes. Though only because Mrs. Montenegro insisted,” Mang Ben said.

My heart sank. Of course. He wasn’t being thoughtful it was just an order from his mother. I pursed my lips and sulked, annoyed at myself for even hoping otherwise.