Chapter 5

“Melba, where’s Mrs. Montenegro?” Levi asked the housekeeper, who was busy preparing dinner. Since she had nothing better to do, she decided to help.

“In her room, resting. You’ve grown into such a fine beautiful woman. You’re so gorgeous—just like your mother,” the old woman said with a smile.

Levi chuckled as she began slicing onions. “Not now, Melba, don’t flatter me. I don’t even have money to pay you for that compliment. But… thank you.”

“It’s true, though. And I heard a little rumor…” Melba lowered her voice mischievously. “They say you’re getting married to Mike. Is it true?”

Levi froze, startled by how gossipy the woman could be. She turned to face her and gave a small nod. Melba gasped and quickly covered her mouth.

“Heavens! So the rumors are true. But how did that happen? You two could never stand each other since you were children!”

“I’d rather not talk about it,” Levi replied flatly. “What matters is that we’ve brought Mrs. Montenegro here. She needs fresh air—back in the city, it’s nothing but smoke and pollution.”

“That’s true,” Melba agreed. “It was wise of Mr. Montenegro to bring Mrs. Montenegro here. Her condition might truly improve.”

When they finished preparing the meal, Levi helped wash the dishes. From the corner of her eye, she noticed Mr. Montenegro hurrying toward the garage.

“Mr. Montenegro, wait—what about her?” she called. He stopped, slapped his forehead, and muttered under his breath.

“Damn! I almost forgot. Levi, come here.”

“Yes?”

“Can you look after her for me? She’s with her nurse right now, but I’d feel better if you kept an eye on her too. I have urgent matters at the office. And please—just as I told you and Mike—don’t quarrel in front of her. She doesn’t need that stress.”

“Yes. You can count on me,” Levi replied quickly. He gave her an approving nod before climbing into his car.

Without wasting time, Levi hurried up the stairs and entered her room. The door was slightly open,, and inside, she saw Mike seated beside his mom, deep in conversation. A young nurse—about Micah’s age—stood nearby. She smiled at Levi, who returned the gesture warmly.

“I’ll step outside for a bit, Mrs. Montenegro,” the nurse said before leaving.

“How are you?” Levi asked cheerfully, approaching the bed.

“I’m fine, Levi—especially now that I have both you and Mike here. I’ve been wanting to visit the workers around the ranch, but in my condition, that’s impossible. So I’ve decided—you and Mike will visit them on my behalf. I want to know how they’re doing, and how our ranch is faring.”

“S-sure. That’s nothing we can’t handle,” Levi said brightly, even winking at Mike, who merely raised a brow in response.

“Well then, it’s settled,” she said with a soft smile. “Go on, both of you. Mike, take care of your fiancee, okay?"

“Mom…” Mike muttered in protest, but kissed her cheek before standing and walking toward the door.

“I’ll go too,” Levi said, kissing her hand. “Before your stubborn son gets away again.” Then she dashed after Mike.

Outside, she found him at the stables, speaking with Ben. Sure enough, Sapira and Tigrel—their horses—were already prepared. But Levi’s brows knitted when she noticed another figure standing beside Mike.

Trisha.

So this is why he rushed here.

Forcing a polite smile, Levi greeted her. Trisha, however, rolled her eyes and clung possessively to Mike’s arm.

Levi smirked inwardly. Of course. Even here, she has to follow.

“Be careful, Mike, Levi,” Ben said, sensing the growing tension. “It’s been a while since you both rode these horses.”

“Thank you, Ben,” Levi replied before mounting Sapira gracefully.

“Mike, why is she here?” Trisha hissed, loud enough for Levi to hear. “I thought this was just us.”

“Come on, Trish,” Mike sighed. “This isn’t the time to argue. Mom asked me to do this with Levi.”

“Fine,” Trisha snapped, shooting Levi another glare. Mike helped her mount Tigrel—only for the horse to rear suddenly, startled by Trisha’s unfamiliar scent.

“Ahhh!” Trisha shrieked as she tumbled—face-first into the mud, right beside a pile of cow dung.

Levi couldn’t stop the laughter that burst from her lips. No matter how hard she tried, it was useless.

“Levi, enough!” Mike barked, furious.

She pressed a hand to her stomach, still shaking with laughter. “I’m sorry—I really am. But honestly, she had it coming. Why don’t you just take your ‘beautiful, sexy girlfriend’ for a tour of the ranch instead? I’ll visit the workers myself.”

Without waiting for a response, Levi urged Sapira into a steady gallop. The wind rushed through her hair as the wide fields opened before her. Eventually, she slowed the horse and tied it to a mango tree near the workers’ quarters. She decided to walk the rest of the way.

But as she stepped forward, a sharp pain stabbed her foot. She gasped, looking down to see a jagged branch lodged in her sandal-clad foot. Blood trickled down, and her knees buckled as the world tilted.

“Damn it…” she muttered, clutching her ankle. Why didn’t I wear boots?

Her vision swam. She tried to call out, but her voice was too weak. As darkness crept in, the last thing she heard was the sound of hooves approaching fast.

Then—nothing.

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Levi awoke in a soft bed, her foot throbbing. She blinked and groaned, realizing where she was.

“Good. You’re finally awake,” Mike’s voice is drawing from a chair nearby.

She turned her head toward him. “How are the workers?” she asked instead of rising to his bait. Her body felt heavy and feverish.

“You think I’d put them before you? You nearly bled out, Levi. And you fainted at the sight of your own blood? Pathetic.”

“Wow, thanks for the concern,” she muttered. “Can we not fight for once? I’m not in the mood.”

“That’s always your excuse. To you, I’m always the villain,” he snapped, standing to his feet. His gaze darkened. “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re after. The inheritance. Isn’t that why you’re still here?”

Levi’s eyes widened in disbelief. “And where did you get that lie? From your oh-so-perfect girlfriend? She’s a shameless liar, Mike, and the fact that you believe her says more about you than it does about me.”

“Damn you, woman!” he exploded, pointing a finger at her. “You’re impossible!”

With that, he stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

Levi let out a bitter laugh despite the sting in her chest. “And I’m the fake one? Look in the mirror, Mike.” She winced as her foot throbbed again, forcing her back onto the pillows.