"You look stunning! I didn’t know you were hiding such a sexy figure," Micah teased admiringly.Levi smiled as she studied her reflection in the mirror. She wore a semi-formal dress that hugged her curves, accentuating her hips and her natural allure—enough to make any man stop and stare."Thanks. This is actually my first time wearing something like this," Levi admitted as she adjusted the V-shaped neckline of her dress. It fell just above her knees—thankfully not slit, or she would have swapped it for another outfit. The peach color suited her well, paired with a matching purse and flat sandals.She kept her accessories simple, wearing only a necklace her mother had given her. Micah, on the other hand, was dressed in an off-shoulder white gown with a yellow ribbon cinched at the waist. She looked effortlessly pretty and a little bit sultry.The two descended the staircase side by side, both smiling. Outside, Mike and his parents were already waiting inside the car.When they reache
Darkness had already settled by the time the heavy rain finally stopped. Mike decided they would return to the mansion the next day, certain the roads would be too muddy and dangerous to travel at night. He didn’t want to risk their safety.He glanced at Levi, fast asleep, then shifted his gaze to the hut’s small window. That was when he caught sight of faint lights outside—beams that looked like flashlights. Curious, he stepped out to investigate.He wasn’t mistaken. Approaching were men he recognized—workers from their ranch. Most likely, his mother had sent them to fetch him and Levi, something he was deeply grateful for.As much as he wanted to wake Levi, he couldn’t bring himself to disturb her. When the men drew closer, one of them handed him a towel, which he accepted.“From, Mrs. Montenegro, sir,” one of them explained.“Good thing you found us,” Mike replied with relief. “Give me a moment—I’ll just get something inside.”Carefully, he lifted Levi into his arms, making sure no
Levi could feel the solid expanse of Mike’s chest every time her back pressed against it. A strange current seemed to surge through her body, awakening something in her muscles—something she fought hard to ignore. She tightened her grip on the horse’s reins.“Are we there yet?” she complained once more.“Why, are you in such a rush?” he teased.“You ride too slowly, that’s why. Do you really think we’ll make it to our destination like this?”“Could you just shut up, woman!” Mike snapped, striking Tigrel’s flank. The horse immediately picked up speed, forcing Levi to clutch his arms for dear life. Thunder cracked above, and she screamed in shock.Mike smirked quietly to himself. Whether he admitted it or not, her tight grip on his arms stirred a sensation he had never experienced before. He frowned at the unfamiliar feeling, unsettled by it.“Great. It looks like it’s going to rain—just our luck,” Levi muttered.The sky darkened, and rain poured heavily. Ahead, they spotted a small hut
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 storie
“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
Levi woke to a soft knock at her door. She stretched lazily before dragging herself to her feet and opening it. Sleep still clung to her eyes; she had stayed awake far too long the night before, haunted by the memory of the kiss she had shared with Mike. She would never admit it aloud, but the memory carried a sweetness that unsettled her—sweet, yet impossible. Mike Montenegro was the last man she should ever find herself thinking about.“Pack your things. We’re all leaving for Ranch Montenegro. It’ll be better for Mom’s health if she stays there,” Mike said firmly, his voice low and commanding.Levi blinked at him, her brows furrowing as she searched his eyes. Against her will, her gaze flickered downward—to his lips, still flushed from sleep. A traitorous shiver coursed through her, and she bit her lower lip.Mike’s smirk was immediate. “What’s the matter? Going to stare at me all day, or do you need me to drag you into your bathroom myself?” His tone was serious, but the teasing gl