Loving Him

Chapter 11

"Why are you acting like you've seen a ghost?" Mike curiously asked Levi.

Levi subtly gestured towards the girl behind Mike. Before Mike could face her, Yuna swiftly covered his eyes with her hands.

It was evident from the familiar scent alone that he couldn't mistake whose hands they were – Yuna's, the woman who had chosen her career over him years ago.

Mike's jaw clenched, and he swiftly removed the girl's hands.

"What brings you here, Yuna?" Mike questioned the girl with seriousness.

"I happened to pass by and saw you, so I came here to see how you're doing," Yuna replied enthusiastically. She didn't even spare a glance at Levi.

Clearly, they didn't get along, even when they were once a couple.

"Mike, I'll head to the car first. It seems like you two need some privacy," Levi informed, preparing to leave, but Mike stopped her by gripping her arm.

"Let's go together, now. I'll apologize to Yuna, but we can't delay any longer. Mom is waiting for us," Mike stated, retrieving money from his wallet and signaling to the waiter before placing it on the table they had occupied.

With swift movements, he pulled Levi out of the restaurant, allowing her to be carried along.

It was evident that Levi was still hurting, despite her unspoken words.

Once they were inside the car, silence filled the air. Mike started the car with a firm grip.

"Does it still hurt? Well, that's to be expected, especially if you haven't moved on yet. Just imagine the woman who broke your heart," Levi softly uttered.

"Could you please just be quiet!" Mike snapped irritably at Levi.

Levi was taken aback by his outburst. Here he was again, resorting to his habit of snapping.

Levi chose to remain silent. She understood Mike in that moment, even if he didn't admit it, she could sense the weightiness within him.

They arrived at Hacienda Montenegro in a calm manner. Mike was still not in the mood as they entered the mansion. He greeted his parents and his sibling Micah with a quiet kiss.

Levi took on the role of narrating what happened to them the previous night, including Mike's encounter with Yuna.

Afterwards, Levi politely excused herself from the couple. She desired some rest and a refreshing shower, as she had been feeling sticky for quite some time.

___________

Mr. Montenegro called for a meeting, and he was waiting in the library room. Mrs. Montenegro, accompanied by Micah and Levi, was on her way, leading the way.

Meanwhile, Mike hurriedly returned home from overseeing the hacienda workers.

Once everyone was gathered, Levi couldn't help but notice the peculiar smile on the couple's faces. She couldn't quite grasp the meaning behind the enigmatic smiles that adorned their lips.

"Mama, Papa, what's the reason for summoning us?" Mike asked his parents, his confusion evident.

"We just wanted to inform you that everything is ready for your wedding with Levi... and before that, I would like to congratulate both of you. Hopefully, your relationship will be successful. But if not? You know what to do. I only asked for two years. You probably understand my situation," Mrs. Montenegro said cheerfully.

Levi was taken aback, while Mike simply nodded.

Levi no longer wanted to oppose his mother's decision. Besides, her mother's plans were unchangeable, as she was known for getting what she wanted.

Levi stole a glance at Mike, noticing the disappointment etched on his face.

She knew that he was also reluctant, but he had come up with a plan for their arrangement if their wedding were to proceed.

He would ensure that he and Levi would find a way to get along.

Upon leaving the library room, Levi approached Mike. "Mike, are you prepared for the challenges ahead? But I don't think our journey together will be a struggle if neither of us falls for each other, right?" she softly inquired.

"My life has been a struggle ever since you first arrived in this house. Can you please not talk to me for now? I want to be alone, and could you please keep your distance!" he responded with irritation.

Levi couldn't help but feel hurt by his words, but she quickly wiped away the tears that welled up in her eyes. She regained her composure and headed towards the poolside.

Taking a seat on a sun lounger, she began to contemplate their upcoming wedding and what it held in store for her.

What if the day came when her heart truly fell for Mike? Would she be ready to face the consequences? Was she willing to take a chance in the name of love?

"Ate Levi, you seem to be alone. Is something troubling you? Is it related to your upcoming wedding with my brother?" Micah asked, displaying concern.

Levi offered a smile to Micah. "No, it's not that. I just miss my mom," she fibbed.

"I'm sure she's happy now, Ate. Especially since you've accomplished so much in life. Mama and Papa are here for you, and you're not alone," Micah said with a smile.

"Why don't you join me for a refreshing swim in the pool, Ate? I can really feel the summer heat, it's scorching!"

Levi felt a weight lifted off her chest with Micah's invitation. Luckily, she was wearing a matching bra and panties, so she could easily swim away from her troubles.

Aling Melba arrived with a fruit salad and lemonade.

Micah requested a pitcher of lemonade for herself, a bowl of fruit salad, and a glass for Levi. She also asked Aling Melba to prepare carbonara.

Micah was the first to dive into the cool pool.

From the veranda, Mike could be seen deep in thought.

Mike's current worry was Yuna's return. He hoped she wouldn't disrupt his life again. He was about to leave the veranda when he noticed Levi standing by the pool's edge.

She removed her white t-shirt, revealing her fair and smooth chest. She wore a black bra that emphasized her curves. A smile formed on Mike's lips, the view was truly captivating.

Then, Levi took off her denim shorts, revealing a stunning sight that could leave any man in awe. Suddenly, a surge of heat ran through Mike's body.

He never expected this woman to have such an effect on him. Levi dipped into the pool and joyfully splashed around with Micah.

"It seems like you're enjoying admiring your bride-to-be, hijo," his mother remarked with a lively comment.

He turned to his mother, approached her, and gave her a kiss on the cheek, followed by a warm embrace.

"How are you, Mama?"

"I'm fine, hijo, but I'm still excited for your upcoming wedding! I can't wait for you to marry Levi. I'm sure you'll bless me with beautiful and handsome grandchildren," his mother couldn't help but express.

"Ma, I've already given in to you regarding the wedding, and now you're already talking about grandchildren?" he complained to his mother, but she simply smiled, exuding confidence in her words.

"I don't know, hijo, but I have a feeling that something special will happen if your wedding with Levi pushes through."

Speaking of Levi, Mike redirected his gaze towards the pool.

Levi looked stunningly hot and sexy. However, she concealed it by wearing modest attire.

His mother left him to go upstairs to her room, accompanied by the private nurse who monitored her health. He was grateful that his mother's condition had improved since they brought her to the hacienda.

"Sir, someone is looking for you in the living room. It's... um-... Ma'am Yuna," the butler nervously replied to him.

He instinctively massaged his temples. Whether he admitted it or not, he hadn't completely let go of his ex-girlfriend, Yuna. He still didn't know how he would turn her down if she wanted to get back together. He had no choice but to confront her.

Yuna stood up immediately upon seeing the man she had once loved deeply. She acknowledged that she had hurt him by choosing a modeling career over the love he had offered. But she hoped that he would be willing to accept her again, and that it wasn't too late. As she caught sight of the approaching man, she felt her heart race with familiarity. She smiled as he instructed her to take a seat.

"Did you come for a visit? Is there something you need to discuss?"

The man asked formally. Yuna found herself at a loss for words. She didn't know how or where to begin. Just as she was about to speak, they were interrupted by someone who had just arrived.

"Oh! there you are, my groom-to-be. Looks like you have a visitor?" Levi said with a hint of arrogance, intentionally choosing not to cover her exposed body with a robe.

She simply didn't want to witness Mike getting hurt again because of his ex-girlfriend who seemed to have appeared out of nowhere.

She couldn't explain why she felt concerned for him, but as his bride-to-be, she felt a need to protect him.

Mike turned his gaze towards Levi. In response, she flashed a seductive smile and confidently approached him. Without uttering a word, she planted a kiss on his lips, right in front of the woman who had caused him so much pain.

The kiss was gentle and smooth, and Levi had expected that Mike wouldn't respond to her advances. However, to her surprise, they found themselves locked in a passionate embrace, deepening the intensity of their kiss.

Levi felt as if she was floating on a cloud, the sensation was different, overwhelming, and incredibly thrilling.

Their passionate moment was abruptly interrupted by Yuna, who cleared her throat to get their attention.

"So, it means you're getting married, huh? Well, I don't think so. I'll only believe it when I see you standing before a judge, exchanging your 'I do's!'" Yuna retorted, her eyes filled with a mix of anger and jealousy as she glared at Levi. With that, she hastily left the mansion, leaving behind an air of tension and uncertainty.

"Are you alright?" Levi asked Mike, concerned. His mouth was still slightly open, and he continued to hold onto her.

"I... I am."

"The show is over, Mike. You can let go now. I apologize for doing that. I just wanted to protect you from that woman," Levi quickly defended herself. Whether she admitted it or not, there was something that stirred within her upon seeing Mike's reaction.

They heard a loud applause. Both of them turned their attention towards Micah.

"I never thought you could do that, Ate Levi! It was so fantastic! It felt like a scene from a teleserye. It was incredibly romantic," Micah said, feeling thrilled.

"And don't you dare try that with your suitors, or else I'll break his neck with my bare hands!" Mike said sternly to his smiling sister.

Micah playfully rolled her eyes and turned away from her brother.

Levi couldn't help but smile to herself, appreciating the protective side of the man she loved.