Levi didn't fall asleep immediately that night. So, she swiftly rose from his soft bed.
The thought of having a glass of milk crossed her mind. She descended and made her way to the kitchen. Once she had prepared the milk, she pulled a chair and settled into it. She gently rubbed her senses, feeling a mix of confusion and unease.
She couldn't grasp why her heart suddenly raced with anxiety. The whereabouts of Mike occupied her thoughts. She had been absent from the mansion for a while.
Did he meet up with Yuna? Levi swallowed hard, finishing the glass of milk, and decided to return to her room.
As she was about to ascend the stairs, a peculiar sound caught her attention. It seemed as though someone was near the pool. Curiosity got the better of her, prompting her to take a discreet glimpse.
Levi felt as if she had been struck by a boulder, as if her world crumbled before her. Regret flooded her mind for even peeking.
It was Mike and Yuna, locked in a passionate embrace. Levi couldn't bear to witness the scene unfolding before her eyes. She swiftly retreated from her vantage point, moving cautiously to avoid making any noise. She fought back the urge to cry, but her tears betrayed her, cascading down her cheeks.
She wiped them away forcefully. Upon reaching her own room, she released the weight in her chest. Deep down, she knew she had no right to be jealous, yet she couldn't suppress the pain in her heart.
Loving him was the most painful experience she had ever endured. Was this the beginning of her torment in Mike's presence?
She heard a knock on her door. Hastily, she pulled the covers over herself and feigned sleep. She couldn't help but wonder why she hadn't locked her bedroom door.
The sound of her room door opening reached her ears, followed by heavy footsteps. She sensed the shift in her bed, indicating that Mike had sat down.
She could hear Mike's frustrated exhale. "I know you're awake, I saw you. Can we talk about what you saw at the pool earlier? It doesn't mean anything, Levi," Mike explained.
She remained silent, trying to gauge the situation. Nervousness made it difficult for her to catch her breath. She was afraid that if Mike saw her, he would notice the traces of tears on her face. In case she was pressed for a conversation, she quickly prepared a plausible excuse.
"That's not a big deal for me, come on, can you just leave? I'm really tired," she pretended to mumble sleepily to Mike.
"I'll sleep here," Mike insisted, promptly lying down beside her. Startled, she sat up and faced him.
"Try me, and you'll regret it," she challenged, her gaze locked with Mike's intense stare. Why did she let herself get involved? Now she was exposed, fresh from shedding tears.
"Are you crying?" Mike asked, his voice tinged with surprise.
Levi came up with an excuse, saying, "Oh no, I just got something in my eye," trying to downplay the situation.
"Come on, Levi, be honest with me. Are you jealous? Don't even try to deny it, I can sense it," he said seriously, and let out a curse in frustration.
"Why does crying always have to mean jealousy? Can't it be that I just missed my mom and that's why I was crying?" she firmly stood her ground, sticking to her fabricated story. Luckily, she managed to convince him. She silently breathed a sigh of relief.
"I couldn't have known that you were crying out of jealousy. She was the one who kissed me first, and as a guy, I got carried away. You know that I'm still into her," Mike explained seriously, carefully observing her every move, but he couldn't detect any signs of jealousy on her face or in her actions. However, he secretly hoped that she was indeed jealous.
"No need to explain, really. I don't care about you two. You can even make out in front of me if you want. Can you please just leave and stop interrupting my 'emoting'?" Levi pretended to respond, grateful for her acting skills. If this were a soap opera, she might have won the Best Actress award.
"No, I just want to be with you tonight," Mike declared, swiftly embracing her and lying down beside her on the bed.
Levi's heart nearly burst with excitement, her pulse racing. They locked eyes, and in a mere moment, he captured her lips once again.
"Mike, don't you dare," she whispered, almost pleadingly. Her strength wavered as she caught a whiff of his intoxicating breath. She struggled to maintain her composure. And in an instant, she surrendered to his kiss, succumbing to his embrace.
Levi found herself with no resistance, her body yearning for Mike's touch.
Once again, they shared an intense and passionate night, reaching the pinnacle of pleasure. Mikw possessed her multiple times. She had no regrets about their encounters. Thankfully, it no longer hurts, at least not anymore. She stole a glance at the slumbering figure beside her.
Once again, the image of Yuna invaded her thoughts. And that's when the tears, which had been threatening to spill, finally escaped. She shifted to the side, attempting to distance herself from Mike.
However, he pulled her closer, enveloping her in a tight embrace. It should have felt comforting, but she knew deep down that there was no certainty until he could let go of Yuna.
______________
Levi woke up to the weight of Mike's chest. She was taken aback when he kissed her lips, and her face contorted in a frown as she saw his smiling face.
"Morning," he greeted her, but she didn't respond. Instead, she moved away from his embrace and distanced herself.
However, he pulled her closer again.
"I'm still sleepy, Mike, seriously!" she exclaimed, annoyed, as she tried to push his arms away. But she couldn't help but giggle when he kissed her neck, tickling her.
"I want more of you, Levi. Please, sweetheart, I want to make love to you right now," his husky voice sent shivers down her spine. Levi gasped.
Why was she so easily swayed by his madness? Her mind screamed at her to resist, but her heart and body dictated otherwise.
He quickly captured her lips, leaving her breathless as his tongue explored every corner of her mouth. She pushed him away, but he immediately reclaimed her lips, trailing down her smooth neck and descending to her chest.
Levi was on the verge of losing herself as he kissed her intimately, overwhelming her with pleasurable sensations. She was on the brink of ecstasy when he paused, preparing himself for what was to come.
Once again, their bodies intertwined, reaching the peak of their passion.
Levi was once again pulled into the embrace of sleep, leaving Mike to simply gaze at her beautiful face.
He couldn't help but continue to claim her, finding a unique pleasure in their connection. Although he couldn't say he loved her yet, being with her brought him a feeling he had never experienced before. It was like an intoxicating drug that threatened to drive him mad whenever he couldn't be near her or see her.
To Mike, Levi was unlike any other woman he had encountered. There was an indescribable quality about her that intrigued him. He couldn't quite put his finger on it. This was something he had never felt with Yuna.
Speaking of Yuna, she seemed to always be a nagging presence in his mind. He tried to rationalize his feelings for her, and all he could conclude was that he felt a sense of pity. But his attention was now fully focused on Levi.
He made the decision to leave Levi's room, only to be taken aback by Micah's bewildered reaction. Micah raised an eyebrow and stared at him in surprise.
"Kuya, did you enter the wrong room?" Micah questioned, clearly skeptical. Mike simply shrugged, not paying much attention to the comment.
"I'm tired, Micah. I just wanted to check, Levi," he fibbed.
"Check on her? Really?" Micah responded, unconvinced by his explanation.
Without bothering to reply, Mike headed towards his own room to freshen up and get dressed. Sometimes, he couldn't help but feel annoyed by his sister's mischievous nature.
_____________
The wedding day had arrived, and everything was set. All the workers and their families were invited by the groom, although the guest list was carefully curated, as per the bride's wishes.
The Montenegro mansion served as the venue for Levi and Mike's wedding, with a charming garden ceremony.
The wedding reception was a sight to behold, leaving the guests in awe of the meticulously planned designs and arrangements.
Meanwhile, Levi found herself caught in a whirlwind of emotions, often questioning the significance of it all.
Was this how it felt to get married? She experienced a mix of nerves and excitement, unable to fully articulate her feelings about the union.
The guests watched in admiration as the radiant bride made her way down the aisle, escorted by Mr. Montenegro towards her groom.
Mike, standing in anticipation, couldn't hide his restlessness and let slip a few muttered exclamations.
As the bride reached the altar, where the judge stood, she gently linked her arm with the groom's.
Avoiding direct eye contact, she smiled at the judge, signaling the start of the ceremony.
The couple exchanged heartfelt vows, said their "I do's," and finally shared their first kiss as husband and wife.
The room erupted in a joyous applause, especially from Mrs. Montenegro, who had long yearned for Levi to become a part of their family.
The atmosphere was filled with happiness as the guests extended their warm wishes to the newlyweds.
They were showered with an array of gifts, and the expansive garden became a hub of merriment, with guests indulging in food, drinks, and lively conversations. Some even took to the dance floor, reveling in the celebration of love and union.
The Montenegro family gathered around a table, with Mr. and Mrs. Montenegro standing up for a photo opportunity.
The guests joined in, capturing the moment of the newlyweds, as well as individual shots of the couple.
Levi found herself enjoying the lively atmosphere created by the guests, while Mike yearned to have his wife all to himself.
He grew restless and even entertained thoughts of whisking Levi away to the house where their love story began.
"Can you please learn to smile? Our guests might think you're not happy about marrying me," Levi gently chided the brooding groom.
"I want to have you all to myself, Levi," he replied, his words sending a jolt of excitement through her.
Levi playfully pinched his side in response. "Behave, will you?" she whispered with a hint of sternness.
Fortunately, the photo session came to an end, and they all took their seats at the table reserved for the Montenegro family.
As they settled into their chairs, Levi couldn't help but feel a jolt of surprise when she felt Mike's hands on her thigh.
She discreetly swallowed, trying to suppress the rising heat within her. She felt his hands slowly inching upward, taking advantage of the slit in her gown.
"What are your thoughts, sweetheart?" Mrs. Lim asked Levi. It took a moment for her to compose herself and respond.
"Well, I must say it's a lovely celebration," she managed to reply, her voice slightly trembling.
In her annoyance, Levi once again pinched the Mike's side. His jaw clenched as she accidentally glanced at him, causing her to let out an unintended gasp in front of the guests. Unbeknownst to them, Mike's left hand had found its way inside her panties.
"Is there a problem, sweetheart?" her mother-in-law asked, with a look of confusion.
"I-I just have a headache, T—Tita," Levi lied, though deep down, she wanted nothing more than to give Mike a good scolding.
"Mama, that's what you should call me. It would be better if she takes a rest for a while. Mike, please escort Levi to the guest room. I've already prepared it for you. I'll take care of the guests," Mrs. Montenegro suggested, giving a subtle wink to her son.
Mike could only shake his head in disbelief at his mother's words. He offered his support to Levi as they made their way out of the gathering of guests. Instead of heading inside the mansion, he led her towards the garage. He swiftly entered his car.
"Get in," he commanded Levi, his brow furrowed.
Levi followed his instructions, opening the front seat and taking a seat.
"Where are we going?" she asked, her confusion evident.
"To our house, of course. No one can disturb us there. And I can do as I please. I want to hear you shout my name with pleasure, Levi," Mike replied playfully.
Levi swallowed hard once again. "I am yours completely, and you have every right. But you will never have my heart," Levi responded, catching Mike off guard.
Mike was abruptly awakened by Levi's words. He questioned his own feelings, wondering if he could ever develop an affection for someone like Levi. What he did know was that he relished their time together and desired her passionately every moment they shared.
Her scent, her soft skin, and her taste had become like an addictive drug that intoxicated his senses.
He started the car and drove towards the house his mother had generously given them. He was aware that there were two maids and two security guards waiting to assist them.
Quietly, they both stepped out of the car.
Upon their arrival, they were greeted by the maids and guards.
Levi responded with a subtle smile, while Mike simply nodded in acknowledgement. Levi sensed a sudden silence from Mike. Deciding it was best, she made her way upstairs to the room they would be staying in. She made sure to lock the door behind her and approached the inviting bed, ready to rest. She was exhausted, weary, and in desperate need of sleep.
What would their future hold? Could love possibly blossom between her and Mike? She wished with all her heart that it would, despite the painful memories that continued to haunt her thoughts. She never anticipated her life would turn into such a dramatic tale, just like the way he used to treat her. She pondered if her words had offended him earlier. If he was indeed offended, it would only serve as proof of his guilt.