Chapter 2

“What is it you want to tell us, hija?” Mrs. Montenegro asked softly as they sat together at the dining table.

Levi cleared her throat, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. “I would like to ask permission from you and Mr. Montenegro… I’ve decided it’s time for me to live on my own. I know this might surprise you, and I know you may not agree, but please… let me do this. I’m capable of taking care of myself now.” Her voice trembled, though her gaze never wavered from the kind woman before her.

The couple froze mid-bite, their eyes fixed on Levi with shock.

“Levi, your decision is… unexpected,” Mr. Montenegro said with a deep frown. “Tell me, has Mike been giving you a hard time again? Has he been raising his voice at you?” His fists clenched in anger. “That son of mine—such an insolent man!”

“No, it’s not that,” Levi quickly denied, shaking her head. “This isn’t about Mike. I just… I feel ashamed for imposing on for so long. You’ve given me so much already—love, shelter, education. But I can’t depend on you forever. I need to learn how to stand on my own feet, to start a new chapter of my life. I will always be grateful for your kindness, but I need to do this for myself.”

Mrs. Montenegro’s face softened with sorrow. “Oh, Levi, we’ll miss you terribly.” Rising from her chair, she gathered her into her arms. “Is this truly your final decision?”

“Yes, Mrs. Montenegro,” Levi whispered, returning the embrace.

“If that is your choice, then we will respect it,” Mr. Montenegro said solemnly. “But remember, Levi—you are never alone. Call us anytime you need help.”

“Thank you, Mr. Montenegro,” she said with heartfelt gratitude.

“Have you found a place to stay?” Mrs. Montenegro asked, worried about clouding her beautiful features.

“Yes, I’ll be moving into Tessa’s apartment. You remember her, don’t you?”

“Of course,” Mrs. Montenegro nodded. “That’s good then. When are you planning to leave?”

“Next week."

Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by laughter and heavy footsteps drawing nearer. Mike appeared with his friends, his arm wrapped possessively around his girlfriend, Trisha.

Mrs. Montenegro’s expression soured instantly at the sight of the woman. She had never approved of Trisha—too brazen, too shallow.

“Mom, Dad,” Mike greeted, kissing his parents’ cheeks before settling back beside Trisha, who clung to him like a serpent winding around its prey.

“Have you eaten?” Mrs. Montenegro asked flatly.

“I’m done, Mom,” Mike replied casually.

“Hello, Mrs. Montenegro,” Rey, one of Mike’s friends, greeted, kissing her cheek as well. His companions nodded politely. Then Trisha, smiling smugly, leaned in and kissed Mrs. Montenegro’s cheek too.

The older woman stiffened, barely disguising her disgust. Leaning close, she whispered sharply into Trisha’s ear, “Stay away from my son.”

Trisha only smirked and lifted a brow in Levi’s direction before whispering back, “I’m sorry, Mrs. Montenegro but you can’t stop him from chasing me.” With a triumphant grin, she tightened her grip on Mike’s arm.

Mike, oblivious to the tension, excused himself. “We’ll be on the balcony, Mom, Dad.” He guided Trisha away, their friends following.

Levi rolled her eyes as the group passed. Royce, one of Mike’s closest friends, winked playfully at her, earning a small smile in return.

Mrs. Montenegro sank back into her seat, massaging her temple as her husband rushed to her side.

“Are you all right, Mrs. Montenegro?” Levi asked in alarm.

“Sweetheart, should I call a doctor?” Mr. Montenegro asked, his worry etched deep into his features.

“I’ll be fine,” Mrs. Montenegro muttered. “I just… can’t stand that woman.”

“Thalia,” her husband said gently, “we can’t control who Mike chooses to love. He’s old enough to decide for himself.”

Levi rubbed her back soothingly. “Maybe you should rest.”

“You’re right, Levi.” With Mr. Montenegro’s help, she rose and retreated to their room.

---

Later that night, Levi went to the kitchen for some juice and found Sita, the housekeeper, looking pale and weak.

“Are you feeling all right?” Levi asked, guiding her to sit down.

“I’m just a little dizzy. But I still need to bring food up to the balcony for Mike and his friends.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course! Please rest. I’ll handle it.”

The old woman sighed. “I only worry about you. You and Mike… always like cats and dogs. Sometimes I think…” She hesitated, her lips twitching. “Sometimes I think he likes you.”

Levi laughed, shaking her head. “Oh, c'mon, that’s impossible. I don’t fall for men who do nothing but scold me.”

She arranged the food and carried it out to the balcony. As soon as she appeared, Trisha’s smile faltered, her eyes narrowing at Levi’s presence.

Setting the trays down, Levi ignored the whistles and teasing of Mike’s friends.

“Thank you, Levi,” Drei said kindly, helping her with the glasses of lemonade.

“My pleasure.”

“But why you? Where’s the maid?” he asked.

“She wasn’t feeling well, so I offered to bring these instead.”

Suddenly, the sound of an argument erupted from across the balcony. Mike and Rey stood face-to-face, their tempers flaring.

“Relax, guys!” Drei tried to intervene.

Levi froze. Rey’s next words cut like a blade.

“Why are you so worked up? Didn’t you say Levi is nothing but a freeloader here? If I like her, why should it bother you?”

Levi’s heart stopped. The world blurred as tears welled in her eyes. She turned and fled, ignoring the voices calling after her.

By the time she reached the garage, she was trembling, wiping her tears with shaking hands.

“Levi, wait!” Rey’s voice followed her.

She refused to turn. “Leave me alone.”

“Levi, I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were listening—”

“I said leave me alone!”

But then another voice, firm and commanding, came from behind them. “Levi!” Mike’s tone carried authority, but beneath it was something she couldn’t quite place.

Still, she didn’t turn.

“It’s late. Where do you think you’re going?” Mike pressed.

She whirled on him, her eyes blazing. “Concerned, are you? After everything you’ve said and done? Bravo, Mr. Montenegro—you really know how to play the part.”

“Who told you I was concerned?” Mike shot back coldly.

Levi laughed bitterly through her tears. “You’re right. Why would I expect anything from you? I’m nothing but a burden here, right? A freeloader.”

The sting of Rey’s earlier words resurfaced, tearing her apart. Her fists trembled at her sides.

And then, before anyone could react, a deafening crack echoed through the garage.

Mike staggered backward, clutching his jaw, blood already staining his lip.

Levi gasped. Only then did she realize—standing a few feet away, his fist still clenched in fury—was Mr. Montenegro himself.

“Damn you, Mike!” the older man roared. “How dare you treat her this way?!”

Just then, headlights flashed across the garage. Micah stepped out of the car, still in her prom dress, her eyes widening in horror at the sight of her father, her brother, and Levi froze in the aftermath of violence.

“Daddy—what happened?” she cried, rushing toward them.

“Ask your brother,” Mr. Montenegro seethed. He grasped Levi’s arm protectively. “Come, Levi. You don’t need to endure this any longer.”

Drei and Rey rushed forward to restrain him before he could strike his son again.