Chapter 6

Levi descended the stairs with a slight limp. In the living room, she caught sight of Mike and Trisha being unusually sweet with each other, and she couldn’t help but grimace at the scene. Shaking her head, she made her way to the kitchen to prepare some milk.

“Good morning. I thought you and Mike were supposed to get married? Why does he have another woman hanging on him?” Melba asked, her tone laced with gossip.

“Yes, but that was only a contract marriage—just two years. If you read stories on apps like online reading platform you’d understand what I mean,” Levi explained casually.

“Contract marriage? Does that really exist?” Melba asked in disbelief, scratching her head as though trying to figure it out. Levi couldn’t help but smile at her puzzled expression.

“Yes, Melba. In Korean dramas, it’s quite common. Next time, you should join Micah when she watches them so you’ll get what I’m saying. You’re always working—you need to take some time to enjoy heart-fluttering love stories,” Levi teased with a grin.

“I’ll try that sometime,” Melba said thoughtfully.

“Well then, I’ll be outside in the garden,” Levi replied before heading out.

She sat on the swing, quietly watching the fountain as memories of her mother flooded her mind. A deep sigh escaped her lips—how she missed her so dearly.

Once she had finished her milk, she decided to visit Mrs. Montenegro in her room. The door was slightly ajar, so she slipped inside.

“Mrs. Montenegro,” she called softly, moving closer to embrace her, a sudden ache of longing for her late mother stirring within her.

“How are you? Mike told me you got hurt yesterday. Why didn’t you wear your boots?”

“I forgot. Don’t worry, it’s just a small wound—it won’t kill me. I only fainted yesterday because of nerves. You know how terrified I am of blood,” Levi answered with a light laugh as her aunt continued eating fruit. Her eyes then shifted to the door where the private nurse appeared with a suitcase, smiling politely as she entered.

“Excuse me, Mrs. Montenegro, I’ll be leaving now. Ms. Velez, I’ll take my leave,” the nurse said respectfully. Levi turned back to Mrs. Montenegro with a questioning look.

“Where is she going?”

“She needs to go back to her province. Her father is sick, and I don’t want to stop her. After all, he’s her father, and I’d feel guilty if anything happened to him because of me. But I’ll be fine. You’re here, and I know you won’t abandon me,” she said reassured, stroking Levi’s hair with a smile.

“Of course. I love you like a second mother. I’m so lucky you took me in,” Levi replied warmly.

But just then, a cough from the doorway interrupted them.

Both turned, and Levi inwardly rolled her eyes when she saw Mike and Trisha entering. Mike kissed his mother on the cheek, and Trisha did the same.

“How are you, Mrs. Montenegro? I hope you’re feeling well,” Trisha said, her smile tight and insincere.

“I’m fine, dear. I didn’t expect you to be here," she replied.

“That’s good to hear. Oh, I also brought something for you. I left it with Melba to put in the fridge,” Trisha added sweetly, though it was clear her words were forced.

“Oh, thank you, dear. Levi, would you accompany me to visit the flowers on the farm?” Mrs. Montenegro asked, turning to her.

“Of course. No problem,” Levi said, standing to help her up. But as soon as she put weight on her foot, pain shot through her and she sat back down, wincing.

“Oh, I forgot about your foot. In that case, I’ll have Trisha accompany me instead. Mike, takes Levi to the doctor so her wound can be checked again. We don’t want it to get infected.”

“No, please don’t. I can walk—I just can’t help wincing from the pain. It’s better if you and I go. Let Mike and Trisha have some bonding time,” Levi insisted, though Mrs. Montenegro's face clearly showed hesitation.

“Alright,” she relented, glancing at Mike and Trisha.

Mike helped his mother to her feet, then turned to assist Levi. Trisha, however, only stood there, silently fuming with jealousy.

---

Later, Levi and Mrs. Montenegro sat in the cottage, overlooking the vibrant farm bursting with flowers. The family owned a flower shop in San Martin, which Levi managed. She only came to the farm when minor issues arose; the workers were reliable, and the Montenegro family was kind—everyone except Mike. In Levi’s opinion, when blessings were handed out to the Montenegro family, Mike had somehow missed his share.

The breeze was cool as they sat on the lanai. Soon, Mike arrived with his horse, Tigrel. He dismounted and tied the reins to a tree.

Levi didn’t bother turning; she already recognized the sound of his steps and Tigrel’s hooves.

“Out for a visit? Where’s your companion?” Mrs. Montenegro asked her son.

“She’s angry, Mom. I told her everything—the agreement you made between me and Levi,” he said casually.

Levi whipped her head toward him, staring in shock. Meanwhile, Mrs. Montenegro's face lit up with satisfaction. At last, the intruder was gone, and her plan could finally take shape.

“You mean, it’s over between you two?” she asked eagerly.

“She broke up with me, Mom, and I don’t care. I have plenty of girlfriends—she’s not the only girl in the world,” Mike replied, shooting Levi a glance as she sipped her lemonade.

Their eyes met unexpectedly, causing Levi to choke. Mrs. Montenegro quickly patted her back.

“Why are you looking at me like that? Do you think I’m one of your girls? Are you dropping hints?” Levi snapped at him.

“Did I hit a nerve? You act like you’re the one I meant. Stop assuming. Just because I looked at you doesn’t mean I was referring to you,” Mike said, fighting back a grin.

“Enough, both of you. Mike, take Levi with you to the ranch. Share one horse so you can support her. Her foot isn’t healed yet,” Mrs. Montenegro said cheerfully, clearly entertained by their bickering.

“But, you’ll be here alone—”

“I won’t. The workers are around. Don’t worry about me. I want you two to check on the laborers. Now go, so you won’t be late returning,” she urged.

Levi glanced at Mike. He smiled at her, a smile that promised mischief. If he tried anything funny, she wouldn’t hesitate to use the karate moves Mr. Montenegro had taught her.

To her surprise, Mike suddenly scooped her up and carried her straight to Tigrel. After bidding his mother goodbye, he set the horse into a slow trot.

“What’s gotten into you? Why did you suddenly agree with your Mom? Did you eat a lizard or something weird?” Levi asked sharply.

“Could you please stop asking nonsense, Levi,” he snapped, clearly irritated.

Levi burst out laughing, though she wasn’t sure why. The fresh air of the ranch brushed against her skin, light and cool.

The ride was strangely quiet, the two of them caught in an awkward silence, as though testing each other’s patience. Levi finally broke it.

“My mouth is going dry here. Can’t you at least tell a story? How much longer do we have?” she complained.

“Stop squirming, or you’ll fall. Then it’ll be on my conscience,” he scolded.

“And what—would you actually let me fall?”

“What do you think?” he shot back with a smirk.