Chapter 3

“Levi, what do you think of this apartment?” Tessa asked cheerfully.

Levi let her gaze wander across the space. It was a two-level studio, styled with a cool, modern palette that allowed bold furnishings to stand out. A wide avocado-hued sofa commanded the main living area, its vibrance softened by minimalist gray patterns and sleek wooden textures that gave the room a sense of breathing space.

She walked toward the kitchen. A stenciled dining table added a touch of quiet elegance, its slim frame lending the room a graceful charm.

Moving next to the staircase, she admired the broad wooden steps—striking yet unobtrusive, creating a clean backdrop for the apartment’s other elements.

Everything was spacious, neat, and thoughtfully arranged. Even the bathroom impressed her—small, but pristine, with a delicate bathtub tucked neatly inside. For the first time, Levi smiled with relief. At last, she was about to start a life of her own.

“Perfect. It’s impressive,” she told her friend, her voice bright with satisfaction.

But her joy was short-lived. Her phone buzzed sharply in her pocket. Frowning, she pulled it out and answered. “Hello? Micah?”

“Levi…” Micah’s voice cracked with panic. “She’s been rushed to the hospital.”

“What?” Levi gasped, her knees weakening.

“I’ll text you which hospital. Please—come quickly!” Micah’s voice broke, and before Levi could respond, the line went dead.

She sank onto the sofa, her chest tight, hands trembling.

“Levi? What happened? Who was that?” Tessa asked anxiously.

“Tessa—. They rushed her to the hospital.” Levi pressed a hand against her chest, her breaths uneven. “Please… let’s take your car. I can’t drive right now. I—I can’t think straight.”

“Of course. Let’s go.” Tessa grabbed her arm and pulled her swiftly out of the apartment.

---

Levi was restless in the car, wringing her hands, her heart pounding with dread. Was it my fault? Did she fall sick because she was heartbroken over my decision to leave the Montenegro mansion? Oh God… if that’s true, Mike will never forgive me.

“We’re here,” Tessa’s voice broke into her spiraling thoughts.

Levi bolted out of the car and rushed into the emergency room. Spotting a nurse, she quickly asked for Mrs. Montenegro’s room was directed down the hall.

Her heart clenched as she saw Micah sobbing uncontrollably, Mike trying—awkwardly—to comfort her. Mr. Montenegro sat slumped in a chair, his face buried in his hands. With Tessa at her side, Levi hurried toward him.

“What happened to her?” Levi asked, her voice shaking.

Mr. Montenegro lifted his tear-stained eyes to hers. The sight pierced her heart. Without hesitation, she knelt beside him and wrapped her arms around him who had been like a father to her.

“She’ll be fine. Please… let’s keep our faith. God will not abandon her.”

“I should have protected her, Levi. I should have done more. If something happens to my Thalia, I’ll never forgive myself,” he choked out.

“No. Please don’t blame yourself. No one wanted this to happen. All we can do now is entrust her to God,” she soothed, her voice breaking though she tried to stay strong.

When she pulled back, she noticed Mike and Micah had drawn closer, silently watching. Feeling the weight of their eyes, Levi excused herself and slipped outside with Tessa, seeking fresh air.

“Are you all right?” Tessa asked gently.

“Not really. I’m so worried about her,” Levi admitted, hugging her arms around herself. “I think… I need to postpone moving out. Right now, I just want to spend as much time with her as I can.”

Tessa touched her shoulder. “It’s your choice, and I respect it. As your friend, I’ll support you in whatever you decide.”

“Thank you, Tessa,” Levi whispered, leaning into her embrace.

Hours later, they returned inside. Levi’s heart thudded as she noticed the family was no longer in the waiting area—they must have moved to Mrs. Montenegro’s private room.

Tessa squeezed Levi’s hand gently, her silent gesture urging her to stay strong. Levi forced a smile, exhaling shakily.

Moments later, the door opened. Micah and Mr. Montenegro emerged, their faces etched with worry.

“Levi,” Mr. Montenegro said, his hand firm on her shoulder. “She's awake. She’s asking for you. Go to her. But please…” His eyes pleaded. “Try not to quarrel with Mike. Not now.”

“I promise. You can count on me.”

Levi stepped inside, her breath shallow. On the bed lay Mrs. Montenegro, pale and frail, speaking softly with her son. Levi’s heart pounded like frantic wings against her ribs.

“Mrs. Montenegro..." she whispered, moving closer. She couldn’t tear her eyes away from the weakened woman before her, though she could feel Mike’s presence in the room like a weight pressing against her chest.

She kept her gaze fixed on Mrs. Montenegro—refusing, for now, to acknowledge Mike she both resented and feared.

“Levi, come here,” Mrs. Montenegro’s frail voice beckoned.

Levi rushed to her side, clasping the woman’s pale hand as tears streamed freely down her cheeks.

“H-how are you feeling?” she asked through sobs, acutely aware of Mike’s silent gaze on her.

“Don’t cry. I’m fine. Please, dry your tears,” the woman whispered with a weak smile, fighting against her own frailty.

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

“You don’t have to be. Death comes for everyone eventually, and when God permits it, there is nothing we can do.”

“Please… don’t speak like that,” Levi pleaded, her chest tightening.

“Reality must be faced, Levi. I can feel it—I don’t have much time left. But before that happens, I want both of you to promise me something.” Her tired eyes shifted toward Mike, whose expression betrayed a storm of emotions.

Levi’s breath caught. Her hands went icy cold, her entire body tense with anticipation. Mike’s brows furrowed deeply, waiting for his mother’s words.

“I don’t want you out of the Montenegro family, Levi. And to make you truly one of us, you must marry Mike.”

The words struck like thunder.

“But—” Levi stammered.

“Mom—” Mike interjected.

“That’s final!” Thalia’s voice, though weak, carried the weight of command. “Listen to me. It will be a contract marriage. Just two years. Who knows? Perhaps it might even work.”

Levi stared, bewildered. What kind of request is this? She knows Mike and I are like fire and oil… Why would she ask this of me?

“This isn’t a good joke, Mom,” Mike said evenly, though his clenched jaw betrayed his struggle to stay calm.

“No. I am serious. And from now on, I don’t want the two of you quarreling in front of me ever again.”

Levi wanted to protest, but the words stuck in her throat. This was Mrs. Montenegro's wish—the woman who had raised her, loved her, treated her as her own. If this was the price for extending her life even for a little while, Levi would bear it.

---

“Hey! You’ve been spacing out. Mr. Montenegro is calling for you,” Tessa snapped her out of her daze.

“Huh?”

“He’s waiting. In his office.”

Levi rose stiffly and made her way to the door. She knocked once, then stepped inside.

“Come in,” Mike’s voice came, low and clipped. He stood by the window, his back turned.

“If this is about our marriage,” Levi said bluntly, “you don’t have a choice. You’re marrying me.”

Mike turned sharply. For a moment, Levi swore the world slowed, her pulse hammering in her ears. His gaze bore into her, hard and unreadable.

“And you’re just going to accept it? Will you really chain yourself to someone who doesn’t want you?” His fists tightened at his sides, jaw rigid.

“Of course. For her, I’ll do anything. I’ll give up my own happiness if it means honoring her love for me. So yes, Mike—you’ll marry me, whether you like it or not.” Her chin lifted in defiance.

She had to be strong. Even if it broke her.

In an instant, Mike crossed the distance between them, grabbing her arm with startling force. Levi winced at his grip. He smirked darkly, then without warning, captured her lips with his.

Her eyes widened. Shock held her still for a heartbeat, but instinct—or maybe stubborn pride—kicked in. She kissed him back, awkward at first, unskilled but determined. To her surprise, it wasn’t difficult. Simple, even.

The harshness of the kiss slowly shifted. His lips softened, his arm slid firmly around her waist, pulling her closer. Her breath caught as her body betrayed her, responding to his rhythm.

Levi dared to open her eyes—and saw him, lashes resting against his cheeks, brows drawn tight, his handsome features so close it made her heart lurch.

But the moment shattered. A sharp pain yanked at her scalp.

“You filthy flirt!” a shrill voice shrieked. “Stealing my boyfriend?!”

Levi screamed in pain, clutching at her hair. She didn’t need to see—she knew the voice. Trisha.

Chaos erupted in the office. Mike shoved Trisha back, restraining her fury, while Tessa darted in and dragged Levi away from the scene.

“What the hell happened? Why was that witch attacking you?” Tessa demanded once they were outside.

“She just… caught us kissing.”

Tessa froze, staring at her in disbelief before smacking the back of her head.

“Ouch! Tessa, that hurt!” Levi yelped, rubbing her scalp.

“You lunatic! Are you insane?”

“I’m serious!” Levi insisted, her lips curving into a grin.

“You’ve lost your mind.”

“Maybe,” Levi whispered, still smiling faintly.